Amada Nile Cruise
The short answer
Amada is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £812 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light moves across the Nile as the riverbank slips past your cabin window, changing from Luxor’s dense riverside life to fields and desert beyond. The vessel’s dining room, lounge bar and sun deck give sailing days an unhurried rhythm, while shore excursions bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, into the Temple of Horus at Edfu and towards the cliffs of the Valley of the Kings.
Our Egyptologists add context without turning every stop into a lecture. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and books the vessel and coordinates the shore programme, full board and local support.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £812double cabinsingle cabin £1,137 | May – September: from £638double cabinsingle cabin £841 | Peak dates: from £928double cabinsingle cabin £1,334 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,014double cabinsingle cabin £1,447 | May – September: from £782double cabinsingle cabin £1,053 | Peak dates: from £1,169double cabinsingle cabin £1,710 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,614double cabinsingle cabin £2,371 | May – September: from £1,208double cabinsingle cabin £1,681 | Peak dates: from £1,884double cabinsingle cabin £2,831 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,628double cabinsingle cabin £2,385 | May – September: from £1,222double cabinsingle cabin £1,696 | Peak dates: from £1,898double cabinsingle cabin £2,845 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Join the vessel in Luxor and have lunch on board, then explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Discover the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then set sail south in the direction of Edfu.
- 3
See the Temple of Horus in Edfu and Kom Ombo’s double temple before continuing by boat to Aswan.
- 4
Explore the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional trip to Abu Simbel by air or road can be organised.
- 5
Enjoy a restful day in Aswan: take a felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel heads north.
- 6
- 7
Return to Luxor with time to see any West Bank sites still on your list, or unwind on the sun deck while the vessel moors for its last night.
- 8
Disembark in Luxor after breakfast and continue with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon, explore Karnak Temple, ancient Egypt’s largest religious complex, followed by Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Head across to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then sets sail south towards Edfu.
- 3
Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, before sailing onwards to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Sail on to Aswan, where the vessel is moored overnight.
- 4
The vessel remains moored in Aswan. Those heading to Abu Simbel set off before dawn, travelling by road or air to the pair of rock-cut temples that Ramesses II had carved into the cliff, and return on board at around midday. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board.
- 5
Following breakfast, leave the ship in Aswan. Spend the morning exploring the city: see the High Dam, reach the Temple of Isis at Philae by motor launch, and visit the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before continuing with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Aswan and have lunch on board. Explore the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Head north by boat to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then carry on to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus. Continue sailing towards Luxor.
- 3
Arrive in Luxor and travel across to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast, explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before disembarking for your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard in Aswan and have lunch on board before visiting the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Spend a leisurely day in Aswan, sailing by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or visiting a Nubian village. An optional trip to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo to see the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu and the Temple of Horus.
- 4
In Luxor, cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before the vessel turns south on its return voyage.
- 6
- 7
Return to Aswan, where you can unwind on board or join an optional excursion before your last night.
- 8
Disembark in Aswan after breakfast for your onward transfer.
What lingers
- 015-star river cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Departures each week in either direction
- 03Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 04See the Temple of Horus in Edfu, as well as Kom Ombo
- 05Excursion programme includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 06Embark or disembark in Luxor or Aswan
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Amada Nile cruiser
- Meals on a full-board basis, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- A shore-excursion itinerary taking in Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for solo travellers
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional premium entrance tickets, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which Valley of the Kings tombs are open on your visit date; access can change and premium tomb tickets cost extra.
- 02
Carry small notes for local purchases at riverside stops, and confirm prices before accepting goods or services.
- 03
Keep a light layer handy for the sun deck, where the breeze can feel cooler during sailing.
- 04
Bring shoes with a firm grip for uneven stone paths at archaeological sites.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, subject to sailing availability. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared shore excursions, cabin categories such as Standard, Deluxe or Suite, and additional land arrangements before or after the cruise. Premium entrance tickets, drinks (including water) and other personal extras can be added or settled separately where available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, mature travellers and families who want to combine comfortable river travel with guided archaeological visits. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although temple precincts, quays and tomb approaches may involve uneven ground, steps and walking in warm conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access or prefer to explore without a set shore-excursion programme. Very young children may find the temple visits tiring in the sun.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- Unpack once while the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan
- Embarkation and disembarkation are available in either city
- Full-board meals cover lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps and uneven archaeological surfaces
- Shore excursions have scheduled timings rather than fully flexible visits
- Drinks (including water) cost extra
- November to February brings larger crowds at major temples
Where it fits
Use the Amada Nile Cruise as the Luxor-to-Aswan section of a wider Egypt holiday, with Cairo before or after the river journey.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, this cruise allows travellers to unpack once while moving between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. It differs from a cruise-only booking because the package includes a defined shore-excursion programme covering major temples and the Valley of the Kings.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £812 pp
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
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cabin on a five-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · The Nile · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard a Nile cruise · Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursion to Karnak Temple · Shore excursion to Luxor Temple · A visit to Edfu’s Temple of Horus · A visit to Kom Ombo · Visit to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children of school age · Travellers who would rather unpack just once
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Booking confirmation, printed or digital
- Firm-soled walking shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- A compact day bag for excursions ashore
- Personal toiletries and prescription medication
- Payment card or cash for drinks, gratuities and optional extras
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Light layers for cooler Nile evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- Swimwear and a cover-up for shared pool spaces, where available aboard your assigned vessel
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over 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, quays, stairs and uneven archaeological paths. High chairs depend on the assigned vessel, so please request one before departure.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access varies by the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and by the embarkation port. Boarding may require crossing a narrow gangway and negotiating steps, uneven quays or changes in river level. Cabins, dining rooms, lounges and sun decks are usually reached by stairs; lift availability is not confirmed for the assigned vessel. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps or sloping paths, with limited shade at some sites. A folding wheelchair may help on some transfers, but independent wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and discuss practical assistance.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is selected and booked through local Egyptian cruise suppliers. Shore transport and sightseeing are arranged with local drivers, licensed Egyptologists and site services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, supporting employment along the Nile. Fuel use, waste systems and environmental standards depend on the assigned cruise line, so we do not make unverified environmental claims. You can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding single-use plastics and following crew instructions for waste disposal. Please do not remove stones, pottery or archaeological material from any site. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that coordinates these local arrangements.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Amada Nile Cruise?
The exact sailing dates and arrangements depend on the option you book.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Amada Nile Cruise?
You can embark or disembark in either Luxor or Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise through its cruise partners, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Ask us about transfers to or from the embarkation point when planning the rest of your holiday.03Which inclusions are covered on the Amada Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes cabin accommodation, full-board meals and a shore-excursion programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Excursions cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04What is not included in the Amada Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses and optional premium entrance tickets are not included. Solo travellers should also expect a single supplement. Check the booking details for the specific terms that apply to your selected sailing and cabin.05Is the Amada Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, sand and steps, so they may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility. We'll confirm what accessibility arrangements are available on board before you book.06What is the children’s policy on the Amada Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, while children aged 12 and over pay the adult fare. Children need to share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child; two or more children must have a cabin of their own.07What should I wear and bring for the Amada Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and light clothing for the Egyptian heat. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and choose shoes with grip for uneven ground. A refillable water bottle is useful during shore excursions.08Can I take photographs during the Amada Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between archaeological sites and may differ for particular areas or exhibits. Follow signs and instructions from site staff, and ask before photographing people. Some premium areas may have separate entrance requirements, so check the rules at each site before taking out your camera.09When is the best time to take the Amada Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings milder conditions for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan. May to September can be very hot in Upper Egypt, particularly during visits to exposed archaeological sites. Winter sailings suit travellers seeking winter sun, though daytime temperatures still call for sun protection.10Which archaeological sites does the Amada Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing alternates with visits ashore, so the programme combines time on the Nile with time at these sites.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-423184
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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