Historia Nile Cruise
5-star boutique cruiser with air-conditioned cabins and Nile-view balconies, rooftop sun deck with heated plunge pool, panoramic lounge bar, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Historia Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabin-Based Cruise
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard MS Historia · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Welcome drink on arrival aboard · Daily English-speaking onboard commentary · Cultural briefing prior to shore excursions · Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered · All port fees, taxes and service charges
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Comfort-focused travelers · First-time visitors to Upper Egypt
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Daily English-speaking onboard commentary and pre-excursion cultural briefings are included
- Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits are offered where available
- All port fees, taxes, and service charges are included
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
- Verified operator communication supports pre-travel coordination and on-ground assistance
02 Overview
A first look
By 07:00 the Nile light pools on the Historia's rooftop sun deck, the heated plunge pool sending up small ripples while feluccas glide past the hull. Onboard, panoramic lounge windows and Nile-view balcony cabins set the scene for mornings ashore at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, and for evenings spent watching the riverbanks slide by between Luxor and Aswan.
We arrange embarkation transfers in Luxor and can meet arrivals in Aswan on request, and our Egyptologists give the daily English-language cultural briefing before each shore excursion. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and our team coordinates timing so excursions happen when sites are quieter.
Background
The facts
Historia Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan on the standard Upper Egypt route. The vessel offers air-conditioned cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grades, each with a Nile-view balcony, plus a rooftop sun deck, heated plunge pool, and a panoramic lounge bar. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with buffet meals and vegetarian options.
The cruise programme links major monuments on the Nile corridor, including Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae near Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and can organize embarkation transfers in Luxor, with Aswan arrivals met on request. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the pace includes alternating sailing periods and shore excursions rather than a single-site day trip format.
The route covers one of Egypt’s most concentrated heritage corridors. Luxor contains New Kingdom sites associated with pharaonic Thebes, while Aswan serves as the southern gateway to the Nile and to Philae, which was relocated to Agilkia Island during the 1960s UNESCO rescue campaign. Standard archaeological site entrance fees are generally separate unless stated otherwise, and premium tomb access or gratuities are not included unless explicitly listed.
Named in this entry
Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Horus, Edfu · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Nile River · New Kingdom · Agilkia Island · Thebes · Temple of Luxor
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adult travelers and older children who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided excursions and time aboard between visits. It is a good fit for history-focused visitors, couples, and small groups who prefer a comfortable cabin-based trip rather than a fast-paced overland itinerary.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers requiring full wheelchair accessibility without assistance
- Those wanting a fast-paced, land-based daily touring schedule
What lingers
- 01 Scenic daytime cruise on the Nile with panoramic river views
- 02 Onboard expert narration about the Nile’s historical and cultural significance (context includes sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple)
- 03 Complimentary welcome drink on arrival
- 04 Freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options
- 05 Sunset views over the Nile with dedicated photo opportunities
- 06 Comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas
- 07 Friendly crew and attentive service for a relaxed, boutique experience
- 08 Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits (where offered)
- 09 All port fees, taxes and service charges included
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short land-based sightseeing transfer, this vessel combines accommodation, meals, and Nile sailing in one itinerary between Luxor and Aswan. It also includes more time for standard Upper Egypt sites such as Edfu and Kom Ombo than many rushed day-boat or point-to-point options. Compared with independent hotel stays, the cruise creates a single moving base for the route, so travelers do not need to change accommodation between each stop. Compared with large bus tours, it follows the river corridor and includes onboard commentary before excursions, which is useful for travelers who want context at each monument.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
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Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $2,670 | $2,080 |
| Single Cabin | $4,210 | $3,205 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $3,405 | $2,600 |
| Single Cabin | $5,450 | $4,095 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Aboard
Cabin classes
- 01 Standard Cabin – 28 m², double or twin, lower deck, Nile-view picture window
- 02 Deluxe Cabin – 34 m², private balcony, upper deck, floor-to-ceiling glass
- 03 Presidential Suite – 62 m² split-level, private terrace, butler on call
On property
What's here
- Air-conditioned cabins with Nile-view balconies
- Rooftop sun deck & heated plunge pool
- Onboard restaurant (Egyptian & international cuisine)
- Panoramic lounge bar
- Wi-Fi in common areas
- Daily laundry service
- Onboard boutique
Bundled in
- Shared transfer
- Full board
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard MS Historia
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Welcome drink on arrival aboard
- Buffet lunch with vegetarian options as described
- Daily English-speaking onboard commentary and cultural briefing prior to shore excursions
- Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered
- All port fees, taxes and service charges
Not included
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites or museums unless explicitly stated
- Optional shore excursions or guided land tours that are not part of the standard itinerary
- International or domestic flights
- Overnight accommodation outside the cruise
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional drinks beyond those included
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Visas, travel insurance and medical or evacuation expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Bring local cash in small denominations for tips, onboard boutique purchases and souvenirs.
- 02
Book a Nile-view balcony cabin for best sunrise and golden-hour photography opportunities.
- 03
Visit major temples early morning to avoid heat and the mid-day crowds.
- 04
Carry a compact camera and spare batteries; power can be limited during excursions.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged as a private or semi-private travel plan with transfers and supporting land arrangements tailored around the sailing schedule. Travelers may also add extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, request upgraded cabin categories, or combine the cruise with Cairo before or after the Nile segment.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The MS Historia Nile Cruise involves boarding via a gangway and moving between decks using stairs; there is no lift between all public decks and some cabins. Expect uneven surfaces on quay steps and at several temple sites, cobbles and ancient stone at the Valley of the Kings, and short ramps or single steps when boarding smaller tenders at some landing stages. Wheelchair users with full mobility needs will find access limited: cabins are standard narrow-aisle river-cabin dimensions and not wheelchair-adapted. Passengers requiring mobility assistance should contact us before booking so we can advise on cabin suitability and arrange additional help where possible; we can meet you at the airport and provide porterage and step-assistance, but full onboard wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Lightweight daypack for shore visits
- Reusable water bottle
- Small personal first-aid kit (blister plasters, pain relief)
- Printed or digital copies of travel and medical insurance
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- A light jumper or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable shoes for uneven stone and short walks
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings in the dining room
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and 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 are practical on quay-side areas and in port, but they may be difficult to manoeuvre on temple approaches and the ship’s gangways; please contact us in advance if you need a folded stroller or a child seat for transfers.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel sails the Nile using diesel engines managed by the cruise line; fuel consumption and engine maintenance are the line’s responsibility. Onboard systems include climate-controlled cabins and a rooftop heated plunge pool, both supplied by the vessel’s services. Discovery Tours Egypt contracts local crew, Egyptologists and catering teams through named suppliers where possible, and we pay local port fees and service charges that support the Nile-side communities receiving visitors. Shore excursions use the vessel’s tenders and licensed local guides; ticket revenues and guide fees are paid directly at site, providing income to local staff. We encourage guests to minimise single-use plastics by using refillable water bottles; recycling on board depends on the cruise line’s facilities.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
-
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
Historia Nile Cruise includes accommodation aboard the vessel, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and a welcome drink on arrival. It also includes daily English-speaking onboard commentary, a cultural briefing before shore excursions, roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered, and all port fees, taxes, and service charges.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration of a Historia Nile Cruise?
The Historia Nile Cruise typically sails for 5 days, offering a comprehensive journey between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and thorough exploration of the ancient sites along the Nile River. -
02 What is included in the Historia Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes accommodation aboard the MS Historia, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, a welcome drink, daily English-speaking onboard commentary, and roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered. All port fees, taxes, and service charges are also covered. -
03 What shore excursions are part of the Historia Nile Cruise programme?
The Historia Nile Cruise programme includes shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple on the Luxor West Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple in Aswan. -
04 What is the policy for children on the Historia 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. -
05 What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees. -
06 What is the dining experience like on the Historia Nile Cruise?
The Historia Nile Cruise offers a full board experience, including buffet lunch and dinner with vegetarian options. Meals are served from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond those included are available for purchase. -
07 Are entrance fees to archaeological sites included in the cruise price?
No, entrance fees to archaeological sites or museums are not included in the standard Historia Nile Cruise fare unless explicitly stated. These are typically paid locally at each site. -
08 What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt. -
09 What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Historia Nile Cruise?
Embarkation for the Historia Nile Cruise typically occurs in Luxor, with transfers arranged from your hotel within city limits. Disembarkation is usually in Aswan, and we can arrange transfers to meet arrivals there upon request. Specific timings will be provided closer to your sailing date. -
10 What amenities are available on board the MS Historia?
The MS Historia is a five-star vessel featuring air-conditioned cabins, a rooftop sun deck, a heated plunge pool, and a panoramic lounge bar. These amenities provide comfort and relaxation while sailing on the Nile River.
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
Last updated 15 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-LUX-915403
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