Egypt Holidays · Style
3-Night Nile Cruises
Three nights is the shortest sailing on the Nile, and it still reaches the temples most people come to Egypt to see. The usual 3-night route runs Aswan to Luxor: you board after lunch, sail past Kom Ombo and Edfu over two days, and step ashore at Luxor with Karnak and the West Bank close by. It is the segment we drop into a longer holiday when the days are tight but the river is non-negotiable. Every 3-night cruise here carries a private Egyptologist guide, all temple admissions, full board and dock transfers, so the headline price is close to the real one.
42 matching cruises
The shape
What is a 3-night Nile cruise?
A 3-night Nile cruise is a four-day sailing on the river between Aswan and Luxor (or the reverse), taking in the core temple run of Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu, with Karnak and the Valley of the Kings reached at either end. It is the compact version of the classic Luxor–Aswan voyage, built for travellers who want the river without giving a week to it. The route and the stops match the longer cruises; what you trade is the slower pace and the smaller, less-visited temples.
Aswan to Luxor
How a 3-night sailing runs
- Day 1AswanBoard after lunch. Philae Temple by motorboat and the High Dam in the afternoon, then a felucca past Elephantine Island at sunset.
- Day 2Kom OmboSail north to the riverside double temple of Sobek and Horus, lit at dusk and reached straight off the gangway.
- Day 3EdfuThe Temple of Horus by horse-carriage at opening, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Sail on towards Luxor.
- Day 4LuxorDisembark after breakfast. Karnak and the West Bank are yours before the airport or the sleeper train.
Direction reverses on Luxor-departure ships. We book the sailing that fits your onward flight, not the other way round.
BudgetAmoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise for a slower Luxor sailing experience, Full Board meals and lesser-visited Nile sites. Enquire with Discovery Tours Egypt.
BudgetAzhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise for luxury sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with full board, cabins, a sun deck and guided shore excursions.
Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
The Akhnaton Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered craft offering seven days on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We operate it as a small, privately chartered dahabiya; we don't run group-bus tours. Typical calls include Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Esna lock, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo. Unlike packaged motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly and anchors at quieter riverside moorings overnight. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on motor cruise ships and sailing days depend on wind; there is limited shade on the sun deck at midday. We can arrange a private Egyptologist and bespoke shore excursions for each group.
Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Minya Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile dahabiya cruise offering slow sailing, village moorings and extended daylight ashore. We operate small dahabiyas and do not run group bus tours; that keeps mornings and landings flexible. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this itinerary prioritises sailing time and evenings at village quays rather than fixed port turnarounds. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are extra and not included unless requested. Expect simpler cabins, occasional river noise and fewer onboard facilities during sail days. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
MidEsplanade Nile Cruise
This cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS Esplanade, with guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Accommodation is full board on MS Esplanade, and we provide an English-speaking Egyptologist for groups of no more than eight guests. All sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan is included, with private air-conditioned transfers at embarkation and disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate arrival and departure meet-and-assist, onboard meals and excursions. Unlike shorter itineraries that compress temple visits, this schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to avoid the midday heat. An optional Abu Simbel excursion is available from Aswan on disembarkation day.
BudgetA Sara Nile Cruise
Luxor
A Sara sails the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings and Luxor's East Bank. Choose the Aswan-to-Luxor, four-day option that departs every Wednesday, or the five-day Luxor-to-Aswan option that departs every Saturday with an optional Abu Simbel extension. Days combine temple visits with short daytime sailings, so you spend more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo than on many tightly timed itineraries. Evenings are spent on deck with river views and relaxed dining. We arrange the Abu Simbel excursion by coach or scheduled flight if you add it when you book.
BudgetAl Kahila Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Discover Al Kahila Nile Cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with full-board cabins, shore excursions and views. Enquire today.
Royal Amira Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Royal Amira between Luxor and Aswan. Egyptologist-led visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae. We schedule temple visits early to avoid midday heat and heavier river traffic. Unlike the quickest packaged sailings, this four-day itinerary allows proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stops. Cons: early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on deck at midday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we provide Egyptologists, private transfers and on-board meals. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
Liberty Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Liberty is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate MS Liberty as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can include our Egyptologist on selected departures. We don't run tight bus timetables; the vessel spends proper time ashore at key sites rather than the rapid 40-minute turnarounds common on some itineraries. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on the sun deck at midday. Cabins vary in size; please tell us your cabin preference when you enquire so we can reserve the best available.
Farah Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Farah, operating the standard Luxor–Aswan route with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange cabins, transfers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than running large coach tours. Unlike many packaged cruises, we prioritise private or small-group shore time so visits are less rushed. Expect honest trade-offs: early starts, walking on uneven temple stone, and limited shade on open decks at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
Royal Elite Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Four-day cruise on MS Royal Elite between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We operate shore visits with our Egyptologists and private transfers; we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We don't run coach-load group excursions – we limit shore groups and schedule visits to avoid the mid-afternoon heat where possible. Unlike many three-night packaged cruises, this itinerary includes full calls at both Edfu and Kom Ombo. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and open decks that get hot at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included; optional extras such as Abu Simbel flights, pyramid interiors and gratuities are not included.
BudgetAlyssa Nile Cruise
Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae Temple. We arrange small-group cruises with English-speaking Egyptologists, full-board meals, airport and port transfers, and entrance fees for the listed sites. Groups are capped at eight participants, so visits are quieter and queuing times are typically shorter than on larger cruise programs. The itinerary includes a horse-drawn chariot visit to Edfu and a folkloric evening ashore. Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel from Aswan, can be added. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Cairo-based team coordinates every detail on the ground, from meet-and-assist to transfers and local guides.
BudgetChateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel is a classic, five-star cruise with a sun deck, pool and evening entertainment on board. Days combine guided visits to named sites, including a chariot ride to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, with relaxed afternoons watching the river. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, meet-and-assist and English-speaking Egyptologist guides for the excursions. We do not run group bus tours, excursions are private and led by an Egyptologist. Unlike many short packaged cruises that rush temple visits, this programme schedules fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Optional Abu Simbel excursions are available from Aswan on selected departures.
BudgetGrand Rose Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book the Grand Rose Nile Cruise for a five-star Nile voyage with full board, guided shore excursions and classic onboard comfort. Enquire now.
Magic I Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Three nights aboard MS Magic I, sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include guided land visits led by our Egyptologist rather than relying on audio guides; this keeps group sizes small and the schedule reliable. Typical timings put two full mornings on Luxor’s West and East Banks, a daytime sail calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a full day in Aswan. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium extras such as Tutankhamun’s tomb or private felucca rides are optional and charged separately. Practical trade-offs: cabins are compact, departures can start early, and temple sites have limited shade at midday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange transfers, local crew and on-board meals.
MidJaz Regent Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise on the Luxor–Aswan river route offers full board, guided shore excursions and cabin choices. Enquire now.
Kleos Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Kleos is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided excursions to major temples and tombs. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the shore visits. Unlike larger seven-night cruises, this compact itinerary concentrates on Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo so you see the key sites without extra nights. We keep shore groups deliberately small rather than running large coach rotations. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are extra. Note the trade-offs: early starts, walks on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on deck at midday.
Moondance Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Moondance is a four-day Nile cruise linking Luxor and Aswan. We arrange private Egyptologist-led visits and shore transfers as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We don't run mass coach tours; we prefer private or small-group sailings that let you visit Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank at quieter times. Compared with single-day excursions from Luxor, a four-day cruise gives relaxed transit time and evening light on the Nile. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, upper decks have limited shade at midday, and some shore visits require walking on uneven ancient stone and early starts for sunrise photography.
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits and included transfers. We operate as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage all local logistics on the ground rather than selling a cruise-only package. Typical shore visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank, though exact sites depend on direction and scheduling. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are excluded unless requested. Note the trade-offs: shortened cruising means some shore stops have limited time ashore and early starts are common.
Sun Times Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Sun Times is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Philae. We provide cabin accommodation, daytime navigation and shore excursions led by our Egyptologists. We don't run crowded coach transfers; excursions are escorted by our Egyptologists and scheduled to avoid the largest coach arrivals when possible. Unlike three-night sailings, the four-day timetable includes Edfu and Kom Ombo at sensible daylight hours. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at temple sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can tailor cabin grade, private guide or added Cairo nights.
Tulip Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Tulip is a four-day Nile cruise operating from Luxor with Egyptologist-led excursions to Karnak Temple and the West Bank. We arrange hotel pick-up, private transfers and guided visits to Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple; our Egyptologists brief you before each walk. Unlike many shore-only day trips, this sailing leaves you riverside in the evenings so visits need not be back-to-back. Trade-offs: expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday. Premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I are extra and booked separately.
Lady Carlo Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Lady Carlo is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We arrange private transfers and our Egyptologists lead all ashore visits. Unlike many larger 7-night cruises, this short cruise concentrates on principal river temples and keeps sailing time compact, which means shorter days ashore at smaller sites. Expect early starts for cooler visits and simpler onboard facilities rather than a full floating resort. Site entrance fees are included unless the itinerary states otherwise; premium tombs and gratuities are extra. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
BudgetSemiramis III Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book Semiramis III Nile Cruise for full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with guided shore excursions and elegant cabins. Enquire today.
Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Nile Goddess is a 4-day Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We organise private guided visits rather than scheduled coach excursions, so you have longer ashore and smaller groups. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private transfers, cruising permits and licensed Egyptologists for each visit. Expect early starts for West Bank tombs and some walking on uneven ancient stone; shade on deck is limited at midday. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a light sunhat.
Magic II Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Magic II is a four-day Nile cruise operated on the River Nile by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. The schedule gives paced shore visits, evenings on board and dawn or dusk time ashore for photography. Unlike single-day excursions from Cairo or Luxor, the four-day pace provides multiple mornings and evenings to visit major sites properly. We do not automatically include pyramid interior tickets or premium tombs; clients choose those extras at booking or on request. Trade-offs include early starts on some mornings, limited shade at midday and walking on uneven ancient stone at sites. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS The Oberoi Phiale with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide our Egyptologists for shore excursions and time visits early or late to avoid the midday sun. Unlike larger motor-vessel programmes, we keep longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief drive-by visits. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on sun decks; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun's are excluded unless requested. We arrange private transfers and bespoke extensions in Luxor or Aswan.
Ruby 1 Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Ruby 1 is a Nile river vessel offering a four-day, three-night cruise along the Nile. We position this as a compact river option for travellers who prefer three nights aboard rather than a seven-night itinerary. Unlike longer cruises, this 4-day sailing concentrates on core river travel and normally requires earlier departures and shorter shore visits. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private transfers, luggage handling and Egyptologist-guided shore visits. Trade-offs include fewer stops ashore, more early starts for excursions, and more walking on uneven ancient stone during visits. Ask us about adding pre- or post-cruise nights in Cairo or Luxor.
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS The Oberoi Zahra with Egyptologist-led shore excursions and private transfers arranged by our team. We don't bundle premium tombs and pyramid interiors into the fixed cruise price; we add them on request to keep the base price transparent. Compared with rushed three-day packages, a four-day schedule gives proper time ashore at Luxor West Bank and the Aswan temples. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Trade-offs include early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday temple visits.
Nile Premium Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
MS Nile Premiums is a four-day cruise linking Luxor and Aswan with guided temple visits and onboard accommodation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate this as a Nile-only itinerary–Cairo or Giza visits are not bundled into the cruise. Unlike many three-night packages, the fourth day allows scheduled calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed drive-bys. Expect organised shore visits with our Egyptologists, compact cabin layouts on most Nile vessels, and short organised walks on uneven ancient stone at shore sites. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded.
MidMedea Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Sail the Nile aboard Medea Nile Cruise with full board, en-suite cabins, Egyptologist-led excursions and weekly Luxor–Aswan sailings. Enquire today.
MidSonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise for suite accommodation, full board dining and guided Nile shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire now.
BudgetLe Fayan Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Le Fayan Nile Cruise
BudgetSteigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
MidSonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise offers five-star cabins, full board dining and guided shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire today.
MidEsmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.
BudgetSteigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Book Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise with full board, Luxor–Aswan sailing, shore excursions and cabin choices. Enquire now.
BudgetSteigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise offers full board, Nile-view cabins and guided shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire now.
BudgetJaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise offers full board, guided shore excursions and comfortable cabins on the Nile. Enquire with Discovery Tours Egypt today.
BudgetJaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise
BudgetSteigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
BudgetMövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Sail in elegance aboard the Royal Lily Cruise – a 5-star Luxury Nile Cruise offering timeless comfort, scenic wonders, and authentic Nile River Cruises experiences.
BudgetTower Prestige Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Tower Prestige Nile Cruise offers full board, a pool deck and guided shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Check availability today.
Practical questions
What clients ask about this style of holiday.
01Is 3 nights enough for a Nile cruise?
Three nights is enough to reach every headline temple between Aswan and Luxor: Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak. What you skip is the slower pace and the smaller sites such as El Kab and Esna that the longer sailings fold in. If your overall Egypt holiday is seven to ten days with Cairo included, a 3-night cruise is the right-sized river segment.
02Which direction is better, Aswan to Luxor or Luxor to Aswan?
Aswan to Luxor is the more common 3-night direction and the one we recommend. You sail downstream with the current, the temples build towards Karnak as a finale, and you finish in Luxor with onward flights and the sleeper train both close by. Luxor-departure ships sail the same stops in reverse.
03What is included on a 3-night Nile cruise?
Every 3-night cruise includes a private Egyptologist guide, all temple admissions, full board aboard and transfers between the dock and the airport or station. Drinks outside meals, gratuities and the optional Abu Simbel flight from Aswan are separate. The from-price shown is per person sharing a cabin.
04Do UK travellers need a visa for a Nile cruise?
Yes. British passport holders need an Egypt e-Visa, applied for online at visa2egypt.gov.eg for around £25, or our visa-on-arrival service at Cairo airport for roughly £30. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival. Full guidance is sent with every confirmed booking, and your Cairo desk walks you through it if the form gives any trouble.
From the Cairo desk
Found the shape. Now make it yours.
Every Nile cruise we book is tailor-made – your dates, your cabin, your sailing direction. Send a short brief or talk to the Cairo desk direct. Replies inside one working day.
– Suhaila & the Cairo team · 38 years · 6 offices · IATA #90255546