Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
The short answer
Chateau Lafayette is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $1,102 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and prices
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the whole cruise, the guided sightseeing program along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the ship and the local airport or train station.
| Cruise | 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 $1,102double cabinsingle cabin $1,538 | May – September: from $751double cabinsingle cabin $926 | Peak dates: from $1,492double cabinsingle cabin $2,077 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,374double cabinsingle cabin $1,957 | May – September: from $906double cabinsingle cabin $1,140 | Peak dates: from $1,894double cabinsingle cabin $2,674 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,184double cabinsingle cabin $3,203 | May – September: from $1,365double cabinsingle cabin $1,775 | Peak dates: from $3,094double cabinsingle cabin $4,459 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,204double cabinsingle cabin $3,223 | May – September: from $1,385double cabinsingle cabin $1,794 | Peak dates: from $3,114double cabinsingle cabin $4,479 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your cruise 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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Board at Luxor and enjoy lunch on board before visiting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, then begin sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then sail on to Aswan.
- 4
Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional flight or drive to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 5
A relaxed day at Aswan: sail by felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel turns north.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Luxor with time for any West Bank sites not yet seen, or relax on the sun deck as you moor for the final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Luxor for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then begins sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then sail on to Kom Ombo and its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan, where the ship moors for the night.
- 4
The ship lies moored at Aswan. Guests visiting Abu Simbel leave before dawn, by road or by air, for the two rock temples Ramesses II cut into the cliff, returning aboard around midday. The afternoon is at leisure on board.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan. The morning then covers Aswan itself: the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae reached by motor launch, and the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board. Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Sail north to Kom Ombo for its double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Sail on towards Luxor.
- 3
Reach Luxor and cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then disembark for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board, then visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
A relaxed day at Aswan by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or a Nubian village visit. An optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo for the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
- 4
At Luxor, cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then the vessel begins its return sailing south.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Aswan with time to relax on board or take an optional excursion before your final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan for your onward transfer.
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
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
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.
After you dock
Aswan to Cairo flight and one hotel night
Two nights in Cairo with a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Tour
3-Day Luxor Tour from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Tour from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Tour from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Tour with Alexandria
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.
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.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest prices. Prices are per person, sharing a double cabin, October to April.
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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
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
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.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-386376
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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