Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, full-board dining, and shore excursions to Egypt’s major riverside temples.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan with full board and archaeological shore excursions, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt on a vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- Nile cruise accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to Edfu’s Temple of Horus · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a river-based itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged for the listed archaeological sites.
- DTE provides on-the-ground travel coordination and support in Egypt.
- Standard entrance fees for the included shore-excursion programme are included unless stated otherwise.
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile carries the vessel past date palms and village banks, with the engine’s low hum replacing Luxor’s streets. From the sun deck or lounge bar, watch the river narrow and widen as sailing days alternate with shore excursions led by our Egyptologists.
Inside, your cabin offers a quiet base between visits to Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae, while the dining room provides full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, this Nile Cruise leaves room for the landscape between sites. Sailings run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we select the sailing, arrange your cabin, and coordinate the shore program before you board.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise connects Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days alternate with visits to archaeological sites along the river rather than following a land-only sightseeing format.
Karnak Temple lies on Luxor’s east bank and developed over many centuries, with major construction dating from the New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE. Luxor Temple, also on the east bank, was substantially built during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. The Valley of the Kings is on Luxor’s west bank and contains royal tombs dating mainly from Egypt’s New Kingdom.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu is a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Horus and lies between Luxor and Aswan. Kom Ombo is a distinctive double temple dedicated principally to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, stands on Agilkia Island near Aswan after being relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Sailings operate weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes are offered subject to availability; drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. The specific ship is assigned at booking and is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line; Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·New Kingdom of Egypt·Ptolemaic Kingdom·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history-focused travellers who want to combine river sailing with guided visits to major Pharaonic and Ptolemaic sites. Travellers should be comfortable with early shore excursions, uneven temple surfaces, stairs and moderate walking in heat.
What lingers
- 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and the temples of Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- 06Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed land itinerary, this cruise combines sailing days on the Nile with organised shore excursions at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. It provides full-board accommodation aboard a river vessel, while a conventional hotel-based tour usually requires separate road transfers and hotel stays between destinations. The specific vessel is assigned at booking, and Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are subject to availability.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile river cruise accommodation
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion program covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks beyond water served with meals
- Single supplement where applicable
- Optional pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities unless specifically requested
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in a private or coordinated travel plan, subject to sailing availability and the assigned vessel. Travellers may request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin classes, add private transfers or extend the programme with additional Cairo, Luxor or Aswan sightseeing. Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities can be requested separately and are not included by default.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes shore excursions over uneven ancient surfaces, sand, cobblestones, steps, and areas with limited shade. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings may involve extended walking and stairs. Boarding can require negotiating a gangway, which may be steep or narrow depending on the river level and port position. Cabins, dining areas, and the sun deck may be reached by stairs. Guests using wheelchairs or with significant mobility limitations should contact us before booking so we can confirm the assigned vessel and practical access arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Any required medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Comfortable clothing for sailing and onboard dining
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest clothing for visits to religious sites
- Light sweater for evenings and air-conditioned areas
- Comfortable walking shoes
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older 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 are not practical for uneven temple surfaces, gangways, or narrow onboard areas. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and depends on the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel operated by its cruise-line owner, while Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and shore-excursion programme with local suppliers. Port transfers, where included in the confirmed arrangements, use locally contracted vehicles rather than a fixed company-owned fleet. Shore visits support Egyptian Egyptologists, licensed drivers, boat crews, port workers, and local businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Waste and water systems vary by assigned vessel, so we do not make blanket environmental claims. Guests can help by carrying a reusable bottle, avoiding single-use plastic, and following onboard waste instructions.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes full-board accommodation from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, with shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes subject to availability, while drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Nile Cruise sailing?
The Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights, connecting Luxor and Aswan. These durations allow for a comprehensive exploration of the key ancient sites along the Nile River. We arrange your cruise to fit your overall trip length.02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Nile Cruise?
The full board plan covers all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main dining room. Drinks beyond water served with meals are typically extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Nile Cruise program?
The Nile Cruise includes an extensive shore excursion program covering major ancient sites. These visits typically feature Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Our Egyptologists guide these excursions.04What is the cabin policy for children on the Nile Cruise?
Children 0-5.99 years travel free, while 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.05Are gratuities included in the Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists are not included in the standard cruise price. We recommend budgeting for these separately, as they are customary for service provided during your journey. Specific amounts can be advised closer to your travel date.06What should I wear for shore excursions and on board the Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advised for temple visits. On board, casual attire is suitable, with slightly dressier options for dinner if you prefer.07What is the best time of year to take a Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, though cruises operate year-round. We can advise on specific dates.08What is the accessibility like on the Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
The Nile Cruise vessel has stairs between decks, and some shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, sand, and steps. Travelers with mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific needs, as some sites may present challenges.09Can I upgrade my cabin on the Nile Cruise?
Yes, the Nile Cruise offers cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite classes, subject to availability. Upgrades may be possible at the time of booking or closer to your departure date. Please inquire with your travel advisor for options and pricing.10What is the check-in and check-out process for the Nile Cruise?
Embarkation typically begins around midday on your first day, with lunch served shortly after. Disembarkation is usually after breakfast on your final day. Specific timings will be provided in your final travel documents, coordinated with your transfers.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 25 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-579713
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