Esmeralda Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, pool, lounge, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Esmeralda is a 5-Star Luxury 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 $1,882 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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.
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 $1,882double cabinsingle cabin $2,864 | May – September: from $1,258double cabinsingle cabin $1,804 | Peak dates: from $2,428double cabinsingle cabin $3,793 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,414double cabinsingle cabin $3,725 | May – September: from $1,582double cabinsingle cabin $2,310 | Peak dates: from $3,142double cabinsingle cabin $4,962 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $4,004double cabinsingle cabin $6,297 | May – September: from $2,548double cabinsingle cabin $3,822 | Peak dates: from $5,278double cabinsingle cabin $8,463 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $4,024double cabinsingle cabin $6,317 | May – September: from $2,568double cabinsingle cabin $3,842 | Peak dates: from $5,298double cabinsingle cabin $8,483 |
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
- 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
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, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not listed as included
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 sailing direction, private or shared shore excursions where available, additional sightseeing and pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travelers 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.
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.
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.
- Tulip Nile Cruise
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- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
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- Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
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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 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 program · 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 · Travelers seeking a guided river itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
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.
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.
– 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 program, 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 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 the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
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 (including water) 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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-293886
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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