Magic I Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic views, full-board dining, a sun deck, lounge bar, swimming pool, and shore excursions.
The short answer
Magic I 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 $781 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At Luxor’s riverfront, the Nile carries the last heat of the afternoon past the sun deck, while the call to embarkation gathers guests beside the vessel. From there, Magic I gives you a calm base for watching villages, farmland, and desert edges change between Luxor and Aswan.
Our shore-excursion program brings you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, through Luxor Temple after dark, and into the quieter spaces of Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Between visits, settle into the lounge bar, dining room, or pool, then ask our Egyptologist about the landscape passing your panoramic window. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cabin, embarkation details, shore excursions, and on-the-ground support before you sail.
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 $781double cabinsingle cabin $999 | May – September: from $703double cabinsingle cabin $878 | Peak dates: from $1,015double cabinsingle cabin $1,405 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $948double cabinsingle cabin $1,239 | May – September: from $844double cabinsingle cabin $1,078 | Peak dates: from $1,260double cabinsingle cabin $1,780 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,443double cabinsingle cabin $1,953 | May – September: from $1,261double cabinsingle cabin $1,670 | Peak dates: from $1,989double cabinsingle cabin $2,899 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,462double cabinsingle cabin $1,972 | May – September: from $1,280double cabinsingle cabin $1,690 | Peak dates: from $2,008double cabinsingle cabin $2,918 |
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 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 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 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.
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Our Egyptologist conducts guided tours at Karnak and Luxor Temples, focusing on timelines and architectural phases.
- 02We schedule two-hour visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo to avoid the 40-minute rush typical from day cruise boats.
- 03Aswan stop includes Philae Temple and High Dam briefings; Abu Simbel flight transfers available on request and separate cost.
- 04All meals onboard, Nile-view private cabins, 24-hour reception; we provide local licensed Egyptian tour operator support throughout.
On property
What's here
- Parking
- Gym
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the booked cabin class
- Full board, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
- Use of the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Daily cabin housekeeping
- Use of listed onboard facilities, including the swimming pool where available
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and local guide gratuities, unless specifically requested
- Premium cabin upgrades and suite supplements
- Entrance fees for sites and tombs not explicitly stated as included
- International flights, visas, and travel insurance
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 request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, subject to availability, with premium upgrades and suite supplements priced separately. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction and may coordinate additional sightseeing, private guiding, transfers or hotel stays before and after the sailing.
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 enthusiasts who want to combine guided sightseeing with a slower river-based travel style. Travelers should be comfortable boarding a vessel, walking through archaeological sites on uneven ground and managing stairs or ramps between the ship and shore.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed one-way sailing, this cruise is available weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing greater flexibility when connecting it with hotels, flights or a wider Egypt itinerary. Unlike a room-only river package, it includes full-board dining from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast and a scheduled shore-excursion program.
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.
- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor
From $781 per person
- King of Thebes Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $800 per person
- Kleos Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $800 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
- Selected 5-Star Nile Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin in the booked Standard, Deluxe or Suite class · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining room access · Daily cabin housekeeping · Swimming pool where available · Shore excursions to listed Nile Valley sites where included in the booking
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking flexible Luxor–Aswan sailing options
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Any required prescription medicines
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Conservative clothing for religious sites
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult on gangways, stairs, uneven quays, and ancient site surfaces, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires independent boarding, use of gangways, and movement through corridors, cabin thresholds, stairs, and shared deck areas. River cruise quays can involve uneven paving, narrow ramps, and changes in level between the quay and vessel. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient stone, sand, stairs, and limited shade. Wheelchair access may be possible in selected public areas, but cabin and shore-excursion suitability must be confirmed before booking. Guests with reduced mobility should travel with an accompanying adult and request an accessibility review.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses river transport between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road travel between the main Nile Valley sites. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the vessel and shore services through local Egyptian suppliers. On board, guests should use water and electricity thoughtfully, avoid single-use plastic where practical, and follow the crew’s waste instructions. The cruise program directs spending toward local Egyptologists, drivers, site staff, restaurants, and port services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Specific fuel, waste, and energy data depend on the assigned vessel and are not assumed.
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 Magic I Nile Cruise?
This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's historical sites and a relaxed pace on board.02What is included in the full-board dining on the Magic I Nile Cruise?
Full-board dining on the Magic I Nile Cruise includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Magic I Nile Cruise program?
The Magic I Nile Cruise includes a comprehensive shore excursion program. You will visit key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings.04What cabin classes are available on the Magic I Nile Cruise?
The Magic I Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite options. Cabins feature Nile-view windows, with some higher classes offering private balconies for enhanced views of the river.05What on-board facilities can I use during my Magic I Nile Cruise?
Guests on the Magic I Nile Cruise can enjoy a range of on-board facilities. These include a sun deck, a lounge bar, a dining room, a swimming pool, and air-conditioned public areas for your comfort while sailing.06Is the Magic I Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, the Magic I Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children 0–5.99 years travel free, 6–11.99 years pay 50%, and 12+ pay the full adult price. One child maximum per cabin, sharing with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits. On board, casual attire is suitable, with slightly dressier options for dinner if desired.08What is the photography policy for sites visited on the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, but some tombs or specific areas may prohibit it or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise you on specific rules at each location.09What is the best time of year to take a Magic I Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but offer fewer crowds.10Are gratuities for the crew and guides included in the cruise price?
No, crew and local guide gratuities are not included in the standard cruise price unless specifically requested and arranged beforehand. It is customary to tip the crew and your Egyptologist at the end of the cruise.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-041229
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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