A Sara Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, panoramic windows and many Nile-view balconies; full-board dining and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
A Sara Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabins & Suites
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Daily housekeeping · Onboard dining room · Sun deck · Lounge bar · Shore excursion programme
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a comfortable river itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise booking and shore excursions arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Standard entrance fees included unless otherwise stated
02 Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile's morning mist lifts over Luxor's west bank, the sun deck heating underfoot while feluccas trace ink lines on the water. Onboard the five-star vessel you settle into a cabin with a Nile-view window or balcony, step out for afternoon tea on deck, then listen to the hull's gentle slip as the shore recedes.
Our Egyptologists lead the shore-excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, and we arrange bookings and embarkation in Luxor and Aswan. We do not bundle premium archaeological extras such as pyramid interiors, so clients can add those visits through our office or locally.
Background
The facts
A Sara Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for scheduled sailings between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at those two cities. The vessel offers cabin accommodation, public lounges, a sun deck, a lounge bar, an onboard dining room, and, where fitted, a pool. Cabin categories typically range from Standard to Suite, with many cabins offering Nile-view windows or balconies.
The cruise programme alternates sailing days with shore excursions at key Upper Egypt sites. Common calls include Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in central Luxor, Edfu Temple of Horus about midway between Luxor and Aswan, Kom Ombo on the Nile’s east bank north of Aswan, Philae near the Aswan Low Dam area, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. These visits are normally arranged around the vessel’s sailing schedule rather than as separate day tours.
Full board is standard from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with standard onboard meals and daily housekeeping included. Drinks beyond bottled water with meals are usually extra, and gratuities for crew and guides are typically paid locally. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and associated shore excursions, while the cruise vessel itself is operated by the cruise line.
The Nile distance between Luxor and Aswan is roughly 200 km by river, so most itineraries spread sightseeing across several sailing days and nights aboard. This format allows time for monuments that span the Nile corridor, including the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, plus the tombs of the West Bank in Luxor.
Named in this entry
Nile River · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · West Bank of Luxor · Nile Valley · Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured but comfortable way to see Upper Egypt without changing hotels every day. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and small groups who are comfortable with steps, short coach transfers, and scheduled sightseeing. History-focused visitors and first-time Egypt travelers often choose this format because the itinerary combines ship time with guided monument visits.
What lingers
- 01 Five-star river vessel with sun deck, lounge bar and onboard dining room
- 02 Cabin grades from Standard to Suite, many with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 03 Weekly sailings both directions between Luxor and Aswan, alternating sailing and excursion days
- 04 Shore excursion programme calls at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05 Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast, afternoon tea usually provided on board
- 06 Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Egypt trip, this Nile cruise combines accommodation and intercity travel on the river, with sightseeing built into the sailing schedule. Compared with a land-only itinerary, it reduces packing and unpacking while still covering major Upper Egypt monuments. It is also different from premium archaeological packages because standard entrance fees are included, while special-access tickets such as pyramid interiors are excluded unless added separately.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
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- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $489 | $609 |
| Double Cabin | $555 | $675 |
| Single Cabin | $815 | $1,007 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $562 | $722 |
| Double Cabin | $635 | $795 |
| Single Cabin | $951 | $1,207 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Swimming pool
- Sun deck
- Gymnasium / fitness area
- Onboard restaurant & lounge
- WiFi & internet access
- Nightly entertainment & live shows
- Laundry & daily housekeeping services
- Gift shop
- 24/7 doctor on call
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in a cabin on board the vessel
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- All standard onboard meals and daily housekeeping
- Onboard facilities: sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and pool where present
- Shore excursion programme as provided by the vessel, calling at named Nile sites
Not included
- Flights to and from Egypt
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities for crew and guides, typically payable locally
- Premium archaeological extras and special-access tickets, for example the Khufu pyramid interior or premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between private or shared arrangements for the land components connected to the cruise booking. Add-ons may include extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, upgraded cabin categories, or optional visits arranged separately, such as special-access archaeological tickets if requested in advance. Meal and transfer arrangements can also be adjusted where supplier availability allows.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has steps to reach the sun deck and some public areas, plus narrow gangways at smaller river quays, so travellers with limited mobility should expect restricted access. Cabins are reached by interior stairs on many Nile cruisers; some vessels have a lift but not all do. Shore visits include uneven stone surfaces, tomb steps, gravel paths and short stretches of sand at Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users can join the cruise if they can transfer to shore vehicles and manage ramps and cobbles; permanent wheelchair access to every cabin and every archaeological site is not guaranteed. We arrange assistance on arrival at Luxor or Aswan airports and will share supplier accessibility details once you book. If you require an accessible cabin, a mobility aid, or on-site assistance, tell us at the time of booking so we can confirm what the selected vessel and local partners can provide.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy, kept separate
- Small daypack for camera, water and sunscreen
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle (refillable on board)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight rain jacket or windlayer for cooler mornings
- Power adaptor for Egyptian sockets (Type C and F)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves and trousers or skirts for sun protection and temples
- Covered shoulders and modest dress for mosque visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ancient stone
- A warm layer for early morning or evening on the sun deck
Children & families
Minimum age for independent travel on the vessel is typically 6 years, but policies vary by cruise line; infants under 2 may travel free or at reduced cost depending on cabin occupancy. Pricing is usually per person sharing, with a single-supplement applied to solo travellers. Strollers can be cumbersome on quays and gangways; lightweight, foldable models are more practical. Child seats and high chairs are not guaranteed on board; if you need these items, request them at booking so we can confirm availability with the cruise supplier.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Onboard transport is the river vessel itself, supplemented by coach transfers and launch boats used for shore excursions; these are operated by the cruise line and local providers. We select vessels that maintain routine engine servicing and modern navigation equipment; where available, the vessel uses low-sulphur diesel engines and waste-management protocols set by the cruise company. Shore excursions use licensed local guides and vehicles, with entrance fees passed directly to site authorities; this helps sustain conservation and site maintenance. We work with the same small-team suppliers in Luxor and Aswan year-round, which provides regular employment to drivers, guides and crew. Guests can reduce impact by declining daily linen changes, using refillable water bottles rather than single-use plastics, and following guide instructions at fragile sites. We publish supplier contact details after booking so you can request further environmental or social-impact information.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
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Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
A Sara Nile Cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and standard onboard facilities such as a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. It also includes a shore excursion programme to sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and excursions, while the vessel is operated by the cruise line.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 What is the typical duration of an A Sara Nile Cruise?
The A Sara Nile Cruise typically operates on a 4-day schedule, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a balanced experience of sailing and shore excursions to key historical sites along the Nile. -
02 What is included in the full board arrangement on the A Sara Nile Cruise?
Full board on the A Sara Nile Cruise includes all standard onboard meals, from lunch on your embarkation day to breakfast on your disembarkation day. Daily housekeeping and access to onboard facilities are also part of the package. -
03 What shore excursions are part of the A Sara Nile Cruise programme?
The cruise programme includes shore excursions to significant Nile sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are arranged by the vessel. -
04 Are premium archaeological extras, like tomb entries, included in the cruise fare?
No, premium archaeological extras and special-access tickets, such as entry to the Khufu pyramid interior or specific tombs like Tutankhamun's, are not included. These can be added locally or arranged in advance through our office. -
05 What should I wear and bring for the A Sara Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream are essential due to the Egyptian sun. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits. Onboard, casual attire is suitable, with slightly dressier options for dinner. -
06 Is the A Sara Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
The A Sara Nile Cruise can be suitable for families, offering a comfortable way to see ancient sites. However, the shore excursions involve walking and early starts, which might be more challenging for very young children. We can advise on specific age suitability. -
07 What is the best time of year to take an A Sara Nile Cruise?
The best time to take an A Sara Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially during shore excursions. -
08 What is the photography policy at the sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most archaeological sites, though some areas or specific tombs may prohibit it or require a separate photography ticket. Always check with your Egyptologist guide for site-specific rules. -
09 What is the accessibility like on the A Sara Nile Cruise and during excursions?
The vessel itself has stairs between decks; cabins are not typically wheelchair accessible. Shore excursions involve walking over uneven ancient terrain, steps, and sometimes sand, which may be challenging for guests with mobility limitations. We recommend discussing specific needs with us. -
10 Are gratuities for the crew and guides included in the cruise price?
No, gratuities for the cruise crew and your Egyptologist guides are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to pay these locally, and our office can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 1 July 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-664536
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