Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
The short answer
Nile Serenity is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $1,380 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile beside Luxor turns silver beneath the sun deck, while the riverbank stays quiet beyond the rail. Time aboard Nile Serenity moves between open-air sailing, a swim or coffee in the lounge bar, and the changing view from your cabin’s panoramic window or Nile-view balcony.
Our Egyptologists bring the ancient sites into focus during shore excursions, from the carved columns of Karnak Temple to the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus at Edfu.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,380double cabinsingle cabin $1,926 | May – September: from $1,185double cabinsingle cabin $1,673 | Peak dates: from $1,575double cabinsingle cabin $2,355 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,743double cabinsingle cabin $2,471 | May – September: from $1,483double cabinsingle cabin $2,133 | Peak dates: from $2,003double cabinsingle cabin $3,043 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $2,778double cabinsingle cabin $4,052 | May – September: from $2,323double cabinsingle cabin $3,460 | Peak dates: from $3,233double cabinsingle cabin $5,053 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $2,797double cabinsingle cabin $4,071 | May – September: from $2,342double cabinsingle cabin $3,480 | Peak dates: from $3,252double cabinsingle cabin $5,072 |
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 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 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 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.
- 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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 40
What lingers
- 01We moor overnight at Edfu, giving two hours at Edfu Temple after larger boats depart.
- 02Overnight mooring at Kom Ombo enables a dawn visit to Kom Ombo Temple before day-boat crowds.
- 03Our Egyptologist briefs you at the Valley of the Kings; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun excluded.
- 04All transfers, onboard full-board meals, and cabin portage included; premium site extras and gratuities are excluded.
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in the selected cabin class aboard Nile Serenity
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursions listed in Nile Serenity's program
- Services of local Egyptologists for guided visits
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- International flights to Egypt and domestic flights
- Gratuities for the crew, cruise staff, and guides unless otherwise stated
- Egyptian visas and personal travel insurance
- Optional extras, including hot-air balloon flights, premium tomb entries, and private transfers
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
Travelers can select from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, subject to availability, with selected cabins offering balconies or panoramic windows. The cruise may be combined with private pre- or post-cruise transfers, additional hotel nights, premium tomb visits or a hot-air balloon flight in Luxor. Pricing is normally per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies to solo travelers.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples and families who want to combine guided archaeology with relaxed river travel. It is particularly appropriate for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian history who can manage uneven temple surfaces, steps and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Egypt sightseeing program, this cruise places sailing time between guided visits to temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. Unlike a basic river package, it offers several cabin classes, full-board dining and onboard facilities, while drinks (including water), gratuities and optional premium experiences remain extra.
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.
- Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,380 per person
- Miriam Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,400 per person
- Medea Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,400 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 Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Selected Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Guided shore excursions · Local Egyptologist services · Pool and sun deck access · Lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking guided sightseeing with river sailing
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Booking confirmation and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Personal medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Modest clothing for visits near religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or 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 can be difficult to use on gangways, decks, steps, and uneven archaeological ground, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Nile cruise access varies by the assigned vessel and embarkation berth. Guests usually board via a gangway, which may be steep at low or high water, and some vessels have stairs between the cabin decks, restaurant, lounge bar, and sun deck. Shore excursions involve uneven paving, sand, steps, and exposed archaeological areas at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users may need assistance boarding and may not reach every deck or site area. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can confirm the assigned vessel and practical arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel for travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road journeys between the main Nile Valley sites. Shore transport is arranged locally for the excursion program, typically using licensed vehicles and local drivers. Our Egyptologists and excursion teams are Egyptian professionals, and the cruise arrangements support local suppliers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Waste, water, and energy practices vary by the assigned cruise operator, so we do not make unsupported environmental claims. Guests can help by carrying a refillable bottle, avoiding single-use plastics, and following site rules around ancient monuments.
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 included in the full-board dining on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Full-board dining on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the onboard restaurant. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.02What shore excursions are part of the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise program?
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise program includes guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are led by local Egyptologists who provide historical context.03What cabin options are available on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard and Suite options. Selected cabins feature Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows, providing different perspectives of the river scenery. Pricing is typically per person sharing a cabin.04What amenities are available on board the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
On board the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise, guests have access to a pool, a sun deck, a lounge bar, a restaurant, and Wi-Fi. These amenities are designed to enhance your comfort and relaxation while sailing on the Nile.05Is the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear for shore excursions during the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and walking on uneven surfaces. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visits to temples and religious sites. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.07Are gratuities included in the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the crew, cruise staff, and guides are not included in the standard Nile Serenity Nile Cruise price unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is customary to tip for good service, and guidelines are usually provided onboard.08What is the best time of year to take the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The best time to experience the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09Can I arrange optional activities, such as a hot-air balloon ride, through the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Optional extras, such as hot-air balloon flights over Luxor or premium tomb entries in the Valley of the Kings, are not included in the standard cruise package. These can often be arranged through the cruise staff or your Discovery Tours Egypt specialist.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-973497
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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