Nile Story - Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with sun-deck pool, panoramic windows, full-board dining, shore-excursion programme, Nile-view cabins, lounge bar, weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nile Story Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits · Use of pool, spa, gym, and lounge areas · Port and embarkation taxes where applicable
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a comfortable river cruise
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the cruise and ground services
- Scheduled shore excursions are included as part of the vessel programme
- Guided visits are conducted by Egyptologist guides
- 24/7 on-the-ground support is available during travel arrangements
- Use of a selected third-party cruise vessel with published cabin grades and inclusions
02 Overview
A first look
By sunrise the Nile glass is a muted mirror, the sun deck empty except for the boat’s wake and the distant minarets of Luxor. The lounge bar fills with the smell of strong coffee and cinnamon while the crew prepares the dining room, and you step onto the deck with a clear view of the riverbanks and temple silhouettes.
We arrange this five-star vessel and its shore-excursion programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and unlike larger group boats the vessel allows unhurried visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Philae with time on the Nile between calls. One of our Egyptologists meets the group for the guided visits, and your cabin will be ready on embarkation.
Background
The facts
Nile Story Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s main archaeological sites and typically includes scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled in Luxor and Aswan, depending on the sailing direction, with the cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The excursion programme links monuments from Egypt’s New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods. Karnak Temple was developed over many centuries and is located on the east bank of Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings on the west bank contains royal tombs cut into the limestone cliffs. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and Kom Ombo is notable for its symmetrical double temple plan. Philae Temple was moved to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam to protect it from rising waters.
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, and most include Nile-view windows or balconies. On board, the vessel includes a sun deck with pool, a restaurant, a lounge bar, a spa, a small gym, Wi-Fi, and room service. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, while drinks beyond bottled water, gratuities, and optional premium site fees are normally excluded unless stated in the booking.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so it functions as a river cruise product rather than a fixed one-way tour. As with most Nile cruises, sightseeing is built around docking times, guided visits, and sailing periods on the river rather than long road transfers.
Named in this entry
Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · High Dam · Agilkia Island · Nile River
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a guided Upper Egypt itinerary with overnight sailing, typically adults and older teens interested in temples, tombs, and river travel. It is also appropriate for couples, small groups, and first-time visitors who prefer a structured route with full-board dining and cabin-based accommodation.
What lingers
- 01 Sun deck with pool and panoramic Nile views
- 02 Full-board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03 Shore-excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04 Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, most with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 05 On-board spa, gym and a lounge bar for evening relaxation
- 06 Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a day tour, this is an overnight river cruise with cabin accommodation, full board, and a built-in programme of shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with larger group boats, it emphasizes a more relaxed onboard atmosphere, time on the Nile, and use of the sun deck and lounge areas. It also differs from hotel-based touring because the itinerary is organized around embarkation and disembarkation in river ports, with guided visits scheduled during the cruise rather than requiring separate daily transport from one city to another.
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.
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- 2
- 3
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- 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 | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $489 | $609 |
| Double Cabin | $555 | $675 |
| Single Cabin | $815 | $1,007 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $562 | $722 |
| Double Cabin | $635 | $795 |
| Single Cabin | $951 | $1,207 |
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
- spa
- gym
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- restaurant
- room-service
- laundry
- pool
- wifi
- beach-access
- bar
- garden
- rooftop-terrace
Bundled in
- Swimming pool
- Barbecue deck
- Sundeck (panoramic views)
- Bar & lounge with entertainment
- Spa services and massage
- Gift shop
- 24/7 medical assistance
- Onboard restaurant / dining
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry service
- WiFi (subject to availability)
- Mini-bar
- Private bathroom with full-size bathtub
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board in the chosen cabin grade
- Full board, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits as part of the vessel's programme
- Use of on-board facilities: pool, spa, gym and lounge areas
- Port and embarkation taxes where applicable
Not included
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Gratuities and tipping for on-board staff and Egyptologists
- International and domestic flights, visas and travel insurance
- Entrance fees for optional premium sites (for example, pyramid interiors or premium tombs) unless explicitly included in your booking
- Personal items
- Laundry beyond standard service if charged separately
Tailor it
Make it yours
This cruise can usually be arranged as a private booking or combined with pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, or the Red Sea. Travelers may also request cabin upgrades, extra sightseeing where available, airport transfers, or a longer Egypt itinerary that adds Cairo, Abu Simbel, or other destinations.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has multiple decks connected by stairs, and cabins are accessed by short gangways with handrails. Embarkation and disembarkation use a ship gangway and local quays that can be uneven; some ports have concrete ramps, others have stone or sand approaches. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, steps at temples and tombs, and short sections of loose sand; many archaeological sites have staircases and no elevators. Wheelchair users should note that most cabins and public areas are not fully wheelchair-accessible, and transferring from a wheelchair to a cabin berth may be required. We can arrange assistance from port staff and local crew where feasible, but full step-free shore access cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us in advance so we can discuss mobility needs in detail and arrange the best available support.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy (for embarkation)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a brimmed hat
- Lightweight layers for hot days and cooler evenings on deck
- Small daypack for shore excursions with water bottle
- Any required medications plus a small first-aid kit
- Power adapter for Egyptian 220V sockets (type C/F)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light jumper or wrap for cooler evenings on deck
- Non-slip sandals or trainers for the sun deck and pool area
- Smart-casual outfit for evening dining if you prefer
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Cabins are compact and strollers may be impractical inside; request a berth or cot in advance and we will confirm availability with the cruise line. High chairs on board cannot be guaranteed, please request these items when you book.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel sails the Nile using a diesel-powered propulsion system common to river cruisers; fuel is sourced locally through the cruise line. On-board waste is handled according to Egyptian port regulations: recyclables are segregated where the vessel provides facilities and transferred to local disposal services at port. We arrange shore excursions with licensed Egyptologists who live in Luxor and Aswan, and we contract local cafés, markets and craftspeople for provisioning wherever practical, which keeps tourist spend in the local economy. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we ask guests to minimise single-use plastics, to use water-refill stations on board when available, and to follow crew instructions for waste and recycling. If you have questions about supplier practices or wish to support a specific local community project, ask us before booking and we will share current options.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
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Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
Nile Story Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin grade, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled guided shore excursions. The programme typically visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with use of the pool, spa, gym, and lounge areas.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, and the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise line. Drinks beyond bottled water, gratuities, and optional premium site fees are normally excluded unless stated in the booking.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration of the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
The Nile Story Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day journey, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers weekly departures in both directions, allowing for flexibility in travel planning. -
02 What is included in the Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes accommodation in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, scheduled shore excursions with guides, and access to on-board facilities like the pool, spa, and lounge areas. Port and embarkation taxes are also covered. -
03 What is not included in the Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
Exclusions typically include drinks beyond bottled water with meals, gratuities for staff and Egyptologists, international and domestic flights, visas, and travel insurance. Entrance fees for optional premium sites, such as specific pyramid interiors or tombs, are also not included unless explicitly stated. -
04 What is the dining experience like on board the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
The Nile Story Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, meaning all your main meals, from lunch on your embarkation day to breakfast on your disembarkation day, are included. Dining is typically served in the main restaurant, offering a variety of international and local cuisine. -
05 What shore excursions are part of the Nile Story Nile Cruise programme?
The vessel's excursion programme includes guided visits to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are scheduled as part of your sailing between Luxor and Aswan. -
06 What is the accessibility like on the Nile Story Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
While the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel offers amenities, accessibility can vary. Some areas, like the sun deck, may involve stairs. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain and steps at archaeological sites. We recommend discussing specific mobility needs with us when booking. -
07 What is the policy for children on the Nile Story 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 fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children will require their own separate cabin. -
08 What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. When visiting temples and mosques, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women. -
09 What facilities are available on the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel?
The Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel features a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a main restaurant, a spa, and a small gym. Wi-Fi access and room service are also available for guests' convenience during their journey on the Nile. -
10 How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange this cruise for guests?
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your booking on the Nile Story Nile Cruise. We hand-pick vessels like this for their quality and excursion programmes, ensuring your included cruise between Luxor and Aswan is well-coordinated 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 1 July 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-343537
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