Nile Story - Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic views, a sun-deck pool, full-board dining, spa, gym, and lounge bar.
The short answer
Nile Story - 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 $1,002 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck as the vessel leaves Luxor, and the riverbank settles into palms, villages, and low desert beyond. Between sailing days, your shore excursions bring you from the columns of Karnak Temple to the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, then onward to Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The pace leaves room for a quiet meal, a swim, or conversation in the lounge bar while the landscape moves past your cabin window.
We select and arrange the vessel, shore visits, and local guidance, with a licensed Egyptian tour operator team available to coordinate each stage.
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 | May – Septembercurrent season |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | May – September: from $1,002double cabinsingle cabin $1,314 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | May – September: from $1,237double cabinsingle cabin $1,653 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | May – September: from $1,886double cabinsingle cabin $2,614 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | May – September: from $1,906double cabinsingle cabin $2,634 |
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
- 01Sun deck with pool and panoramic Nile views
- 02Full-board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, most with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 05On-board spa, gym and a lounge bar for evening relaxation
On property
What's here
- Spa
- Gym
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Swimming pool
- Wi-Fi
- Beach access
- Bar
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Swimming pool
- Barbecue deck
- Sundeck (panoramic views)
- Bar & lounge with entertainment
- Spa services and massage
- Gift shop
- 24/7 medical assistance
- Onboard restaurant / dining
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry service
- WiFi (subject to availability)
- Mini-bar
- Private bathroom with full-size bathtub
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board in the chosen cabin grade
- Full board, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits as part of the vessel's program
- Use of on-board facilities: pool, spa, gym and lounge areas
- Port and embarkation taxes where applicable
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities and tipping for on-board staff and Egyptologists
- International and domestic flights, visas and travel insurance
- Personal items
- Laundry beyond standard service if charged separately
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
This cruise can usually be arranged as a private booking or combined with pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, or the Red Sea. Travelers may also request cabin upgrades, extra sightseeing where available, airport transfers, or a longer Egypt itinerary that adds Cairo, Abu Simbel, or other destinations.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a guided Upper Egypt itinerary with overnight sailing, typically adults and older teens interested in temples, tombs, and river travel. It is also appropriate for couples, small groups, and first-time visitors who prefer a structured route with full-board dining and cabin-based accommodation.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a day tour, this is an overnight river cruise with cabin accommodation, full board, and a built-in program of shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with larger group boats, it emphasizes a more relaxed onboard atmosphere, time on the Nile, and use of the sun deck and lounge areas. It also differs from hotel-based touring because the itinerary is organized around embarkation and disembarkation in river ports, with guided visits scheduled during the cruise rather than requiring separate daily transport from one city to another.
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.
- Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
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- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
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- Magic I Nile Cruise
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Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
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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 Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits · Use of pool, spa, gym, and lounge areas · Port and embarkation taxes where applicable
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a comfortable river cruise
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy (for embarkation)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a brimmed hat
- Lightweight layers for hot days and cooler evenings on deck
- Small daypack for shore excursions with water bottle
- Any required medications plus a small first-aid kit
- Power adapter for Egyptian 220V sockets (type C/F)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light jumper or wrap for cooler evenings on deck
- Non-slip sandals or trainers for the sun deck and pool area
- Smart-casual outfit for evening dining if you prefer
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Cabins are compact and strollers may be impractical inside; request a berth or cot in advance and we will confirm availability with the cruise line. High chairs on board cannot be guaranteed, please request these items when you book.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has multiple decks connected by stairs, and cabins are accessed by short gangways with handrails. Embarkation and disembarkation use a ship gangway and local quays that can be uneven; some ports have concrete ramps, others have stone or sand approaches. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, steps at temples and tombs, and short sections of loose sand; many archaeological sites have staircases and no elevators. Wheelchair users should note that most cabins and public areas are not fully wheelchair-accessible, and transferring from a wheelchair to a cabin berth may be required. We can arrange assistance from port staff and local crew where feasible, but full step-free shore access cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us in advance so we can discuss mobility needs in detail and arrange the best available support.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel sails the Nile using a diesel-powered propulsion system common to river cruisers; fuel is sourced locally through the cruise line. On-board waste is handled according to Egyptian port regulations: recyclables are segregated where the vessel provides facilities and transferred to local disposal services at port. We arrange shore excursions with licensed Egyptologists who live in Luxor and Aswan, and we contract local cafés, markets and craftspeople for provisioning wherever practical, which keeps tourist spend in the local economy. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we ask guests to minimise single-use plastics and to follow crew instructions for waste and recycling. If you have questions about supplier practices or wish to support a specific local community project, ask us before booking and we will share current options.
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 Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes accommodation in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, scheduled shore excursions with guides, and access to on-board facilities like the pool, spa, and lounge areas. Port and embarkation taxes are also covered.02What is not included in the Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
Exclusions typically include drinks (including water), gratuities for staff and Egyptologists, international and domestic flights, visas, and travel insurance.03What is the dining experience like on board the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
The Nile Story Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, meaning all your main meals, from lunch on your embarkation day to breakfast on your disembarkation day, are included. Dining is typically served in the main restaurant, offering a variety of international and local cuisine.04What shore excursions are part of the Nile Story Nile Cruise program?
The vessel's excursion program includes guided visits to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are scheduled as part of your sailing between Luxor and Aswan.05What is the accessibility like on the Nile Story Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
While the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel offers amenities, accessibility can vary. Some areas, like the sun deck, may involve stairs. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain and steps at archaeological sites. We recommend discussing specific mobility needs with us when booking.06What is the policy for children on the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children will require their own separate cabin.07What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. When visiting temples and mosques, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.08What facilities are available on the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel?
The Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel features a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a main restaurant, a spa, and a small gym. Wi-Fi access and room service are also available for guests' convenience during their journey on the Nile.09How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange this cruise for guests?
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your booking on the Nile Story Nile Cruise. We hand-pick vessels like this for their quality and excursion programs, ensuring your included cruise between Luxor and Aswan is well-coordinated on the ground.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-343537
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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