Al Kahila Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Nile-view cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, 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
Al Kahila Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Licensed by ETAA
- Five regional offices across Egypt, based in Cairo
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise standard with full-board service
02Overview
A first look
Morning light catches the Nile beyond the cabin windows as Al Kahila Nile Cruise leaves Luxor, with the riverbank sliding past in muted greens and ocher. From the sun deck, you can watch fishermen work the water, then settle into the lounge bar as the landscape changes between shore visits and quiet sailing.
Our Egyptologists bring the temples and tombs into focus during the vessel’s shore-excursion program, while the dining room gives the day an easy rhythm between visits. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and we arrange your cabin, port coordination, and on-the-ground support through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
Al Kahila is a Nile cruise vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan on Egypt’s main river route. It offers cabin classes with Nile views, along with onboard public spaces such as a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. Accommodation is sold per person sharing, and a single supplement may apply for solo occupancy.
The vessel’s program includes shore excursions to Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city center, Edfu Temple dedicated to Horus, Kom Ombo Temple overlooking the river, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. These sites represent major Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Greco-Roman monuments, with the cruise alternating sailing time and guided visits rather than operating as a fixed point-to-point transfer.
Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard cruise logistics include embarkation and disembarkation at the Luxor and Aswan ports, with the vessel sailing weekly in both directions. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra unless otherwise specified in the booking terms.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise as part of an Egypt travel plan, while the vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. This makes the product suitable for travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided sightseeing and overnight river travel between the two historic capitals of Upper Egypt.
Named in this entry
Al Kahila Nile Cruise·Discovery Tours Egypt·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Sun Deck·Nile cabin·ETAA·Nile cruise
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a guided Nile itinerary with comfortable cabin accommodation and easy access to major temple sites. It is a good fit for couples, solo travelers paying a single supplement, and adults who prefer a paced schedule with time onboard between excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring wheelchair-accessible cabins or ramps
- Unsuitable for those wanting long inland exploration or remote trekking
- Pace includes short walks on uneven temple stone and steps
What lingers
- 01Cabin classes with Nile views, from standard cabins to suites where available
- 02Sun deck for river views and evening relaxation
- 03On-board lounge bar and dining room serving full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04Shore-excursion program including Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports, enabling both directions weekly
Worth knowing
How this compares
Versus longer cruises, this 4-day trip focuses on Luxor–Aswan highlights with fewer sea days. It suits travelers short on time who still want deluxe cabins and guided temple visits.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in USD. Each rate below 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.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,043 | $2,398 | $3,271 |
| Double cabin | $1,397 | $1,633 | $2,097 |
| Triple cabin | $1,378 | $1,633 | $2,088 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,334 | $1,536 | $2,036 |
| Double cabin | $964 | $1,100 | $1,365 |
| Triple cabin | $954 | $1,100 | $1,360 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,097 | $1,249 | $1,623 |
| Double cabin | $820 | $921 | $1,120 |
| Triple cabin | $812 | $921 | $1,116 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,064 | $2,419 | $3,292 |
| Double cabin | $1,418 | $1,654 | $2,118 |
| Triple cabin | $1,399 | $1,654 | $2,109 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- ✓ 3/4/ or 7 nights’ Deluxe accommodation on full board basis
- ✓ All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- ✓ Meet & assist service upon arrival & departure
- ✓ All airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓ Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- ✓ Complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- ✓ All service charges & taxes
- ✓ Small group tours (maximum 8 participants)
Not included
- ✘ Any additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
- ✘ Personal expenses, including laundry, minibar, and spa treatments.
- ✘ Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (optional but recommended).
- ✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- ✘ Visa fees and international airfare.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book a cabin on the upper deck for quieter nights and better river views.
- 02
Carry small change in Egyptian pounds for tips, stall purchases, and local snacks.
- 03
Schedule early-morning temple visits to avoid midday heat and harsher light conditions.
- 04
Bring a reusable water bottle; crew can refill with chilled drinking water aboard.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access to the ship is via gangways and some vessels have limited wheelchair access. Shore visits commonly involve steps and uneven surfaces; travelers with significant mobility limitations may need assistance or private arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents for embarkation and clearances
- Light layers for cool mornings and hot daytime temperatures
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple stone and uneven surfaces
- Small daypack for camera, water bottle, and personal items
What to wear
- Lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons on deck
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone
Children & families
Children are welcome but cabins may not suit very young children. Child rates and cabin-sharing depend on Discovery Tours Egypt policies; contact us for specific age bands and pricing.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt works with local suppliers for fresh produce and trains crew in cultural sensitivity. The cruise follows measures to minimise waste and promotes respectful visiting at archaeological sites.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
Discover the Nile on a 4-day, 3-night deluxe cruise from Luxor to Aswan. This Discovery Tours Egypt voyage includes 5-star cabins, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and guided shore excursions to major river temples. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt from Cairo with five regional offices and ETAA licensing.
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
Product ID: CRU-LUX-242580
You Might Also Like
Luxor3 Nights
Moondance Nile Cruise
MS Moondance is a 4-day Nile cruise linking Luxor and Aswan with Egyptologist-led shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and assign our own Egyptologists and drivers rather than outsourcing guides. Typical calls include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings), Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae on Agilkia Island. Unlike hotel day trips, the cruise moves you overnight between cities, reducing repeated baggage transfers. Trade-offs: there are early starts for key sites, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited shade on deck at midday.
From $882
3 Nights
Ruby 1 Nile Cruise
MS Ruby 1 is a four-day Nile cruise operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Typical 4-day itineraries run between Luxor and Aswan and commonly include Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings; confirm your ship’s exact calls when you book. We arrange private, Egyptologist-guided shore excursions rather than fixed coach schedules, so visits can be timed to avoid the busiest moments. Trade-offs: a four-day cruise concentrates highlights into fewer days, which usually means early starts and less time ashore at some sites. We handle transfers, embarkation logistics, and optional visits to premium tombs on request.
From $921
Nile3 Nights
Esplanade Nile Cruise
The Esplanade sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private modern transfers, and guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Excursions run with groups capped at eight guests per Egyptologist, keeping commentary focused and the pace flexible. Onboard meals are full board, and evenings include Egyptian folkloric performances and relaxed time on deck. The itinerary also offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan on disembarkation day. Unlike standard mass-market sailings, our shore visits are private, timed to avoid the busiest periods where possible.