Egypt Holidays · Style
4-Night Nile Cruises
Four nights is the cruise most people mean when they say Nile cruise. It takes in every major temple on the Luxor–Aswan stretch at a pace that lets you see the West Bank properly, and it is the segment we build most Egypt holidays around. You board in Luxor, give the first full day to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, then sail south through Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo before reaching Aswan for Philae and the High Dam. Ships leave most Mondays and Fridays from both ends. Every 4-night cruise here includes a private Egyptologist guide, all admissions, full board and dock transfers.
2 matching cruises
The shape
What is a 4-night Nile cruise?
A 4-night Nile cruise is a five-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan, the standard itinerary on the river and the one most of the fleet runs. It covers Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with a full day on the Luxor West Bank that the 3-night sailing has to compress. It is the balance point between coverage and pace: you see every headline monument without giving a whole week to the water.
Luxor to Aswan
How a 4-night sailing runs
- Day 1Luxor, East BankBoard at midday. Karnak and Luxor Temple in the afternoon, when the columns throw their longest shadows.
- Day 2Luxor, West BankValley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's terraced temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail south through the Esna lock by evening.
- Day 3Edfu & Kom OmboThe Temple of Horus at Edfu by carriage, then the double temple of Kom Ombo on the riverbank at dusk.
- Day 4AswanPhilae Temple by motorboat, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Felucca around Elephantine Island at sunset.
- Day 5Disembark AswanBreakfast aboard, then the airport, the Abu Simbel flight or the onward leg of your holiday.
Run in reverse, the same stops become an Aswan-to-Luxor sailing. Both are 4 nights; the direction only changes where you start and finish.
BudgetSemiramis III Nile Cruise
Nile (cruise route)
Semiramis III is a five-star Nile cruiser with a restaurant, gym, Wi-Fi and concierge service. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with pricing based on two people sharing. The sun deck and public lounge provide space to sit between visits ashore. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme that can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a fixed single sailing, it is arranged in either direction, subject to the selected departure. Full-board meals are provided on board; drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise.
Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027
Nile (cruise route)
The Private Dahabiya Charter is an exclusive Nile sailing for up to 23 guests, arranged around the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027. A riverbank mooring is held for the eclipse totality window; viewing from the vessel or shore depends on local conditions and arrangements. The charter includes full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with a captain and onboard crew. Its shore excursion programme can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a standard group cruise, the private charter allows sailing and excursion timings to be arranged more flexibly for your party. Drinks (including water) and bar charges are extra.
Practical questions
What clients ask about this style of holiday.
01How many nights is a standard Nile cruise?
The standard Nile cruise is 4 nights and 5 days, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Most ships on the river run this itinerary, leaving Monday and Friday from both ends. It is the sweet spot: you visit Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae without spending a whole week aboard.
02How much does a 4-night Nile cruise cost from the UK?
Prices on this page currently start from £566 per person (5 days, two sharing); each card shows its own from-price. Prices ease 25 to 30 percent in the summer low season and peak over Christmas, New Year and the school half-terms. UK flights are separate.
03Does a 4-night cruise include the Valley of the Kings?
Yes. On a Luxor-departure sailing the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon fall on the second morning, before the ship sails south. On an Aswan-departure sailing the West Bank is covered on the morning you disembark in Luxor. Either way it is part of the guided itinerary, not an extra.
04Is 4 nights better than 3 on the Nile?
For a first Egypt trip, yes. The extra night buys a full, unhurried day on the Luxor West Bank, which the 3-night sailing has to fit around the dock schedule. If your days are tight and Cairo is already booked, three nights still reaches the main temples. If the river is the centrepiece, take the fourth night.
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