Grand Sun Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise program sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise program includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available subject to availability, with pricing based on two people sharing.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Couples·
- Groups
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
- Egyptologist-guided shore-excursion program available through the arranged tour services
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- On-the-ground assistance in Egypt
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
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. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team selects the sailing, coordinates embarkation and disembarkation, and supports you with an experienced Egyptologist.
Background
The facts
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise program is a 5-star river-cruise experience linking Luxor and Aswan in either direction. The vessel sails weekly between the two cities, with embarkation and disembarkation available at Luxor or Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the vessel; the cruise ship is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The shore-excursion program includes 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 complex at Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple near Aswan. Sailing days alternate with shore visits, allowing travelers to combine monument visits with time on the Nile.
Accommodation is provided in Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, subject to availability. Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing, and a single supplement typically applies. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks other than water served with meals and personal expenses are generally excluded unless stated otherwise.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Luxor East Bank·Luxor West Bank·Ptolemaic Egypt
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.
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 beyond water served with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Single supplement for sole occupancy
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities, unless specifically requested
- Personal expenses and services not stated in the inclusions
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. Private Egyptologist-guided sightseeing, extra hotel nights before or after the cruise, premium tomb visits and other services may be added on request; pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist 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
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.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price 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.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,077single cabin $1,514triple cabin $1,077 | Peak dates: from $1,428single cabin $2,111triple cabin $1,420 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,308single cabin $1,890triple cabin $1,308 | Peak dates: from $1,776single cabin $2,686triple cabin $1,765 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,997single cabin $3,016triple cabin $1,997 | Peak dates: from $2,816single cabin $4,409triple cabin $2,798 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,018single cabin $3,037triple cabin $2,018 | Peak dates: from $2,837single cabin $4,430triple cabin $2,819 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing 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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% refund, or 100% as credit for future travel
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund, or 75% as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% refund, or 50% as credit
- 2–6 days
- No refund; 25% as credit
- Under 48 hours or no-show
- No refund or credit
Notice is counted from your arrival in Egypt. Some vessels have their own terms; if yours does, we tell you before any payment is made.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing for varied trip lengths depending on your chosen itinerary.02What 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, with water provided during meals.03What 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.04What 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.05What 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.06Are drinks, beyond water with meals, included on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Drinks other than water served with meals 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.07What 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.08What 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.09What 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.10Are 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-367528
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