MayFair Nile Cruise
Luxor to Aswan, Karnak to Philae
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
- New
02 Overview
A first look
The MayFair sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers and Egyptologists to accompany shore visits.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in LUXOR.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Sun deck
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Spa center
- Boutique and jewelry shop
- Laundry and dry cleaning services
- WiFi in public areas
- Library
- Reception
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- 3, 4, or 7 nights' Ultra Deluxe accommodation on full board basis
- All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Meet & assist service upon arrival & departure
- All airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- Complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- All service charges & taxes
- Small group tours (maximum 8 participants)
Not included
- Any additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, including laundry, minibar, and spa treatments
- Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees and international airfare
Before you go
What to pack & wear
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 (maximum one child per cabin). Two or more children require their own cabin.
Location
On the map
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 1 July 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-182843
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