Nile cruise, Luxor round trip, 8 days / 7 nights

The short answer

Nile Cruise: Luxor Round Trip (8 Days / 7 Nights) is an 8-day multi-day tour covering Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Philae Temple in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• ◈Private

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Travel style

Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Nile Cruise Segment

Accommodation

Comfort, Classic, Prestige, or Luxury Nile Cruise accommodation arranged by DTE

Operated by

Discovery Tours Egypt

Destinations

Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Karnak Temple · Hatshepsut Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Philae Temple · The Nile

Includes

7 nights accommodation arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt · Private transfers as per itinerary · English-speaking Egyptologist guide · Guided sightseeing · Standard site entrance fees listed in the itinerary · Meals as stated in the itinerary

Best for

History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting a guided Nile itinerary

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Guided visit to Karnak Temple, including its avenue of ram-headed sphinxes
• 02Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple with an Egyptologist
• 03Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples
• 04Aswan and Philae Temple, approached by local boat from the river
• 05Round-trip timing allowing early-morning access to major sites, before day-tour boats arrive

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a short day tour, this itinerary spreads major Nile Valley sites across eight days, which reduces same-day transit pressure and allows more time at each stop. Compared with a one-way cruise, the round-trip format returns to Luxor and is designed to give fuller access to Edfu and Kom Ombo, with early-morning visits at key temples before peak visitor hours.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Tailor it

Make it yours

The itinerary can be customized as a private tour or arranged with different accommodation categories, depending on availability and budget. Additional site visits, upgraded meals, extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, and optional excursions can be added if requested before confirmation.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary involves walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and cobbles at sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Philae Temple, plus steps at temple entrances and small gangways when boarding local boats. Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses with step-up entry; vehicles are not fitted with wheelchair lifts. Some hotels and the cruise berth have ramps, but accessible cabins and rooms are limited and must be requested in advance. Visitors who use a manual wheelchair should expect assistance for short stair sections and boarding local boats. If you have reduced mobility, please tell us your requirements when booking so we can assess feasibility and arrange additional assistance where possible.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where

Luxor International Airport — Arrivals HallMap

On the ground

Your route

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We use air-conditioned minibuses for road transfers and local motor boats for river approaches, all operated by Egyptian drivers and crews contracted per trip. We hire English-speaking Egyptologists from the local governorates and pay site fees and guide wages directly to suppliers, helping retain earnings in the communities visited. Where possible we source meals and produce from local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan rather than importing food. On-board and on-land operations aim to reduce single-use plastics by offering refillable water bottles and asking guests to bring reusable bottles. Optional village visits or craft workshops are organized with local co-operatives that receive a direct fee for hosting guests.

• Licensed Egyptologist guides

  State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs

• Local teams, real help

  Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

·In summary

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01What is the duration of this Nile cruise from Luxor?

   This Nile cruise is 8 days and 7 nights, starting and ending in Luxor. It includes seven nights of accommodation on board a Nile cruise ship, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
2. 02What is included in the price of this 8-day Nile cruise?

   The cruise includes seven nights of accommodation, private transfers between Luxor Airport, hotels, and the cruise berth, an English-speaking Egyptologist, guided sightseeing with standard entrance fees, and meals as specified in the itinerary.
3. 03What is not included in this Nile cruise package?

   International flights, visas, travel insurance, optional excursions, personal expenses, and gratuities for the crew, drivers, and Egyptologists are not included. Premium site entrances, such as specific pyramid interiors or premium tombs, are also excluded.
4. 04What kind of transfers are provided for this cruise?

   Private, air-conditioned transfers are provided between Luxor Airport, any pre- or post-cruise hotels in Luxor, and the cruise ship berth. Our drivers will meet you at designated points for seamless connections.
5. 05Is this Nile cruise suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

   Nile cruises involve some walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and navigating gangways to board the ship. While our Egyptologists assist, guests should be able to manage stairs and moderate distances. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.
6. 06Can children participate in this 8-day Nile cruise?

   Yes, children are welcome on this Nile cruise. The pace is generally relaxed, and our Egyptologists can tailor explanations to engage younger travelers. We recommend discussing specific age groups with us to ensure suitability.
7. 07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?

   We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on the Nile.
8. 08What is the best time of year to take this Nile cruise?

   The best time for a Nile cruise is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.
9. 09What is the difference between this 8-day round trip and a shorter one-way cruise?

   This 8-day round trip from Luxor offers a more relaxed pace, allowing for fuller visits to sites like Edfu and Kom Ombo. Unlike shorter, rushed one-way cruises, it provides morning access to key temples before peak crowds arrive.
10. 10Will I have an Egyptologist guide throughout the entire cruise?

    Yes, an English-speaking Egyptologist will accompany you for all guided sightseeing excursions listed in the itinerary. They provide historical context and insights at each site, enhancing your understanding of ancient Egypt.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy