A Sarah Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, pool, restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
A Sarah Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise program sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Vessel facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, subject to availability.
- New
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Adventure
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Philae excursion · Valley of the Kings excursion · Swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel availability
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Ancient-history enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travelers seeking full-board river travel
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium tombs, pyramid interiors and gratuities are excluded unless requested.
What lingers
- 01Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in and around Luxor
- 02Visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo
- 03Philae excursion in the Aswan area
- 04Valley of the Kings excursion on Luxor West Bank
- 05Swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel availability
- 06Weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
02Overview
A first look
Morning light moves across the Nile as A Sarah leaves the quay, with palms, village roofs, and desert edges sliding past the panoramic windows. On sailing days, the river sets an unhurried rhythm: coffee on the sun deck, lunch in the dining room, and quiet views from your cabin between shore excursions.
We arrange your cabin, full board, and visits with our Egyptologists, so the ancient landscape remains the focus. You may stand beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, examine reliefs at Edfu, or watch the Nile widen near Aswan, then return to the lounge bar or pool. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arrangements confirmed before departure.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise program is arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The shore-excursion program covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae in the Aswan area, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
Karnak Temple lies on Luxor’s east bank and developed over approximately 2,000 years, while Luxor Temple was substantially expanded by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank, served as a royal burial ground during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE. Edfu’s Temple of Horus dates mainly to the Ptolemaic period, and Philae’s principal temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis.
The vessel provides cabin accommodation and full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel availability. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan; the cruise ship is selected and operated by a third-party cruise supplier and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·Valley of the Kings·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period·Isis
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travelers aged approximately _dat? 25 and above who want to combine river travel with guided access to major ancient sites. It is appropriate for travelers who prefer an organized program, cabin accommodation and a slower-paced alternative to traveling between Luxor and Aswan by road.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a road-based Egypt itinerary, this program combines accommodation and meals on the Nile with shore excursions at the principal temples and royal necropolis between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a fixed hotel package, the assigned cruise vessel may vary according to availability, while the listed excursion program and full-board service remain the basis of the arrangement.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in a cabin on a 5-star Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge, and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel availability
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Access to the interiors of Khufu or Khafre pyramids
- Premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I, unless specifically requested
- Gratuities, unless specifically requested
- Personal expenses and services not listed in the inclusions
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction, subject to the assigned vessel and sailing schedule, and can discuss private guiding or additional sightseeing before or after the cruise. Cabin arrangements, single supplements, premium tomb visits and additional services can be requested when booking; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are not included unless specifically requested.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven gangways, steps between decks, narrow corridors, and possible movement of the vessel during embarkation and disembarkation. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven stone, sand, cobblestones, and exposed archaeological paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access varies by assigned cruiser and may not extend to cabins, pool areas, or upper sun decks. Guests with limited mobility should request an accessibility review before booking. Our team can advise on practical arrangements, but the cruise cannot be guaranteed fully wheelchair accessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise combines river transport with shore excursions arranged through local Egyptian suppliers. Transfers to embarkation points and archaeological sites generally use private cars, vans, or coaches matched to the group size and port schedule. Meals and accommodation are provided by the assigned cruise operator, while our licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinates the booking and local services. River travel can reduce repeated road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, but it still uses fuel and produces onboard waste. Guests can help by reusing towels, avoiding single use plastics, and following site rules at temples and tombs.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking documents
- Sun protection, including SPF 50 sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Refillable water bottle
- Light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned interiors and cooler evenings
- Insect repellent
- Any required medication and a small personal first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm daytime conditions
- Comfortable shoes for uneven stone, sand, and archaeological paths
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool and sun deck
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings and air-conditioned indoor areas
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may be difficult to use on gangways, stairs, narrow corridors, and uneven site paths. Cribs, high chairs, and connecting cabins depend on the assigned vessel and should be requested before booking.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $882single cabin $1,194triple cabin $882 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,048single cabin $1,464triple cabin $1,048 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,542single cabin $2,270triple cabin $1,542 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,563single cabin $2,291triple cabin $1,563 |
Choose your sailing and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Add before or after your cruise
The ship sails between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights home, are in Cairo. These short add-ons join the two.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% refund, or 100% as credit for future travel
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund, or 75% as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% refund, or 50% as credit
- 2–6 days
- No refund; 25% as credit
- Under 48 hours or no-show
- No refund or credit
Notice is counted from your arrival in Egypt. Some vessels have their own terms; if yours does, we tell you before any payment is made.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of an A Sarah Nile Cruise?
The A Sarah Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day sailing. These cruises run weekly in both directions, offering options for either a Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor itinerary, allowing guests to experience the Nile's ancient sites.02What shore excursions are included with the A Sarah Nile Cruise?
The A Sarah Nile Cruise includes a comprehensive shore-excursion program. This covers major ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. All entrance fees to these sites are included.03What meals are included on the A Sarah Nile Cruise?
The A Sarah Nile Cruise operates on a full-board basis. This means all meals are included, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically an additional cost.04What amenities are available on board the A Sarah Nile Cruise?
On board the A Sarah Nile Cruise, guests have access to a range of amenities. These typically include a swimming pool, a spacious sun deck, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel availability. Cabins feature panoramic windows or balconies.05What is the policy for children on the A Sarah Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free on the A Sarah Nile Cruise. Children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Guests aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.06Are gratuities included in the A Sarah Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities are not included in the standard A Sarah Nile Cruise price unless specifically requested as an add-on. This allows guests the flexibility to tip according to their satisfaction with the service received from the crew and Egyptologists.07What should I wear for shore excursions on the A Sarah Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. When visiting temples and religious sites, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best for Egypt's climate.08Are there any excluded sites or premium experiences on the cruise?
Yes, certain premium experiences are excluded from the standard cruise price. These include interior access to the Khufu or Khafre pyramids and entry to premium tombs such as Tutankhamun's or Seti I's in the Valley of the Kings, unless specifically requested.09How accessible is the A Sarah Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruises, including the A Sarah, involve some walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and navigating gangways to board the vessel. While staff assist, guests should be able to manage stairs and moderate distances. Specific accessibility needs should be discussed at booking.10What is the best time of year to take an A Sarah Nile Cruise?
The best time to take an A Sarah Nile Cruise is typically from October to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, though the vessel is air-conditioned.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-473862
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