Alma Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with air-conditioned cabins, sun deck pool, lounge bar, restaurant, and weekly shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Alma Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise package sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
The Alma Nile Cruise package includes air-conditioned cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel also provides a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a sun-deck pool; drinks (including water) are typically extra.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Seniors·
- Couples·
- Families with kids
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Air-conditioned cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore-excursion program · Restaurant and lounge bar access · Sun-deck pool · Wi-Fi access
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking a guided Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Egyptologist-guided shore excursions can be arranged through the tour operator.
- DTE provides on-the-ground coordination for embarkation, disembarkation and included sightseeing.
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Weekly Nile sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings included in the excursion program
- 05Sun deck pool, restaurant, lounge bar and air-conditioned cabins
- 06Wi-Fi available on board
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile carries Alma past date palms, fishing boats, and villages along the riverbank, while the sun deck opens to a changing view of Upper Egypt. Between sailing days, you step ashore with our Egyptologists to see Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings, with time to return to the lounge bar or pool as the vessel continues toward Luxor or Aswan.
Alma sails weekly in both directions between the two cities. We arrange your cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and the shore excursion program, while drinks (including water) remain separate.
Background
The facts
Alma Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise package arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt. The assigned third-party vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at those ports. Cabins are air-conditioned, and onboard facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a sun-deck pool.
The shore-excursion program covers major ancient sites along the Nile. In Luxor, visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Further south, excursions include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo and Philae Temple near Aswan.
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately, while personal expenses, laundry, gratuities, travel insurance, visa costs, cabin upgrades and single supplements are excluded unless specifically arranged.
Karnak Temple is approximately 3 km from Luxor Temple, while Luxor is about 230 km by road from Aswan; the cruise follows the Nile rather than a direct road route. Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island, near the Aswan Dam, and access usually involves a short motorboat transfer arranged as part of the shore excursion.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Ancient Egypt·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history-focused travelers who want guided access to the principal temples between Luxor and Aswan. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with shipboard stairs, warm weather and moderate walking over uneven temple and archaeological-site surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation, meals and river travel with a planned shore-excursion program at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Unlike a private charter, the assigned vessel and sailing schedule are determined by the cruise supplier, while cabin upgrades, single supplements and additional arrangements are handled through Discovery Tours Egypt.
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
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Bar
- Airport shuttle
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile cruise accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the onboard pool and sun deck
- Access to the restaurant, lounge bar, and Wi-Fi
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Gratuities
- Any cabin upgrade or single supplement
- Travel insurance and visa costs
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared shore excursions, subject to the assigned vessel and sailing schedule. Travelers may request cabin upgrades, a single cabin with supplement, pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Luxor or Aswan, airport transfers and extended Egypt itineraries; premium site access and additional services should be confirmed before booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven shore terrain, ancient stone surfaces, sand, steps and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may involve a gangway with a slope that changes according to the river level, and cabins, dining areas and sun decks may be connected by stairs. Wheelchair access depends on the assigned vessel and cabin location, so please ask us to confirm the ship before booking. The Valley of the Kings and temple sites are not fully wheelchair accessible. Guests with reduced mobility may need assistance from a companion.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses river transport between Luxor and Aswan, with shore transfers arranged through local Egyptian transport providers. The vessel’s main hotel services, including dining, housekeeping and cabin operations, are provided by the cruise line that owns and operates the assigned ship. Shore excursions use licensed local Egyptologists and local drivers, supporting employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. River travel reduces the need for repeated long road journeys between the main Nile sites, although fuel, water and waste use remain part of cruise operations. We can explain the assigned vessel’s facilities and operating practices when confirmed.
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
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler sailing mornings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over 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, ancient stone surfaces and sandy site paths, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical.
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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,077single cabin $1,514triple cabin $1,077 | May – September: from $707single cabin $863triple cabin $707 | Peak dates: from $1,428single cabin $2,013triple cabin $1,428 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,308single cabin $1,890triple cabin $1,308 | May – September: from $814single cabin $1,022triple cabin $814 | Peak dates: from $1,776single cabin $2,556triple cabin $1,776 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,997single cabin $3,016triple cabin $1,997 | May – September: from $1,133single cabin $1,497triple cabin $1,133 | Peak dates: from $2,816single cabin $4,181triple cabin $2,816 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $2,018single cabin $3,037triple cabin $2,018 | May – September: from $1,154single cabin $1,518triple cabin $1,154 | Peak dates: from $2,837single cabin $4,202triple cabin $2,837 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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 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
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of an Alma Nile Cruise?
The Alma Nile Cruise typically sails for 3 or 4 nights, offering weekly departures in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's ancient sites.02What is included in the Alma Nile Cruise fare?
The fare includes air-conditioned cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and a shore-excursion program. You also have access to the on-board pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge bar, and Wi-Fi.03What shore excursions are part of the Alma Nile Cruise?
The Alma Nile Cruise includes guided visits to key ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are led by our Egyptologists.04What is the meal plan on the Alma Nile Cruise?
The Alma Nile Cruise operates on a full-board basis, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately, so please confirm your specific arrangements.05Are children welcome on the Alma Nile Cruise, and what is the policy?
Yes, children are welcome. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult rate. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Alma Nile Cruise and its excursions?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the best time of year to take an Alma Nile Cruise?
The most comfortable time for a Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, though the air-conditioned cabins and pool provide comfort.08What is the accessibility like on the Alma Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
The Alma Nile Cruise vessel has stairs between decks; some areas may not be fully accessible for guests with mobility challenges. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and steps at archaeological sites. Please discuss any specific needs with us in advance.09Can I upgrade my cabin on the Alma Nile Cruise?
Cabin upgrades, such as to a suite or a cabin with a panoramic window or balcony, may be available depending on the specific sailing and vessel configuration. Any cabin upgrade or single supplement is typically excluded from the standard fare, so please inquire about options.10What is the policy for gratuities on the Alma Nile Cruise?
Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists are not included in the cruise fare. We recommend budgeting for these, as they are customary in Egypt and are a significant part of the service staff's income. Specific guidance can be provided closer to your departure.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-828520
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