Discovery Tours Egypt
The sun deck of a five-star Nile cruise ship looking out over the river

Seven nights · out and back

Luxor Round-Trip Nile Cruises

Fly into Luxor, leave from Luxor, and skip the internal flight entirely.

See the ships (115)How the route runs

220 kilometers, five moorings, one direction.

Upstream · souththe current runs this way →Downstream · north
  1. 01

    Luxor

    Board in time for lunch, included on arrival day. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank across the first two days.

  2. 02

    Esna

    The lock, southbound on the way down and again on the way back.

  3. 03

    Edfu

    The Temple of Horus — most round trips call here in both directions, at different times of day.

  4. 04

    Kom Ombo

    Sobek and Horus on the bank, usually at dusk heading south.

  5. 05

    Aswan

    The turn: two nights here for Philae, the High Dam and the islands, with Abu Simbel as an optional day trip before sailing north.

  6. 06

    Luxor

    Back where you started. Disembark after breakfast, airport or sleeper train from the same dock you left.

A round trip sails Luxor to Aswan and back again over seven nights. You get the full temple run in both directions, and you never move airports, which removes the single most fragile part of an Egypt itinerary.

It is the longer, slower option and the one experienced Nile travelers tend to pick on a second visit. Seeing Edfu southbound and again northbound is not repetition; the light and the crowd are different each time.

Why a round trip

No internal flight

One-way cruises need a domestic flight or a sleeper train at one end. A round trip does not. On a tight schedule that is one fewer thing that can go wrong, and one fewer set of bags to move.

Two nights in Aswan, not one

Round trips hold at Aswan for the turn, which is where the one-way sailings feel rushed. Philae, the High Dam, a felucca and Abu Simbel all fit without a 4am start.

The temples twice

Edfu and Kom Ombo are called at in both directions on most round trips. Early light southbound, late light northbound. Guests who have cruised before tend to rate this higher than first-timers expect.

Seven nights is the real week

Three or four nights on the river is a segment inside a bigger trip. Seven nights is the trip. If the Nile is the point rather than a stage of it, this is the shape.

What you stop at

Sandstone columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, Luxor
Karnak — the start and, in a sense, the end.
The riverside double temple of Kom Ombo lit at dusk above the Nile bank
Kom Ombo — called at in both directions on most round trips.
Colonnade and pylons of Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan
Philae — the turn, and two nights rather than one.

Sailing this route

106 ships sail this route, across four tiers, typically 7 nights.

Comfort5-Star Standard

24 ships
Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise – budget Nile river cruise ship

Comfort

Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise

Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Royal Beau Rivage with private Egyptologist-led shore visits and door-to-door transfers arranged by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. We do not run group-bus shore excursions; our Egyptologists lead private visits, and where scheduled we visit temples such as Kom Ombo and Edfu. Unlike packaged day trips from cruise ports, a four-day schedule compresses onshore time; we recommend adding nights in Luxor or Aswan to explore the West Bank or Philae at leisure. Expect compact cabins compared with land hotels, early starts, and walking on uneven ancient stone. Standard temple entrance fees are normally included; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra.

From $1,1257 nights

Departs Luxor SatFull Board5-star

Royal Elite Nile Cruise – budget Nile river cruise ship

Comfort

Royal Elite Nile Cruise

Four days aboard MS Royal Elite sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions and all main meals included. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and do not run large coach-group tours; our excursions use private cars or launches and English-speaking Egyptologists. Unlike many packaged 4-day cruises, we time departures and shore visits to reduce queues and waiting at the landing stages. Trade-offs: upper sun deck has limited shade at midday, and shore visits involve walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts. We handle port paperwork, all pick-ups, and can arrange optional Abu Simbel transfers on request.

From $1,1257 nights

Departs Luxor SatFull Board5-star

Royal Esadora Nile Cruise – budget Nile river cruise ship

Comfort

Royal Esadora Nile Cruise

Sail between Aswan and Luxor aboard Royal Esadora, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Luxor East Bank. Accommodation is on a full board basis, with guided excursions led by an English-speaking Egyptologist, limited to a maximum of eight guests per guided party. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private, air-conditioned transfers, meet-and-assist services, and entrance tickets listed in the itinerary. Onboard facilities include a sun deck with pool, a lounge and bar, a small fitness area, and a massage room. Unlike many short itineraries that treat Edfu and Kom Ombo as brief stops, this schedule allows proper time ashore at both temples. Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel can be arranged for an additional fee, and onboard WiFi and beverages are charged separately.

Price on request7 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

Royal Princess Nile Cruise – budget Nile river cruise ship

Comfort

Royal Princess Nile Cruise

Royal Princess Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor on scheduled 3- and 4-night departures. The route calls at Kom Ombo and Edfu, and includes visits to Luxor East Bank and Luxor West Bank. We provide full-board accommodation onboard, guided excursions with our English-speaking Egyptologists, entrance fees as listed, air-conditioned transfers, and one complimentary bottle of water per person each day. Group tours are limited to a maximum of eight participants, which allows longer time at Edfu and quieter landings at Kom Ombo compared with larger cruise ships. Embarkation is in Aswan, disembarkation in Luxor, with Friday departures running Aswan to Luxor and Monday departures running Luxor to Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all on-the-ground services.

Price on request7 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

Royal Ruby Nile Cruise – budget Nile river cruise ship

Comfort

Royal Ruby Nile Cruise

The Royal Ruby Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Luxor East and West Banks, and Aswan sights. Choose the 4-day, 3-night Aswan to Luxor sailing that departs Fridays, or the 5-day, 4-night Luxor to Aswan sailing that departs Mondays. We arrange all guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist, meet and assist on arrival and departure, and small-group tours limited to eight participants. Onboard facilities include a sundeck with a swimming pool, a panorama bar, a restaurant, nightly entertainment, and WiFi in public areas. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we do not run large coach groups, so shore visits aim for quieter access and more time at each temple. Optional excursions to Abu Simbel can be arranged from Aswan.

Price on request7 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

See all 24 Comfort cruises

Classic5-Star Deluxe

44 ships

See all 44 Classic cruises

Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe

19 ships
Tulip Nile Cruise – ultra-deluxe Nile river cruise ship

Prestige

Tulip Nile Cruise

You board mid-afternoon at the Luxor Nile Corniche pier, a ten-minute walk from Luxor Temple, and settle into MS Tulip’s river-view cabin. I meet you on deck and walk the promenade to point out the Nile’s changing light as we cast off and slip south. Day two begins early on the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings (expect uneven steps and dim tomb chambers), Hatshepsut’s terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. We pass through the Esna lock in the late afternoon; engines hum and the ship rises with the water – a practical moment, not a show. Edfu’s temple requires a short transfer from the pier by carriage or shuttle; plan about 90 minutes on-site. Kom Ombo’s double temple sits right on the riverbank; we moor there for a one-hour visit. In Aswan we tie up on the city corniche opposite the market; I take you to Philae by motorboat, the High Dam viewpoint, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite yard. Cabins are Nile-cruise scale – compact, river-facing rooms with en-suite bathrooms and climate control – not ocean-liner suites. Meals are full board in the dining room; breakfasts are early and packed when an excursion leaves before dawn. Expect clear, practical guiding: I read the reliefs with you, show construction details at Karnak, and flag the best light for photos at each temple.

From $3,0813 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

Alexander The Great Nile Cruise – ultra-deluxe Nile river cruise ship

Prestige

Alexander The Great Nile Cruise

Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Alexander The Great, a Prestige-class vessel running the classic Luxor–Aswan river route. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange embarkation in Luxor, guided visits with our Egyptologists, and disembarkation in Aswan. Scheduled stops typically include major temples along the Nile banks, allowing time ashore for sites such as Karnak, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We do not run coach-style, large-group shore calls; our Egyptologists prioritise early visits to reduce peak crowds when possible. Unlike short, overnight cruises that rush temple calls, this route gives more time at riverside sites and villages, and more opportunities to watch daily Nile life from deck. Standard site entrance fees are normally included on Nile cruises; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically requested.

Price on request7 nights

Departs Luxor SatFull Board5-star

See all 19 Prestige cruises

Luxury5-Star Luxury

19 ships
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury

The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS The Oberoi Zahra, booked through our licensed Egyptian tour operator. We provide private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany shore visits. Unlike mass-market 4-night boats, we do not bundle coach tours; we confirm each ashore stop and pacing with you before travel. Trade-offs: expect early starts for some crossings and occasional quay congestion at Luxor or Aswan. Standard archaeological site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and pyramid interiors are excluded. Tell us your travel dates and cabin preference and we will confirm availability and the detailed ashore program.

From $5,5597 nights

Departs Luxor Fri · SatFull Board5-star

Tosca Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury

Tosca Nile Cruise

MS Tosca sails the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak. Tosca was designed by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which shapes the ship’s dining and public spaces. We arrange private, Egyptologist-led excursions, capped at eight guests per guide, so site visits are small and focused. The itinerary is available as a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor, or a 5-day reverse route with an optional Abu Simbel excursion. Departures run weeky from Luxor on Monday, and from Aswan on Friday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide meet-and-assist at embarkation, modern air-conditioned transfers, and personal assistance throughout your cruise.

Price on request7 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

Esplanade Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury

Esplanade Nile Cruise

The Esplanade sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private modern transfers, and guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Excursions run with groups capped at eight guests per Egyptologist, keeping commentary focused and the pace flexible. Onboard meals are full board, and evenings include Egyptian folkloric performances and relaxed time on deck. The itinerary also offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan on disembarkation day. Unlike standard mass-market sailings, our shore visits are private, timed to avoid the busiest periods where possible.

From $1,3503 nights

Departs Luxor SatFull Board5-star

Farah Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury

Farah Nile Cruise

Four days aboard MS Farah sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include an Egyptologist on every departure rather than a driver-guide; that keeps commentary focused and consistent throughout the cruise. Unlike shared coach day trips, the vessel sails overnight so you gain two mornings ashore and more relaxed transfer times. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, mornings can start early, and walking is on uneven ancient stone at many sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; gratuities and premium tombs are excluded. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers.

From $3,0813 nights

Departs Luxor MonFull Board5-star

See all 19 Luxury cruises

9 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise

Or sail it in seven nights instead of three.

A dahabiya covers the same stretch under sail with six to twelve guests aboard, mooring at El Kab and Gebel Silsila where the larger ships carry on past. It costs more per night and takes twice as long, which is the entire point.

Dahabiya cruises
A twin-masted dahabiya under sail on the Nile

When a one-way is the better trade

If your Egypt trip has Cairo, the Red Sea or Jordan attached, seven nights on the river is probably too much of the budget in one place. A three- or four-night one-way covers the same headline temples and leaves room for the rest. Take the round trip when the Nile is the holiday, not a chapter of it.

Questions we get about the direction

01How long is a Luxor round-trip Nile cruise?

Seven nights, sailing Luxor to Aswan and back to Luxor. That is the standard round-trip length across the fleet; three- and four-night sailings are the one-way segments of the same route.

02Do you visit the same temples twice?

Edfu and Kom Ombo are usually called at in both directions, at different times of day. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank are done at the Luxor end; Philae, the High Dam and the islands during the two-night hold at Aswan. It is the same river, not the same day.

03Is a round trip better than a one-way?

It is better if you want the Nile itself to be the trip and would rather not move airports. It is worse if Egypt also has to include Cairo and the Red Sea, because seven nights is most of a two-week holiday. The temples are identical either way.

04Can I add Abu Simbel?

Yes, during the Aswan turn. Round trips hold there long enough that Abu Simbel fits by short flight or road convoy without cutting anything else. Our Aswan office arranges it as part of the booking.

Other ways to sail

Aswan to LuxorNorthbound with the current: three nights, and Karnak saved for last.Luxor to AswanThe classic southbound run: four nights, Karnak first, finishing in Aswan.Aswan Round TripSeven nights from Aswan, with Abu Simbel available either end.

Tell us your dates and we'll pick the direction.

Our Aswan and Luxor offices handle both ends of this route. Egypt travel specialists since 1988, with offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.

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