Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with 65 Andalos-style cabins, full-board dining, a sun terrace, swimming pool, lounge, and evening entertainment.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This 5-star Nile cruise vessel sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the cruise selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation on the selected sailing · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Private Egyptologist guide · Guided visits to listed temples and archaeological sites · Use of swimming pool, gym, sun terrace and shared facilities
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking guided Nile shore excursions
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Private Egyptologist guide included for the listed shore excursions.
- Standard site entrance fees for listed visits are included unless stated otherwise.
- Pricing is presented per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying.
- Verified reviews, clear inclusions and current cancellation terms should be checked on the booking page.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, palms and cultivated fields slide past the sun deck as Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise leaves Luxor or Aswan. The river gives sailing days an unhurried rhythm: coffee by the pool, a shaded corner in the reading room, then the changing light on the banks through a panoramic window.
Ashore, our Egyptologists bring context to Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings, while the lounge and evening events add a livelier note after dinner. Unlike a hotel-based sightseeing holiday, your cabin stays with you between ports. Sailings run weekly in both directions, and we arrange your cabin, full-board meals and shore-excursion schedule with the cruise line before embarkation.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise is arranged for sailings between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple on the West Bank, and the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Karnak Temple is a large temple complex developed over many centuries, principally during the New Kingdom from approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE. Luxor Temple, connected historically with Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, stands on Luxor’s East Bank. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, while Hatshepsut Temple is a terraced monument at Deir el-Bahari dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.
Further south, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of Egypt’s best-preserved Ptolemaic temples. Kom Ombo is a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Philae Temple, dedicated primarily to Isis, was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO-led Nubian campaign after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. An Abu Simbel excursion may be arranged separately at the end of the Luxor-to-Aswan sailing.
The vessel has 65 cabins, including junior suites, with Andalos Islamic-style decoration. Shared facilities include a sun terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, reading room and grand lounge. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals, personal services and gratuities are generally excluded.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Abu Simbel·Hatshepsut·Sobek·Isis·UNESCO Nubian campaign
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want guided access to the principal temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven historic-site surfaces and boarding a river vessel.
What lingers
- 0165 cabins, including junior suites, decorated in an Andalos Islamic style
- 02Full-board sailings between Luxor and Aswan with a private Egyptologist guide
- 03Guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple
- 04Swimming pool, pool bar, sun terrace, gym, reading room and grand lounge
- 05Evening entertainment including a folkloric show, galabeyah party and discotheque
- 06Optional Abu Simbel excursion at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and river travel with guided visits to major temples and tombs between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an independently arranged sailing, the package includes a private Egyptologist guide for the listed shore excursions, while optional Abu Simbel, gratuities, drinks beyond water and personal expenses remain separate.
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 Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
On property
What's here
- Swimming pool
- Pool bar
- Elevators
- Electronic safety deposit box
- Grand lounge
- Sun terrace
- Restaurant (international & national cuisine)
- Main lounge with music system and dance floor
- Themed events (galabeyah party, belly dancer, folkloric show)
- Nightly discotheque
- Reading room
- Billiard room
- Tennis table
- Gym
- Massage services
- Laundry
- 24-hour room service
- Minibar in cabins
- Satellite TV in cabins
- Internet access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- A cabin on the selected sailing
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- A private Egyptologist guide for the specified shore excursions
- Guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple
- Access to the swimming pool, gym, sun terrace and shared onboard facilities
Not included
- The optional Abu Simbel excursion
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other optional attractions not listed
- Gratuities
- Personal spending, massage treatments, laundry and room service charges where applicable
- The single supplement
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction and can help coordinate private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions, airport or hotel arrangements and an optional Abu Simbel visit. Cabin category, single occupancy and additional attractions can be requested, subject to availability and applicable supplements.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires boarding and leaving the vessel by a gangway, which may be steep, narrow or uneven depending on the river port and water level. Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, sand, cobbles, steps and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. Wheelchair access, cabin door widths, lifts and accessible bathrooms are not confirmed for the assigned vessel. Please contact us before booking so we can check the vessel and discuss practical assistance.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF30 or higher
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned areas and evening sailing
- Swimwear for the pool
- A cover-up for shared onboard areas
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult to use on gangways, at river ports and across archaeological sites. Confirm high-chair availability before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising limits the need for repeated road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, although the vessel still uses marine fuel, water, electricity and onboard air-conditioning. The sailing programme supports Egyptian Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, catering teams and local excursion suppliers in the Nile Valley. We arrange these services with Egyptian partners, but we do not describe the cruise as zero impact. Where safe drinking water is available, use a refillable bottle. Please follow the vessel’s guidance on towel and linen changes, avoid single-use plastics and take all litter away from temples, riverbanks and 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
This 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions. Visits cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with access to shared facilities such as the pool, gym and sun terrace.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 4 days and 3 nights or 5 days and 4 nights, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a thorough exploration of the ancient sites along the Nile River. We arrange weekly departures for this vessel.02What is included in the full board arrangement on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise covers all your meals, beginning with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main restaurant. Drinks other than water with meals are typically an additional cost.03What shore excursions are part of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise programme?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise programme includes guided shore excursions to significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These visits are led by one of our private Egyptologist guides.04Is the optional Abu Simbel excursion included in the cruise price?
No, the optional Abu Simbel excursion is not part of the standard Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise price. This can be arranged as an add-on at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing. Your travel advisor can provide further details and assist with booking this extra.05What types of cabins are available on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise features 65 cabins, including junior suites, all decorated in an Andalos Islamic style. Each cabin provides comfortable accommodation with panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the changing Nile scenery. Specific cabin layouts and views vary by category.06What amenities are available on board the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Onboard amenities include a sun terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, reading room, and a grand lounge. The vessel also features a main lounge with music and a dance floor, elevators, and electronic safety deposit boxes in each cabin. Themed evening events are also offered.07What is the policy for children on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.08What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we advise comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for visiting temples and religious sites. Light, breathable fabrics are best suited for the Egyptian climate.09Are gratuities included in the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package?
No, gratuities are not included in the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package. It is customary to tip the crew and your Egyptologist guide. Your travel advisor can offer guidance on appropriate amounts for gratuities for your holiday.10What is the best time of year to take the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The best time for an Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, although the vessel is fully air-conditioned for comfort.
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 August 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-078826
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