Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This 5-star Nile cruiser sails between Luxor and Aswan with full-board accommodation and a shore-excursion program, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise includes air-conditioned cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a sun deck with pool access; drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are excluded.
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Aswan · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Luxor West Bank · Nile River
- Includes
- Air-conditioned cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Restaurant and lounge bar access · Sun deck and pool access · Wi-Fi access
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families comfortable with early starts · Travelers seeking a full-board Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged as part of the shore-excursion program.
- On-the-ground support is available for transfers and travel logistics.
What lingers
- 01Sail between Aswan and Luxor on a 5-star Nile cruiser
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple during the shore-excursion program
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Ptolemaic temple at Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae Temple on an island in the Nile near Aswan
- 05Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank
- 06Relax on the sun deck beside the pool while sailing between ports
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck, while palm-lined banks slide past and the lounge bar fills with the quiet rhythm of sailing. Aboard Chateau Lafayette, you can read by the pool, take dinner in the restaurant, or watch villages and desert pass through your cabin window between shore excursions.
Our Egyptologists guide you ashore at Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, with time to absorb each site rather than view it from a road. Ancient surfaces can be uneven and some visits begin early. We arrange your embarkation, cabin, shore excursions, and on-board schedule as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise connects Aswan and Luxor, with embarkation and disembarkation available in either city depending on sailing direction. The vessel typically sails for three nights and operates weekly in both directions: Aswan to Luxor on Mondays and Luxor to Aswan on Thursdays. The full-board meal plan runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally extra.
The shore-excursion program covers major monuments along the Nile Valley. In Luxor, visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Southbound and northbound sailing programs also include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo and Philae Temple on an island near Aswan. Karnak and Luxor Temple are approximately 3 km apart, while Edfu lies about 105 km north of Aswan by road and Kom Ombo is approximately 48 km north of Aswan.
Cabin accommodation is air-conditioned, and the vessel provides a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi access and a sun deck with a pool. Shore visits involve early starts, stairs, uneven paving and exposed walking surfaces at ancient sites. Philae Temple is reached by boat from the mainland, and the Valley of the Kings requires travel across the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Aswan·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Luxor West Bank·Ptolemaic Egypt·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history travelers who want to connect Aswan and Luxor while visiting the principal temples between them. Travelers should be comfortable with early excursions, stairs, uneven ancient surfaces and walking in warm conditions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river travel and scheduled visits to temples between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike a private charter, the vessel follows a regular sailing schedule and uses shared onboard facilities, while cabin pricing is calculated per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies.
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
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Airport shuttle
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard Chateau Lafayette
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the pool, sun deck, restaurant, and lounge
- Air-conditioned cabin and Wi-Fi access
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses, including laundry and spa treatments
- Optional cabin upgrades or services not listed in the booking
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction, subject to the available embarkation schedule, and can coordinate private or shared shore-excursion arrangements where offered. Travelers may request cabin upgrades, suites, single cabins with the applicable supplement and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays; optional services and personal expenses are quoted separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise combines time aboard the vessel with shore excursions on uneven ancient surfaces. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings involve walking across stone paving, sand or uneven ground, with steps and occasional steep ramps. Access to the vessel may involve a gangway that can be narrow or sloped, depending on the river level and dock position. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. A collapsible wheelchair may be more practical than a standard chair, but independent boarding and all excursions cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel for travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for repeated road transfers between the main Nile Valley sites. Shore transport is arranged with local Egyptian providers using air-conditioned vehicles, with vehicle size matched to the group. Excursions support local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff and site communities. On board, water and electricity use are shared across the vessel, and guests can help reduce waste by carrying a reusable bottle and avoiding unnecessary towel or linen changes. Specific vessel environmental systems can vary because the cruise ship is selected at booking.
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
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- A light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or 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, narrow corridors and uneven temple surfaces. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the cruise supplier.
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 Fridays | October – April: from $1,077single cabin $1,514triple cabin $1,077 | May – September: from $726single cabin $902triple cabin $726 | Peak dates: from $1,467single cabin $2,052triple cabin $1,467 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,308single cabin $1,890triple cabin $1,308 | May – September: from $840single cabin $1,074triple cabin $840 | Peak dates: from $1,828single cabin $2,608triple cabin $1,828 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,997single cabin $3,016triple cabin $1,997 | May – September: from $1,178single cabin $1,588triple cabin $1,178 | Peak dates: from $2,907single cabin $4,272triple cabin $2,907 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,018single cabin $3,037triple cabin $2,018 | May – September: from $1,199single cabin $1,609triple cabin $1,199 | Peak dates: from $2,928single cabin $4,293triple cabin $2,928 |
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 a Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
The Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise typically sails for three nights, with embarkation and disembarkation in Aswan or Luxor. Sailings are available in both directions between these two cities.02What is included in the full-board plan on the Chateau Lafayette?
The full-board plan on the Chateau Lafayette covers meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all meals served in the main restaurant.03What shore excursions are part of the Chateau Lafayette cruise program?
The shore excursion program includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings on the Luxor West Bank.04What amenities are available on board the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
The Chateau Lafayette offers air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, a lounge bar, Wi-Fi access, and a sun deck with a swimming pool. Other amenities include room service, laundry, a gym, and a spa.05What is the policy for children traveling on the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
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 price. One child maximum per cabin, sharing with parents.06What should I wear and bring for the shore excursions?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest clothing is advisable for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees. Bring a reusable water bottle.07Are gratuities included in the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise price?
No, gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot.09Is the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruises, including the Chateau Lafayette, involve some walking on uneven ancient surfaces and navigating gangways. While the vessel itself has elevators, shore excursions may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations.10Can I upgrade my cabin on the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
Optional cabin upgrades may be available on the Chateau Lafayette, depending on availability and at an additional cost. These are not included in the standard booking and can be arranged upon inquiry.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-386376
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