King of Thebes Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with air-conditioned cabins, a swimming pool, sun deck bar, full-board dining, and lounge entertainment.
The short answer
King of Thebes is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $800 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light catches the riverbank palms as King of Thebes Nile Cruise leaves Luxor, with the water sliding quietly past your panoramic window. Between sailing days, you step ashore with our Egyptologists to read carved scenes at Karnak Temple, enter the Valley of the Kings, and watch the Nile landscape change toward Aswan.
Back aboard, your air-conditioned cabin gives you a calm base between excursions, while the sun deck, pool, lounge bar, and dining room shape the rhythm of the sailing. Philae, Edfu, and Kom Ombo bring different views of temple architecture and river life. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your shore excursions, cruise booking, and on-the-ground support before you travel.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from $800double cabinsingle cabin $1,033 | May – September: from $644double cabinsingle cabin $781 | Peak dates: from $976double cabinsingle cabin $1,346 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $974double cabinsingle cabin $1,284 | May – September: from $766double cabinsingle cabin $948 | Peak dates: from $1,208double cabinsingle cabin $1,702 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,488double cabinsingle cabin $2,030 | May – September: from $1,124double cabinsingle cabin $1,443 | Peak dates: from $1,898double cabinsingle cabin $2,762 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,508double cabinsingle cabin $2,049 | May – September: from $1,144double cabinsingle cabin $1,462 | Peak dates: from $1,917double cabinsingle cabin $2,782 |
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
- 01Full-board river cruise from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 02Private English-speaking Egyptologist for visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 03Shore excursions to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam
- 04Swimming pool, sun deck, fitness facility, hot tub, lounge bar and entertainment lounge
- 05Optional Abu Simbel excursion by coach or domestic flight
On property
What's here
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Fitness facility
- Wi-fi
- Television
- Phone
- Fridge
- Hot tub
- Wine bar
- Entertainment lounge
- Sun deck bar
- Gift shop
- Elevator
- Safe box
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Sightseeing entrance fees for the listed shore excursions
- Visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and the Aswan High Dam
- On-board swimming pool, fitness facility, Wi-Fi, and entertainment facilities
- Egyptian folklore show, where scheduled
Not included
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion by coach or domestic flight
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal expenses, including purchases from the gift shop
- Single-cabin supplement, where applicable
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 choose private English-speaking Egyptologist-led shore excursions and select embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, subject to the sailing schedule. Abu Simbel can be added by coach or domestic flight, while cabin category, single occupancy and additional pre- or post-cruise hotel nights can be arranged separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history-focused travelers who want accommodation, river transport and guided sightseeing combined. Shore excursions involve walking across temple and archaeological sites, so a moderate level of mobility is useful, particularly at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this program combines river transport, cabin accommodation and full-board meals with scheduled shore excursions. Abu Simbel is an optional addition rather than an included stop.
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.
- Kleos Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $800 per person
- Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $800 per person
- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor
From $781 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
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae · Aswan High Dam
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Private English-speaking Egyptologist · Listed shore-excursion entrance fees · Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple visits · Valley of the Kings visit · Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and Aswan High Dam visits · Swimming pool, fitness facility and Wi-Fi · Egyptian folklore show where scheduled
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking full-board river accommodation
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm weather
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Swimsuit and light cover-up for the pool
- Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned interiors and evenings
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Sun hat and sunglasses for the sun deck
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are not practical on gangways, narrow corridors, or uneven temple surfaces. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the assigned vessel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven surfaces, steps, ramps, and walking on ancient stone at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Aswan High Dam. Boarding may require a gangway, and cabin access can involve narrow corridors or stairs. Shore excursion vehicles may not accommodate every wheelchair size. The sun deck, pool, fitness facility, and hot tub may have steps. Guests with limited mobility should request an accessible cabin and assistance before booking. A licensed Egyptian tour operator can confirm current vessel and port arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising combines accommodation and transport, which can reduce the number of separate hotel and road transfers during the trip, although the vessel still uses fuel and produces wastewater. Shore excursions use local drivers, licensed English-speaking Egyptologists, and Egyptian suppliers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Buying meals and services locally supports businesses along the Nile. Please use refillable water containers where practical, avoid single-use plastics, and follow crew instructions for waste disposal. Specific engine, wastewater, recycling, and fuel practices vary by the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not claim standards that have not been confirmed.
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 with the full board on the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
Full board on the King of Thebes Nile Cruise covers all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main dining room.02Are shore excursions and entrance fees included in the cruise fare?
Yes, shore excursions to sites like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Aswan High Dam are included. All associated sightseeing entrance fees are also covered.03What kind of cabins are available on the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise features deluxe 5-star cabins, each equipped with air conditioning, a television, and a fridge. Many cabins offer panoramic windows for Nile views, and some may include balconies.04What amenities are available on board the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
Onboard amenities include a swimming pool, a sun deck, a fitness facility, and Wi-Fi access. There is also a lounge bar and an entertainment lounge, where an Egyptian folklore show is typically scheduled.05Is the Abu Simbel excursion included in the King of Thebes Nile Cruise package?
No, the Abu Simbel excursion is not included in the standard cruise package. It is available as an optional add-on, which can be arranged either by coach or domestic flight, depending on your preference.06What is the policy for children on the King of Thebes 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. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.08What is the best time of year to take the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The best time for 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.09Are gratuities included in the King of Thebes Nile Cruise price?
No, gratuities for the cruise staff and your Egyptologist guide are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-902998
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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