Esmeralda Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, pool, lounge, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This is a 5-star Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings · The Nile
- Includes
- Cruise cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore-excursion programme · Pool and sun deck access · Restaurant and lounge access · Wi-Fi subject to vessel coverage
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a guided river itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- DTE is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Egyptologist-led shore excursions can be arranged through the tour operator.
- 24/7 on-the-ground support is available through the local operating team.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile carries Esmeralda past date palms and riverbank villages, with the sun deck opening onto a changing landscape of fields, sandstone cliffs, and fishing boats. Sailing days leave room to watch the river, while shore excursions bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, into the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and across the water to Philae.
We arrange the embarkation, shore-excursion program, and disembarkation details with the vessel’s crew, so the rhythm stays simple: sail, explore, and return to a cabin with the river outside. Our Egyptologists provide context at each site, while the lounge, restaurant, pool, and Wi-Fi cover the quieter hours aboard.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise is arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions along the Nile Valley. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan, depending on the selected sailing direction.
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple near Aswan. The Valley of the Kings is located on Luxor’s west bank, while Karnak and Luxor Temple are on the east bank across the Nile.
On board, guests have access to cabins, a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi, subject to vessel coverage. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are normally charged separately. Cabins are priced per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies.
The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the selected vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. Standard site entrance fees for the listed shore excursions are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, gratuities and personal expenses are excluded unless separately arranged.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·The Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Nile Valley·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travellers who want to combine guided archaeological visits with relaxed river sailing. It is appropriate for adults and families comfortable with boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces, heat and moderate walking during shore excursions.
What lingers
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visits to Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Valley of the Kings excursion on the Luxor West Bank
- 05Pool and sun deck for viewing the Nile while sailing
- 06Restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi on board
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river transport and scheduled shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an individually planned felucca or private boat journey, it provides full-board accommodation and access to larger-vessel facilities such as a pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge.
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 Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 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 | $3,635 | $6,110 | $8,276 |
| Double cabin | $2,361 | $3,817 | $5,091 |
| Triple cabin | $2,361 | $3,817 | $5,091 |
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 | $2,244 | $3,658 | $4,896 |
| Double cabin | $1,516 | $2,348 | $3,076 |
| Triple cabin | $1,516 | $2,348 | $3,076 |
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 | $1,779 | $2,840 | $3,768 |
| Double cabin | $1,233 | $1,857 | $2,403 |
| Triple cabin | $1,233 | $1,857 | $2,403 |
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 | $3,656 | $6,131 | $8,297 |
| Double cabin | $2,382 | $3,838 | $5,112 |
| Triple cabin | $2,382 | $3,838 | $5,112 |
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 property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on the selected 5-star Nile cruise
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering the listed Nile Valley sites
- Use of the onboard pool, sun deck, restaurant, and lounge
- Wi-Fi onboard, subject to vessel coverage
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and other separately charged visits
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not listed as included
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the sailing direction, private or shared shore excursions where available, additional sightseeing and pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan. Cabin category upgrades, single cabins and separately charged premium tombs or pyramid interiors can be requested before confirmation.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires boarding and leaving the vessel by gangway, which may be steep or uneven depending on the river level and embarkation berth. Shore excursions include uneven paving, sand, steps, exposed archaeological ground, and walking at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. The sun deck and pool may involve stairs, and cabins are not confirmed as wheelchair accessible. Guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and arrange realistic assistance.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag
- Any required medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler mornings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool
- Sun hat and sunglasses
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 may be difficult on gangways, stairs, and archaeological ground, so a compact folding model is more practical. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The main transport is a river cruise vessel, with local road transport used for shore excursions and transfers arranged around embarkation and disembarkation. Discovery Tours Egypt works with Egyptian cruise, guiding, transport, and hospitality suppliers for this programme, supporting local jobs along the Nile corridor. Specific fuel consumption, waste treatment, and recycling facilities vary by the vessel assigned at booking and are not represented as standard features. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, following on-board water guidance, and respecting archaeological sites and local communities during shore excursions.
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
This 5-star Nile cruise includes full-board accommodation from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, plus shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. On-board facilities include a pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi subject to coverage; drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and personal expenses are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day sailing, offering a comprehensive journey between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a balanced experience of both sailing on the Nile and exploring the ancient sites.02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The full board plan on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise covers meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the onboard restaurant.03What shore excursions are part of the Esmeralda Nile Cruise program?
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise includes a shore excursion program visiting key Nile Valley sites. These typically include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings.04Are drinks included with meals on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally not included in the full board package on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise. Other beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks, are typically an additional cost.05What amenities are available on board the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise offers several amenities for guest comfort, including a swimming pool, a spacious sun deck, a restaurant, and a lounge bar. Wi-Fi access is also available on board, subject to coverage.06What is the policy for children on the Esmeralda 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 can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07Is Wi-Fi available on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board the Esmeralda Nile Cruise. Please note that connectivity can vary along the Nile, especially in more remote areas, so service may be intermittent at times.08What should I wear for shore excursions from the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, and sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. When visiting religious sites, modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate.09What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Esmeralda Nile Cruise typically occur in Luxor and Aswan. Specific timings depend on your sailing direction and the vessel's schedule, which will be provided in your final itinerary.10Are gratuities included in the Esmeralda Nile Cruise package?
Gratuities are not included in the Esmeralda Nile Cruise package. It is customary to tip the crew and your Egyptologist at the end of the cruise. Specific guidelines for gratuities will be provided before your trip.
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-NIL-293886
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