Soleil Nile Cruise
Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, a panoramic sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and full-board service.
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
The short answer
Soleil is a 5-Star Luxury 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. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
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
At sunrise, the Nile reflects the pale stone of Luxor’s riverbank as the deck settles into its first quiet rhythm. From the sun deck, you can watch farmers, palms, and desert edges pass slowly while the lounge bar becomes a place for coffee, conversation, and daily plans.
Sailing days alternate with shore excursions, so ancient sites are balanced by unhurried time aboard. Our Egyptologists put Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae into context without turning each visit into a rushed checklist. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges Soleil Nile Cruise with the cruise line, while we coordinate the practical details around your embarkation and disembarkation.
What lingers
- 01Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes with Nile views where available
- 02Sun deck with panoramic views for sunset and reading
- 03Shore-excursion program calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Full Board service, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 05Lounge bar and dining room for onboard meals and briefings
On property
What's here
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin grade on board the vessel
- Full Board, defined as lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- Use of public areas including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Service of on-board crew and captain
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional shore excursions or premium visits not listed in the vessel program
- Gratuities and tipping for crew and guides unless requested
- Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel nights and transfers
- International or domestic flights
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
The cruise can be booked in different cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, and Nile-view options may be available where offered by the cruise line. Travelers can also combine the cruise with pre- or post-cruise hotels, extra transfers, or additional sightseeing in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo. Private arrangements can be added around the cruise for travelers who want a more tailored Egypt itinerary.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided temple visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is a strong fit for adults, couples, and families who are comfortable with several days of moving between sightseeing and sailing days, with moderate walking at archaeological sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Egypt trip, this cruise combines accommodation, meals, and scheduled temple visits while sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with a fixed one-way land transfer, the river route reduces repeated packing and unpacking and groups the main Upper Egypt monuments into one itinerary. It is also different from a private day tour because the sightseeing is built around the vessel’s excursion program and onboard 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.
- Cleopatra Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,676 per person
- Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,695 per person
- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,871 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 Cruise Cabin Categories: Standard, Deluxe, Suite
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions as per vessel program · Use of sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room · Service of on-board crew and captain
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travelers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital booking voucher
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a broad-brimmed hat
- Lightweight, comfortable walking shoes with grip
- A small daypack for water, camera and personal items
- Reusable water bottle
- Medication and basic first-aid items, motion-sickness remedies if needed
- Plug adaptor for European two-pin plugs (220V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirts or trousers for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven ancient stone
- Swimwear for sun deck use, with a robe or cover-up for public areas
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; 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. Strollers are practical for moving around the quay and public areas, but not for uneven temple approaches or inside most tombs. The cruise line provides cots on request where cabin space allows; bring any special child foods or medicines as these may not be stocked.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves multiple embarkation and shore excursions that include uneven stone surfaces, steps, short staircases and soft sand at some temple landings. Boarding the vessel requires climbing a gangway and a short ladder or ramp; crew will assist where possible but travelers should be steady on their feet. Shore visits at Karnak, Valley of the Kings and Philae include stairs and slopes; many tombs have low ceilings and uneven flooring. Wheelchair users can use certain public areas on board, but standard cabins are not fully wheelchair-accessible and the vessel has limited lift access. If you require a wheelchair-accessible cabin, step-free embarkation, or additional assistance, tell us before booking so we can confirm feasibility with the cruise line. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we can arrange alternatives and recommend which shore visits are more suitable given reduced mobility.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel-powered river engines suitable for Nile navigation; smaller launches used for temple landings are local motorboats. We contract with locally based crew and Egyptian-registered suppliers for catering and excursion transfers, which keeps spending within the communities the cruise visits. Shore excursions often involve licensed Egyptian Egyptologists and local guides, with their fees paid directly to suppliers. Single-use plastics are discouraged on board. We also encourage guests to buy artisan goods directly from local sellers at sites such as Kom Ombo and Luxor, so more revenue stays with families and artisans. If you have specific sustainability preferences, tell us before booking and we will pass them to the cruise provider.
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 a Soleil Nile Cruise?
These sailings allow guests to experience the key historical sites along the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in either Luxor or Aswan.02What is included in the Full Board meal plan on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Full Board on the Soleil Nile Cruise includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers all main meals served in the vessel's dining room. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.03Which historical sites are visited during the Soleil Nile Cruise shore excursions?
The Soleil Nile Cruise shore excursion program includes visits to significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These excursions are scheduled as per the vessel's program.04What is the policy for children on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What should I wear on the Soleil Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
Comfortable, light clothing is recommended for both on-board activities and shore excursions. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is advisable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites.06What are the cabin options available on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
The Soleil Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, from Standard to Suite. While specific sizes vary, all cabins provide comfortable accommodation. Many feature panoramic windows or balconies, allowing for views of the Nile as you sail.07Is the Soleil Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Soleil, have gangways that can be steep depending on river levels and docking conditions. On-board, there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand, which may be challenging for some guests.08What is the best time of year to take a Soleil Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09Are gratuities included in the Soleil Nile Cruise package?
Gratuities and tipping for the on-board crew and guides are not included in the standard Soleil Nile Cruise package. This allows guests to tip at their discretion based on service quality. Specific guidance on customary amounts can be provided before travel.10Who operates the Soleil Nile Cruise vessel?
The Soleil Nile Cruise vessel is owned and operated by a dedicated cruise line. Discovery Tours Egypt hand-picks this cruise for its quality and arranges your booking with the cruise line, coordinating all aspects of your trip on the ground.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-460310
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