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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan and is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes full-board accommodation from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, an English-speaking Egyptologist and entrance fees for listed shore excursions. The program visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam; Abu Simbel is optional.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
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
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide for listed shore excursions
- On-the-ground assistance in Egypt
What lingers
- 013, 4 and 7-night sailing options between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Full-board river cruise from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Private English-speaking Egyptologist for visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Shore excursions to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam
- 05Swimming pool, sun deck, fitness facility, hot tub, lounge bar and entertainment lounge
- 06Optional Abu Simbel excursion by coach or domestic flight
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.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise program sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. Sailing options include 3, 4 and 7 nights, subject to the selected cruise schedule and cabin availability. Full board begins with lunch on the embarkation day and ends with breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally excluded.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Abu Simbel·Nile Valley
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. Unlike a fixed single sailing, it offers 3-, 4- and 7-night options in both directions, with Luxor or Aswan available for embarkation and disembarkation. Abu Simbel is an optional addition rather than an included stop.
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
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
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities
- Personal expenses, including purchases from the gift shop
- Single-cabin supplement, where applicable
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.
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
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.
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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $785single cabin $1,017triple cabin $785 | May – September: from $629single cabin $765triple cabin $629 | Peak dates: from $960single cabin $1,331triple cabin $960 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $918single cabin $1,227triple cabin $918 | May – September: from $710single cabin $892triple cabin $710 | Peak dates: from $1,152single cabin $1,646triple cabin $1,152 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,315single cabin $1,856triple cabin $1,315 | May – September: from $951single cabin $1,269triple cabin $951 | Peak dates: from $1,724single cabin $2,589triple cabin $1,724 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,336single cabin $1,877triple cabin $1,336 | May – September: from $972single cabin $1,290triple cabin $972 | Peak dates: from $1,745single cabin $2,610triple cabin $1,745 |
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 King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise offers various sailing options, including 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.02What 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.03Are 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.04What 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.05What 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.06Is 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.07What 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.08What 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.09What 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.10Are 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-902998
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