What you're actually paying for
The Luxury tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 24–55 m² · suites to 80+ m²
- Decks
- 4–5 (cabins on 3–4)
- Balcony
- All cabins · large private balcony
- Dining
- Two a la carte · no buffet · sommelier
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.1 · butler on suites
- Pool
- Yes · pool + bar + shaded loungers + spa
- Best for
- Honeymoons · landmark trips · 60+ travelers
- From (per person)
- $2,200 · 4 nights / 5 days
“Two formats sit in this tier. Cat-A river cruisers, and the 8–12-cabin dahabiyas that go where the big boats can't.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night sees Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
5-Star Luxury Nile cruisers (28).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
Esplanade Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
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.
Farah Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
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 · 4 nights$1,042/ pp
Historia Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Our one-day Historia Nile Cruise is a daytime, scenic passage on the Nile. We provide onboard English commentary about the river’s historical and cultural significance (including context for nearby sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple), a complimentary welcome drink, and a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options. The cruise offers panoramic river views and sunset photo opportunities from comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas. Departure times and embarkation points vary by city and season, so we confirm details at booking.
From · 4 nights$1,386/ pp
Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Luxor → LUXOR
Sail between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Jaz Elite Senator, visiting Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Philae, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. The vessel features all-suite accommodation and an evening folkloric show, with daytime deck space for river views and temple façades. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits, and tours are capped at eight guests to keep groups small and focused. Compared with many larger Nile boats, the Jaz Elite Senator offers only suite accommodation rather than mixed cabin types. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate on-the-ground logistics, so guests step off the gangway straight into scheduled visits and evening briefings with the guide.
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise is a five-star passenger vessel offering full board accommodation and an on-board shore excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel features a dining room, lounge bar and sun deck for river viewing, plus graded cabin classes from Standard to Suite. It sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and escorted shore visits to major Nile sites. We arrange bookings and cabin allocation for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the cruise line owns and runs the vessel.
From · 4 nights$920/ pp
Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
MayFair Nile Cruise
Luxor → LUXOR
The MayFair Nile Cruise sails the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Shore visits are scheduled to allow focused time at the major temples and tombs, with Egyptologists available to accompany archaeological sightseeing. Cabins and public spaces vary by vessel; we confirm exact cabin details at booking. Unlike day trips that require long drives back each evening, a multi-night cruise keeps you close to the sites and reduces repeated land transfers. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists, and your cruise booking aboard the MayFair.
Mayflower Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Medea Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travelers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.
From · 4 nights$900/ pp
Miriam Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier mid-afternoon and settle into a compact river cabin before the first walk to Karnak. I meet you on the quay: I am the Egyptologist who guides this route and I take you straight to the temple avenues where the sound of sandals on sandstone and the smell of date-syrup stalls still set the rhythm of the day. We start early on the West Bank at the Valley of the Kings – low light, few people, and panels that explain the painted ceilings up close. Back on board you watch the Nile change color as the vessel slips through the Esna lock; we moor overnight near Edfu so the temple visit gets two hours rather than a rushed stop. Day three gives you Kom Ombo’s double shrines and the Nile at dusk; on arrival in Aswan I show you Philae’s hypostyle hall and the High Dam’s concrete scale against the river. Cabins are compact (about 12 m²) – classic river scale, not ocean-liner. Full board includes three meals daily; breakfasts are early to match excursions. Practical notes: bring a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and expect short walks and stairs at most sites. I walk every route with you, point out mason’s marks and later-period graffiti, and keep the timing tight so photography fits the light.
From · 4 nights$890/ pp
Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
The Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offering deluxe cabins, full board dining, and guided shore visits with English-speaking Egyptologists. Itineraries run from three to seven nights, with embarkation in Aswan or Luxor. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange meet and assist on arrival, all transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and entrance fees to listed sites. Guided shore tours are limited to eight guests, which keeps commentary focused and departures quicker at busy monuments. WiFi is available in most public areas, and each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water per day. Compared with larger cruise programs, our small-group approach permits more time at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, and Luxor West Bank.
From · 4 nights$880/ pp
Movenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise
Aswan → Abu Simbel
A one-day cruise aboard the Mövenpick Prince Abbas on Lake Nasser, operating from Aswan and serving the Abu Simbel corridor. We arrange the cruise logistics, local crew and onboard meals, as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We do not run mass coach transfers; our transfers are private or small-group, timed to minimise waiting at the pier. Unlike coach-run shore excursions, this cruise gives a slower pace on the lake and direct access to Abu Simbel by boat or tender depending on the itinerary.
Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board the MS Royal Lily at the Aswan Nile quay; I meet you on the main deck to run through safety, timeline and the week’s sites. The five-day cruise sails north from Aswan to Luxor on a five-star river cruiser; cabins measure approximately 18–22 m² and most have river-view windows or French balconies–this is intimate river scale, not an ocean liner. After an early lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk on the East Bank, then return for the short sail to Philae and the granite causeway to the Temple of Isis when water and current permit. The vessel makes a daytime stop at Kom Ombo for a guided tour of the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, with on-site explanations of the paired chapels and crocodile cult finds. We moor overnight at Edfu so you have a calm morning visit to the Temple of Horus–this gives the temple the two-hour visit it needs rather than a rushed stop. On Luxor’s West Bank the coach drops at the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple; expect uneven stone, steps and short walks. The cruise finishes with Karnak’s Hypostyle Hall and an afternoon at Luxor Temple before disembarkation at the Luxor quay. Onboard facilities include a shaded sun deck, small plunge pool and a salon with panoramic windows; daily briefings by your Egyptologist explain what to look for in reliefs and layout. Practical note: entrance fees, gratuities and domestic flights are not included.
Movenpick Sun Ray Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Nebu Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
The Nebu Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. Luxury full-board accommodation is provided onboard, with private excursions led by expert English-speaking Egyptologists, each guide working with no more than eight guests. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we meet and assist on arrival, and arrange private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles. Unlike larger cruise ships, excursions on the Nebu are private and run in small groups to limit time spent queuing at temple entrances. For travelers who disembark in Aswan, an optional Abu Simbel excursion is available on request.
Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile four days aboard MS Nile Excellence with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Kom Ombo and Edfu. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we don't run coach-based group tours; our schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to reduce midday heat when possible. Unlike many packaged four-night cruises, we allocate fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than 40–90 minute drive-by stops. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium extras (for example Luxor hot-air balloon) and pyramid-interior tickets are excluded. Expect at least two early starts and limited shade on deck at midday.
From · 4 nights$880/ pp
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your cabin, private transfers, and a licensed Egyptologist for every departure. Unlike many operators that compress visits into short stops, the ship conducts overnight transits to reduce daytime transfer time. We do not run large coach-group excursions from the ship; shore groups are kept small to improve walking flow at temple sites. Trade-offs: expect early mornings, limited shade at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone. Premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are not included.
From · 4 nights$880/ pp
Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise
Aswan → ASWAN
Aboard the Nubian Sea, this four-day cruise sails Lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel, visiting Kalabsha, Wadi El-Seboua, Amada, and Derr. Your Discovery Tours Egypt representative meets you on arrival in Aswan, and our Egyptologists lead all scheduled shore visits. We avoid rushed coach-drop visits, which gives you longer guided time at each temple than many day-trip schedules allow. Full-board meals and accommodation onboard are included, along with all scheduled sightseeing with our Egyptologists. Evenings are spent on the lake, so you reach remote sites at quieter times of day. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; contact us for cabin arrangements and timing details before you travel.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering cabin accommodation, public lounges, a sun deck and an onboard excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided, defined as lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange bookings and transfers for this carefully selected cruiser.
Soleil Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
From Luxor to Aswan, the Soleil Nile Cruise Classic follows the Nile, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Guided visits with our Egyptologists are scheduled at each named site, and standard entrance fees for included sites are covered. Meals are served onboard, and evenings on deck let you watch riverside villages and palm-lined farmland pass by. We do not run large coach-group tours; our Egyptologists lead the visits we arrange, and we adapt pacing to the boat timetable. Unlike many short shore excursions, this itinerary allows extended on-site time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than a brief photo stop. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we handle the on-the-ground arrangements for your embarkation, guided sightseeing, and transfers.
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel with spacious suites, each offering a private Nile-view balcony. The vessel features a sun deck, a lounge bar, a dining room, and an onboard shore-excursion programme calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange this cruise for you, including full board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast; drinks beyond water and gratuities are typically extra. Unlike mass coach tours, the ship’s programme alternates sailing and guided shore visits for calmer sightseeing pacing.
From · 4 nights$1,184/ pp
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel with suites, a sun deck pool and multiple public lounges. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and embarks and disembarks at Luxor and Aswan. We hand-pick this cruiser for travellers who prefer spacious cabins and a full-board dining rhythm: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae, with days alternating between sailing and visits.
From · 4 nights$1,336/ pp
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Four days aboard MS The Oberoi Phiale sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we meet you with private transfers, and an Egyptologist accompanies shore visits. We prioritize time ashore and guided exploration rather than onboard spectacle. Unlike larger hotel-style Nile ships, this itinerary schedules dawn or late-afternoon visits to reduce crowds and midday heat. Trade-offs: some visits require early starts, many temple approaches have uneven stone and stairs, and evenings ashore are limited in smaller towns. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; premium tombs, hot-air balloon flights, and private transfers to Abu Simbel are optional extras.
From · 4 nights$2,393/ pp
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
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 · 4 nights$1,791/ pp
Tosca Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
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.
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Luxury dahabiyas (11).
Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.
Abundance Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From · 5 nights$1,487/ pp
Adelaide Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
This is a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We sail at a reduced-engine pace and moor at village landings rather than large cruise piers. Unlike larger motorized riverliners, the dahabiya prioritizes quiet transit and closer village access, which changes timing and walk-off logistics compared with standard Nile cruises. We arrange Egyptologist-guided shore visits and all ground transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Trade-offs: smaller cabins, fewer public spaces, and occasional schedule variation when wind conditions affect progress – we plan itineraries to manage those variables.
From · 5 nights$1,557/ pp
Azhar Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.
From · 5 nights$1,892/ pp
Iris Luxury Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail the Nile for seven days aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya with Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We operate the Iris as a private charter, avoiding large river-ship schedules and crowded day-stop itineraries. The dahabiya cruises at a traditional, slow pace, which gives longer shore time at Kom Ombo and Edfu and relaxed mornings in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists can join guided visits ashore; we arrange transfers, permits, and local guides. Trade-offs: cabins are more compact than contemporary river ships and onboard amenities are fewer, but the pace and privacy are materially different from standard Nile cruises.
From · 5 nights$931/ pp
Malouka Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, arranged for you as a full board Nile cruise vessel with traditional low-slung lines and spacious public areas. The vessel offers a mix of Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining salon serving full board meals. The shore-excursion programme visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books this vessel for our clients on the ground.
From · 5 nights$2,044/ pp
Meroe Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya style Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and a paced shore-excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are arranged in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile views or private balconies. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by Egyptologist-guided land visits. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tombs and personal gratuities are typically extra.
From · 5 nights$2,189/ pp
Minya Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
We operate a 7-day dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Minya, concentrating on Middle Egypt sites such as Beni Hasan, Tuna el-Gebel and Tel el-Amarna. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists join selected land visits. Distinctive POV: we do not run large motor-ship cruises – the dahabiya anchors close to riverside quays so you disembark directly to provincial sites. Unlike standard Luxor–Aswan cruise schedules, this itinerary schedules two full days ashore for provincial tombs and the Mallawi Museum. Trade-offs: fewer on-board amenities than larger cruise ships, some cabins are compact, and visits require walking on uneven ancient stone. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs and special permits are extra.
From · 5 nights$1,910/ pp
Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star traditional dahabiya offering intimate sailing on the Nile, with full board and an on-board shore excursion programme. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and alternates sailing days with excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.
From · 5 nights$1,741/ pp
Princess Farida Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, a traditional, small-capacity sailing vessel on the Nile. The vessel offers graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon, with a programmed sequence of shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges this cruise for our guests.
From · 5 nights$1,285/ pp
Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027
Private Dahabiya is an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya, offered as a whole-boat charter for the Solar Eclipse 2027. We arrange riverbank mooring timed for the eclipse totality, plus personalised shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the vessel features a shaded sun deck, lounge bar and a dining saloon. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arranges the charter, crew and excursion programme.
From · 5 nights$9,800/ pp
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
A 7-day Nile cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate this trip as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead all site visits and our local crew handle navigation and meals. Unlike large motorized cruise boats, a dahabiya sails slowly and anchors overnight, allowing longer, quieter ashore visits. Expect smaller cabins and narrower gangways compared with larger river steamers; luggage and mobility constraints can apply. Typical days begin early for temples and may include walking on uneven ancient stone. We arrange private transfers, local guides, and flexible shore time; entrance fees are handled as stated in your booking.
From · 5 nights$829/ pp
Five things to know
Before you book Luxury.
01Should I pick a luxury river cruiser or a luxury dahabiya?
If you want a packed temple itinerary, sun-deck pool, and social atmosphere – Cat-A cruiser. If you want intimacy, slow river days, river-bank moorings, no nightclub, and you accept a lighter shore-excursion schedule – dahabiya. They sit at similar price points; the choice is style, not budget. Our reservations team has done both and will tell you which you'd actually prefer.
02What's actually included in 'butler service'?
On the suites where it applies: unpacking on arrival, pressing during the trip, in-suite breakfast on request, drinks restocked to preference, and a single point of contact for any on-board request. It's not theater – the butler genuinely makes the suite feel like a small hotel rather than a cabin.
03Are luxury Nile cruises worth the step up from Ultra-Deluxe?
Honest answer: for a 3-night cruise on a wider trip, often not – Ultra-Deluxe delivers the finish at a materially lower price. For a 7-night Luxor → Aswan → Luxor round-trip, or a honeymoon, or a once-in-a-decade landmark trip, yes – the cabin time and the dining matter when there's more of it. The dahabiya is the exception: there's no Ultra-Deluxe equivalent.
04Which Luxury cruisers are 'category A' and what does that mean?
Category A is an internal Egyptian Chamber of Tourism classification covering the newest, largest-cabin, lowest-density 5-star vessels on the Nile. Roughly 8–12 vessels qualify at any one time. Discovery Tours Egypt's reservations team maintains the current list – categorization can shift after refurbishments, so we update it quarterly.
05Is there a chef-grade dining experience on board?
On dahabiyas yes – small enough that the chef cooks for your trip specifically. On Cat-A cruisers, the two a la carte restaurants run set menus that rotate across the cruise but the kitchen is genuinely strong. If you want to send dietary notes ahead (allergies, vegan, halal, kosher prep) the chef receives them before sailing – our reservations team handles the hand-off.
Different budget?
The other three tiers.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Discovery Tours Egypt