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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact person
CEO / Managing Director
