Nile cruise on the dahabeya
“Flower of Life" or “Malika Merit”
From SATURDAY 7 days/6 nights
SAILING UP THE NILE ABOARD THE DAHABEYAS
Dahabiya is an Arab word for golden boat. It is a very ancient means of travel on the Nile. Long ago, kings, sultans and pashas used it for sailing from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.
To sail on a dahabiya is to follow the traces of these great voyagers and novelists of the 19th century and bring back as they did the incredible images and magical stories of their journeys.
Sailing on a dahabiya is an experience. Enjoy the comfortable and luxurious cabins that let you quietly bask in a colonial atmosphere.
Sail peacefully along and plunge into the ancient landscape surrounding you.
Set foot on the steps of a village temple or in a market. Sailing on a dahabiya is a journey back through time, a unique experience.
THE BOAT
The boat offers travellers the perfect vehicle for gliding about to their heart's content, allowing them to stop right before temples that are always only footsteps from the river, and right next to sites that are inaccessible to big cruise ships. When the wind is willing, the two huge sails send the boat skimming silently along the river.
The dahabiya is a wooden boat, built in the traditional manner
At roughly 125 feet long 19 feet wide, the boat has a central corridor running between four fully equipped double cabins with bathroom. Each cabin is distinctive and has 2 outer windows looking out onto the Nile.
At the back of the boat, there is ONE or TWO suites equipped with a bathroom and a private balcony for enjoying the scenery without the least distraction.
THE DECK
Here is the epicentre of life on the vessel, the very heart of the boat. There is a Middle Eastern lounge and two large tables on the upper deck
where you can relax or take in the full beauty of the scenery as you sail.
The furniture on the deck is in rattan or wood, with sofas, deckchairs and armchairs. The deck lends itself easily to all occasions. You may sample the local libations such as karkade, a beverage made from hibiscus. You may enjoy breakfast on deck or in your room upon request. The charm of the deck makes it the place to be when sailing.
At nightfall, the lamps lit up like water droplets make for a delightful display.
THE CABINS
7 or 8 double cabins, including two suites in the back, are equipped with toilets, sink, bathtub and shower. Hot and cold filtered water are available all day long.
All windows are equipped with mosquito screens.
A large closet allows you to store your things easily.
Every room is decorated. For the Suite, the beds are adaptable to couples' needs. The cushy mattresses and plush carpeting are most comfortable.
Bed, bath and table linen are provided.
Bathrooms are equipped with bathtub, shower, and toilet.
THE SUITES
What a joy it is, when still half-asleep, to crawl out of bed awakened by the magic light setting the river and the nature surrounding it aglow.
The suite is the most spacious of the cabins, and it enjoys a brilliant panorama. It is decorated with golden curtains.
The suite has a bathroom equipped with toilets, bathtub and shower.
There is a double king size bed.
The room is furnished with a small desk and a wardrobe for storage.
Situated at the back of the boat, this large room continues onto a private panoramic balcony on which you may have tea in private comfort as you watch the Nile rippling with all the grace of an Egyptian rhapsody.
THE LOUNGE and DINING ROOM
What a joy it is, when still half-asleep, to crawl out of bed awakened by the magic light setting the river and the nature surrounding it aglow.
The suite is the most spacious of the cabins, and it enjoys a brilliant panorama. It is decorated with golden curtains.
The suite has a bathroom equipped with toilets, bathtub and shower.
There is a double king size bed.
The room is furnished with a small desk and a wardrobe for storage.
Situated at the back of the boat, this large room continues onto a private panoramic balcony on which you may have tea in private comfort as you watch the Nile rippling with all the grace of an Egyptian rhapsody.
THE CREW
A captain known by the name of, "Raïs," mans the controls of the ship with the help of four professional sailors who know their way around the 60 foot masts. There is also a sailor for the babor, a small motorboat that tugs the dahabiya when wind is lacking.
A cook prepares the meals with a distinct Egyptian accent, cooked with fresh ingredients.
A waiter is at your beck and call, and there is an employee for keeping cabins tidy and shipshape.
The first mate is there for coordinating everything and accompanying the group.
French and English are spoken by all personnel on board.
You have questions? Need a personal quotation?
Contact us :
Marie josé ZURITA
Mobile : +33 (0)6 20 46 59 96
Email : mariezurita06@gmail.com