Medea Nile Cruise
5-star Nile cruiser with graded cabins, panoramic windows, sun deck with shaded seating and pool, panoramic dining, full board, weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Medea Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabin Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board meals · En-suite cabin accommodation · English-speaking Egyptologist · Scheduled shore excursions · Use of onboard facilities · Port taxes and routine service charges
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting guided Upper Egypt sightseeing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- English-speaking Egyptologist included on scheduled shore excursions
- Full board and port taxes are clearly specified in the inclusions
- 24/7 on-the-ground travel support is available for arranged trips
- Cabin category, excursion programme, and exclusions are disclosed in advance
02 Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile light fills the panoramic dining room and the sun deck smells faintly of hibiscus and diesel, a reminder you are afloat on a living river. On board the graded cabins feel like compact hotel rooms, the small pool is for cooling on sailing days, and afternoons drift into lounge-bar conversations about the day’s temples and tombs.
We arrange embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan and our Egyptologists lead the vessel’s scheduled shore-excursion programme; the ship sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike shorter packaged cruises, we allow proper time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed 40-minute visits, and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinating everything on the ground.
Background
The facts
Medea Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise programme includes embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Full board applies from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day.
The vessel offers graded cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, each with an en-suite bathroom and Nile-facing or panoramic windows. Onboard facilities include a sun deck with shaded seating, a small pool, a panoramic dining room, and a lounge bar. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, and personal expenses are typically additional.
Karnak Temple in Luxor was developed over many centuries and is one of Egypt’s largest temple complexes, while Luxor Temple sits on the east bank of the Nile. The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank near Luxor and is known for New Kingdom royal tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, Kom Ombo’s double temple, and Philae on Agilkia Island are standard stops on the cruise excursion programme.
The route is commonly sold as either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor, but the vessel itself is the product, not a one-way trip. Because the cruise stops at major Upper Egypt monuments rather than only sailing between ports, it is typically chosen by travelers who want both river transport and guided sightseeing in one booking.
Named in this entry
Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Tutankhamun · Horus · Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to travelers who want a structured Upper Egypt itinerary with guided monument visits and comfortable cabin accommodation. It is a good fit for couples, small groups, and first-time visitors who prefer fixed logistics over independent planning.
What lingers
- 01 Karnak Temple visit with a guided walk through the Hypostyle Hall and time for photography and inscriptions study.
- 02 Evening visit to Luxor Temple with illuminated reliefs and a short stroll from the Luxor pier to the site.
- 03 Passage through the Esna lock in late afternoon – engine noise and gate operation offer a close-up of river logistics.
- 04 Overnight mooring at Edfu to allow roughly two hours on-site at the Temple of Horus without a rushed schedule.
- 05 Onboard full-board meals served in the dining salon, with tea and coffee available at breakfast service.
- 06 Philae Temple reached by motorboat from Aswan pier, followed by a visit to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint.
- 07 Disembarkation at Aswan pier after breakfast with a final guided review of finds and local history notes.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike short river packages that rush temple stops, this cruise programme includes proper time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo. It also combines cabin accommodation, meals, and guided sightseeing in one booking rather than selling transport and excursions separately.
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 Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Pricing & seasons
Prices are per person in USD, based on 2 pax sharing. Live pricing available on request – contact our specialists for season-specific quotes, solo-traveller supplements and group rates.
| Season | Travel window | Basis | From / person |
|---|---|---|---|
| high | Oct 2025 – Apr 2026 | 2 pax sharing | From $1,260 |
| low | May 2026 – Sep 2026 | 2 pax sharing | From $1,260 |
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- En-suite cabin accommodation, graded by class: Standard, Deluxe, Suite
- Scheduled shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist
- Use of onboard facilities, including sun deck, lounge bar and pool where present
- Port taxes and routine onboard service charges
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals and premium beverages
- Gratuities for crew and guides, typically paid locally
- Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments and phone charges
- Optional private or premium excursions, for example hot-air balloon rides
- Entrance tickets for premium-access sites such as pyramid interiors, where applicable
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged as a private or shared travel experience depending on the wider booking. Travelers may often request cabin upgrades, additional sightseeing such as hot-air balloon rides, or a longer Egypt itinerary combining Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and a Nile cruise.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise requires a moderate level of mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with steps and can be uneven when the vessel is alongside the quay; transfers between shore and vessel may involve a short step up. Many cabins have single-door thresholds and one or two low steps; some cabins on lower decks are easier to access. Public areas include stairs to the sun deck and to some dining areas; there is no guarantee of a lift between all decks. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and temple steps; some sites have steep staircases, limited handrails and cobbled approaches. Wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can assess specific cabin availability, local assistance needs and whether an accessible shore-excursion option can be arranged. We provide meet-and-assist on arrival and can arrange additional mobility assistance with advance notice, subject to local supplier capacity.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any visa documents
- Comfortable, closed shoes for temple visits
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- Lightweight daypack for excursions and water bottle
- Medication, seasickness remedies and a small first-aid kit
- Copies of flight details and emergency contact numbers
- Plug adaptor (Egypt uses types C and F, 220–240V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime on the Nile
- Covered shoulders and knees for visiting temples and mosques
- A light sweater or fleece for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for uneven surfaces
- Swimwear for the pool on the sun deck, towel provided on many vessels
Children & families
Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for getting through ports and along quays, but gangways and some temple approaches have steps, so a lightweight, foldable pushchair is preferable. High chairs can usually be provided in the dining room on request; please tell us at the time of booking so we can confirm availability with the cruise supplier.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses conventional marine diesel engines typical of Nile river cruisers, and fuel consumption is managed by scheduled sailings rather than ad hoc movements. We work with the cruise line and local suppliers to reduce single-use plastics on board: bottled water is supplied in larger containers and reusable glassware is used in the dining room where local infrastructure allows. Food provisioning prioritises Egyptian suppliers for produce, bread and dairy, which supports Cairo, Luxor and Aswan markets and the supply chain of small farms. Shore excursions employ licensed local Egyptologists and local boat crews for short transfers, so a portion of trip spend goes directly to local guides and communities. Solid waste is sorted on board where space permits and transferred to port reception facilities in Luxor and Aswan; blackwater and greywater are handled according to local port regulations. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us before booking so we can confirm on-board and supplier practices for your sailing.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
-
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
-
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
-
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
Medea Nile Cruise includes full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, en-suite Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, and scheduled shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration and route of the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise typically sails for 3 or 4 nights, offering weekly departures in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The journey includes shore excursions to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. -
02 What meals and facilities are included during the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, covering all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes en-suite cabin accommodation, scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist, and use of onboard facilities like the sun deck, pool, and lounge bar. -
03 What is not included in the Medea Nile Cruise price?
The cruise price excludes drinks beyond water with meals, premium beverages, and gratuities for the crew and guides. Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and phone charges are also not included, nor are optional excursions like hot-air balloon rides or premium-access site tickets. -
04 What are the cabin options on the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise offers a choice of cabin grades: Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. All cabins are en-suite and provide comfortable accommodation for your journey. Pricing is typically per person sharing, with a single supplement applied for solo travellers. -
05 Is the Medea Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, the Medea Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult rate. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. -
06 What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend light, comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. Onboard, casual attire is suitable, with slightly smarter options for evening dining. Bring sun cream and any personal medications. -
07 What is the photography policy for sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, though some areas may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket, such as inside certain tombs. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location. Drones are typically not allowed without special permits. -
08 What is the best time of year to take a Medea Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, though the vessel's air conditioning and pool offer respite. -
09 How accessible is the Medea Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Medea, have stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Guests with significant mobility challenges should contact us to discuss specific needs and suitable arrangements. -
10 Are there opportunities for optional excursions or activities during the cruise?
Yes, the Medea Nile Cruise offers opportunities for optional excursions, such as hot-air balloon rides over Luxor or visits to premium-access sites like specific pyramid interiors. These activities are not included in the standard cruise price and can be arranged locally or in advance.
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 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-520376
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