Deluxe 5-Star 4 Nights Nile Cruise
Luxor to Aswan, with Philae and the High Dam on the final day
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Deluxe 5-Star 4 Nights Nile Cruise is a five-day Nile cruise package in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Groups·
- Seniors·
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Travel style
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- Deluxe Nile cruise cabin: Classic, Prestige or Luxury
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Luxor · Nile
- Includes
- Accommodation in a hotel and cruise cabin · Transfers · Meals as set out in the itinerary · Standard site entrance fees · Egyptologist guide · Nile cruise vessel arranged for you
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · Culture-focused travellers · Nile cruise travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing, with daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan often around 20–30°C; June to August commonly brings temperatures above 35°C. Winter sun draws more visitors, and Ramadan can affect opening hours and service schedules, so confirm timings for your travel dates.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The product context includes an Egyptologist guide.
- The product context states that standard site entrance fees are included.
- Premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically requested.
02Overview
A first look
You board in Luxor after a morning visit to Karnak Temple, then lunch onboard as the ship sails south. Evenings are quieter, with dinner onboard and the riverbank passing by under lit temples.
Background
The facts
The Deluxe 5-Star 4 Nights Nile Cruise is a five-day Nile cruise package in Egypt. It combines accommodation aboard a cruise vessel with arrangements made through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The vessel is assigned at booking.
Nile cruises travel through a region shaped by successive periods of Egyptian history. Luxor’s ancient Thebes monuments, including Karnak Temple, are part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. Philae belongs to the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.
Opening hours and seasonal conditions vary by site and date. Standard site entrance fees and an Egyptologist guide are included; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically requested.
Named in this entry
Nile·Egypt·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise may suit adults and older teenagers who want to see the Nile region from the water and are comfortable with a structured itinerary. It is worth considering for couples, solo travellers and families who prefer organised sightseeing to planning each stop independently
- the available itinerary should be checked before booking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace each day. Four nights allow limited time for additional sites or long stays ashore.
What lingers
- 01Four nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser
- 02Five-day cruise package centred on the Nile
- 03The vessel is assigned at booking rather than tied to an unnamed ship in advance
- 04A licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the cruise and coordinates services on the ground
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Four nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser
- Nile scenery viewed from the vessel and deck
- Aswan's High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae are included on day four
- A licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the trip
- Cruise and hotel arrangements can be coordinated together
Things to Consider
- The vessel is assigned at booking, not named
- Four nights leave little room for a slower pace
- Ancient sites can involve uneven stone and steps
- Summer heat can make sightseeing tiring
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most shorter Nile cruise packages spend fewer nights on the river. This package has four cruise nights.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor · Nile
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Where you stay | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Nile Cruise Grand Sun · Stephanie | October – April: from £970 | May – September: from £528 |
| Prestige | Nile Cruise Sonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Serenity | October – April: from £1,220 | May – September: from £931 |
| Luxury | Nile Cruise Sonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | October – April: from £2,046 | May – September: from £1,123 |
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Bundled in
- Large panoramic windows
- Private bath with bathtub & hairdryer
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Non-smoking cabins
- LCD TV
- Mini-bar
- Room service
- Safe box in each cabin
- Swimming pool
- Sun deck / sundeck with loungers
- Gymnasium
- Laundry service
- Doctor on call
- Daily housekeeping
- Wi-Fi in public areas (subject to availability)
- 24-hour reception
- Evening entertainment
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Personal welcome and assistance on arrival and departure
- All journeys by modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Stay for four nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise, with full-board meals
- Sightseeing visits listed in the itinerary
- Admission to each site specified in the itinerary
- An experienced Egyptologist accompanying you throughout
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Service charges and taxes
- Collection in Luxor and drop-off in Aswan
Not included
- Flights to and from Egypt
- Egyptian entry visa
- Optional excursions
- Personal purchases and other individual costs
- Tips
- Drinks not listed as included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the confirmed vessel and cabin category before paying, since the ship is assigned at booking.
- 02
Check each planned site’s current opening hours shortly before travel, as schedules can change.
- 03
Carry sun protection for time on deck, especially during the hotter hours.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Ask us whether private sightseeing, extra time in Luxor or an Abu Simbel visit can be arranged for your dates. Cabin and hotel choices, meal arrangements and extensions depend on the suppliers available when you book.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
This five-day Nile cruise package can sit between a Cairo stay and time in Aswan, with Abu Simbel as a possible extension. The vessel is assigned at booking, so the exact sailing arrangements depend on availability.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves uneven stone paths, sandy approaches and steps at temple sites. Boarding requires using a sloping gangway between the quay and the cruise vessel; its gradient and handrails can vary with the water level and mooring position. Karnak Temple and other sites have long walking routes, uneven paving and steps, while some tombs have narrow passages, low doorways or steep stairs. Wheelchair access is limited to some quayside areas and wider outdoor spaces. Most tomb interiors and narrow temple passages are not wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact us before booking so we can discuss suitable transport and realistic site options with our Egyptologists and drivers.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- Sun cream, SPF 30 or higher, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight day bag
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- UK to European-style plug adaptor, Type C or F
- Emergency contact details
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Closed-toe walking shoes for uneven paths and tomb interiors
- A light jumper or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Children & families
Children under 12 may join when accompanied by an adult and with our advance written approval. Unaccompanied travellers must be at least 12. Child prices depend on the child’s age and the cruise berth arrangement, and are confirmed when you book. Strollers can be used on some quaysides but are impractical on uneven temple approaches, steps and narrow tomb passages. High chairs and child equipment may be available from the cruise operator on request, subject to availability; tell us what you need before booking so we can check.
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
A five-day Nile itinerary linking Luxor and Aswan
02
Deluxe 5-star cruise cabin arranged through a third-party supplier
03
Egyptologist guidance at the sites on your itinerary
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers use air-conditioned 16-seat minibuses for group travel and private sedans for bookings of two, rather than large tour coaches. The cruise vessel is operated by an independent cruise company, not by Discovery Tours Egypt. We arrange bookings with cruise operators whose crews are local and whose provisions are sourced from nearby markets in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists and many of the drivers and other staff working on the ground are local, helping direct tourism income to the communities visited. We discourage single-use plastics in our printed information and ask guests not to touch fragile surfaces or remove objects from archaeological sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; supplier details can be provided on request.
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
·In summary
The package runs for five days and includes four nights on a Nile cruise vessel. The vessel is assigned at booking.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Deluxe 5-Star 4 Nights Nile Cruise, and where does it travel?
This five-day cruise package travels south from Luxor to Aswan, with four nights aboard a Nile cruiser. The itinerary includes sightseeing in Luxor and visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan. Unlike a short cruise add-on, the four-night sailing gives the route time for both temple stops.02Where does the cruise start, and where does it finish?
The arranged pick-up is in Luxor and the drop-off is in Aswan. Transfers between the relevant points are included in the package and are made in air-conditioned vehicles. Your final transfer arrangements depend on your itinerary and travel connections, so share your arrival and departure details when you enquire.03What is included in the cruise package?
The package includes four nights in a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise cabin, full-board meals aboard, listed sightseeing, standard entrance fees to the indicated sites, an Egyptologist guide and transfers. Meet-and-greet assistance at arrival and departure is also included, along with the meals specified in the itinerary and service charges and taxes.04What is not included in the Nile cruise package?
International flights, an Egypt entry visa, optional excursions, personal spending, drinks not specified in the itinerary and gratuities are excluded. Tips for the Egyptologist, driver and cruise crew are at your discretion. Pyramid interiors and premium tomb tickets are not relevant to the listed cruise visits unless separately added to your arrangements.05How much walking is involved, and is the cruise suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Sightseeing involves walking through archaeological sites, where paths may be uneven and shade limited. The supplied itinerary does not confirm step-free access on the vessel or at every site. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned cruiser, boarding arrangements and planned visits with the relevant suppliers.06Can children join the four-night Nile cruise?
Children are welcome, but the applicable child rate depends on each child's age and the cabin arrangement. Share the ages of everyone travelling and your preferred room setup when you enquire. The itinerary includes temple visits as well as time aboard, so consider how your children manage walking and warm weather.07What should I wear and bring on the Nile cruise?
Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for uneven site paths, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and bring a light jacket for cooler winter evenings on the river. Carry water for sightseeing, although drinks not specified in the itinerary are not included.08Can I take photographs during the temple visits?
Photography rules vary between sites and may change, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Follow any restrictions on cameras or flash, and do not photograph staff or other visitors without permission. The supplied itinerary does not specify photography permits or fees, so these should be confirmed at each site.09When is the best time of year for a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?
November to March generally brings cooler conditions for temple visits and time on deck. Summer can be very hot, particularly during outdoor sightseeing, so early starts, sun protection and water matter. Seasonal temperatures vary, and the cruise operates on a set itinerary, so ask about expected conditions for your travel dates.10Can I visit Abu Simbel during this Nile cruise?
Abu Simbel is not listed among the included visits, but an excursion can be arranged from Aswan as an optional addition. Most visitors make the journey by road early in the morning. Ask us to check availability and the timing against your cruise and onward travel arrangements.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TOU-NIL-197640
You Might Also Like
Nile5 Days
Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan, 5 days 4 nights
This five-day itinerary follows the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, with visits to temples and archaeological sites along the way. In Luxor, the programme includes Karnak Temple and the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings. Further south, Edfu is known for its Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, while Kom Ombo is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. In Aswan, the itinerary includes Philae Temple, which stands on Agilkia Island, and the Aswan High Dam. We arrange the accommodation, transfers and guided visits, with an English-speaking Egyptologist for sightseeing. Unlike shorter three-night Nile itineraries, this programme includes visits to both Edfu and Kom Ombo.
From £701
Luxor5 Days
5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Sail from Luxor to Aswan during the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, with reserved viewing from the vessel’s sun deck on Day 3. The route connects ancient sites including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. We arrange the cruise programme, shore transport and an Egyptologist guide for the included shore programme. Four nights of full-board accommodation in a cruise cabin are included, with meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. The reserved eclipse viewing distinguishes this sailing from a standard Luxor to Aswan cruise. Monument entrance and sightseeing fees are not included.
From £4,622
Nile5 Days
Dahabiya Nile Cruise, 4 Nights, 2 August 2027 Solar Eclipse
This deluxe 5-star dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered way to travel on the Nile, with a slower rhythm than larger motor cruisers. Your shared-boat booking is priced per person sharing a cabin, with the vessel assigned at booking. The four-night sailing embarks on 2 August 2027, timed for the total solar eclipse visible in Egypt. Lateen sails, quiet riverbanks and smaller landing points define the experience, while a chef-prepared full-board menu covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra. Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya can usually reach quieter stretches and smaller archaeological sites, although sailing is more dependent on wind conditions.
From £3,822