Kontiki Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with Nile-view cabins, shaded sun-deck seating, lounge bar, indoor dining, and full-board sailing.
The short answer
Kontiki 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 $1,029 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile carries a soft current past the deck while Luxor’s riverbanks shift from city streets to fields. From a Nile-view cabin or the shaded sun deck, you can watch fishermen cast their nets, pause in the lounge bar, and let the landscape set the pace between shore excursions.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings into focus without turning the sailing days into a rushed checklist. We select and arrange the vessel, shore program, meals, and port coordination, so your time aboard feels settled from embarkation through disembarkation.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,029double cabinsingle cabin $1,380 | Peak dates: from $1,419double cabinsingle cabin $2,121 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,275double cabinsingle cabin $1,743 | Peak dates: from $1,795double cabinsingle cabin $2,731 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,959double cabinsingle cabin $2,778 | Peak dates: from $2,869double cabinsingle cabin $4,507 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,978double cabinsingle cabin $2,797 | Peak dates: from $2,888double cabinsingle cabin $4,526 |
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
- 01Five-star cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, most with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 02Sun deck with shaded seating, lounge bar and indoor dining room
- 03Full-board dining from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
- 04Planned shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Kontiki Nile Cruise
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's excursion program, to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of on-board facilities: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities to crew and guides
- Personal expenses and optional shore activities not listed in the vessel program
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with comfortable cabins, set meals, and time on board between sightseeing stops. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and history-focused visitors who are comfortable with repeated embarkation and disembarkation at river ports and monument sites.
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.
- Moondance Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,029 per person
- Lady Mary Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,029 per person
- Lady Carol Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,029 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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and printed cruise voucher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a brimmed hat
- Lightweight daypack and reusable water bottle
- A small flashlight or headlamp for tomb visits
- Prescription medications and basic first-aid items
- Photocopy of passport and emergency contact list
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- Long sleeves and trousers or skirts for sun and modesty at temples
- A light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A scarf or shawl for mosque or temple entrances
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two adults. Children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare when sharing a cabin with two adults. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child only may share a cabin with parents; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers can be practical onboard but may be difficult on shore excursions with stairs or uneven surfaces; high chairs may be available on request but are supplied by the vessel and not guaranteed.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Kontiki Nile Cruise involves uneven surfaces, gangways with steps, and stone pathways at archaeological sites that require steady footing. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with 6 to 12 steps depending on river level; wheelchair ramps onboard are not standard. Shore excursions include cobbled temple courtyards, stairs at tomb entrances, and soft sand at some riverbanks. Guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can assess feasibility and request mobility assistance at airports and ports. We arrange meet-and-assist at the airport, but note that complete step-free access ashore cannot be guaranteed at sites such as the Valley of the Kings or Philae Temple.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses standard diesel river tenders and an air-conditioned motorized vessel with fuel consumption typical for Nile cruisers; small excursion launches are petrol or diesel powered. We contract locally owned crewed vessels and employ local Egyptologists for shore excursions, and shore-side suppliers are paid directly by the cruise line. Onboard waste is segregated where port reception facilities permit, and single-use plastics are being reduced. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we prioritise suppliers who hire local staff and source food from markets in Luxor and Aswan, which provides direct benefit to regional producers.
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 Kontiki Nile Cruise sailing?
We arrange these cruises as part of longer Egypt itineraries, allowing you to experience the Nile at a comfortable pace.02What is included in the full board meals on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Kontiki Nile Cruise includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, served in the vessel's main dining room.03What shore excursions are part of the Kontiki Nile Cruise program?
The Kontiki Nile Cruise includes scheduled shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are coordinated by the vessel's crew.04What is the policy for children traveling on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What should I wear for shore excursions from the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. When visiting temples and mosques, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees out of respect.06Are drinks included with meals on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are typically not included in the full board arrangement. You can purchase additional beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks, from the lounge bar or dining room.07What are the cabin options available on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The Kontiki Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. All cabins feature panoramic windows or balconies with Nile views, providing comfortable accommodation during your sailing.08What is the single supplement policy for solo travelers on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Pricing for the Kontiki Nile Cruise is generally per person sharing a cabin. Solo travelers will typically incur a single supplement charge for sole occupancy of a cabin. Please enquire for specific rates.09What facilities are available on board the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
On board the Kontiki Nile Cruise, guests can enjoy a sun deck with a swimming pool, a comfortable lounge bar, and a main dining room. These facilities offer spaces for relaxation and socialising between shore excursions.10What is the best time of year to experience a Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The best time to experience a Kontiki Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-624028
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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