Medea Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic cabins, shaded sun-deck seating, a cooling pool, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Medea is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Monday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $1,268 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light catches the limestone banks as Medea Nile Cruise leaves Luxor, with palm groves, village roofs, and felucca sails passing beyond the panoramic windows. The pace changes between quiet hours on the sun deck and shore excursions through Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Our English-speaking Egyptologists put each site into context, while we arrange the cabin class, embarkation details, and shore-excursion schedule before you travel. After the day’s visit, the lounge bar and shaded deck provide a calm place to review what you have seen.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,268double cabinsingle cabin $1,828 | Peak dates: from $1,522double cabinsingle cabin $2,419 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,598double cabinsingle cabin $2,344 | Peak dates: from $1,936double cabinsingle cabin $3,132 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $2,580double cabinsingle cabin $3,886 | Peak dates: from $3,172double cabinsingle cabin $5,265 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,600double cabinsingle cabin $3,906 | Peak dates: from $3,191double cabinsingle cabin $5,284 |
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 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.
- 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 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 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.
What lingers
- 01Karnak Temple visit with a guided walk through the Hypostyle Hall and time for photography and inscriptions study.
- 02Evening visit to Luxor Temple with illuminated reliefs and a short stroll from the Luxor pier to the site.
- 03Passage through the Esna lock in late afternoon – engine noise and gate operation offer a close-up of river logistics.
- 04Overnight mooring at Edfu to allow roughly two hours on-site at the Temple of Horus without a rushed schedule.
- 05Onboard full-board meals served in the dining salon
- 06Philae Temple reached by motorboat from Aswan pier, followed by a visit to the Aswan High Dam viewpoint.
- 07Disembarkation at Aswan pier after breakfast with a final guided review of finds and local history notes.
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, including water, are not included, even with meals
- 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
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
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.
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.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike short river packages that rush temple stops, this cruise program 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.
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.
- Miriam Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,268 per person
- Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,249 per person
- Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,249 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 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
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.
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.
– 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: 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.
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 and route of the Medea Nile Cruise?
The journey includes shore excursions to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.02What 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.03What is not included in the Medea Nile Cruise price?
The cruise price excludes drinks (including water), 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.04What 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 travelers.05Is 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.06What 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.07What 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.08What 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.09How 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.10Are there opportunities for optional excursions or activities during the cruise?
These activities are not included in the standard cruise price and can be arranged locally or in advance.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-520376
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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