5-Day Nile Cruises

Tulip Nile Cruise

You board mid-afternoon at the Luxor Nile Corniche pier, a ten-minute walk from Luxor Temple, and settle into MS Tulip’s river-view cabin. I meet you on deck and walk the promenade to point out the Nile’s changing light as we cast off and slip south. Day two begins early on the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings (expect uneven steps and dim tomb chambers), Hatshepsut’s terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. We pass through the Esna lock in the late afternoon; engines hum and the ship rises with the water – a practical moment, not a show. Edfu’s temple requires a short transfer from the pier by carriage or shuttle; plan about 90 minutes on-site. Kom Ombo’s double temple sits right on the riverbank; we moor there for a one-hour visit. In Aswan we tie up on the city corniche opposite the market; I take you to Philae by motorboat, the High Dam viewpoint, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite yard. Cabins are Nile-cruise scale – compact, river-facing rooms with en-suite bathrooms and climate control – not ocean-liner suites. Meals are full board in the dining room; breakfasts are early and packed when an excursion leaves before dawn. Expect clear, practical guiding: I read the reliefs with you, show construction details at Karnak, and flag the best light for photos at each temple.

Three Pyramids Dahabiya

Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologists lead every shore visit and explain the archaeology and inscriptions on site. The Three Pyramids Dahabiya sails slowly along the Nile, passing Esna Lock, palm groves, and riverside villages. We keep groups small, typically eight to twelve guests, for a quiet cruising environment and personal attention. Unlike larger motor cruises, this itinerary allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief shore calls. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts at key temples. Evenings are relaxed on the sun deck as the river light changes.

The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

Four days aboard MS The Oberoi Phiale sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we meet you with private transfers, and an Egyptologist accompanies shore visits. We prioritize time ashore and guided exploration rather than onboard spectacle. Unlike larger hotel-style Nile ships, this itinerary schedules dawn or late-afternoon visits to reduce crowds and midday heat. Trade-offs: some visits require early starts, many temple approaches have uneven stone and stairs, and evenings ashore are limited in smaller towns. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; premium tombs, hot-air balloon flights, and private transfers to Abu Simbel are optional extras.

Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise

A 5-star Steigenberger ship on Lake Nasser, sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel past the rescued temples of Nubia — Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Kasr Ibrim.

Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise

You board at Luxor's Nile pier on the East Bank and step aboard MS Steigenberger Legacy. The cruise runs three nights between Luxor and Aswan; luggage handling and cabin assignment take 30–45 minutes after arrival. Cabins average 16 m² – Nile-cruise scale, not an ocean‑liner – with twin or double bedding and a large picture window for river views. You sail south through the Esna lock; the vessel waits to transit when schedules permit and the landscape tightens to sandstone banks. Scheduled guided visits with an Egyptologist include Karnak and Luxor Temple near embarkation, then Edfu and Kom Ombo as you work toward Aswan. Plan for roughly 90–120 minutes at Edfu for the best reading of the reliefs; Kom Ombo is a briefer stop for the twin‑god reliefs and the small crocodile museum. In Aswan the ship moors at the Nile Corniche near the town center; Philae Island is the usual half‑day visit by motorboat. Meals are full board on the ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner presented in the main dining room, with simple regional dishes and international options. The sun deck serves as the day’s viewing platform for the West Bank ridge at dawn and for late‑afternoon light. Expect compact public spaces – lounge, shaded sun deck, and observation area – and personalised service from on‑board staff. Note limited lift access and modest cabin storage. Your Egyptologist guides the monument visits, explains sculptural details and hieroglyphs, and our local office in Luxor supports practical arrangements or last‑minute changes.

Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise

Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel with spacious suites, each offering a private Nile-view balcony. The vessel features a sun deck, a lounge bar, a dining room, and an onboard shore-excursion program calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange this cruise for you, including full board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast; drinks (including water) and gratuities are typically extra. Unlike mass coach tours, the ship’s program alternates sailing and guided shore visits for calmer sightseeing pacing.

Semiramis III Nile Cruise

Semiramis III Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruiser offering full-board accommodation, public lounges, and a sun deck for views on the Nile. We arrange this vessel for sailings that run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel's shore-excursion program normally calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are grouped in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, pricing is per person sharing, and drinks (including water) are typically extra.

Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

A 7-day Nile cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate this trip as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead all site visits and our local crew handle navigation and meals. Unlike large motorized cruise boats, a dahabiya sails slowly and anchors overnight, allowing longer, quieter ashore visits. Expect smaller cabins and narrower gangways compared with larger river steamers; luggage and mobility constraints can apply. Typical days begin early for temples and may include walking on uneven ancient stone. We arrange private transfers, local guides, and flexible shore time; entrance fees are handled as stated in your booking.

Queen Isis Nile Cruise

Queen Isis is a 5-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, arranged for travelers who prefer a quieter sailing experience than a large river cruiser. The itinerary links Aswan and Luxor over three nights, with departures from Aswan to Luxor on Mondays and from Luxor to Aswan on Thursdays. Full board covers lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation. A jacuzzi is available on board, while included transfers connect the cruise with the agreed arrival and departure points. This intimate style of Nile travel has a slower pace and a lower passenger capacity than larger cruise ships. Drinks (including water) and gratuities are not included.

Three nights aboard – the compact version when the days are tight.

A week under sail on a dahabiya, with the temples the classic skips.

The small wooden sailing yachts that moor where big ships can't.

The other river – Nubian temples and Abu Simbel by boat.