Farida Nile Cruise
Four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank and Philae; private Egyptologist and transfers available
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cruise Vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Includes
- Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Shared shore excursions · Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports · Use of sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Small groups · Travellers who prefer unpacking once
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Carefully selected Nile cruise arranged for clients
- Standard site entrance fees included unless stated otherwise
- Third-party cruise line vessel with Discovery Tours Egypt handling arrangements
02 Overview
A first look
The Nile at Luxor moves with a quiet, oily surface at sunset; you will step onto the deck as felucca sails creak and the river air carries cumin and date-sweet smoke. Expect shorelines of cultivated reeds and the occasional orange grove passing by as lights from the West Bank come on.
Our Egyptologists narrate each evening on deck and on short shore walks so archaeology is immediate, not abstract. We keep commentary timed around sunlight and cooler hours — unlike larger river lines, we pause long enough ashore for proper views. Your Egyptologist, Karim Hassan, meets you at embarkation and handles inscriptions, routes and local permissions.
Background
The facts
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for travel between Luxor and Aswan. The ship’s programme typically operates weekly in both directions, with days alternating between sailing and shared shore excursions. Embarkation and disembarkation are at Luxor and Aswan ports, and the cruise is sold on a full-board basis from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The shore-excursion programme includes major Upper Egypt sites associated with the New Kingdom and Graeco-Roman periods, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. Luxor’s monuments lie on both banks of the Nile; the East Bank sites are connected to the city, while the West Bank tombs and mortuary temples are reached by road and river crossing as part of the cruise excursion schedule. Onboard public areas typically include a sun deck, a lounge bar with panoramic windows, and a dining room.
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in many categories. Pricing is generally per person sharing, with a single supplement applying for solo occupancy. Beverages beyond bottled water with meals, gratuities, and optional premium entrances are usually excluded unless stated otherwise. Standard site entrance fees are normally included in the cruise programme unless explicitly noted.
Because the product is a vessel-based cruise rather than a day tour, the experience combines overnight sailing, onboard meals, and timed land visits. This format is commonly used for travellers moving between Luxor and Aswan while visiting the key temple and tomb sites along the Nile corridor.
Named in this entry
Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · New Kingdom · Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suitable for adult travellers and older families who want to see major Luxor and Aswan monuments without changing hotels each day. It also fits history-focused visitors, couples, and small groups who prefer a slower pace and a cabin-based itinerary.
Maybe not, if
- Very limited mobility without a companion or assistance
- Families with very young children looking for activity programs
- Travelers wanting extensive time ashore or long cruises
What lingers
- 01 Sun deck for Nile viewing and evening sunsets
- 02 Lounge bar with panoramic windows and indoor seating
- 03 Dining room serving full-board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04 Shore-excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 05 Calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae on alternating days
- 06 Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite with Nile-view windows or balconies where available
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike land-based sightseeing tours, this cruise combines hotel-style accommodation, onboard dining, and temple visits while the vessel travels between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with large coach tours, it offers fewer hotel changes and a more structured sightseeing rhythm with sailing days and excursion days. It is also different from short riverboat trips because it includes overnight cabin accommodation and a full-board programme.
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 | $1,020 | $1,020 |
| Single Cabin | $1,425 | $1,425 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Single Cabin | $1,745 | $1,745 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the chosen cabin grade, priced per person sharing
- Shared shore excursions as listed in the vessel’s programme (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae)
- Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports
- Use of onboard public areas: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- International or domestic flights to/from Egypt
- Beverages beyond bottled water with meals unless otherwise stated
- Gratuities for cruise crew and excursion guides (customary, not included)
- Optional premium entrances charged locally (for example, premium tombs or special-access sites)
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book early morning Karnak visits to avoid heat and large tour groups.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pounds and exact change for market purchases and Nile-side vendors.
- 03
Bring a compact torch for tomb descents and uneven temple corridors after dusk.
- 04
Reserve a window or upper-deck cabin early for consistently better Nile river views.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged as a private or shared travel component, depending on the wider itinerary booked through Discovery Tours Egypt. Travelers may also request cabin upgrades where available, extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, or add-on visits before embarkation or after disembarkation. Meal and sightseeing arrangements can sometimes be adjusted to match flight schedules or onward travel.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise involves boarding via a gangway and moving around narrow corridors, interior steps and external staircases between decks. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, loose sand and steps at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings; many temple entrances have steps with no handrail. The vessel’s public areas (sun deck, lounge bar, dining room) are reached by stairs; some cabins have steps at their entrances and cabin door widths may not accommodate standard wheelchairs. If you require step-free access, a wheelchair-accessible cabin, or assistance at embarkation/disembarkation, tell us at booking. We can arrange port staff assistance and shipboard help, but full step-free access ashore cannot be guaranteed at all archaeological sites.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport (original) and a photocopy
- Sunscreen SPF30+ and a wide-brim hat
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Lightweight daypack and a refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses and lip balm with SPF
- Small torch or headlamp for stairs at night
- Any prescription medicines in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm layer for cooler early mornings on deck
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- A smart-casual outfit for evening dining (if you prefer)
Children & families
Minimum recommended age is 4 years for shared excursions; younger children may travel on request but must be declared at booking. Child fares are typically priced as a percentage of the adult fare depending on cabin occupancy — prices vary by cabin class and booking date. Strollers are practical on board but may be difficult on shore excursions because of steps and uneven surfaces; car seats are not provided. Families should note that some tombs and temple interiors have low lighting and steep steps; close supervision of children is required at all times.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is a conventional Nile cruiser that uses marine diesel engines; fuel type and emissions are determined by the cruise line. For shore excursions we work with licensed local guides and small, modern minibuses where distance requires road transfer. We source most fresh produce, bread and many dining ingredients from suppliers in Luxor and Aswan to support local businesses and reduce road-haul distances. Crew and excursion staff are locally employed and paid according to the vessel’s policies; tips are discretionary and passed to on-board teams. Guests can help reduce waste by reusing cabin towels and avoiding single-use plastics; we provide filtered drinking water to refill personal bottles on board. Where possible we prioritise partners who employ local residents for shore services and catering.
-
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
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt between Luxor and Aswan. It includes full-board accommodation, shared shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, plus use of onboard public areas.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 How long is the Farida Nile Cruise itinerary in Luxor region?
Typical Farida Nile Cruise itineraries around Luxor run 3–4 nights, depending on the route and embarkation point. Confirm the exact duration on your booking confirmation. Some versions are short Luxor–Edfu segments while others continue to Aswan; we will send the precise day-by-day programme with your final voucher. -
02 What time and where is pick-up for embarkation and disembarkation?
Pick-up in Luxor is usually 30–60 minutes before the cruise’s scheduled embarkation time shown on your voucher. Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed on your final travel documents. If you are staying in Luxor city centre the transfer is normally a short drive; remote hotels require a slightly earlier collection. -
03 Which items and services are included in the Farida Cruise price?
Standard site entrance fees called for on the printed itinerary are included unless your voucher says otherwise. Meals, accommodation on board, routine transfers shown on the voucher, and the ship crew services are normally included. We will list every inclusion on your booking confirmation so you know precisely what is covered. -
04 What is not included and what extras should I expect to pay?
Optional extras are typically excluded: private guides, hot-air balloon flights, premium-tomb entrance fees, alcoholic drinks, supplemental excursions, and crew gratuities. Any additional transfers or special requests (private car outside scheduled times) are charged separately. We clarify exclusions on your invoice so there are no surprises. -
05 Is the Farida Nile Cruise suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The vessel has steps, narrow gangways and some cabins with raised thresholds; fully step-free access is uncommon. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact us beforehand. We can advise which cabins and tender arrangements minimise stairs, and whether an on-site porter or local wheelchair assistance can be arranged for embarkation. -
06 Can children travel on the Farida and are there age restrictions?
Children are welcome but cabins and safety features vary by ship; there is no universal under-age restriction. Families with infants or very young children should tell us at booking so we can advise on cabin layout and life-jacket availability. Child fares and cot requests must be confirmed in advance. -
07 What should I bring and wear for temple visits and on board?
Bring sun protection (broad-brimmed hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses), lightweight long sleeves for sun and modest-dress at temples, comfortable closed shoes for uneven stone, and a light evening layer. Temples and mosques require shoulders and knees covered; carry a scarf for quick cover-up. Also pack bottled water for shore excursions if not provided. -
08 Are photography and drone use allowed on the Farida and at archaeological sites?
Photography with handheld cameras is generally permitted at most sites; flash is often banned inside tombs and certain museums. Drone flights are restricted nationwide and typically require special permits—don't plan to fly a drone without prior authorisation. We can request permissions for professional shoots but approval is not guaranteed. -
09 When is the best time of year to sail the Farida Nile Cruise around Luxor?
October–April brings cooler daytime temperatures and more comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer months (May–September) are very hot, often exceeding 40°C, which affects timing of shore visits. If you travel in summer expect earlier starts and mid-day rests; we can tailor excursion times to avoid peak heat. -
10 Will the Farida visit Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) and Karnak Temple on this cruise?
Most Farida itineraries that embark in Luxor include scheduled visits to Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) and Karnak Temple, usually early morning. Exact site stops and the order of visits vary by sailing; your final itinerary will show which days those excursions occur and the planned visiting times.
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-920278
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