AmaLilia Nile Cruise
The short answer
AmaLilia is a 5-star 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 are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 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
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 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
- 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 03The excursion programme can include Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 04The vessel is assigned at booking, rather than specified in advance.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Stay aboard the AmaLilia Nile Cruise
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guided sightseeing led by a certified Egyptologist
- Admission to every attraction listed
- All transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles
- On-board entertainment and facilities
Not included
- International air travel
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Personal spending
- Optional excursions and activities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the departure-specific excursion schedule before booking, as listed sites may vary between sailings.
- 02
Confirm cabin category, dimensions and river view in writing; these details are not provided in the listing.
- 03
Pack a light layer for breezy time on deck, even when daytime temperatures are high.
- 04
Bring modest clothing for visits to temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered.
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
Standard, Deluxe and Suite are the stated cabin classes; cabin sizes and views were not provided, so ask us to confirm these before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- AmaLilia suits couples, solo travellers and families who want to see major Nile sites while travelling between Luxor and Aswan.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own daily schedule. Shore visits involve walking over uneven surfaces. We'll confirm cabin dimensions and accessibility features before you book.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes are available.
Things to Consider
- Ancient temple grounds include uneven stone and exposed walking routes.
- The excursion schedule means less freedom to choose each day's pace.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- Cabin sizes, views and accessibility details were not supplied.
Where it fits
AmaLilia fits between a Cairo stay and visits to Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major temples and archaeological sites along the Nile.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Shore excursions vary by sailing, so check the departure-specific programme rather than assuming every listed site is included.
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.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £852 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board from embarkation-day lunch through disembarkation-day breakfast · Cabin aboard AmaLilia · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore excursions at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursions to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Small torch for dimly lit tomb passages
- Reusable water bottle, if refill points are available
What to wear
- Light, breathable clothes for warm days
- Long trousers or a skirt and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- Flat, closed shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- Light jacket for cooler evenings on deck
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; 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 awkward on uneven quays and archaeological sites. Most vessels do not provide high chairs or cots, so ask us to check availability before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Embarkation involves a sloped gangway and usually 6 to 12 steps; the slope and access can change with the Nile level. Quays and temporary pontoons may be uneven, and some ports use steep ramps or stairs. On shore excursions, expect uneven ancient stone, cobbled surfaces, steps and narrow passages, including at Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. A collapsible wheelchair with a companion may be manageable on board and in main public areas, but independent wheelchair access is not guaranteed. Elevators are uncommon, and cabin layouts can include small internal steps. Tell us about mobility or medical needs when enquiring so we can check arrangements with the cruise line and local suppliers. Please allow for physical effort during embarkation and excursions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Nile cruisers typically use diesel-powered river engines. Excursion transport is generally by locally contracted, air-conditioned minibuses or coaches; the vehicle type depends on the excursion and group size. We arrange services with local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, including Egyptologists, drivers, vessel crews and port staff, supporting paid work in the communities along the route. On-board food sourcing, waste handling, water provision and energy use vary by assigned vessel, so we cannot promise a specific environmental standard. Some vessels discourage single-use plastics or offer refill points, but availability should be confirmed before booking. You can help reduce water use by reusing towels where the vessel allows it. Ask us to check the assigned vessel’s current practices before you confirm.
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 AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
The length of a longer cruise depends on the booking arrangement, so check the dates and embarkation and disembarkation details shown for your trip. Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.02Where does the AmaLilia Nile Cruise embark and disembark?
The AmaLilia embarks and disembarks in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the sailing direction. Confirm your port and embarkation time against your booking details before travelling. The vessel is selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; it is owned and operated by the cruise line.03What is included in the AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
The arranged package includes a cabin aboard AmaLilia, full board and guided shore excursions with an Egyptologist. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Entrance fees to the listed attractions and transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle are also included, as are onboard amenities and entertainment.04What is not included on the AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
International flights, crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities and drinks (including water) are not included. Check your booking details for the exact scope of your arrangement, as optional excursions and beverage arrangements can depend on the final booking. Cancellation terms are shown on the product page.05Is the AmaLilia Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin, vessel layout and shore excursion. Ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings involve uneven stone surfaces and steps, which can be difficult for travellers with limited mobility. Tell us about any access needs before booking so we can check what is possible for your arrangements.06What is the child policy on the AmaLilia 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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family’s dates.07What should I wear and bring on the AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at ancient sites. Modest clothing is appropriate inside temples and mosques: cover shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful in the evening, particularly during winter sun season from November to March.08Can I take photographs during the AmaLilia Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site, and some tombs or museum areas may restrict cameras or charge a separate fee. Check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside the Valley of the Kings or other enclosed sites. Avoid photographing local people without asking permission.09When is the best time to take the AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan. November to March is a popular winter sun period, though daytime temperatures can still be strong. Summer brings greater heat, so ask about excursion timings and the expected conditions for your travel dates before confirming.10Which sites can I visit on the AmaLilia Nile Cruise?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing and shore visits alternate along the river route between Luxor and Aswan. The exact order of visits can vary with sailing arrangements and site conditions.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-555064
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
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