Sun Times Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, outdoor pool, panoramic cabins, full-board dining, and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan visiting Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
- 02Site entrance fees are included; Valley of the Kings premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) excluded unless requested.
- 03We moor overnight at Edfu so the temple visit gets two hours after the morning excursion boats.
- 04Our Egyptologist-led excursions are included at Karnak and Luxor West Bank; English commentary, Arabic on request.
- 05Early starts, uneven stone and midday heat at open-air sites; bring sun protection and comfortable closed shoes.
- 06Unlike large-group packaged cruises, we prioritize two-hour temple visits rather than 40-minute drive-by shore stops.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck, and the riverbank slips past as the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan. Inside, your cabin offers a quiet place to watch the landscape through a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony, while the lounge bar and dining room keep the atmosphere relaxed between shore excursions.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings into focus without rushing the river experience. Sun Times Nile Cruise sails weekly in both directions, so we arrange the sailing around your Egypt plans. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate your embarkation, selected cabin, meals, and archaeological visits.
Background
The facts
Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged at those two ports. On the Nile route, the vessel typically includes a shore-excursion program to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are among the best-known archaeological sites in Upper Egypt and are commonly combined with river travel because they sit within practical reach of the Luxor–Aswan corridor.
Karnak Temple on Luxor’s east bank is one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt and was developed over many centuries, beginning in the Middle Kingdom and expanding through the New Kingdom. Luxor Temple, also on the east bank, is a major ceremonial temple linked to the ancient city of Thebes and is especially significant for its axial relationship with Karnak. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom period, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and lies roughly midway between Luxor and Aswan. Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, while Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to preserve it from rising waters. These sites are usually reached as part of planned shore excursions rather than independent city visits.
Cabins on this vessel are sold by grade, commonly from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on category. Onboard facilities typically include air conditioning, a lounge bar, dining room, spa facilities, rooftop terrace, WiFi in public areas, and a sun deck with a pool, which is a common place to spend late afternoons while sailing on the Nile.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Upper Egypt river itinerary with archaeological site visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is a good fit for first-time visitors, history-focused travelers, and couples who prefer a private cabin and full board dining over day-by-day hotel changes.
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
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Spa
- Bar
- Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, as listed: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Use of onboard facilities including sun deck and pool where present
- Shore-excursion program arranged by the vessel to named archaeological sites
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists
- Optional premium visits such as pyramid interiors or private guided tomb entries
- International flights and airport taxes
- Transfers between airports and embarkation/disembarkation ports unless explicitly added
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise involves boarding from a riverbank or dock, where access may include uneven surfaces, ramps, steps, and a narrow gangway. Onboard, cabins and public areas are connected by stairs, and elevator access, if available, may not reach every deck. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps, and outdoor walking. Wheelchair access may be possible for selected areas with advance planning, but independent mobility is required for many visits. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising reduces the need for repeated road transfers between Luxor and Aswan, while shore excursions support local Egyptologists, drivers, guides, dock workers, and site-based service providers. The vessel uses standard marine systems for electricity, air conditioning, water, and waste handling; exact fuel-efficiency and waste data are not supplied by the cruise line. We arrange transport and visits through local Egyptian suppliers and encourage guests to use refillable water bottles where practical, avoid single-use plastics, remain on marked paths, and follow site rules at Karnak Temple, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These measures reduce litter and help protect archaeological 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
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag
- Motion-sickness medication if needed
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool
- Sun hat and sunglasses
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 on gangways, stairs, and archaeological sites, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the cruise line.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from $999single cabin $1,381triple cabin $999 | May – September: from $765single cabin $980triple cabin $757 | Peak dates: from $1,233single cabin $1,779triple cabin $1,225 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,204single cabin $1,713triple cabin $1,204 | May – September: from $892single cabin $1,178triple cabin $881 | Peak dates: from $1,516single cabin $2,244triple cabin $1,505 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,815single cabin $2,707triple cabin $1,815 | May – September: from $1,269single cabin $1,770triple cabin $1,251 | Peak dates: from $2,361single cabin $3,635triple cabin $2,343 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,836single cabin $2,728triple cabin $1,836 | May – September: from $1,290single cabin $1,791triple cabin $1,272 | Peak dates: from $2,382single cabin $3,656triple cabin $2,364 |
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 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 does the MS Sun Times four-day Nile cruise include?
The MS Sun Times four-day cruise typically includes cabin accommodation, daily meals, on-board service, and scheduled guided excursions. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange port handling, local Egyptologists, and routine on-board logistics. Standard site entrance fees are included in the quoted price unless the itinerary states otherwise; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded by default. We do not run large coach-only shore transfers – groups are limited and private transfers or upgrades are available on request.02Does the MS Sun Times visit Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank?
Many four-day Nile cruises call at Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank, but the MS Sun Times itinerary can vary by departure. Confirm the ship’s daily program before you travel; some departures run Aswan-to-Luxor and others Luxor-to-Aswan, which changes the order of visits. Unlike short-day-boat or cruise-ship shore calls, a four-day cruise typically allows longer time at major sites when those visits are on the published itinerary.03Are site entrance fees and tips included in the cruise price?
Standard site entrance fees are included in our quoted price; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless stated. Gratuities for your cabin staff, guide, and driver are not included by default; we can pre-pay suggested tipping on your behalf if you ask. Any optional extras, premium-site fees, or private services are listed on your booking confirmation so there are no surprise charges.04What cabin types are available on the MS Sun Times and how are beds configured?
Cabin types on the MS Sun Times range from standard river cabins to larger suites; exact configurations vary by deck and departure. Typical Nile cabins provide twin or double bedding, a private bathroom, and either fixed windows or French balconies on upper decks. Tell us your bedding preference at booking – cabins are allocated by booking date and availability, and we can send deck plans on request.05Is the MS Sun Times suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
The MS Sun Times is not a fully accessible ship; expect steps between decks and some narrow corridors. Shore visits involve uneven ancient stone, temple steps, and soft sand at some quays, which can be physically demanding. We can arrange assistance, ground-floor cabins, and private transfers, but true wheelchair access is limited – please contact us with exact mobility needs before booking so we can advise and make feasible arrangements.06What are typical daily timings and do excursions start very early?
Daily routines on four-day Nile cruises usually begin with breakfast around 07:00 and excursions from about 07:30–09:00, depending on the port. Early starts are common to avoid midday heat and river traffic; some sailing legs occur overnight and affect arrival times. We send a detailed daily program before travel with exact pickup times and walking distances for each visit so you can plan clothing and medications.07How do I get from Luxor or Aswan airport to the MS Sun Times – are transfers included?
We arrange airport-to-ship transfers in Luxor and Aswan; your driver meets you in arrivals holding a name card. Provide your full flight details at booking so we can schedule and monitor the transfer, and allow for delays or schedule changes. Transfer durations depend on airport, traffic, and which port is in use; if you have long flight connections or overnighting needs we can add a pre- or post-cruise hotel and handle luggage logistics.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-129926
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