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.
Sample
Cabin on board the Dongola
Royal Dahabiya
The
dahabeya was built in approximately 1835, used by Egypt former royal
families and later on celebrities of the 1950's era for pleasure
trips. Because of its being painted in gold the Dongola and similar
boats were called 'dahabeya' which means 'Golden Boat'.
Sailing
on a dahabeya means exploring the Nile in a traditional style being
able to enjoy visits of some unique places and monuments unattainable
by modern cruise ships. Other memorable experiences are the BBQ
on isolated islands or joining the 'chef' for green-grocery shopping
in rural markets and villages.
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 .
Rate
Includes:
- All
transfers in Luxor and Aswan, always on a private basis .
- Private
air conditioned coaches for all transfers and tours .
- Guided
sightseeing including all entrance fees, all as per itinerary
.
- Pre
set meals as listed including B = Breakfast,
(or cB, Continental Breakfast), L
= Lunch, D = Dinner
- Tea/
coffle and afternoon tea while on board the Deluxe Nile Cruise.
- Bottled
water with meals
- With
the charter rate, you get your own private resident Egyptologist
for your group
- Complimentary
Galabia for each guest
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 !
The
Dongola offers five cabins for a maximum of ten guests:
The 'Kings Suite' in the stern, two 'Prince Cabins' all with private
bathroom and two 'Senior Cabins' sharing one bathroom. All are double
cabins with king size beds, eiderdown duvets and opening windows.
Facilities
The boat features a combination of nostalgic atmosphere and modern
comfort, a pleasant place to relax and to enjoy the peace and silence.
The salon is the perfect meeting place and sometimes, in cold winter
days, dinner is served here. For relaxing and enjoying the passing
landscape the sun deck is the place, where breakfast, lunch and
dinner are served.
Technical Data
Two masts flat bottom yacht. Length: 34,5 meter, draught 0.6 meter,
20 meter long sun deck, 12.5 meter main mast with 24 meter boom
and 360 square meter sail, stern mast 9,5 meter with 16 meter boom
and 140 square meter sail.
Dongola is NOT air-conditioned .
