Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic cabins, a swimming pool, full-board dining, lounge bar, gym, and rooftop terrace.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise is a 4-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (since 1988, ETAA licensed), the full-board itinerary includes guided shore excursions to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, five-star cabins, and onboard dining across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise cabins with en-suite bathrooms and private windows or balconies.
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt operating from Cairo and five regional offices since 1988
- Licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA)
- Five-star Steigenberger Legacy vessel and accommodation standard
- Licensed local guides provided for archaeological and cultural commentary
What lingers
- 01Board at Luxor’s Nile pier and complete cabin assignment before an afternoon visit to Karnak Temple.
- 02Watch sunrise light the West Bank ridge from the sun deck as the ship slips past Luxor’s eastern corniche.
- 03Pass through the Esna lock in the afternoon as the river narrows and sandstone walls close in.
- 04Spend 90–120 minutes at Edfu Temple to read the Ptolemaic reliefs and temple layout properly.
- 05Make a concise stop at Kom Ombo for the double temple reliefs and the crocodile museum.
- 06Visit Philae by motorboat from Aswan and see the island temple set against the Nile Corniche.
- 07Three nights’ full‑board accommodation on MS Steigenberger Legacy with daily cabin housekeeping and on‑board service.
02Overview
A first look
At Travco Dock beside Luxor’s Winter Palace Hotel, the Nile moves quietly past the embarkation point while deck chairs warm in the morning sun. Aboard Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise, you can watch villages, palms, and desert ridges pass from a Nile-view balcony, then settle into the lounge bar or rooftop terrace as the landscape changes.
Our Egyptologists bring the shore-excursion program into focus, from the columns of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, with time to sail between visits. The cruise line provides full-board dining, afternoon tea, and onboard facilities; we arrange the cabin selection, reservations, and practical details through a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
Steigenberger Legacy is a five-star Nile cruise vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile River. Embarkation is from Travco Dock, Cornish El Nile, in front of the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor, with disembarkation in either Luxor or Aswan depending on the sailing direction. The vessel’s excursion program typically includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.
Cabins are arranged by class, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. Many cabins feature Nile-view windows, and some have balconies or larger panoramic windows. The ship also includes a sun deck with pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, main restaurant, gym, concierge service, and onboard WiFi.
Full board is included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with meals served in the main restaurant. Afternoon tea is commonly offered on board, while drinks beyond water with meals are usually extra. Shore excursions are part of the vessel’s program and are arranged around sailing days between the major Upper Egypt ports.
The cruise operates weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, making it suitable for travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with hotel-style accommodation on the river. Standard site entrance fees are generally included in Discovery Tours Egypt cruise arrangements unless stated otherwise, while premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s tomb and cabin upgrades are optional extras where requested.
Named in this entry
Steigenberger Legacy·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Nile cruise·Sun deck·Discovery Tours Egypt·ETAA
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a fixed Nile sailing with guided temple visits and comfortable onboard facilities, especially couples, mature solo travelers, and small groups. It is a good fit for guests who prefer a private cabin, full board, and a moderate activity level rather than fast-paced overland touring.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers with severe mobility restrictions.
- Those wanting extended time at every archaeological site; the pace is compact.
- Families needing extensive child facilities should check availability before booking.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Versus week-long itineraries, this 4-day cruise concentrates on the core Luxor–Aswan temple cluster without long transit or filler days. It suits travelers who want a compact, high-impact river experience rather than a longer, slower cruise.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- ✓ 3/4/ or 7 nights’ deluxe accommodation on full board basis
- ✓ All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- ✓ Meet & assist service upon arrival & departure
- ✓ All airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓ Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- ✓ Complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- ✓ All service charges & taxes
- ✓ Small group tours (maximum 8 participants)
Not included
- ✘ Any additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
- ✘ Personal expenses, including laundry, minibar, and spa treatments.
- ✘ Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (optional but recommended).
- ✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- ✘ Visa fees and international airfare.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Request an upper-deck cabin for the best uninterrupted Nile views and quieter evenings.
- 02
Visit major temples early morning to avoid heat and harsh midday light for photos.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for local purchases, tips, and simple souvenirs ashore.
- 04
Wear slip-on shoes for quick boarding and navigating temple sand and stone walkways.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding typically involves a gangway that can be steep at some docks. Many cabins have limited wheelchair access; please tell us your needs at booking so we can advise and arrange assistance where possible. Temple sites often have uneven surfaces and steps; full step-free access is uncommon.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt works with local suppliers to source produce and support nearby communities. The operator provides staff training in cultural respect and practices waste reduction onboard, including reduced single-use plastics and recycling where feasible.
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
- Passport and a photocopy stored separately
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple sites
- Lightweight scarf or shawl for modesty in temples
- Refillable water bottle and small daypack
- Small local cash (Egyptian pounds) for tips and vendors
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing with layers for cooler mornings
- Long sleeves or a scarf for modest temple visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven stone and sandy paths
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings in the dining area
Children & families
Children are welcome but check cabin configuration and child-rate details when booking. Some shore excursions may have age recommendations; families should contact us to confirm suitability and arrangements.
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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,506single cabin $2,243 | May – September: from $921single cabin $1,311 | Peak dates: from $1,506single cabin $2,364 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,880single cabin $2,862 | May – September: from $1,100single cabin $1,620 | Peak dates: from $1,880single cabin $3,024 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,998single cabin $4,718 | May – September: from $1,633single cabin $2,543 | Peak dates: from $2,998single cabin $5,000 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $3,019single cabin $4,739 | May – September: from $1,654single cabin $2,564 | Peak dates: from $3,019single cabin $5,021 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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
- More than 30 days
- 75% refund, or 100% as credit for future travel
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund, or 75% as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% refund, or 50% as credit
- 2–6 days
- No refund; 25% as credit
- Under 48 hours or no-show
- No refund or credit
Notice is counted from your arrival in Egypt. Some vessels have their own terms; if yours does, we tell you before any payment is made.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak Temple complex (near Luxor embarkation)
- Valley of the Kings (West Bank, Luxor)
- Luxor Temple (town center, riverside)
- Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri (West Bank)
- Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam (Aswan disembarkation)
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. These itineraries allow you to experience the key historical sites along the Nile River.02What is included in the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes full board, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Shore excursions to major sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings are also part of the package.03What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Steigenberger Legacy?
Embarkation usually takes place in Luxor or Aswan, typically in the late morning or early afternoon on your first day. Disembarkation occurs after breakfast on your final day, also in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your itinerary.04Are drinks included on the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes water with meals. Other beverages, including soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water outside of meal times, are generally available for an additional charge. Afternoon tea is usually served on the sun deck.05What shore excursions are offered during the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Legacy's excursion program includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. These are led by our Egyptologists.06What are the cabin options on the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Legacy offers various cabin categories, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. All cabins feature panoramic windows, with some offering Nile-view balconies, and are designed for comfort during your sailing.07What amenities are available on board the Steigenberger Legacy?
Onboard amenities include a restaurant, a lounge bar, a sun deck with a swimming pool, a gym, and Wi-Fi access. A concierge service is also available to assist guests throughout their journey.08Is the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise suitable for children?
The Steigenberger Legacy welcomes families. Children can enjoy the pool and the unique experience of sailing the Nile. Specific children's activities are not typically offered, but the shore excursions are engaging for many ages.09What should I wear on a Nile cruise and for shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended. Modest dress is advised when visiting temples and mosques. Onboard, resort casual is suitable, with slightly dressier options for dinner.10What is the best time of year to take a Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, are very hot, though the vessel is air-conditioned.
Product ID: CRU-LUX-766543
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