Salacia Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, a shaded lounge bar, sun deck, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Salacia 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 $1,692 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile is quiet beyond Salacia’s deck, with the engine’s low hum, warm air, and riverbank palms setting the pace. From your cabin or the shaded lounge bar, you watch village life pass between sailing days and shore excursions at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
The vessel’s Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins give you a private base between visits, while the dining room and sun deck keep the experience relaxed rather than rushed. We arrange your cabin, embarkation details, shore-excursion program, and onboard arrangements through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists guiding the ancient sites ashore.
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 $1,692double cabinsingle cabin $2,336 | May – September: from $1,263double cabinsingle cabin $1,692 | Peak dates: from $1,907double cabinsingle cabin $2,160 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $2,159double cabinsingle cabin $3,017 | May – September: from $1,587double cabinsingle cabin $2,159 | Peak dates: from $2,445double cabinsingle cabin $2,783 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $3,506double cabinsingle cabin $5,007 | May – September: from $2,505double cabinsingle cabin $3,506 | Peak dates: from $4,006double cabinsingle cabin $4,598 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $3,525double cabinsingle cabin $5,027 | May – September: from $2,524double cabinsingle cabin $3,525 | Peak dates: from $4,026double cabinsingle cabin $4,617 |
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
- 01Board at the Luxor Nile pier; reception and luggage handled before the noon sail toward the West Bank.
- 02Guided walk in the Valley of the Kings with entrance to selected tombs and time for photography and commentary.
- 03Karnak visit at first light: guided passage through the Hypostyle Hall and close study of major inscriptions.
- 04Edfu stop with an overnight mooring to allow a full two-hour guided exploration of the Horus Temple.
- 05Kom Ombo visit between sailings; twin temples and crocodile finds lie immediately above the quay with stair access.
- 06Shaded sun deck seating with awnings as the riverbank landscape passes.
- 07Disembark in Aswan for Philae Temple by motorboat and a timed visit to the Aswan High Dam.
Bundled in
- Full board
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser
- Full board catering from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Use of public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions listed in the vessel program
- English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff
- Onboard service charges and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and guide gratuities
- Personal purchases and optional extras, such as hot-air balloon flights and spa treatments
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book an early-morning visit to Karnak for cooler temperatures and softer photography light.
- 02
Choose a mid-ship lower-deck cabin for quieter nights and easier shore disembarkation.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for local sellers, tips, and small museum purchases.
- 04
Take sunscreen and a wide-brim hat; sun is strong, even on the river.
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
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in a private or coordinated travel plan, subject to the vessel’s confirmed sailing program. Travelers may request premium monument entrances, optional activities such as a Luxor hot-air balloon flight, private guiding, hotel nights before or after sailing, or special cabin arrangements; single occupancy normally requires a supplement.
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 and couples or families seeking a structured Nile experience with accommodation, meals and guided shore excursions arranged together. Travelers should be comfortable boarding a river vessel, walking across uneven archaeological ground and managing stairs or ramps at monuments and ports.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers requiring full wheelchair accessibility without prior arrangements
- Guests who need a fast-paced, nightlife-focused experience
- Those unwilling to walk on uneven temple stone and steps
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed land-based sightseeing tour, this Nile cruise combines sailing days with visits to major monuments along the river, reducing the need to change hotels between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an independently booked cruise, Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the assigned cruiser, shore-excursion program and related travel services, while the cruise line operates the vessel.
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.
- Acamar Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,673 per person
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,653 per person
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,653 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
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Assigned Nile cruiser cabin · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin options · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining room access · Scheduled shore excursions · English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff · Onboard service charges and local taxes
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking a structured Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required travel documents
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunglasses, and personal medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Light jacket or sweater for evening sailing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up for permitted onboard facilities
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ 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 impractical on gangways, stairs, quays, and uneven archaeological sites. Confirm crib and high-chair availability before booking, as these depend on the assigned vessel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility varies by the assigned Nile cruiser and the ancient sites visited. Embarkation may involve a gangway, uneven riverfront surfaces, and steps between the quay and vessel. On board, cabins, dining areas, the lounge bar, and sun deck may be connected by stairs, and elevator access is not guaranteed. Shore excursions include uneven stone, sand, cobblestones, steps, and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. A collapsible wheelchair may be possible, subject to the assigned vessel and port access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel selected and booked through our licensed Egyptian tour operator network, with shore transport arranged by local suppliers. Vehicle type and supplier vary by sailing program, so we confirm operational details with the booking documents rather than making a blanket environmental claim. Purchasing meals, guiding, transport, and shore services from Egyptian businesses keeps spending within the local tourism economy. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, declining unnecessary single-use items, and following site rules at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
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 of a Salacia Nile Cruise?
This duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of the major ancient sites along the Nile, combining sailing days with scheduled shore excursions.02What is included in the Salacia Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes accommodation aboard the Salacia, full board catering from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, scheduled shore excursions, an English-speaking cruise host, and all onboard service charges and local taxes.03What kind of cabins are available on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise offers cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite classes. All cabins feature panoramic windows, and some higher-tier options may include a Nile-view balcony. Specific cabin sizes and amenities vary by class.04What shore excursions are part of the Salacia Nile Cruise program?
The scheduled shore excursion program includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The exact sequence is confirmed with your specific sailing itinerary.05What is the policy for children on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require a separate cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits. Onboard, resort casual is suitable, with slightly dressier attire for evening meals. Bring any personal medications.07Is the Salacia Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Salacia, typically have stairs between decks and may not be fully accessible for guests with significant mobility limitations. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sandy paths. Please discuss specific needs with us.08What is the dining experience like on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise offers full board catering, starting with lunch on embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on disembarkation day. Meals are served in the main dining room, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine.09Can I arrange special requests or optional activities during the cruise?
Yes, optional extras such as hot-air balloon flights in Luxor or spa treatments onboard can often be arranged. Please note that these are not included in the standard cruise fare and incur additional costs. Inquire with your cruise host for details.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-194865
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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