On
the Nile in Royal Style Feluccas or Dahabiyas are the traditional
sailing vessel of much of the Mediterranean world, and the traditional
Nile felucca, or Dahabia, was the mainstay of travel in ancient Egypt.
With
shallow drafts, sails, and oars, feluccas could navigate not only the
great river, but the maze of canals threading through its banks, with
or without wind, reaching every part of the kingdom.
Dahabbiyas
/ Feluccas long ago transcended their role as humble transports. They
held the ancient empire together, carrying troops, decrees, and the
very mystery of the pharaoh.
The
Sun-Deck on board one of the four Dahabiyas
Extend
to
a Red Sea resort Romantic
Escapade with one of the Royal Dahabiyas
Compare with the Royal Dahabiya
Private
docking areas:
Your Dahabia will moor on privately owned areas of the riverbank at
Luxor and Aswan, you will avoid the over crowded docking area of the
regular large size cruises.
In your felucca docking are you will be welcomed with the sight of flowers
and gardens that are frequented by exotic birds. These gardens provide
our ships with flowers and organically grown vegetables and herbs.
Along the way, we moor on un-inhabited Nile islands, whose virgin landscapes
have hardly changed throughout millennia. Wandering the gardens and
Nile islands is an idyllic pastime, and the perfect compliment to your
visits to Egypt 's matchless monuments.
The Dahabbiyas are beautifully crafted wooden ships, outfitted in colonial
style with oriental and Egyptian touches. The interiors boast period
furnishing, and each cabin has its own distinct style and interior .
The
Cabins:
Each boat has six delightfully appointed private cabins measuring 5.75
meters x 2.50 meters . The cabins (maximum occupancy two persons) have
private bathrooms of 1.25 meters x 2.50 meters with a wc, wash basin,
shower and hairdryer. Some cabins offer two single beds and others have
a double. Each Dahabia comfortably accommodates twelve passengers sharing
in doubles . Yet of course in a lot of cases we have smaller parties
that prefer to charter the boat for four, five or six guests only .
The
cabins are named them in keeping with the ship's theme. For example,
on the Zahra ('flower') you will find the 'white lotus' cabin; on the
Nesma ('breeze') you have 'the zephyr', each with tasteful, individualized
embellishments.
Sample
Cabin on board one of the air conditioned Feluccas or Dahabia
This one is "Zahra"
The
cabins are located towards the front of the boat on the starboard
and port sides, separated by a central corridor. The communal lounge
covers the width of the boat, and is a lovely setting for enjoying meals.
Engines
will only be used if wind is insufficient to sail, but generators are
available to provide electricity.
From
the bow, two staircases lead to the partially shaded top deck. Here,
guests can sunbathe or just enjoy the ride and spectacular views from
comfortable rattan deck chairs, or in oriental seating areas of colorful
cushions and carpets. Meals will also be served on the top deck, a great
place for cocktails and stargazing
Food
on board:
Our onboard chef is expert at preparing wholesome, appetizing Egyptian
and international cuisines, while barbeques and picnics will be organized
on the riverbanks and islands in the Nile. Your meals (starting with
lunch at embarkation and ending with breakfast at disembarkation) are
all inclusive, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks as well as a daily
high tea. Passengers are, however, invited to bring their own alcoholic
beverages - none are available onboard due to licensing restrictions
- but we'll supply the ice and the mixers at no additional charge.
Start
Weekly on Saturday:
The program starts every Saturday in either Luxor or Aswan, and the
journey lasts seven nights.
The
trip includes visits to sites in ancient Thebes (the Valley's of the
Kings and Queens), the Luxor and Karnak temples, as well as Edfu, Kom
Ombo and Philae. Entrance fees for the monuments are all inclusive.
In
addition to these historical sites, guests will visit less frequented
monuments and enjoy field excursions to villages and open countryside.
In short, we promise our guests a unique, tranquil journey on sailboats
fit for a king or a Pharaoh !
El
Bey Dahabia - Air Conditioned- With Six Cabins
Royal
feluccas and Dahabbiyas bore a larger-than-life image of the pharaoh,
seated on a throne, to be seen and venerated by inhabitants even along
the most remote canal. In turn, imbued with the same "ka,"
or spirit, as the living pharaoh himself, it would keep watch over his
subjects and their activities.
So
integral was the Nile Dahabbiya and felucca to the ancient Egyptian
way of life that it assumed legendary attributes. Even today, you can
see the oldest known Nile felucca, the regal pharaonic Dahabia of
Cheops, the ruler immortalized by the Great Pyramid at Giza. Known
as the Solar Boat, it was believed to sail through the skies
carrying its royal passenger along sunbeams in his single cabin, the
royal suite of its day.
The regal pharaonic Dahabia of Cheops Museum in Giza is a must see.
In
later times, pashas, emirs, and sultans found that feluccas were indispensable.
When Napoleon invaded Egypt, the Mamluks rulers observed the
Battle of the Pyramids from their dahabeahs, and in the wake of defeat,
set them afire, still laden with treasures, in the middle of the river.
Always one to adapt to local practice, Napoleon even had his own dahabeah,
the Italy, which was used by his officers to explore Upper Egypt.
In
the nineteenth century, the well-equipped Nile Dahabbiya and felucca
was essential to the upper-crust adventurer. Lord Kitcheners
used several feluccas for his famous trip from Cairo to Khartoum.
It
took from two to three months to ascend the Nile under wind power, and
another month-and-a-half to float back downstream, stopping at the great
temples along the way. King Farouk, Churchill, Montgomery, Mark Twain
and others settled in for the journey, and a certain Lady Edwards even
had a piano installed on her sailing vessel.
Sample
of the Interior on board one of the Four Air Conditioned Dahabias
This one is El-Hanem
Eventually,
steamers displaced dahabeahs, opening up an Egyptian adventure to greater
numbers on Thomas Cook's tours, and trains nearly finished them
off. But never completely. Even today, despite the inroads of rail,
steam power, and highways, the graceful Nile felucca retains its place.
Now,
Nubian Nile Cruises re-create the grand era of Nile adventure.
Through their special contacts, they have arranged cruises on private
Nile vessels. Completely refitted, our craft will delight the discriminating
traveller, with full amenities, and modern conveniences and safety features
unimaginable by upper-crust visitors of old or even the ancient pharaohs.
Our
private 2 or six cabins Dahabbiyas Nile cruisers are at your disposal
to accommodate couples, honeymooners, families, and small groups,
affording the unique experience of navigating the ancient river on your
own.
A
skilled river captain is on board at all times . A guide is at your
disposal to plan your itinerary and escort you through the sites you
choose to visit. The crew has completely separate quarters, to ensure
your privacy.
What to Pack:
Most of the year look forward to warm, even hot weather in Luxor &
Aswan, morning & evenings are cooler. For Shore excursions, we suggest
comfortable cotton & natural fabric lightweight clothing. Comfortable
walking shoes are essential. Lightweight comfortable & casual
clothing. Swimsuits, sun hat.
