Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Standard entrance fees for the listed sightseeing program are included, while drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses, and optional premium visits are excluded.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Seniors
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
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Cruise details, cabin allocation, and sailing information are confirmed at booking.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged through the licensed operator.
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
- 05Weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 06Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile reflects the changing light as Sonesta St. George I leaves Luxor or Aswan, with riverbank villages, palms, and distant desert passing beyond the panoramic windows. Sailing days give the cabin, sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room their own rhythm, while shore excursions bring you onto Luxor’s West Bank, into Edfu, and toward Aswan’s island temples.
We arrange this vessel’s weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at either port. Our Egyptologists provide context ashore, and we confirm the cabin category, sailing details, and full-board arrangements with you before departure, including the meal schedule from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise connects Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Its shore-excursion program covers major archaeological sites along the Nile, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
Karnak and Luxor temples are located within Luxor, while Edfu lies approximately 105 km south of Luxor by road and Kom Ombo is approximately 170 km north of Aswan by road. Philae Temple is situated on Agilkia Island near Aswan and is reached by boat transfer. The Valley of the Kings is on the western bank of the Nile, approximately 7 km from central Luxor by road. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing program are covered; premium tombs and optional visits require separate arrangements.
Accommodation is provided in the cabin category selected at booking, with cabin classes generally graded as Standard, Deluxe, or Suite. Typical vessel facilities include a dining room, lounge bar, sun deck, and leisure areas; exact cabin layout, views, and onboard facilities are confirmed with the assigned cruise vessel. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra, while afternoon tea is commonly available on 5-star Nile vessels.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Luxor West Bank·Agilkia Island
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. Unlike a fixed single-direction departure, the program offers weekly sailings in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available at Luxor or Aswan.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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
- Optional premium visits or pyramid interiors not listed in the confirmed program
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the booking
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.
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
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.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,169single cabin $3,203triple cabin $2,013 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,764single cabin $4,142triple cabin $2,556 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $4,545single cabin $6,957triple cabin $4,181 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $4,566single cabin $6,978triple cabin $4,202 |
Choose your sailing 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.
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.
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
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day program, offering a comprehensive journey between Luxor and Aswan. 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. Optional premium visits, pyramid interiors not listed in the program, and personal expenses are also not included.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. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-372615
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