Question 1

What is a dahabiya?

Accepted Answer

A dahabiya is a traditional wooden sailing boat of the Nile — small, intimate, with two lateen sails. Gaïa is a contemporary dahabiya, hand-built in Egypt of cedar, brass and linen, devoted to slow travel between Luxor and Aswan.

Question 2

How many guests does Gaïa welcome on board?

Accepted Answer

Gaïa welcomes up to sixteen adults in eight accommodations — four Gaïa Cabins and four Gaïa Suites, distributed across the main deck and the upper deck.

Question 3

What itineraries does Gaïa offer between Luxor and Aswan?

Accepted Answer

Three set passages: Aswan to Luxor in 5 nights; Luxor to Aswan in 6 nights (the long passage); and Luxor to Aswan in 5 nights (the essential passage). Each may be tailored to your season and your spirit.

Question 4

When is the best time to sail the Nile aboard Gaïa?

Accepted Answer

Gaïa sails through autumn, winter and spring. The river takes its summer rest from June to August. Charter weeks frame the Christmas period; two seasonal sailings (Easter and the August 2027 Eclipse) are also offered from Luxor.

Question 5

What is included on board?

Accepted Answer

Full board cuisine of the valley, expert-led temple visits, hand-thrown ceramics at the table, fresh juices, coffees, a curated bar and a selection of Egyptian wines, wellness moments on the upper deck, and the attentive care of our Egyptian crew.

Question 6

Which temples and sites are visited?

Accepted Answer

Karnak and Luxor temples; the West Bank of Thebes — Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon; the Greco-Roman temple of Hathor at Dandara; Khnum at Esna; Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn calash; the double temple of Kom Ombo; Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan; and the hidden islands of the Nile.

Question 7

Can the whole boat be privatised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gaïa may be privatised in full for families, groups, weddings on the Nile and exceptional celebrations — with refined décor, gastronomy and an attentive service composed for the occasion.

Question 8

How do I book a journey aboard Gaïa?

Accepted Answer

Write to our Global Sales Office in Paris through the Enquire page, by email at reservations-gaia@magic-arabia.com, or by telephone at +33 (0)1 40 22 90 08. We respond with a discreet, tailored proposal within twenty-four hours.

Quiet answers,before the river