Nephtis Nile Cruise
A superior five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
The short answer
Nephtis is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $857 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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 Fridays | October – April: from $857single cabin $1,102triple cabin $857 | May – September: from $779single cabin $993triple cabin $779 | Peak dates: from $974single cabin $1,305triple cabin $974 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,042single cabin $1,370triple cabin $1,042 | May – September: from $938single cabin $1,224triple cabin $938 | Peak dates: from $1,198single cabin $1,640triple cabin $1,198 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,590single cabin $2,163triple cabin $1,590 | May – September: from $1,408single cabin $1,909triple cabin $1,408 | Peak dates: from $1,863single cabin $2,637triple cabin $1,863 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,611single cabin $2,184triple cabin $1,611 | May – September: from $1,429single cabin $1,929triple cabin $1,429 | Peak dates: from $1,884single cabin $2,657triple cabin $1,884 |
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.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside Nephtis as the riverbank slips past your cabin and the sun deck settles into a quieter rhythm. Between sailing stretches, you step ashore with our Egyptologists to read temple reliefs at Edfu, follow the colonnades of Karnak, and look across Luxor's West Bank from the Valley of the Kings.
Back aboard, the dining room and lounge bar give the day an easy structure, while full board covers meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. We arrange the cruise, shore excursions, and local support, so our Egyptologists can focus on the details that make each site legible.
What lingers
- 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo
- 03Explore Philae Temple near Aswan
- 04See the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank
- 05Sail between Luxor and Aswan on a superior five-star Nile cruiser
- 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories, subject to availability
On property
What's here
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Parking
- Rooftop terrace
- Business center
- Concierge
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard a superior five-star Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings
- Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing program
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the booking
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.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can request private or shared shore excursions, different cabin categories, and embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, subject to availability. The program may also be combined with additional hotel nights, airport transfers, or privately guided sightseeing before or after sailing. Premium tomb entries and other optional experiences should be requested in advance.
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, couples, and families seeking a structured way to connect Luxor’s ancient monuments with Aswan’s island temples. Travelers should be comfortable with cabin access, sun-deck steps, early shore excursions, and walking on uneven stone surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise links Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan while travelers remain accommodated aboard a Nile cruiser between excursions. Unlike a fixed named-ship booking, the cruise ship is assigned at booking and cabin availability is offered across Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. Embarkation and disembarkation can be arranged in either Luxor or Aswan, subject to the sailing schedule.
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 La Terrasse Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $876 per person
- Emilio Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Sun from Luxor / Thu from Aswan
From $876 per person
- King of Thebes Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $837 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
- Superior Five-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Scheduled shore excursions · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing · Standard, Deluxe, or Suite cabin options subject to availability
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a structured Luxor-to-Aswan experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Small bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- Light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over 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 to use on gangways, narrow corridors, stairs, and uneven temple surfaces. High chairs depend on the assigned vessel and should be requested in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines vessel access with shore excursions on uneven historic ground. Boarding may involve a gangway with a slope that changes according to the river level, and cabins, dining areas, and sun decks may be reached by stairs or narrow corridors. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings include uneven 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's facilities and arrange realistic assistance. Wheelchair-accessible cabins cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the vessel, Egyptologists, drivers, and local service providers, helping keep spending with Egyptian tourism businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Fuel use and emissions are inherent to river sailing and road transfers, so we do not describe the trip as environmentally neutral. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a refillable water bottle where practical, declining unnecessary single-use items, and following site rules that protect ancient stonework and local communities.
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
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
This duration allows for comprehensive visits to key sites between Luxor and Aswan.02What is included in the Nephtis Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes accommodation aboard the superior five-star Nephtis, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions with standard entrance fees for sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.03What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Nephtis Nile Cruise are available in both Luxor and Aswan. Specific timings will be provided in your final itinerary.04What shore excursions are part of the Nephtis Nile Cruise program?
The Nephtis Nile Cruise includes shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings on the Luxor West Bank. These are led by our Egyptologists.05Is the Nephtis Nile Cruise suitable for travelers with mobility concerns?
Nile cruises involve some walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and navigating gangways to board the vessel. While the vessel itself has elevators, shore excursions may present challenges for those with significant mobility concerns. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.06What is the policy for children on the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Nephtis Nile Cruise and excursions?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Evenings on board can be casual. Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.08What is the best time of year to take the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, are hotter but offer fewer crowds.09Are alcoholic beverages included with the full board on the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included with the full board on the Nephtis Nile Cruise. Drinks (including water, alcoholic beverages) are typically charged separately to your cabin bill.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-166125
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