Grand Sun Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
The short answer
Grand Sun 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 $1,093 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 palms, village rooftops, and desert slopes pass beyond the railing. From the lounge bar or your cabin’s panoramic window, sailing becomes part of the day rather than a gap between monuments.
We arrange the Grand Sun Nile Cruise vessel with full-board dining, comfortable cabin choices, and a shore-excursion program that brings you ashore at Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team selects the sailing, coordinates embarkation and disembarkation, and supports you with an experienced Egyptologist.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,093double cabinsingle cabin $1,530 | Peak dates: from $1,444double cabinsingle cabin $2,126 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,364double cabinsingle cabin $1,947 | Peak dates: from $1,832double cabinsingle cabin $2,742 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,171double cabinsingle cabin $3,190 | Peak dates: from $2,990double cabinsingle cabin $4,582 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,190double cabinsingle cabin $3,209 | Peak dates: from $3,009double cabinsingle cabin $4,602 |
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 Luxor and Aswan on the Nile
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple during the shore-excursion program
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae Temple near Aswan
- 05Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, subject to availability
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile river cruise vessel
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for sole occupancy
- Personal expenses and services not stated in the inclusions
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
Travelers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, subject to availability, and choose either sailing direction between Luxor and 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 aged roughly 12 and above who want to connect Luxor and Aswan while visiting the principal Nile monuments. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with boarding a river vessel, using stairs or gangways and walking across uneven temple grounds during shore excursions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this program combines accommodation and travel between Luxor and Aswan aboard a Nile vessel, with sailing days between shore excursions. Unlike a fixed hotel stay, cabin categories, embarkation ports and sailing direction are subject to the selected cruise sailing and availability.
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 Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- Cruise cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak and Luxor temples · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking a Nile-based itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag
- Any required medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up if using the onboard pool
- Hat and sun-protective clothing
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older 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 can be difficult to use on gangways and uneven archaeological surfaces, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven ancient surfaces, steps, sloped pathways, sand, and limited shade during shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may involve a gangway with a slope that changes according to the river level and the position of the vessel. Cabins and public areas may not be fully wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair can be practical on some sections with advance planning, but assistance is usually needed for gangways, temple entrances, and uneven ground. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a locally supplied river vessel and local road transport for shore excursions between the ports and archaeological sites. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, guides, transfers, and site visits with Egyptian suppliers rather than operating the vessel itself. Shore excursions support licensed Egyptologists, drivers, boat crews, site staff, and local service providers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. River travel can reduce the need for repeated long road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, but fuel use, laundry, air conditioning, and onboard food waste remain part of the vessel's environmental impact. Guests can help by reusing towels, avoiding single-use plastic, and following site conservation 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 full board meal plan on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
The full board plan covers meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all main meals served in the dining room.02What shore excursions are part of the Grand Sun Nile Cruise program?
The included shore excursion program features visits to major Nile sites. These include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.03What is the policy for children traveling on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin.04What should I wear for shore excursions and on board the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing are recommended, especially during warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. On board, smart casual attire is suitable for evenings.05Are drinks (including water) included on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are generally not included in the full board package. You can purchase additional beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks, from the lounge bar.06What is the cabin arrangement for solo travelers on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travelers typically incur a single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin. Please inquire for specific single supplement rates.07What is the best time of year to take the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the most comfortable for a Nile cruise. Temperatures are milder, making shore excursions more enjoyable. Summer months can be very hot.08What is the accessibility like on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise and for shore excursions?
The vessel typically has stairs between decks, and gangways can vary in steepness depending on docking conditions. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain and can include steps at temple sites. Travelers with mobility concerns should consult us for specific details.09Are gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists included in the Grand Sun Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the cruise staff, drivers, and Egyptologists are not included in the standard cruise price. It is customary to tip at the end of your journey, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-367528
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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