Alyssa Nile Cruise

The short answer

This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.

·In summary

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Deluxe 5-star Nile vessel

Destinations

Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Aswan · Valley of the Kings · The Nile

Includes

Air-conditioned cabin in your chosen category · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursions to Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings · Access to the swimming pool and sun terrace

Best for

First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · History enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a full-board river journey · Families able to manage stairs and uneven archaeological sites

Guide languages

English

What lingers

• 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor.
• 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple.
• 03The excursion programme includes Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
• 04A swimming pool and sun deck provide space to relax while on the Nile.
• 05On-board facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, gym and spa.
• 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a single-day Nile outing, this cruise provides overnight accommodation, full-board dining and a sequence of organised shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a fixed hotel itinerary, it combines river sailing with visits to major temples and tombs, while cabin category and any optional land arrangements can be selected separately.

Both directions

Where this ship sails

This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

On property

What's here

• Gym
• Wi-Fi
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Laundry
• Bar
• Spa
• Rooftop terrace
• Airport shuttle

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Choose the cabin category after checking whether its listed outlook includes a Nile view; views vary by cabin.

2. 02

   Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals and for gratuities, which are not included.

3. 03

   Pack sun protection for time on the sun deck, particularly during the hotter months.

4. 04

   Wear comfortable shoes for ancient sites, where paths can include uneven stone and exposed ground.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation, subject to availability, with a single supplement applying when a cabin is occupied alone. Private transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, additional sightseeing and separately priced premium tombs or pyramid interiors can be arranged; the cruise vessel and shore programme are selected and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile cruise involves uneven access that guests with limited mobility should assess before booking. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, sand, cobbles, steps and occasional steep ramps at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may involve a gangway that becomes steeper as the river level changes. Cabins, dining areas and the sun deck are linked by stairs, and lift access varies by the assigned vessel. Wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can confirm cabin access, gangway arrangements and suitable excursion support. The Valley of the Kings also includes uneven ground and exposed walking routes.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We select and arrange the Nile cruiser through Egyptian cruise-line partners, while the vessel is owned and operated by its assigned cruise line. Shore excursions use locally licensed Egyptian drivers and vehicles, usually air-conditioned coaches or cars matched to the group size. The programme supports Egyptologists, drivers, site staff and port services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Water use, laundry schedules and waste handling vary by vessel, so we do not make unverified environmental claims. Guests can reduce single-use waste by carrying a refillable bottle and following the vessel's guidance on water, laundry and waste. Choosing local guides and transport providers keeps spending within the communities along the Nile.

• Licensed Egyptologist guides

  State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs

• Local teams, real help

  Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

Before you go

What to pack & wear

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday

15–30 days

50% back, or 75% kept as credit

7–14 days

25% back, or 50% kept as credit

2–6 days

Nothing back; 25% kept as credit

Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up

No refund and no credit

Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• The Valley of the KingsRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Arrange shore visits at six named ancient sites

2. 02

   Choose a sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   The Alyssa Nile Cruise is listed as an eight-day product. The exact number of nights aboard and the sailing dates depend on the selected departure, so check the final arrangement before booking. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
2. 02Where do I embark and disembark on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan, depending on the sailing direction. We arrange the cruise booking. We'll confirm your port, arrival time and transfer arrangements, including whether transfers to or from the vessel are included.
3. 03What is included on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The booking also includes cabin accommodation in the selected category, air conditioning, use of the swimming pool and sun deck, and shore excursions covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
4. 04What costs extra on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included unless your booking states otherwise. A single supplement applies when one traveller occupies a cabin alone. Optional pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other separately priced visits also cost extra.
5. 05Is the Alyssa Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?

   The programme includes visits to ancient sites where uneven stone surfaces, steps and walking distances may be involved. Share any mobility needs with us before booking so we can confirm the arrangements for your sailing.
6. 06Can children travel on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin.
7. 07What should I wear and bring for shore excursions?

   Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream for visits at Karnak Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Temperatures can be high, particularly from May to September. Choose modest clothing for temples and other religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered where practical.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the Alyssa Nile Cruise shore excursions?

   Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before photographing inside a tomb or temple, as restrictions may apply. We'll confirm whether any camera or photography charges apply.
9. 09When is the best time to take the Alyssa Nile Cruise?

   October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing around Luxor and Aswan. Summer, from May to September, brings stronger heat at exposed sites such as the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, but the available departure dates depend on the season.
10. 10Which places does the Alyssa Nile Cruise visit?

    The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus. Excursions take place between sailing periods on the Nile, with Luxor and Aswan serving as the embarkation and disembarkation ports.