A large white riverboat with multiple decks sails on a calm river during the day, accompanied by a smaller traditional sailboat with a tall white sail, both reflected in the water.

Nile Canopus

With its two large triangular sails, the Nile Canopus glides silently over the river, reviving the golden age of Nile travel of the 1920s. The 55-meter-long Dahabiya is named after the historical original ship Canopus, on which the British travel writer Amelia Edwards once sailed up the Nile and inspired generations of travelers to Egypt with her book "A Thousand Miles Up the Nile." On board the modern Nile Canopus, this era of early Egyptology and adventurous exploration – the world of Agatha Christie and Howard Carter – combines with contemporary comfort: except for a carefully curated collection of antiques, the entire furnishings were specially made in Egypt. With only 20 guests in 10 cabins and suites, the Nile Canopus, a member of Relais & Châteaux, offers one of the most personal ways to travel between Luxor and Aswan.

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Details

  • Country

    Egypt

  • Region

    Aswan - Luxor

  • Price

    from approx. €900 per night/person (All Inclusive)

  • Best travel time

    October - April

Cabins

The 10 cabins and suites of the Nile Canopus are designed in the style of the 1920s, featuring brass beds, fine Egyptian cotton linens, and individually adjustable air conditioning. Four spacious suites open onto private terraces at the stern of the ship, while six cabins with panoramic windows keep an eye on the river at all times. Walk-in showers and desks complete the equipment – historical flair without sacrificing contemporary comfort.

Cozy bedroom inside a boat with a large bed, white and patterned bedding, wooden floor, windows with beige curtains, and a door leading to an outdoor deck overlooking water.
Bathroom with a wooden vanity featuring a white marble sink, a mirror, and dark green tiled walls, complemented by neatly folded white towels on a lower shelf and hanging on a wooden rack.
Cozy room with wooden door, closets, a cream tufted sofa, a desk with a chair, and a round table with a tray holding a glass pitcher and glasses.
A cozy double bed cabin interior with a wooden floor, beige sofa at the foot of the bed, small round table with glass items, and framed pictures on white walls near a large window with curtains.

Culinary

On board the Nile Canopus, chef Hussein Gaber delights his guests with an aromatic, hearty cuisine served from morning until the starlit night – entirely in an all-inclusive format. Individual or group cooking classes with the chef provide insight into Egyptian cuisine, while meals are served depending on desire on the sun deck, under the shady safari canopy, or right at the Nile riverbank.

Spacious sun deck on a Canopus Dahabiya riverboat with wicker chairs, sofas, tables, and patterned rugs under a canopy overlooking the water.
A table set for two with plates of salad, wine glasses filled with red wine, cutlery, a bowl of soup, and a glass of water, overlooking a railing and water body in the background.
Covered lounge area on a boat's sun deck with wicker furniture, cushions, rugs, and a water view.
A long table with white tablecloth on a wooden deck under a beige canopy overlooking a river with lush green trees on the opposite bank.

Onboard life & excursions

The rich activity offerings of the Nile Canopus include yoga, massages, bike tours, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching – at the so-called Canopus Bridge, you can observe Nile sunbirds and gray herons, which have been native here since the times of the pharaohs. Excursions to the temples of Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor are offered, as well as visits to the souk of Esna and the village of Bessaw on the island of the same name. Those who wish can end the evening stargazing on the sun deck.

Luxurious outdoor wooden deck with cushioned canopy beds and lounge chairs overlooking a river, surrounded by trees in the background.
A man wearing a white traditional outfit stands inside the cabin of a boat, looking out of the window with a smile. The boat has red, white, and blue stripes along its exterior, and greenery can be seen in the background.
A traditional sailboat with a tall, triangular sail glides on a river with a town and palm trees in the background under a clear sky.
Indoor lounge area with comfortable armchairs and a striped sofa around a small table holding a glass of red wine, overlooking a river through large windows.

Route

The Nile Canopus operates between Luxor and Aswan, with journeys of three or four nights in both directions or a seven-day round trip. Thanks to its shallow draft, the Dahabiya can approach the riverbanks more closely than large cruise ships and also docks at less frequented places. The route leads along the most significant temple complexes of Upper Egypt – from Luxor and Edfu via Kom Ombo and Philae to Abu Simbel – and combines culture with natural experiences on the Nile riverbank. Both starting points, Luxor and Aswan, are accessible via their international airports, which are also served from Cairo in a short flight time.

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Contact person

A smiling man with short, light brown hair and a beard standing outdoors with a blurry desert background.
Philip Eichkorn

CEO / Managing Director

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