8-day Nile Cruise from Hurghada to Luxor & Aswan – 7 nights on board

• Cultural
• Desert safari
• Diving & snorkelling
• Budget

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

8 days

Destinations

Abu Simbel Temples · Philae Temple (Isis) · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo Temple · Edfu Temple · Valley of the Kings (Luxor) · Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari) · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Nile River (cruise route)

What lingers

• 017 nights onboard a Nile cruise with full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• 02Certified Egyptologist for all shore excursions – our guides accompany the group each day
• 03Abu Simbel full-day excursion from Aswan by private road transfer (c. 280 km / c. 3 hours each way)
• 04Hassle-free transfers Hurghada ⇄ Luxor: road transfer at start and end of cruise (c. 290 km / c. 4 hours)
• 05Standard site entrance fees included – Valley of the Kings ticket covers 3 tombs
• 06Operated on the ground by Discovery Tours Egypt, licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA)
• 07Small-group or private options and customizable upgrades available on request

Bundled in

• 🚖Private transfer
• 🍽Full board
• ◈Private Egyptologist
• 🎟All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary requires moderate mobility, as sites include uneven ancient stone, staircases, cobbled surfaces and some sandy approaches. Our certified Egyptologists and drivers can assist at entrances, and most transfers use air-conditioned coaches with step access. Wheelchair users should note that many archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, have limited ramp access and rough terrain inside tomb areas, so independent wheelchair access is restricted. If you need a portable ramp, close-contact assistance, or a travel companion to help with stairs, tell us before booking so we can plan lifts and priority boarding where possible. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will advise which visits pose significant mobility challenges and suggest alternatives or revised timings.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

On the ground

Your route

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We use air-conditioned coaches and private road transfers for intersite travel, and smaller minibuses for excursions when group sizes are low, which reduces fuel per passenger. The cruise operator partners we work with employ local crew and source food from nearby markets in Aswan and Luxor, supporting small vendors and fisher cooperatives. For Abu Simbel we choose road transfer rather than additional flights to reduce aviation legs on this itinerary. We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles; we supply bottled water on board and at excursions to meet health standards, while coordinating with suppliers to recycle plastics where local facilities exist. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we also hire certified local Egyptologists and local drivers, which keeps revenue in the communities visited and funds seasonal guides and site workers.

• 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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How do I get from Hurghada to the cruise?

   By private air-conditioned road transfer from your Red Sea hotel to the boat in Luxor — around four to five hours each way — with the return transfer at the end of the cruise included in the package.
2. 02What is included in the price?

   Full-board meals on the cruise, guided shore excursions with a licensed Egyptologist, and standard entrance fees at the listed sites (the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Edfu, and Kom Ombo). Drinks and gratuities for the guide and crew are not included.
3. 03What does “standard” mean?

   A comfortable, well-run 5-star Nile cruiser at an accessible price — full-board dining, a sun-deck with pool, and the same Egyptologist-guided sightseeing as the pricier boats, without the boutique extras.
4. 04Is this suitable for children?

   Yes — families cruise the Nile year-round and children are welcome on board. Child rates depend on age and cabin arrangement; tell us your family setup and we will price it for you.
5. 05Are tips included?

   No — tipping is customary in Egypt but always at your discretion. Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide, driver, and cruise crew are not included in the price.
6. 06What should I pack and wear?

   Light, breathable layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated when visiting temples. Evenings on the river can be cool in winter, so bring a light jacket.

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