5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan
Three nights aboard a Nile cruise, guided visits to Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, entrance fees and an Egyptologist included.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Departs
- Daily
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This 5-day Nile cruise package is a guided Egypt itinerary arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with hotel nights in Luxor, three nights aboard a Nile cruise, transfers, and sightseeing.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Hotel Nights in Luxor + Nile Cruise Cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Luxor · Valley of the Kings (Luxor West Bank) · Karnak Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple (Agilkia Island) · Aswan · Nile
- Includes
- Hotel accommodation in Luxor · Three nights aboard a Nile cruise cabin · Transfers between airports, hotels, and embarkation/disembarkation points · Meals as stated in the itinerary · Entrance fees to listed sites and museums · Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with school-age children
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan are generally lower and site visits are easier in the morning. From May to September, temperatures can be very hot, especially on the West Bank and open temple courtyards. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, some services and site timings may be adjusted, so advance planning is useful.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the itinerary, transfers, hotels, and cruise cabin bookings through local suppliers.
- Sightseeing is conducted with a qualified Egyptologist guide during the included visits.
- The programme includes pre-arranged ground logistics and on-the-ground coordination for hotel check-in, cruise embarkation, and site transfers.
- Standard entrance fees to the listed sites are included unless the itinerary states otherwise.
- Verified traveller reviews and local operating experience help support service consistency across the route.
- Assistance is available throughout the trip for timing changes, transfers, and excursion coordination.
02 Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile is a sheet of pale glass, the boat's wake whispering past clusters of palms and small farms as temple pylons appear along the bank. Mornings begin on deck with cool air scented by river silt and market jasmine, then move to steady walks across worn stone and shaded colonnades as sun climbs and the day warms.
One of our Egyptologists will meet you in Luxor and lead each scheduled visit, explaining architectural details at the gate, while we arrange your hotel rooms, transfers and cabin bookings with trusted local suppliers. Unlike single-day coach runs from Luxor, we space the major temples over several mornings to reduce the rush at each site.
Background
The facts
This 5-day Nile cruise package combines hotel nights in Luxor with three nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel while travelling downstream to Aswan. The itinerary includes scheduled sightseeing at major Upper Egypt monuments, with transfers between airport, hotels, embarkation points, and disembarkation points arranged in advance. Entrance fees to the listed archaeological sites and museums are included unless a specific exception is stated in the itinerary.
In Luxor, the West Bank visit centres on the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground used during the New Kingdom, where many decorated tombs date to the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Karnak Temple on the East Bank developed over more than 1,500 years and includes the Great Hypostyle Hall, which contains 134 papyrus-shaped columns, and the avenue of sphinxes linking temple precincts. These site visits are typically scheduled in the cooler morning hours, which helps manage heat and crowd levels.
During the cruise portion, the vessel calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and was built in the Ptolemaic period, beginning in 237 BCE. Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, notable for its symmetrical design and river-facing position. On arrival in Aswan, Philae Temple is reached by short boat transfer to Agilkia Island, where the temple complex was relocated after the construction of the High Dam to preserve it from rising waters.
Named in this entry
Luxor · Valley of the Kings · West Bank of Luxor · Karnak Temple · Great Hypostyle Hall · Avenue of Sphinxes · Edfu Temple · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Temple of Sobek and Haroeris · Philae Temple · Agilkia Island · Aswan · Nile River
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits travellers who want a structured Upper Egypt programme with a mix of hotel stays and river cruising. It is a strong fit for history-focused adults, couples, and families with school-age children who are comfortable with several site visits and moderate walking.
What lingers
- 01 Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank: multiple tombs and the royal necropolis.
- 02 Karnak Temple complex, including the Hypostyle Hall and avenue of sphinxes.
- 03 Sail the Nile calling at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple on the cruise itinerary.
- 04 Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, reached by short boat from Aswan.
- 05 Three nights aboard a Nile cruise cabin, with daytime excursions and evening moorings.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a single-day coach itinerary, this package spaces the major temples and tombs across several days, which reduces the rush between sites and allows more time at each stop. Compared with a cruise-only programme, it also includes hotel nights in Luxor before and/or around the cruise segment, which can make arrival logistics simpler. It is best understood as a combined land-and-river itinerary rather than a pure cruise product.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor · Valley of the Kings (Luxor West Bank) · Karnak Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple (Agilkia Island)
- 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.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | Oct 2025 - Dec 2025 | Peak (23 Dec 2025 - 7 Jan 2026 / 10 - 28 Apr 2026) | Jan 2026 - Apr 2026 | May 2026 - Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | $1,560 | $1,990 | $1,515 | $1,240 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $910 | $1,140 | $885 | $725 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $790 | $1,010 | $770 | $600 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $770 | $990 | $750 | $580 |
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 departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Wi-Fi (in public areas)
- Restaurant (gourmet restaurant)
- Gymnasium
- Lounge Bar
- 24-hour reception
- Doctor on call
- Laundry service
- LCD TV
- Mini-bar
- Safe box in each cabin
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel nights in Luxor and cruise-cabin nights on the Nile, for the duration specified in the itinerary
- Transfers between airport, hotels and the cruise embarkation and disembarkation points
- Meals shown in the full itinerary, with full board on cruise days where indicated
- Admission fees for the archaeological sites and museums listed in the itinerary
- Guided sightseeing with a qualified Egyptologist for the scheduled visits
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for cruise crew, drivers and guides, recommended but not included
- Access to premium tombs and pyramid interiors, for example Tutankhamun or Khufu, unless booked separately
- Drinks, personal expenses and any optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be adjusted to suit private travel preferences, including faster pacing, extra time in Luxor or Aswan, or additional sightseeing where logistics allow. Depending on the booking, meal arrangements can be upgraded or extended, and optional visits may be added if they are not already included in the programme.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary requires walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand at temple approaches, and cobbled surfaces on the Luxor West Bank. Many tombs in the Valley of the Kings have steep, narrow stairs and low passages; tomb floors can be uneven and slippery after rain. Boarding and disembarking the cruise involves gangways and steps, and cabin door thresholds may be raised. Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses with a step to enter. Wheelchair users should note that most tombs and Philae Temple island approaches are not wheelchair accessible without substantial assistance. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange a meet-and-assist service at Luxor International Airport and advise on vehicle modifications where feasible. Please contact us at booking with mobility details at least 14 days before travel so we can confirm what is possible and which sites to adapt.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and printed booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a sun hat
- Reusable water bottle, refillable on the cruise and at hotels
- Small daypack for camera, water and personal items
- Any personal medications and basic first-aid items
- Copies of mobility or dietary requirements
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven stone and tomb interiors
- Light fleece or long-sleeve layer for cool early mornings and evenings
- Sunglasses and a brimmed hat
Children & families
Minimum age is 5 years for this itinerary because tomb descents, stairs and uneven surfaces are frequent. Child fares apply for ages 5 to 11 when sharing a room with two adults; ages 12 and over are charged the adult rate. Strollers are practical in hotels and on flat promenades but are not suitable inside most tombs or on cruise gangways; a lightweight carrier may be more useful. We can request a cot or extra bed at hotels where available; please state child ages at booking so we can confirm availability and pricing.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor International Airport (LXR) — Arrivals Hall Map
On the ground
Your route
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers on this itinerary use air-conditioned minibuses with seating for up to 16 passengers rather than large coaches, which reduces per-person fuel use on small-group runs. Egyptologists and boat crews for each sailing season are contracted directly by us using local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, so fees and wages remain in the communities that rely on Nile tourism. Cruise moorings use established overnight anchorages to avoid fragile riverbank habitats. We provide potable water refill points on board and at included hotels and encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. Site visits follow local site-management rules, for example using designated walkways at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings to limit wear on archaeological surfaces.
-
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
This tour includes hotel stays in Luxor, three nights in a Nile cruise cabin, transfers, meals as stated in the itinerary, entrance fees to listed sites, and a qualified Egyptologist guide. It visits the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the total duration of this Nile cruise holiday?
This holiday spans five days, combining hotel stays in Luxor with three nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel. The itinerary includes dedicated sightseeing days in both Luxor and Aswan, alongside sailing days between these historic cities. -
02 What is included in the price of this 5-day Nile cruise package?
The package covers accommodation in Luxor hotels and a Nile cruise cabin, all transfers between the airport, hotels, and cruise embarkation points, specified meals, entrance fees to listed archaeological sites, and the services of a qualified Egyptologist guide during sightseeing. -
03 What is not included in the 5-day Nile cruise package?
International flights, Egypt entry visa fees, and personal travel insurance are not included. Gratuities for crew, drivers, and guides are excluded, as are entrance fees to premium tombs, drinks, personal expenses, and any optional excursions not listed. -
04 What are the physical demands and accessibility considerations for this cruise?
This cruise involves walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and navigating steps on the cruise vessel. While many areas are accessible, some sites may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Please inform us of any specific needs when booking. -
05 Is this Nile cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, this Nile cruise is suitable for families. Children often enjoy the experience of sailing and exploring ancient temples. Our Egyptologists can tailor explanations to engage younger travellers. Specific child rates may apply for accommodation and entrance fees. -
06 What should I wear and bring for the Nile cruise and excursions?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for archaeological sites. Bring a reusable water bottle. -
07 What is the photography policy at the archaeological sites visited?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor archaeological sites, though some tombs and museums may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist guide will advise on specific site rules each day. -
08 When is the best time of year to take this Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt. -
09 How are transfers handled between the airport, hotels, and the cruise ship?
All necessary transfers are arranged for you by Discovery Tours Egypt. This includes pick-up from Luxor Airport, transfers to your Luxor hotel, to the cruise embarkation point, and from the disembarkation point in Aswan to the airport. -
10 Which specific temples and tombs will I visit on the Luxor West Bank?
On the Luxor West Bank, you will visit the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried. The itinerary also includes the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, providing a comprehensive overview of the area's history.
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: TOU-NIL-463129
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