Al Kahila Nile Cruise
Tell us the number of nights aboard Al Kahila and whether a private Egyptologist, domestic flights or transfers are included and I’ll draft the banner.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Al Kahila Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Licensed by ETAA
- Five regional offices across Egypt, based in Cairo
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise standard with full-board service
02 Overview
A first look
You step from Luxor's quay onto Al Kahila's teak deck and the Nile's dry heat meets the cool shade of canvas awnings. Coffee and orange blossom scent the dining saloon while palm-fringed fields slip by; mornings often begin with low river light and the distant call to prayer from Luxor town — the boat gives you moments to stand on deck and read the river's pace.
We arrange guided walks to temple pylons and short roadside stops so you can disembark and walk at your own pace. Our Egyptologists lead the visits, your cabin is assigned before arrival, and we avoid rushed coach schedules so time aboard feels unhurried.
Background
The facts
Al Kahila is a Nile cruise vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan on Egypt’s main river route. It offers cabin classes with Nile views, along with onboard public spaces such as a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. Accommodation is sold per person sharing, and a single supplement may apply for solo occupancy.
The vessel’s programme includes shore excursions to Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city centre, Edfu Temple dedicated to Horus, Kom Ombo Temple overlooking the river, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. These sites represent major Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Greco-Roman monuments, with the cruise alternating sailing time and guided visits rather than operating as a fixed point-to-point transfer.
Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard cruise logistics include embarkation and disembarkation at the Luxor and Aswan ports, with the vessel sailing weekly in both directions. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra unless otherwise specified in the booking terms.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise as part of an Egypt travel plan, while the vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. This makes the product suitable for travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided sightseeing and overnight river travel between the two historic capitals of Upper Egypt.
Named in this entry
Al Kahila Nile Cruise · Discovery Tours Egypt · Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Sun Deck · Nile cabin · ETAA · Nile cruise
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a guided Nile itinerary with comfortable cabin accommodation and easy access to major temple sites. It is a good fit for couples, solo travelers paying a single supplement, and adults who prefer a paced schedule with time onboard between excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring wheelchair-accessible cabins or ramps
- Unsuitable for those wanting long inland exploration or remote trekking
- Pace includes short walks on uneven temple stone and steps
What lingers
- 01 Cabin classes with Nile views, from standard cabins to suites where available
- 02 Sun deck for river views and evening relaxation
- 03 On-board lounge bar and dining room serving full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04 Shore-excursion programme including Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05 Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan ports, enabling both directions weekly
Worth knowing
How this compares
Versus longer cruises, this 4-day trip focuses on Luxor–Aswan highlights with fewer sea days. It suits travelers short on time who still want deluxe cabins and guided temple visits.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 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.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $920 | $920 |
| Single Cabin | $1,250 | $1,250 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,065 | $1,065 |
| Single Cabin | $1,510 | $1,510 |
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 cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin class (per person sharing)
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions as listed in the vessel’s programme
- Embarkation and disembarkation at the vessel’s Luxor and Aswan ports
- On-board facilities: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless specified locally
- Premium entry tickets such as pyramid interiors or special tombs, unless ordered separately
- Gratuities for crew, guides and drivers
- Transfers to or from the port unless specifically included in your booking
- International flights and visa fees
- Optional extras and personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book a cabin on the upper deck for quieter nights and better river views.
- 02
Carry small change in Egyptian pounds for tips, stall purchases, and local snacks.
- 03
Schedule early-morning temple visits to avoid midday heat and harsher light conditions.
- 04
Bring a reusable water bottle; crew can refill with chilled drinking water aboard.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access to the ship is via gangways and some vessels have limited wheelchair access. Shore visits commonly involve steps and uneven surfaces; travelers with significant mobility limitations may need assistance or private arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents for embarkation and clearances
- Light layers for cool mornings and hot daytime temperatures
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple stone and uneven surfaces
- Small daypack for camera, water bottle, and personal items
What to wear
- Lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons on deck
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone
Children & families
Children are welcome but cabins may not suit very young children. Child rates and cabin-sharing depend on Discovery Tours Egypt policies; contact us for specific age bands and pricing.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt works with local suppliers for fresh produce and trains crew in cultural sensitivity. The cruise follows measures to minimise waste and promotes respectful visiting at archaeological sites.
-
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
Discover the Nile on a 4-day, 3-night deluxe cruise from Luxor to Aswan. This Discovery Tours Egypt voyage includes 5-star cabins, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and guided shore excursions to major river temples. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt from Cairo with five regional offices and ETAA licensing.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 How many nights is the Al Kahila Nile Cruise and what is the typical itinerary?
The Al Kahila sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan; most rotations are 3 or 4 nights. Typical sailings alternate between sailing days and shore visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation begins at lunchtime; full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Exact night-count and sequence depend on the weekly timetable we confirm at booking. -
02 Where and when does pick-up and embarkation in Luxor happen?
Embarkation is from Luxor quay; your cabin is assigned before arrival. We schedule a pick-up time from your Luxor hotel or the train/airport that aligns with the ship’s embarkation window. Once you confirm flight or train times we send a detailed pick-up time. Late arrivals may need hotel overnight and next-day embarkation. -
03 What is included in the cruise price?
Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day is included. Guided shore excursions at the named sites are led by our Egyptologists; cabin accommodation, use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon are included. We arrange transfers in Luxor when booked as part of the cruise package. -
04 What is not included in the cruise price?
Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and most gratuities are excluded. Entrance fees for standard listed sites are usually included but premium extras such as the Tutankhamun tomb (if offered by an excursion) and private tipping, airport departure taxes, and optional activities like hot-air balloon rides are not included unless we quote them expressly. -
05 Is the cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The vessel has stairs and some gangway steps; it is not a fully step-free experience. Shore visits involve walking on uneven ancient stone, temple steps and sometimes sandy riverbanks. Travellers who use a wheelchair independently should contact us in advance so we can advise on specific mobility challenges and possible alternative arrangements. -
06 Can we take children on the Al Kahila cruise and are there child facilities?
Children are welcome; facilities are limited compared with large resort ships. Cabins are family-sized on request but interconnecting cabins are not guaranteed. Excursions may require early starts and uneven walking; younger children and pushchairs are harder to manage ashore. Tell us ages at booking so we can advise cabin allocation and pacing. -
07 What should I pack and wear for the cruise and shoreline visits?
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing for temples. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, a light scarf for temple visits where shoulders must be covered, and a water bottle. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jumper is useful. Temple interiors have low, uneven steps—good shoes matter. -
08 Are photography and filming allowed at the archaeological sites and onboard?
Photography is generally allowed but some sites restrict flash or tripods. Flash is forbidden in many tombs; the Valley of the Kings often bans flash and tripods. Drone use is prohibited without special permits. Your Egyptologist will confirm rules before each stop; always follow site signs and guide instructions to avoid fines or confiscation. -
09 When is the best time of year to cruise the Nile on Al Kahila?
The winter sun period (November–March) is the most comfortable for sightseeing. Daytime temperatures are milder, making walks at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings easier. Summer months can be very hot; we adapt schedules in high heat with earlier starts and more time on deck, but many travellers prefer November–March for comfort. -
10 How long are the shore visits, and what can I expect at the Valley of the Kings and Edfu?
Typical shore visits last one to three hours depending on the site. Valley of the Kings visits include short walks among tomb entrances and uneven stone paths; access to specific tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) may be extra. At Edfu you walk across a cleared approach to the Temple of Horus and climb a few entrance steps; your Egyptologist manages pacing.
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 17 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-LUX-242580
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