Historia Nile Cruise
A 5-star boutique Nile cruiser with private Nile-view balconies, a heated plunge pool, panoramic lounge bar, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Historia is a Signature Collection 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 $3,186 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile carries the sound of gulls past Luxor’s riverbank, while sunlight reaches the deck and the west bank stays softly shaded. From a Nile-view balcony, the landscape changes slowly: fields, villages, desert cliffs, and the occasional felucca moving across the current.
The vessel’s rhythm is unhurried, with time to read on the sun deck, cool off in the heated plunge pool, or listen to the cultural briefing before a shore excursion. Sailing is scheduled weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with fuller visits to sites such as Edfu and Kom Ombo than short day-boat programs usually allow. We arrange the embarkation details and have our licensed Egyptian tour operator team ready to coordinate your arrival.
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 $3,186double cabinsingle cabin $4,988 | May – September: from $2,172double cabinsingle cabin $2,952 | Peak dates: from $4,473double cabinsingle cabin $7,183 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $4,149double cabinsingle cabin $6,551 | May – September: from $2,797double cabinsingle cabin $3,837 | Peak dates: from $5,865double cabinsingle cabin $9,479 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $6,982double cabinsingle cabin $11,186 | May – September: from $4,616double cabinsingle cabin $6,436 | Peak dates: from $9,985double cabinsingle cabin $16,309 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $7,002double cabinsingle cabin $11,206 | May – September: from $4,636double cabinsingle cabin $6,456 | Peak dates: from $10,005double cabinsingle cabin $16,329 |
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.
The ship
- Class
- Signature Collection Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 32
What lingers
- 01Scenic daytime cruise on the Nile with panoramic river views
- 02Onboard expert narration about the Nile’s historical and cultural significance (context includes sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple)
- 03Complimentary welcome drink on arrival
- 04Freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options
- 05Sunset views over the Nile with dedicated photo opportunities
- 06Comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas
- 07Friendly crew and attentive service for a relaxed, boutique experience
- 08Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits (where offered)
- 09All port fees, taxes and service charges included
Aboard
Cabin classes
- 01Luxury Cabin – 22 m2, panoramic Nile view. Contemporary and restful, in a natural colour palette. The only cabin grade on board — every guest has the same cabin, the only choice is which deck.
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
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 drinks
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Visas, travel insurance and medical or evacuation expenses
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
- Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $3,186 per person
- The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor / Sat from Luxor/Aswan
From $3,917 per person
- The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Tue from Luxor/Aswan / Wed from Luxor / Sat from Luxor/Aswan
From $5,189 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 Cabin-Based Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- 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
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.
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.
– 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.
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 a Historia Nile Cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace and thorough exploration of the ancient sites along the Nile River.02What 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.03What shore excursions are part of the Historia Nile Cruise program?
The Historia Nile Cruise program 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.04What 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.05What 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.06What 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 (including water) are available for purchase.07Are 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.08What 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.09What 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.10What 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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-915403
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- Signature Collection
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