Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with elegant cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and a shore-excursion program.
The short answer
Sonesta St. George I 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. Prices start at $2,194 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the Nile moves past fields and palm groves as the riverbank begins to brighten. From the Sonesta St. George I, the changing view sets the pace: quiet time on board gives way to ancient stone and the measured details our Egyptologists bring into focus at sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Unlike a land-based sightseeing tour, this experience keeps the river at its center, with shore excursions woven into the vessel’s route between Luxor and Aswan. We select and arrange the cruise with its owning cruise line, and cabin allocation and sailing details are confirmed when you book.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,194double cabinsingle cabin $3,227 | Peak dates: from $3,052double cabinsingle cabin $4,963 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,830double cabinsingle cabin $4,208 | Peak dates: from $3,974double cabinsingle cabin $6,522 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $4,732double cabinsingle cabin $7,144 | Peak dates: from $6,734double cabinsingle cabin $11,193 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $4,752double cabinsingle cabin $7,163 | Peak dates: from $6,754double cabinsingle cabin $11,213 |
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
- 01Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 02Visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 03Excursion to Philae Temple near Aswan
- 04Time to explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank
- 05Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile cruise accommodation in the cabin category selected at booking
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, 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.
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 private or shared shore excursions, subject to the confirmed cruise program and supplier schedule. Travelers may request different cabin categories, a suite, a single cabin, private guiding, or additional pre- and post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan. Premium tombs and other optional visits can be added where availability permits.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts, couples, and families who want to combine accommodation, river sailing, and guided sightseeing. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven temple surfaces, stairs, and warm outdoor conditions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines cabin accommodation, sailing on the Nile, full-board meals, and scheduled shore excursions at the principal riverside temples.
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.
- Farah Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,194 per person
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,038 per person
- Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,428 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 Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the selected category · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Excursion to Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings excursion · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking full-board Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler sailing mornings
- Comfortable shoes with good grip
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned interiors
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 difficult to use on gangways, decks, and uneven archaeological sites, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the cruise supplier.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines shipboard access with uneven historic sites. Shore excursions involve walking on stone paving, sand, narrow paths, steps, and occasional steep ramps at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Gangways can be narrow or steep, and cabin access may involve stairs if elevators do not serve every deck. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an accessibility review before booking. Assistance must be arranged in advance, and some site areas may remain inaccessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your cruise is arranged with a locally established Egyptian cruise supplier, while Discovery Tours Egypt coordinates the booking and shore-excursion arrangements. River travel concentrates accommodation, dining, and transport on one vessel rather than requiring separate road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Shore excursions use local Egyptologists, drivers, and site staff, supporting employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Environmental practices vary by vessel and supplier, so guests should follow onboard water and energy guidance, avoid single-use plastics where possible, and dispose of waste only in designated areas.
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 the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. This allows for ample time to enjoy sailing on the Nile and participate in the included shore excursions.02What is included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes your accommodation in the selected cabin category, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the full shore-excursion program. Standard entrance fees for all included sightseeing are also covered.03What is not included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare excludes drinks (including water), any single supplement charges, and gratuities.04What shore excursions are part of the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise program?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise includes visits to major riverside sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are led by our Egyptologists.05What is the meal plan on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional charge.06Is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the 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 separate cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Evenings on board are casual. Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing on ancient sites.08What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise offers embarkation and disembarkation at either Luxor or Aswan.09What is the accessibility like on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise and its excursions?
The Sonesta St. George I has elevators between decks, but shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, stairs, and sometimes sand. Travelers with mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking.10What is the best time of year to take the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but still feasible for travel.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-372615
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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