Farida Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic lounge windows, a sun deck, full-board dining, and cabins with Nile views or balconies.
The short answer
Farida 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 $1,054 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 the riverbank slips past in fields, palms, and villages. A sailing day on Farida Nile Cruise gives you time to read by the panoramic windows, join dinner in the dining room, or watch the shoreline change between Luxor and Aswan.
Shore excursions bring the river journey ashore at Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with sailing and sightseeing alternating through the vessel’s weekly program. We arrange your cabin, embarkation, and shared excursions through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, while our Egyptologists explain what you are seeing beyond the usual dates and names.
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 $1,054double cabinsingle cabin $1,463 | May – September: from $941double cabinsingle cabin $1,307 | Peak dates: from $1,327double cabinsingle cabin $1,970 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,312double cabinsingle cabin $1,858 | May – September: from $1,161double cabinsingle cabin $1,650 | Peak dates: from $1,676double cabinsingle cabin $2,534 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,080double cabinsingle cabin $3,035 | May – September: from $1,816double cabinsingle cabin $2,671 | Peak dates: from $2,717double cabinsingle cabin $4,218 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,099double cabinsingle cabin $3,055 | May – September: from $1,835double cabinsingle cabin $2,691 | Peak dates: from $2,736double cabinsingle cabin $4,238 |
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
- 01Sun deck for Nile viewing and evening sunsets
- 02Lounge bar with panoramic windows and indoor seating
- 03Dining room serving full-board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04Shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae on alternating days
- 06Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite with Nile-view windows or balconies where available
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the chosen cabin grade, priced per person sharing
- Shared shore excursions as listed in the vessel’s program (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae)
- Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports
- Use of onboard public areas: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- International or domestic flights to/from Egypt
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for cruise crew and excursion guides (customary, not included)
- Optional premium entrances charged locally (for example, premium tombs or special-access sites)
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book early morning Karnak visits to avoid heat and large tour groups.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pounds and exact change for market purchases and Nile-side vendors.
- 03
Bring a compact torch for tomb descents and uneven temple corridors after dusk.
- 04
Reserve a window or upper-deck cabin early for consistently better Nile river views.
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
The cruise can be arranged as a private or shared travel component, depending on the wider itinerary booked through Discovery Tours Egypt. Travelers may also request cabin upgrades where available, extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, or add-on visits before embarkation or after disembarkation. Meal and sightseeing arrangements can sometimes be adjusted to match flight schedules or onward travel.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suitable for adult travelers and older families who want to see major Luxor and Aswan monuments without changing hotels each day. It also fits history-focused visitors, couples, and small groups who prefer a slower pace and a cabin-based itinerary.
Maybe not, if
- Very limited mobility without a companion or assistance
- Families with very young children looking for activity programs
- Travelers wanting extensive time ashore or long cruises
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike land-based sightseeing tours, this cruise combines hotel-style accommodation, onboard dining, and temple visits while the vessel travels between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with large coach tours, it offers fewer hotel changes and a more structured sightseeing rhythm with sailing days and excursion days. It is also different from short riverboat trips because it includes overnight cabin accommodation and a full-board program.
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 Liberty Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,054 per person
- Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,054 per person
- Concerto Plus Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,054 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
- 5-Star Cruise Vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Shared shore excursions · Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports · Use of sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Small groups · Travelers who prefer unpacking once
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport (original) and a photocopy
- Sunscreen SPF30+ and a wide-brim hat
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Lightweight daypack and a refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses and lip balm with SPF
- Small torch or headlamp for stairs at night
- Any prescription medicines in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm layer for cooler early mornings on deck
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- A smart-casual outfit for evening dining (if you prefer)
Children & families
Minimum recommended age is 4 years for shared excursions; younger children may travel on request but must be declared at booking. Child fares are typically priced as a percentage of the adult fare depending on cabin occupancy — prices vary by cabin class and booking date. Strollers are practical on board but may be difficult on shore excursions because of steps and uneven surfaces; car seats are not provided. Families should note that some tombs and temple interiors have low lighting and steep steps; close supervision of children is required at all times.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise involves boarding via a gangway and moving around narrow corridors, interior steps and external staircases between decks. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, loose sand and steps at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings; many temple entrances have steps with no handrail. The vessel’s public areas (sun deck, lounge bar, dining room) are reached by stairs; some cabins have steps at their entrances and cabin door widths may not accommodate standard wheelchairs. If you require step-free access, a wheelchair-accessible cabin, or assistance at embarkation/disembarkation, tell us at booking. We can arrange port staff assistance and shipboard help, but full step-free access ashore cannot be guaranteed at all archaeological sites.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is a conventional Nile cruiser that uses marine diesel engines; fuel type and emissions are determined by the cruise line. For shore excursions we work with licensed local guides and small, modern minibuses where distance requires road transfer. We source most fresh produce, bread and many dining ingredients from suppliers in Luxor and Aswan to support local businesses and reduce road-haul distances. Crew and excursion staff are locally employed and paid according to the vessel’s policies; tips are discretionary and passed to on-board teams. Guests can help reduce waste by reusing cabin towels and avoiding single-use plastics. Where possible we prioritise partners who employ local residents for shore services and catering.
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
01How long is the Farida Nile Cruise itinerary in Luxor region?
Confirm the exact duration on your booking confirmation. Some versions are short Luxor–Edfu segments while others continue to Aswan; we will send the precise day-by-day program with your final voucher.02What time and where is pick-up for embarkation and disembarkation?
Pick-up in Luxor is usually 30–60 minutes before the cruise’s scheduled embarkation time shown on your voucher. Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed on your final travel documents. If you are staying in Luxor city center the transfer is normally a short drive; remote hotels require a slightly earlier collection.03Which items and services are included in the Farida Cruise price?
Standard site entrance fees called for on the printed itinerary are included unless your voucher says otherwise. Meals, accommodation on board, routine transfers shown on the voucher, and the ship crew services are normally included. We will list every inclusion on your booking confirmation so you know precisely what is covered.04What is not included and what extras should I expect to pay?
Optional extras are typically excluded: private guides, hot-air balloon flights, premium-tomb entrance fees, alcoholic drinks, supplemental excursions, and crew gratuities. Any additional transfers or special requests (private car outside scheduled times) are charged separately. We clarify exclusions on your invoice so there are no surprises.05Is the Farida Nile Cruise suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The vessel has steps, narrow gangways and some cabins with raised thresholds; fully step-free access is uncommon. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact us beforehand. We can advise which cabins and tender arrangements minimise stairs, and whether an on-site porter or local wheelchair assistance can be arranged for embarkation.06Can children travel on the Farida and are there age restrictions?
Children are welcome but cabins and safety features vary by ship; there is no universal under-age restriction. Families with infants or very young children should tell us at booking so we can advise on cabin layout and life-jacket availability. Child fares and cot requests must be confirmed in advance.07What should I bring and wear for temple visits and on board?
Bring sun protection (broad-brimmed hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses), lightweight long sleeves for sun and modest-dress at temples, comfortable closed shoes for uneven stone, and a light evening layer. Temples and mosques require shoulders and knees covered; carry a scarf for quick cover-up. Also pack bottled water for shore excursions.08Are photography and drone use allowed on the Farida and at archaeological sites?
Photography with handheld cameras is generally permitted at most sites; flash is often banned inside tombs and certain museums. Drone flights are restricted nationwide and typically require special permits—don't plan to fly a drone without prior authorisation. We can request permissions for professional shoots but approval is not guaranteed.09When is the best time of year to sail the Farida Nile Cruise around Luxor?
October–April brings cooler daytime temperatures and more comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer months (May–September) are very hot, often exceeding 40°C, which affects timing of shore visits. If you travel in summer expect earlier starts and mid-day rests; we can tailor excursion times to avoid peak heat.10Will the Farida visit Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) and Karnak Temple on this cruise?
Most Farida itineraries that embark in Luxor include scheduled visits to Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) and Karnak Temple, usually early morning. Exact site stops and the order of visits vary by sailing; your final itinerary will show which days those excursions occur and the planned visiting times.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-920278
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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