Magic II Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and Nile-view balconies.
The short answer
Magic II 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 $990 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck, with feluccas crossing the current and the riverbank slipping past your cabin window. Magic II gives the sailing a quiet rhythm: meals in the dining room, time in the lounge bar, and open views from the deck between shore excursions.
We arrange your embarkation in Luxor or Aswan and coordinate the cruise line’s program at Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we confirm cabin class, port arrangements, and your Egyptologist-led visits before departure.
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 $990double cabinsingle cabin $1,263 | May – September: from $912double cabinsingle cabin $1,127 | Peak dates: from $1,224double cabinsingle cabin $1,673 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,223double cabinsingle cabin $1,587 | May – September: from $1,119double cabinsingle cabin $1,405 | Peak dates: from $1,535double cabinsingle cabin $2,133 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,868double cabinsingle cabin $2,505 | May – September: from $1,686double cabinsingle cabin $2,186 | Peak dates: from $2,414double cabinsingle cabin $3,460 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,887double cabinsingle cabin $2,524 | May – September: from $1,705double cabinsingle cabin $2,206 | Peak dates: from $2,433double cabinsingle cabin $3,480 |
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
- 01Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; Egyptologist guides join shore visits for context and explanations.
- 02Full-day sailings between monuments minimize daily transfers; most embark/disembark occur at Luxor or Aswan Nile quays.
- 03We plan two-hour visits at Edfu, avoiding the typical 40-minute rushed shore calls common on many cruises.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard Magic II in the chosen cabin
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursions scheduled by the cruise line to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of public onboard facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Port taxes and standard onboard service charges, where charged by the cruise line
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and guides, unless otherwise stated
- Egypt entry visa and international flights
- Personal expenses and optional activities not listed in the cruise line 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
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, including available Nile-view balcony options, subject to confirmation. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or additional sightseeing around the cruise ports, and travelers may request premium-site visits, upgraded arrangements or extra hotel nights before embarkation or after disembarkation.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and couples or families who want to connect Luxor and Aswan while visiting major Pharaonic and Ptolemaic sites. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with scheduled shore excursions, boarding procedures and moderate walking over uneven temple and archaeological-site surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation, sailing between Luxor and Aswan, onboard meals and scheduled temple excursions. Unlike a fixed named-ship product, the cruise vessel is assigned at booking, while cabin choice is made from Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories subject to availability.
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.
- Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $990 per person
- Royal Elite Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $990 per person
- Grand Rose Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $990 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
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- Selected Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Scheduled shore excursions · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining room access · Port taxes and standard onboard service charges where charged
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking a structured Luxor–Aswan experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Prescription medicines and basic toiletries
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the river
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient paving and sand
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the sun deck
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children ages 0 to 5.99 years travel free, ages 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and ages 12 and older 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 may be difficult on gangways, stairs, and shore excursions. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves boarding by gangway, which may be steep or uneven depending on the river level and dock position. Cabins and public areas are connected by stairs, and elevator access cannot be guaranteed for every deck or shore excursion. Visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient paving, steps, sand, and limited shade. Wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can confirm the assigned vessel, cabin location, gangway access, and excursion arrangements. A companion may be needed for boarding and site visits.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River travel consolidates accommodation, dining, and transport on one vessel, reducing the need for separate road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Shore transfers and excursions use locally contracted Egyptian transport providers and licensed Egyptologists arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The cruise line controls fuel use, waste handling, water consumption, and onboard laundry, so practices vary by assigned vessel. Guests can help by reusing towels, avoiding single-use plastic, using water thoughtfully, and keeping all waste onboard until crew provide disposal facilities. Excursions support local guides, drivers, site staff, and Egyptian visitor economies.
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 II Nile Cruise?
These sailings combine scenic river travel with scheduled shore excursions to key ancient sites along the Nile.02What is included with the full board on the Magic II Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Magic II Nile Cruise includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Meals are served in the onboard dining room.03What shore excursions are part of the Magic II Nile Cruise program?
The Magic II Nile Cruise includes scheduled shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are coordinated by the cruise line.04What types of cabins are available on the Magic II Nile Cruise?
The Magic II Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Some cabins feature Nile-view balconies, providing scenic outlooks as you sail along the river.05What facilities are available on board the Magic II Nile Cruise?
On board the Magic II Nile Cruise, guests have access to a sun deck, a lounge bar, and a dining room. These public areas are designed for relaxation and enjoyment while sailing the Nile.06What is the policy for children on the Magic II 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 rate. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. When visiting temples and religious sites, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate.08Are gratuities included in the Magic II Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the crew and guides are generally not included in the Magic II Nile Cruise price unless explicitly stated. It is customary to tip for good service in Egypt.09What is the best time of year to take a Magic II Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Magic II Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot.10Are drinks (including water) included on the Magic II Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are not included in the full board arrangement on the Magic II Nile Cruise. Additional beverages can be purchased from the lounge bar or dining room.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-800567
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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