Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck and pool, lounge bar, shaded seating, panoramic windows, Nile-view balconies, and full-board dining; weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Le Fayan Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full Board meals · Scheduled shore excursions · Cabin accommodation · Use of shared onboard facilities
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Hand-picked cruise arranged in coordination with the third-party vessel operator.
- Egyptologist-led shore excursions on the published programme.
- 24/7 on-the-ground support for pre-arranged guests.
02 Overview
A first look
Before dawn on the Nile, the silhouette of Luxor's temple pylons appears against a pale sky, and the vessel's sun deck becomes a place to watch towns slide past the riverbank. Onboard, cabins open onto Nile views or panoramic windows, the pool and lounge bar sit aft, and meals follow the vessel's full-board rhythm, so mornings often begin with fresh coffee and a short briefing for the day.
We arrange your cabin and the vessel's shore-excursion programme, and our Egyptologists brief each visit to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and we handle bookings so you can be ready for embarkation.
Background
The facts
Le Fayan is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails on the river between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city depending on the direction booked. The cruise programme alternates sailing periods with guided shore excursions to major Upper Egypt sites, including Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city center, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank.
The vessel offers full board, meaning lunch is included from embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard inclusions usually cover the cabin booked and use of shared facilities such as the sun deck, pool, lounge bar, and fitness area where provided. Drinks beyond still water with meals are typically extra, and premium tomb entrances such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are generally not included unless specifically requested.
The route is a classic Nile corridor between two major archaeological hubs about 200 km apart by river, with overland transfer times often longer than the sailing itself. Visitors should expect early morning site visits in warmer months, especially around Luxor and Aswan where summer temperatures commonly exceed 40°C. Because the cruise is arranged as a package rather than a single sightseeing stop, the onboard schedule is shaped by sailing days, meal times, and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
Cabins are graded from Standard to Suite, with Nile-view and panoramic-window options available on selected categories. This makes the vessel suitable for travelers who want a structured river journey with hotel-style accommodation while moving between the monuments of ancient Thebes, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Named in this entry
Le Fayan · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Agilkia Island · Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a comfortable, structured way to visit Upper Egypt’s major temples and tombs without changing hotels every night. It is a strong fit for history-focused travelers, couples, and first-time visitors who prefer a private or small-party experience with onboard accommodation.
Maybe not, if
- Guests requiring full wheelchair access due to limited facilities
- Very active travelers seeking a fast-paced, adventurous itinerary
- Those wanting longer immersive cruises should choose a week-long option
What lingers
- 01 Board MS Le Fayan at the Luxor Corniche pier for midday embarkation and luggage transfer via the pier gangway.
- 02 Visit Karnak Temple with an Egyptologist, walking the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Hypostyle Hall at quieter hours.
- 03 Enter the Valley of the Kings early to see two royal tombs; extra-access tombs require separate tickets.
- 04 Sail past daily river life from the shaded sun deck, mooring against the west bank for evening light.
- 05 Disembark for guided visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo, with timed shore calls and short quay-side market walks.
- 06 Moor on the Aswan Corniche and take the local motorboat transfer to Philae Temple and its island temple complex.
- 07 Sleep aboard in Nile-cruise cabins with private en suite facilities; cabins are compact, practical, and cleaned daily.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Luxor or Aswan stay, this vessel combines accommodation and intercity river travel in one package. Compared with independent sightseeing, the cruise’s shore-excursion programme bundles transport, guiding, and monument visits into a single arranged schedule. It is also different from a land tour because the onboard experience includes cabins, dining, and shared leisure facilities while sailing on the Nile.
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
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,460 | $1,050 |
| Single Cabin | $2,050 | $1,375 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,780 | $1,220 |
| Single Cabin | $2,580 | $1,675 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- wifi
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- gym
- pool
- restaurant
- room-service
- family-rooms
- bar
- spa
- beach-access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions as organised by the vessel's programme (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Valley of the Kings)
- Accommodation in the cabin class booked, with daily cabin cleaning and selected onboard services
- Use of onboard facilities: sun deck, pool, lounge bar and fitness area, as provided by the vessel
Not included
- Drinks beyond still water with meals unless otherwise stated
- International or domestic flights
- Entrance fees to premium tombs or pyramid interiors unless explicitly requested
- Gratuities for onboard staff and Egyptologists unless requested
- Visas and personal travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose a mid-ship cabin to reduce motion and enjoy quieter nights on board.
- 02
Visit early at Karnak and Valley of the Kings to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for tipping local guides, cafés and crew gratuities.
- 04
Bring a light scarf for temple visits; it respects local customs and sun.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between cabin categories such as Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, depending on availability and budget. The cruise can be arranged as a Luxor-to-Aswan or Aswan-to-Luxor sailing, and guests may request add-ons such as premium tomb entrances, upgraded beverages, or extended land arrangements before or after the river journey.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate mobility: expect uneven stone surfaces, short flights of stairs and cobblestones at archaeological sites, and steps when boarding and disembarking the ship. Cabins are on multiple decks; some have one or more steps between corridor and cabin threshold. Public areas include staircases and a sun deck reached by steps; there is usually no lift between all decks on Nile cruisers. Transfers between airport and berth use a stepped gangway and vehicle steps. Wheelchair users with full independence in transfers and ability to walk several metres may be able to join, but manual wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can confirm ramp availability and shore-excursion suitability. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will advise on specific accessibility constraints for individual cabins and the particular sailing date.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus photocopy
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight day pack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle (refillable on board)
- Any required prescription medications
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- A light layer for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, sharing the parents' cabin; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Maximum one child may share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be used on board but may be impractical on shore excursions because of steps, uneven stone and restricted landing stages. High chairs are not standard on all vessels; please request one at booking and we will confirm availability with the cruise line.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses diesel-powered river engines and local tenders for short transfers to landing stages. Onboard waste is segregated where possible and disposed of at licensed reception facilities in Luxor and Aswan rather than being discharged into the river. We contract locally owned suppliers for food, guides and longshore services, which helps keep income in the communities visited. Shore excursions are scheduled to minimise duplicate vehicle journeys between sites, and most excursions use small, air-conditioned coaches provided by local companies. We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles; the vessel supplies drinking water refill points on deck where available. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we monitor suppliers annually and ask partners to follow local labour and environmental regulations.
-
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
Le Fayan Nile Cruise includes full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, plus the vessel’s scheduled shore excursions. The route covers Luxor, Aswan, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are booked by category, and drinks beyond still water, gratuities, and premium tomb entrances are usually extra.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration of a Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
Le Fayan Nile Cruises typically sail for 3 or 4 nights, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers weekly departures in both directions, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans and preferred embarkation city. -
02 What shore excursions are included with the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise includes an organised programme of shore excursions to major sites. These typically feature Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all led by an Egyptologist. -
03 What is the board basis on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond still water with meals are generally not included. -
04 What amenities are available on board the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise offers a range of amenities for guest comfort. These include a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a restaurant, a fitness area, and air-conditioned cabins. Wi-Fi is also typically available. -
05 Are children welcome on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise, and what are the rates?
Children are welcome on board the Le Fayan Nile Cruise. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult rate. -
06 What are the cabin options on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, including Standard cabins and Suites. Many cabins feature Nile-view or panoramic windows, providing views of the river scenery. All cabins are air-conditioned. -
07 What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for warm weather, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for temple visits. -
08 What is typically excluded from the Le Fayan Nile Cruise price?
Typically excluded from the cruise price are international and domestic flights, drinks beyond still water with meals, entrance fees to premium tombs or pyramid interiors, gratuities for staff and Egyptologists, visas, and personal travel insurance. -
09 What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot. -
10 How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange my Le Fayan Nile Cruise booking?
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your Le Fayan Nile Cruise booking directly with the vessel operator. We coordinate your accommodation and the included shore excursions, ensuring a seamless experience on the ground.
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 17 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-LUX-534653
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