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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Magic II is a five-star Nile cruise package sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
The Magic II Nile Cruise includes accommodation in a selected Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The package also includes access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, while drinks (including water), gratuities, visas and optional premium-site fees are additional.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors·
- Solo traveller
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
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged through the tour operator.
- DTE provides on-the-ground travel support for arranged Egypt services.
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- DTE is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Magic II visiting Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan's Philae Temple.
- 02Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; Egyptologist guides join shore visits for context and explanations.
- 03Full-day sailings between monuments minimize daily transfers; most embark/disembark occur at Luxor or Aswan Nile quays.
- 04We include full-board meals and daily cabin housekeeping; premium pyramid interiors or premium tomb entrances excluded unless requested.
- 05We plan two-hour visits at Edfu, avoiding the typical 40-minute rushed shore calls common on many cruises.
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. Weekly sailings operate in both directions, so we can match the vessel to your wider Egypt plans. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we confirm cabin class, port arrangements, and your Egyptologist-led visits before departure.
Background
The facts
Magic II is a five-star Nile cruise package arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with sailings available weekly in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation are available at Luxor and Aswan, and the vessel is assigned at booking rather than being a named ship attached to the package. Cabin categories include Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with some cabins offering Nile-view balconies.
The cruise program combines sailing days with scheduled shore excursions. Listed sites include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak developed over many centuries from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period, while the Valley of the Kings was used primarily for royal burials during Egypt’s New Kingdom.
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Meals are served in the onboard dining room; drinks (including water), gratuities and optional premium attractions are additional. Public facilities include a sun deck, lounge bar and shared onboard areas, while port taxes and standard onboard service charges are included where charged by the cruise line.
Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island after the original temple complex was relocated during the Nubia archaeological rescue campaign associated with the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Optional premium attractions may include the interiors of the Khufu or Khafre pyramids and premium tombs, subject to availability and separate payment. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Aswan High Dam·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period·Khufu Pyramid·Khafre Pyramid
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.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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
- Entrance fees for optional premium sites, such as the Khufu or Khafre pyramid interiors and premium tombs, unless explicitly listed
- Personal expenses and optional activities not listed in the cruise line program
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.
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
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.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | 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 $843single cabin $1,116triple cabin $843 | May – September: from $765single cabin $980triple cabin $765 | Peak dates: from $1,077single cabin $1,526triple cabin $1,077 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $996single cabin $1,360triple cabin $996 | May – September: from $892single cabin $1,178triple cabin $892 | Peak dates: from $1,308single cabin $1,906triple cabin $1,308 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,451single cabin $2,088triple cabin $1,451 | May – September: from $1,269single cabin $1,770triple cabin $1,269 | Peak dates: from $1,997single cabin $3,044triple cabin $1,997 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,472single cabin $2,109triple cabin $1,472 | May – September: from $1,290single cabin $1,791triple cabin $1,290 | Peak dates: from $2,018single cabin $3,065triple cabin $2,018 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing 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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Magic II Nile Cruise?
The Magic II Nile Cruise typically sails for 3 or 4 nights, offering itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-800567
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