Discovery Tours Egypt

Discovery Tours Egypt · sailing since 1988 ·

Nile cruises – compare every ship, route, and length on the river.

Dahabiyas under canvas, 5-star Luxor–Aswan motor cruisers, boutique luxury vessels, and the Lake Nasser fleet that sails to Abu Simbel at dawn. Egyptologist-guided, all admissions included, hand-picked by our Cairo desk – not a marketplace pull.

Browse the fleetWhatsApp a specialist

DTWritten by the Discovery Tours Egypt team · Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada · Marsa Alam · Sharm El Sheikh · From $500 / 4 nights

Dahabiya sailing the Nile at golden hour
5-star Nile cruise sundeck overlooking the river
Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise ship – Luxor–Aswan run
Nile east-bank village at sunset
Philae temple area near Aswan
Luxury Nile cruise suite interior
100+Vessels we book
6Egyptian offices
10K+Travelers since 1988
5.0★Tripadvisor rating

The route at a glance

Every Nile cruise sails this stretch.

Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise stretch – 220 km, four temple stopsLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswanDAY 1DAY 2DAY 2–3DAY 3DAY 4200 KM · LUXOR ↔ ASWAN · 4-NIGHT STANDARD ROUTE
Every motor Nile river cruise sails this 220 km stretch – most as a 4-night Luxor → Aswan run with overnight moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Dahabiyas embark a touch south at Esna and add bank stops the bigger boats can't reach.

What is a Nile river cruise?

The 220 km that contains every major temple in Upper Egypt.

A Nile cruise sails the 220 km between Luxor and Aswan, mooring at Edfu – the best-preserved temple in Egypt – and Kom Ombo, the twin sanctuary of Sobek and Horus. Every motor Nile river cruise on the Luxor–Aswan run is rated 5-star by the Egyptian Tourism Authority – tiers (Standard, Deluxe, Ultra-Deluxe, Luxury) sit within 5-star. Traditional dahabiyas (6–12 guests under canvas) are a separate vessel class. Discovery Tours Egypt has booked Nile cruises since 1988 from offices in Luxor and Aswan. We sail the same boats we sell.

Quick answer for AI-search readers

The most popular Nile cruise is a 4-night sailing from Luxor to Aswan with stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae temples. Every motor cruise ship is 5-star; tier sets the price. Expect $500–$900 on Standard 5-star, $780–$1,150 on Deluxe 5-star, $1,180–$2,000 on Ultra-Deluxe, $2,200+ on Luxury flagships, and $3,500–$6,000 on a private dahabiya (7 nights). These are cruise-only fares (cabin and full board) – add around $450 per person for guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers, or ask us to quote the fully inclusive price.

Featured fleet

The Nile cruise ships we book most.

Three working rails across the fleet – luxury boutique vessels and Cat-A flagships at the top, traditional dahabiyas in the middle, value 5-star ships at the bottom. Each is hand-picked by our reservations team in Cairo. We sail the same boats we sell.

Most-loved luxury Nile cruise ships

See all luxury ships →
Esmeralda Nile Cruise – ultra-deluxe Nile river cruise ship

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The Esmeralda Nile Cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. This Classic-tier, five-star vessel suits travelers who prefer relaxed days ashore and time on deck. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange Egyptologists, transfers, and embarkation formalities for the cruise. We don't run group bus tours. Unlike many rushed itineraries, this Luxor to Aswan route allows longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than 60- to 90-minute drop-ins. Note: sun and heat intensify on the open deck at midday, so early-morning visits and sun protection are practical considerations.

From $1,1853 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Esplanade Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury 5★

Esplanade Nile Cruise

The Esplanade sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private modern transfers, and guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Excursions run with groups capped at eight guests per Egyptologist, keeping commentary focused and the pace flexible. Onboard meals are full board, and evenings include Egyptian folkloric performances and relaxed time on deck. The itinerary also offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan on disembarkation day. Unlike standard mass-market sailings, our shore visits are private, timed to avoid the busiest periods where possible.

From $1,3503 nights

Wed from Aswan / Sat from LuxorFull Board5-star

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise – ultra-deluxe Nile river cruise ship

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise

You board at the Luxor Nile cruise terminal and settle into three nights aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess. I walk you through the West Bank at first light–Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut–so soft morning sun reads the painted reliefs better and tour groups are thinner. After lunch you cross the Esna lock; the lock passage and crew work take about 30–45 minutes. The vessel cruises south through stretch-views of date-palms and small river farms, stopping at Edfu for a focused 90–120 minute visit to Horus’s temple, then at Kom Ombo to read the dual sanctuaries carved for Sobek and Haroeris. In Aswan we make time for Philae island by motorboat and the quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk. Cabins are river-cruise scale–compact and functional, with en suite facilities and daily housekeeping–not ocean-liner space. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch and dinner follow a mix of international and local dishes, and bottled water is replenished daily. Expect early starts and warm midday sun; dress in layers for morning tombs and bring comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone surfaces. I brief the route each evening so you know timings for the next day’s temple visits, transfers to the pier, and any optional extras like a felucca ride in Aswan. This schedule balances on-board cruising time with practical walking time at each site to let inscriptions and architectural details register properly.

From $8607 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury 5★

The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS The Oberoi Zahra, booked through our licensed Egyptian tour operator. We provide private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany shore visits. Unlike mass-market 4-night boats, we do not bundle coach tours; we confirm each ashore stop and pacing with you before travel. Trade-offs: expect early starts for some crossings and occasional quay congestion at Luxor or Aswan. Standard archaeological site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and pyramid interiors are excluded. Tell us your travel dates and cabin preference and we will confirm availability and the detailed ashore program.

From $1,7914 nights

Mon from Aswan / Fri from LuxorFull Board5-star

Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury 5★

Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise

The Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offering deluxe cabins, full board dining, and guided shore visits with English-speaking Egyptologists. Itineraries run from three to seven nights, with embarkation in Aswan or Luxor. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange meet and assist on arrival, all transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and entrance fees to listed sites. Guided shore tours are limited to eight guests, which keeps commentary focused and departures quicker at busy monuments. WiFi is available in most public areas, and each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water per day. Compared with larger cruise programs, our small-group approach permits more time at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, and Luxor West Bank.

From $8807 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Le Fayan Nile Cruise – ultra-deluxe Nile river cruise ship

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Le Fayan Nile Cruise

Board MS Le Fayan at the Luxor Corniche pier and step aboard a compact Nile cruise that runs four days downriver to Aswan. I guide the shore excursions myself when available; we move with the light – morning visits to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple when tombs are coolest, late-afternoon walk through Karnak's Hypostyle Hall if crowds thin. Cabins are Nile-cruise size and practical, with private en suite bathrooms and wardrobe space; this is intimate, not an ocean liner. Each afternoon you sit on the shaded sun deck and watch feluccas, fishermen and river markets pass close to the bank. We stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo for temple walks; plan on 60–90 minute shore calls in Edfu and a short market visit at Kom Ombo's quay. In Aswan we moor on the Corniche and arrange the motorboat transfer to Philae Temple. Meals follow local rhythms: breakfasts and lunches on board, an evening of grilled fish when the catch is good. Note practical details up front: luggage transfers use the pier gangway, mobile signal is patchy between Nile bends, and some tombs require extra-permit fees. If you like quiet mornings in old temples and direct commentary from an Egyptologist, this four-day downriver cruise keeps logistics simple and the day-to-day focused on sites and sunlight.

From $9717 nights

Mon from Aswan / Thu from LuxorFull Board5-star

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury 5★

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering cabin accommodation, public lounges, a sun deck and an onboard excursion program. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided, defined as lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange bookings and transfers for this carefully selected cruiser.

Price on request7 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Medea Nile Cruise – luxury Nile river cruise ship

Luxury 5★

Medea Nile Cruise

You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travelers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.

From $9007 nights

Mon from Aswan / Thu from LuxorFull Board5-star

Traditional dahabiya Nile cruises

See all dahabiyas →
Dahabiya Nora – traditional dahabiya Nile cruise vessel

Dahabiya

Dahabiya Nora

Nora Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan over five days, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and El Kab. The boat typically hosts around 8 to 12 guests, which allows longer shore time at each temple and quieter evenings on the river. All scheduled visits are led by a licensed Egyptologist who explains the inscriptions and ritual spaces at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your arrival logistics and local guiding on the ground. Unlike larger motor-ship cruises, this dahabiya keeps a gentle pace, with afternoons free to relax on deck and evenings moored in calm stretches of the Nile.

Price on request3 nights

Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise – traditional dahabiya Nile cruise vessel

Dahabiya

Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise

You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.

From $1,8923 nights

Best-value 5-star Nile cruise ships

See all deluxe ships →
Alyssa Nile Cruise – Deluxe 5-star Nile river cruise ship

Deluxe 5★

Alyssa Nile Cruise

The Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Philae. We arrange accommodation aboard the Alyssa, and the vessel has a sundeck, swimming pool, spa, fitness area, restaurant, bar, and cabins with Nile views. Our Egyptologists lead all guided visits, and group sizes are small, limited to a maximum of eight participants. We do not run large coach tours; the small-group approach keeps landing parties compact and manageable. Unlike many short-stop itineraries, this cruise allows proper time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and selected departures offer an optional Abu Simbel excursion. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists time visits to avoid the largest crowds when possible.

From $7903 nights

Mon from Aswan / Thu from LuxorFull Board5-star

Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise – Deluxe 5-star Nile river cruise ship

Deluxe 5★

Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

The Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and Luxor Temple. We offer 4- and 5-night programs that combine guided archaeology with relaxing time on the sun deck. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, meet-and-assist, and English-speaking Egyptologist-led visits. We run small-group guided excursions rather than large coach tours, which keeps time at the sites focused and unrushed. Unlike day-trip itineraries that return to a land base each evening, this cruise sleeps between Edfu and Kom Ombo so you visit the temples at quieter times. Onboard facilities include a sun deck, pool, restaurant, bar, and evening folkloric entertainment, with daily complimentary bottled water and all service charges included.

From $7353 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Five vessel classes · one river

Browse Nile cruises by ship class.

Every motor Nile river cruise on the Luxor–Aswan run is rated 5-star – the four tiers sit within 5-star and set the cabin size, service ratio, dining format, and pace on board. Dahabiyas are a separate vessel class entirely. The temples are identical from every deck – your class shapes the boat, not the river.

16–20 M²Standard 5★$125PER NIGHT FROM20–28 M²Deluxe 5★$195PER NIGHT FROM28–40 M²Ultra-Deluxe 5★$295PER NIGHT FROM35–55 M²Luxury 5★$550+PER NIGHT FROM18–28 M²Dahabiya$500+PER NIGHT FROM
Per-night entry rates across the five Nile cruise classes. The four 5-star tiers sit on the solid spine; dahabiya – a separate vessel class – anchors the far right with its own dashed marker. Rates vary depending on travel dates and availability, cabin sizes can vary depending on ship. Cruise-only fares shown; guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers are extra.
  1. Standard 5★ · Comfort Nile cruise vessel – Entry-level 5-star fleet · from $500 / 4 nights

    Standard 5★ · Comfort

    Entry-level 5-star fleet · from $500 / 4 nights

    Browse Standard 5★ · Comfort
  2. Deluxe 5★ · Classic Nile cruise vessel – Mövenpick · Sonesta · rooftop pool · from $780

    Deluxe 5★ · Classic

    Mövenpick · Sonesta · rooftop pool · from $780

    Browse Deluxe 5★ · Classic
  3. Ultra-Deluxe 5★ · Prestige Nile cruise vessel – Boutique 5-star · 36–60 cabins · from $1,180

    Ultra-Deluxe 5★ · Prestige

    Boutique 5-star · 36–60 cabins · from $1,180

    Browse Ultra-Deluxe 5★ · Prestige
  4. Luxury 5★ Nile cruise vessel – Oberoi · Sanctuary Sun Boat · butler service

    Luxury 5★

    Oberoi · Sanctuary Sun Boat · butler service

    Browse Luxury 5★
  5. Dahabiya Nile cruise vessel – Traditional sail, separate class · 6–12 guests

    Dahabiya

    Traditional sail, separate class · 6–12 guests

    Browse Dahabiya

How long to sail

Browse Nile cruises by length.

Most travellers pick a 4-night Luxor–Aswan sailing – the standard Nile river cruise length. The 3-night shape is for tighter trips with a Red Sea extension; the 7-night is dahabiya territory or a Luxor round-trip; 10-night voyages reach Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel by boat.

  1. 4days

    4-Day Cruises

    The essential temples – Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae – in a compact itinerary. Ideal for Red Sea extensions.

    Browse 4-night cruises
  2. 5days

    5-Day Cruises

    The classic Luxor → Aswan route. Every major temple on the Nile in one week-friendly voyage.

    Browse 5-night cruises
  3. 8days

    8-Day Cruises

    Round-trip or dahabiya full itinerary. Adds El Kab, Esna, and Gebel el-Silsila.

    Browse 8-night cruises

The route

Luxor to Aswan – what you'll see along 220 km.

Almost every Nile cruise sails the 220 km between Luxor and Aswan. Five major temples lie along the route. Dahabiyas access two additional mooring sites the big ships bypass – El Kab and Gebel el-Silsila.

LuxorKarnak · Valley of the KingsEsnaLock + temple (dahabiya)EdfuBest-preserved templeKom OmboTwin temple of SobekAswanPhilae · Nubian villagesAbu SimbelDay-trip flightEl Kab + SilsilaDahabiya onlyStandard cruise stopDahabiya / extension stop
All Nile cruise routes sail Luxor ↔ Aswan (220 km). Dahabiyas add El Kab and Gebel el-Silsila – bank stops the bigger boats cannot enter.

The other Nile cruise

Lake Nasser – Aswan to Abu Simbel by boat

Most Nile cruises sail the 220 km of river between Luxor and Aswan. Lake Nasser cruises sail the ~290 km Egyptian stretch of the lake the Aswan High Dam created, calling at the Nubian temples UNESCO relocated stone by stone in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and finally Abu Simbel at dawn. Only three ships work the lake: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim, and MS Prince Abbas. Most returning Egypt travelers regard it as the more atmospheric of the two voyages.

See Lake Nasser cruisesNile + Lake Nasser combo

The five Nubian stops, in sailing order

  1. 1

    Kalabsha

    Temple of Mandulis – relocated from below the High Dam, now perched on an island near Aswan.

  2. 2

    Wadi El Seboua

    Avenue of sphinxes leading to a Ramesses II rock-cut sanctuary.

  3. 3

    Amada

    Oldest standing temple in Nubia (Thutmose III, c. 1450 BCE).

  4. 4

    Qasr Ibrim

    The only Nubian site never moved – viewed from the water, still atop its original cliff.

  5. 5

    Abu Simbel

    Arrival at dawn by boat, not by 6am charter flight – the great temple lit by the first sun on the lake.

The three Lake Nasser ships

Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise – Lake Nasser cruise ship sailing to Abu Simbel

Ultra-Deluxe · Lake Nasser

Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise

A 5-star Steigenberger ship on Lake Nasser, sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel past the rescued temples of Nubia — Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Kasr Ibrim.

Price on request3 nights

Mon from Aswan / Fri from Abu SimbelFull Board5-star

Fleet news · 2026

What's new on the Nile.

New builds and additions across the Nile fleet – the developments shaping where you can sail next.

  1. 01

    Sep–Nov 2026

    Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet join the Nile

    Two new 82-guest ships expand Viking's Egypt fleet to eight vessels, both sailing the 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary.

  2. 02

    Late 2026

    Waldorf Astoria's first Nile riverboat

    A five-deck, 29-suite all-suite vessel debuts with 4- and 6-night Luxor–Aswan sailings.

  3. 03

    Late 2026

    Abercrombie & Kent unveils Nile Seray

    A&K's fifth Egyptian riverboat carries 64 guests, with suites from 355 sq ft and two whirlpool-veranda suites.

  4. 04

    Late 2026

    Oberoi adds two new luxury dahabiyas

    Melouk and Malekat, each with just seven suites, bring a 1920s-inspired design to the traditional dahabiya class.

Compare all five classes

Standard to Dahabiya – side by side.

Every ship class sails the same temples on the same route. What changes is on board.

FeatureStandard 5★ (Comfort)Deluxe 5★ (Classic)Ultra-Deluxe 5★ (Prestige)Luxury 5★Dahabiya
Star rating5★5★5★5★Separate class
Per night from$125$195$295$550+$500+
Cabin size16–20 m²20–28 m²28–40 m²35–55 m²18–28 m²
Guests on board80–15060–12036–608–366–12
PoolYesYesYesYesNo
DiningBuffetBuffet + grillÀ-la-carteFine diningCook on request
Best forFirst-timers, value-ledComfort + reliabilityDesign-consciousCouples, VIPsIntimacy, repeat visitors

Rates vary depending on travel dates and availability, cabin sizes can vary depending on ship. Cruise-only fares shown; guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers are extra.

Is a Nile cruise the right choice?

Two decisions before you book.

For most first-time visitors a Nile cruise is the most efficient way to see Egypt. Two genuine alternatives sit either side – dahabiya (slower, smaller) or land-based tour (more flexible, multi-stop). Both worth weighing.

Vessel choice

Dahabiya vs motor cruise ship.

A dahabiya carries 6–12 guests on a traditional sailing yacht – no engine noise under canvas, bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila, dinner under stars. A 5-star motor cruise ship carries 60–200 guests on a fixed Mon/Fri rotation with a pool, gym, and Egyptologist lectures.

Dahabiya · 6–12 guests · from $3,500 pp (cruise-only)Motor cruise · 60–200 guests · from $500 pp (cruise-only)

Browse dahabiyas →Browse motor cruisers →

Format choice

Nile cruise vs land-based tour.

Pick a Nile cruise if…

  • You want the temples in chronological order without daily hotel changes
  • You'd rather unpack once and let the ship handle the logistics
  • Sunset on the river and golden-hour sail-by views matter to you
  • It's your first time in Egypt and you want the most efficient temple sweep

Pick a land-based tour if…

  • You're a returning visitor focused on specific archaeology (workshops, tombs by appointment)
  • You want more time in Cairo's museums or off-Nile sites (Saqqara, Dahshur, Western Desert)
  • You travel with younger children who'd prefer a hotel pool to a cabin
  • You'd like to extend stays in particular towns (Aswan, Luxor west bank villages)

Browse Nile cruises →See multi-day land tours →

Cruise + land packages

Pair your Nile cruise with Egypt's best.

A Nile cruise is the anchor of most Egypt itineraries. These three are our most-booked combinations – each adds something the river alone can't.

Choosing and booking

Four decisions, five steps, one cruise.

Four decisions that narrow it down

  1. 01

    Direction – which way to sail?

    Luxor → Aswan is the most-booked direction: you start at the world's largest temple complex and finish near Abu Simbel and the Aswan airport. Aswan → Luxor reverses the sequence – Karnak is your finale instead of your opening act. Both visit identical temples; choose based on your flight connections.

  2. 02

    Class – what tier fits your budget?

    Budget ships start at $500 per person for 4 nights cruise-only; luxury boutique ships run $2,200+. Add around $450pp for guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers. The temples are the same from any deck. Choose by how much time you plan to spend on board vs. at the monuments – if you're off the ship every morning, a budget cabin is a smart trade.

  3. 03

    Duration – 3, 4, or 7 nights?

    Three nights is the minimum to cover the key temples. Four nights is the sweet spot – every major monument without rushing. Seven nights suits dahabiyas and round-trip itineraries; you visit smaller temples the short cruises skip. Ten nights opens up Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel by boat.

  4. 04

    Season – heat, peak, or value?

    October–April is the comfortable season (20–30°C, peak fares). November and February are the sweet spots – gentle weather, not yet Christmas prices. May–September is hot (35–40°C) but 30–40% cheaper and the temples are quieter before 9 am. Ramadan timing shifts year to year – ask us.

Five steps to your Nile cruise

  1. 01

    Shortlist 2–3 ships

    Tell us your travel dates, budget tier, and whether you lean dahabiya or motor cruiser. We send a curated shortlist within 24 hours – not a catalog, a recommendation.

  2. 02

    Pick direction and cabin

    Choose Luxor → Aswan or Aswan → Luxor based on your flight connections. Select cabin category: standard, superior, junior suite, or suite. We advise on which deck is quietest.

  3. 03

    Confirm dates and group

    We check live availability and hold your cabin for 48 hours. Solo, couple, family, or group – we adjust pricing and confirm the exact embarkation logistics.

  4. 04

    Add flights, hotels, and extras

    Many guests combine the cruise with Cairo nights, a Red Sea extension, or Abu Simbel by flight. We build the full itinerary and issue a single, itemized quote.

  5. 05

    We confirm and document

    25% deposit confirms your booking. Full documentation – tickets, emergency contacts, Luxor and Aswan office numbers, tipping guide – is issued 30 days before sailing.

Start planning my cruiseWhatsApp our planners

What's included

All admissions. All meals. All guiding.

Headline cabin price is the real price. Everything below is in your quote unless you specifically opt out.

  1. 01

    Private cabin

    Air-conditioned, en-suite, daily housekeeping

  2. 02

    Full board

    Breakfast · lunch · dinner · afternoon tea on board

  3. 03

    All temple admissions

    Karnak · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae + Valley of the Kings

  4. 04

    Egyptologist guide

    Credentialed, in-house – not a freelance coach guide

  5. 05

    Airport/hotel transfers

    Air-conditioned vehicles, Luxor and Aswan

  6. 06

    Port fees

    All embarkation and disembarkation taxes

  7. 07

    On-board entertainment

    Galabeya night · Nubian folkloric show

  8. 08

    Wi-Fi on board

    Satellite Wi-Fi on most 5-star and deluxe ships

  9. 09

    Shore excursion vehicles

    Private AC transport at every temple stop

  10. 10

    Arrival assistance

    Meet-and-greet from our Luxor or Aswan office

  11. 11

    Bottled water daily

    On board and on shore excursions throughout

  12. 12

    Tipping guide

    Printed guide at embarkation – not included in price

When to sail

Year-round on the Nile.

October–April is peak sailing season – comfortable temperatures, full ships, higher fares. May–September is 30–40% cheaper and the temples are less crowded before 9 am.

Jan

23°C

Peak fares

Feb

26°C

Peak fares

Mar

30°C

Shoulder peak

Apr

33°C

Shoulder peak

May

37°C

Value

Jun

40°C

Best fares

Jul

41°C

Best fares

Aug

40°C

Best fares

Sep

37°C

Value

Oct

33°C

Peak fares

Nov

27°C

Peak fares

Dec

23°C

Holiday surcharge

PeakShoulderLow season · best fares

Oct–Apr: Peak

20–30°C, low humidity. November and February are sweet-spot months: perfect weather without full Christmas pricing.

May–Sep: Value

35–40°C but 30–40% cheaper. Mornings at the temples (before 9 am) are very manageable. Crowds are minimal.

Ramadan

Variable dates – check the year's calendar. Some temple sites adjust hours; the river remains fully operational. A unique atmosphere.

Christmas / New Year

20–35% premium. Book 9–12 months ahead to secure the ship and cabin you want.

What travellers ask first

Six questions before booking.

  1. Visa for Egypt

    US passport holders need an Egypt visa: e-Visa online ($30, 3–5 days) or our arrival visa service ($35 – stamp ready on landing). We include full pre-trip documentation.

    Read full guide →

  2. Will I get seasick?

    No – the Nile is a calm river. Motion is minimal even on a sailing dahabiya. Travelers who avoid sea cruises do fine on the Nile.

    Read full guide →

  3. Is there Wi-Fi on board?

    Yes on all 5-star and deluxe ships – satellite Wi-Fi. Speed is modest; sufficient for messaging and email. Dahabiyas are typically offline.

    Read full guide →

  4. What to wear

    Smart-casual evenings; covered shoulders and knees at temples. Swimwear on the sundeck. Galabeya night on most ships – costumes provided.

    Read full guide →

  5. Tipping etiquette

    $5–8/night housekeeping · $5–10/dinner waiter · $10–15/day Egyptologist. We provide a printed tipping guide at embarkation.

    Read full guide →

  6. Single supplement

    Most ships charge 50–75% single supplement on a private cabin. Some budget ships offer sole-occupancy at no supplement in low season – ask us.

    Read full guide →

Who's on board with you

Every Nile cruise carries a private Egyptologist.

Discovery Tours Egypt retains a network of licensed Egyptologist guides directly – not as freelance contractors who rotate between operators. The guide on your Nile river cruise is the same person behind the five-star reviews on our Tripadvisor profile, the same person who wrote the temple notes on our journal pages, and the same person who'll meet you at Luxor or Aswan port on day one.

Meet the guides

Traveller reviews · 4.6★ across Tripadvisor & Google

What recent travellers say.

Read all reviews →

  1. ★★★★★

    Every transfer, every guide, every hotel pickup was on time. You feel like you're in the hands of people who actually live and breathe Egypt – because they do.

    – Brooke G. · Tripadvisor review ·

  2. ★★★★★

    I worked with Discovery Tours to host a group trip to Egypt and it was seamless from beginning to end. Hassany was a great coordinator and helped tailor the trip perfectly.

    – Lena S. · Google review ·

  3. ★★★★★

    Our guide Mohamed went above and beyond to make our time in Egypt special. We said goodbye to a friend at the end. Totally recommend booking with Discovery.

    – Corey C. · Tripadvisor review ·

Frequently asked

Nile cruises – answered.

  1. 01What is a Nile cruise?

    A Nile cruise is a multi-night voyage aboard a purpose-built vessel sailing the 220 km stretch of the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt. Ships moor overnight at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with guided excursions to the temples at each stop. Vessels range from intimate 6-cabin dahabiyas sailing under canvas to 5-star motor cruisers carrying up to 200 guests.

  2. 02How long is a Nile cruise?

    The most popular length is 4 nights – enough to cover every major temple from Luxor to Aswan without rushing. Three-night cruises are faster-paced and popular with travelers adding a Red Sea extension. Seven-night cruises are typically on dahabiyas and include smaller temples the short cruises bypass. Ten-night luxury voyages continue into Lake Nasser to reach Abu Simbel by boat.

  3. 03What is included in a Nile cruise?

    All Discovery Tours Nile cruises include: private Egyptologist guide on every shore excursion, all temple and site admissions (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae), full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner), air-conditioned transfers at every port, port fees, and 24/7 in-country support from our Luxor and Aswan offices. Flights, gratuities, beverages outside mealtimes, and Abu Simbel day trips are separate unless specified.

  4. 04How much does a Nile cruise cost?

    Every Nile cruise ship is rated 5-star by the Egyptian Tourism Authority – pricing varies by tier within 5-star, not by star rating. Standard 5-star ships: from $500–$900 per person for 4 nights. Deluxe 5-star ships: from $780–$1,150. Ultra-deluxe 5-star: from $1,180–$2,000. Luxury flagships (Oberoi Zahra, Sanctuary Sun Boat): from $2,200+. Traditional dahabiyas (a separate vessel class, not star-rated): from $3,500–$6,000 per person for 7 nights. These are cruise-only fares (cabin and full board) – guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers add roughly $450 per person, or ask us for the fully inclusive price.

  5. 05Dahabiya or cruise ship – which is better?

    A dahabiya (6–12 guests, traditional wooden sail vessel) is the best choice for couples, second-time visitors, and anyone who values atmosphere over amenities – no pool, but a private sundeck, intimate dinners, stops at temples the big ships skip, and a pace set by the wind and your preferences. A 5-star motor cruiser (100–200 guests) is better for first-timers who want a pool, a gym, and nightly lectures alongside the temple circuit.

  6. 06What is the best route direction – Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?

    Luxor → Aswan is the most-booked direction: you begin at the world's largest temple complex (Karnak) and end near Abu Simbel and the Aswan airport. Aswan → Luxor reverses the sequence – Karnak is your finale. Both directions visit identical temples. Choose based on your flight connections rather than any temple preference.

  7. 07When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

    October through April is the comfortable season – 20–30°C on the river, low humidity. November and February are the sweet spots: not yet Christmas prices, and weather is ideal. May through September is hot (35–40°C) but 30–40% cheaper and the temples are quieter before 9 am. Book 6 months ahead for November, February, and the Christmas/New Year window.

  8. 08Can I combine a Nile cruise with Cairo?

    Yes – and most first-time Egypt travelers do. The standard combination is 2 nights Cairo (Pyramids, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum) followed by a 4-night Nile cruise, then fly home from Aswan. We handle all internal flights, transfers, and guide continuity across Cairo and the Nile leg.

  9. 09Is a Nile cruise family-friendly?

    Yes. Most 5-star cruise ships have family cabins, pools, and evening entertainment. Our Egyptologist guides pitch their temple narration to the age range in your group – hieroglyph workshops, treasure-hunt sheets, and story-led site introductions are standard for families with kids aged 6+. Dahabiyas are better suited to older teens and adults than young children (smaller spaces, no pool).

  10. 10Is there a single supplement on Nile cruises?

    Most ships charge 50–75% single supplement for sole occupancy of a double cabin. Some Standard 5-star ships offer no-supplement single cabins in the low season (May–September). We always check current availability – ask us when you inquire.

  11. 11What is a round-trip Nile cruise?

    A round-trip Nile cruise departs from Luxor, sails south to Aswan (or vice versa), then returns to the starting port. This format is common on 7-night dahabiya charters and some 7-night motor cruiser itineraries. It suits travelers flying in and out of the same city (Luxor or Aswan) or those who want to experience the Nile in both directions.

  12. 12How do I book a Nile cruise?

    Send us your preferred travel dates, group size, and whether you lean dahabiya or motor cruiser. We reply within 24 hours with a curated shortlist – not a catalog. To confirm, a 25% deposit holds your cabin; balance is due 30 days before embarkation. Full documentation (boarding passes, emergency contacts, tipping guide) is issued at that time.

  13. 13What is a Lake Nasser cruise?

    A Lake Nasser cruise is a 3- to 4-night voyage on the artificial lake created by the Aswan High Dam, sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel. Unlike the classical Luxor–Aswan Nile river cruise, the Lake Nasser route visits the Nubian rescue temples that UNESCO relocated in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and finally Abu Simbel at dawn. Three ships work the lake: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim, and MS Prince Abbas.

  14. 14Is a Nile cruise worth it?

    Yes – for most first-time visitors to Egypt, a Nile cruise is the single most efficient way to see the country's great Pharaonic temples. You unpack once, sleep on the river, and let the boat handle the logistics between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The alternative – a multi-stop overland tour with daily hotel changes – costs more and reaches fewer temples in the same week.

  15. 15Are Nile cruises safe in 2026?

    Yes. Nile cruise tourism has operated continuously since the 1960s and is among the most security-screened activities in Egypt. Every embarkation point has tourist police, every ship runs licensed Egyptologist guides, and the US State Department travel advice for the Nile Valley remains unchanged from prior years. We monitor advisories daily and adjust itineraries if needed.

Talk to the Cairo desk

Send your dates and group size. We'll send back three boats and a hold.

A specialist from our Luxor or Aswan office replies within 24 hours with a tailored cruise quote – dahabiya or motor cruiser, budget to boutique luxury. Hand-picked from over 100 Nile cruise ships, never a marketplace pull.

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Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada · Marsa Alam · Sharm El Sheikh

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