Emilio Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Emilio is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Thursday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Sunday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $876 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 railings as fields, palms, and village roofs slide past the sun deck. Aboard Emilio, the pace is unhurried: settle into your cabin, watch the river through the window, or meet fellow travelers in the lounge bar before dinner in the dining room.
We arrange embarkation in Luxor or Aswan, with sailing available weekly in both directions. Our Egyptologists lead the shore excursions, then you return to the vessel as the river landscape changes between visits. Full board begins with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate the cruise booking and arrangements around it.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $876double cabinsingle cabin $1,149 | May – September: from $779double cabinsingle cabin $954 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Sundays | October – April: from $1,068double cabinsingle cabin $1,432 | May – September: from $938double cabinsingle cabin $1,172 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Sundays | October – April: from $1,636double cabinsingle cabin $2,273 | May – September: from $1,408double cabinsingle cabin $1,818 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,656double cabinsingle cabin $2,293 | May – September: from $1,429double cabinsingle cabin $1,838 |
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
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu
- 04Stop at Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Excursion program including the Valley of the Kings
- 06Five-star river cruise standard
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile cruise accommodation
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursion program covering the scheduled ancient sites
- Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing sites
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional premium site tickets, such as entry inside Khufu or Khafre
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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 a private or more structured shore-excursion format, subject to the assigned sailing schedule and supplier availability. Travelers may request cabin-category upgrades, a single cabin with the applicable supplement, premium site tickets or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan before or after sailing.
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-focused travelers who want to combine accommodation, river sailing and guided visits to Upper Egypt’s principal temples. It is appropriate for travelers with moderate mobility, although archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and walking in strong sun.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation and transport on the Nile with shore excursions at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Unlike a fixed one-way sightseeing tour, the cruise is available in both Luxor–Aswan and Aswan–Luxor directions, with the assigned vessel and sailing schedule confirmed at booking.
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.
- Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $876 per person
- Nephtis Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $857 per person
- Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $896 per person
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
- Five-Star Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Nile cruise accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Scheduled shore-excursion program · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing sites
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking a river-based Upper Egypt itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sun protection, including SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required medication
- Cash in Egyptian pounds for personal expenses and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ancient stone and sand
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and light cover-up for the sun deck
- Hat and sunglasses for strong Nile sun
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are not practical on gangways, narrow decks, stairs, or uneven archaeological sites. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and depends on the assigned vessel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven quays, gangways, steps, and ancient-site terrain. Boarding may involve a sloped or stepped gangway, depending on the river level and port conditions. Cabins and public areas are reached by stairs or elevator where available, but elevator access and cabin layouts vary by assigned vessel. Shore excursions include uneven stone, sand, cobblestones, stairs, and exposed areas at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and arrange practical assistance where possible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel for the route between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road journeys between the main sightseeing areas. Shore transport is arranged with local Egyptian suppliers, using licensed vehicles and drivers for excursions away from the river. Our program supports local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, site guides, and the communities around Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings. Waste, water, and energy practices vary by assigned vessel, so we do not make blanket environmental claims. Guests can help by reusing bottles where safe, avoiding single-use plastics, and following site protection rules.
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 included in the Emilio Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes your cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, and a shore excursion program covering scheduled ancient sites. Standard entrance fees for these sites are also included.02What is not included in the Emilio Nile Cruise fare?
Exclusions typically include drinks (including water), the single supplement for solo travelers, optional premium site tickets like entry inside Khufu or Khafre Pyramids, gratuities, and personal expenses.03What shore excursions are part of the Emilio Nile Cruise program?
The shore excursion program includes visits to major ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These are integrated into the sailing schedule.04What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Emilio Nile Cruise are available at both Luxor and Aswan.05What is the policy for children on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Children 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 can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear on the Emilio Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. Onboard, casual attire is suitable, with slightly more formal options for dinner.07Is the Emilio Nile Cruise accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Emilio, have stairs between decks and can present challenges for travelers with significant mobility issues. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sand. Please discuss specific needs when booking.08What is the best time of year to take an Emilio Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile Cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but can offer fewer crowds.09Are drinks included on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and water, are typically not included in the standard fare and can be purchased onboard.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-829834
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sun in Luxor · Thu in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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