Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
Small-group sailings, Luxor to Aswan
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise vessel covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Blue Shadow I sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, a river journey of about 200 km. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Blue Shadow I · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursions at Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Cruise arrangement by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Couples · Families
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
What lingers
- 01Sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
- 02Shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 03Visits Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo.
- 04Includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings in its excursion programme.
- 05Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Blue Shadow I is a Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Its onboard facilities include cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. The cruise is arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple in Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Luxor and Aswan are about 200 km apart by river.
The sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak’s main temple complex developed over many centuries, particularly during the New Kingdom, while the Temple of Horus at Edfu was built during the Ptolemaic period, from 237 to 57 BCE. The ancient city of Thebes and its necropolis, including sites on Luxor’s west bank, are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The cruise uses Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra. Cabin grades are Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied. Exact cabin dimensions, opening hours and seasonal sailing conditions were not provided.
Named in this entry
Blue Shadow I·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Egypt's Valley of the Kings·Thebes·UNESCO World Heritage List
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Blue Shadow I suits adults and older teenagers who want to see the main Nile Valley sites while travelling between Luxor and Aswan, rather than changing hotels each day. It works well for couples, friends and solo travellers comfortable sharing common spaces and joining scheduled shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access or prefer to set your own daily schedule. Visits to ancient sites involve walking on uneven stone, and summer heat can make excursions demanding.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan without repeated hotel changes.
- Class options include Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone and exposed areas.
- Scheduled sailing and excursion times leave limited scope for spontaneity.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are typically charged separately.
- Summer excursions can be strenuous in high temperatures.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise itineraries combine river sailing with scheduled shore excursions; Blue Shadow I’s programme names sites from Karnak Temple to Philae. Unlike a land-based route between Luxor and Aswan, this cruise travels between the cities on the Nile, with Discovery Tours Egypt arranging the booking rather than operating the vessel.
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
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on round-trip embarkation from Luxor. On 7-night round-trips each site is visited once.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa center
- Massage room
- Boutique
- Laundry
- WiFi (in public areas)
- Internet corner
- Library
- Reception
- Main lounge bar
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- 3, 4 or 7 nights’ deluxe accommodation with full board
- Sightseeing excursions accompanied by an English-speaking Egyptologist
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- Transfers between airports, ports and other included locations in air-conditioned vehicles
- Admission to every attraction listed
- One complimentary bottle of water per person each day
- Service charges and taxes
- Small-group excursions, with no more than 8 participants
Not included
- Meals and drinks beyond those specified in the itinerary
- Personal costs such as laundry, minibar purchases and spa treatments
- Gratuities for Egyptologists, drivers and cruise staff; these are optional but recommended
- Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended
- Visa charges and international flights
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the cabin’s deck and position before confirming, as cabin views and layouts can vary by location.
- 02
Bring binoculars for riverbank details that are easy to miss from the sun deck while sailing.
- 03
Keep small notes for optional purchases and gratuities; gratuities are not included unless your booking states otherwise.
- 04
For Valley of the Kings visits, bring a hat and water, as shade is limited on exposed paths.
Tailor it
Make it yours
We can discuss adding extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, or arranging additional site visits before or after the cruise. Ask us to confirm which private excursion or meal arrangements are available for your dates.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Blue Shadow I sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so it can sit between a Cairo stay and time in either Nile city. Pair it with a Luxor West Bank visit or an additional night in Aswan to see the sights at a steadier pace.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves steps and uneven surfaces at several stages. Embarkation and disembarkation use gangways, which can be steep when the river level changes, and some cabins may only be reached by stairs. On shore excursions, expect uneven ancient stone, loose sand, temple steps and the painted tomb ramps at the Valley of the Kings; some have no handrail. Wheelchair users may be able to travel with advance planning, but step-free access on board is limited and an accessible cabin cannot be assumed. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and cabin, discuss assistance at the airport and advise which excursions may be practicable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel is supplied and operated by a cruise line. Its fuel, engine standards and onboard wastewater systems are set by that operator, so we cannot guarantee a particular fuel type or treatment method. Shore excursions may use locally hired, air-conditioned coaches; the vehicle type and supplier depend on the sailing and group arrangements. We arrange services with local Egyptologists and excursion staff, and meals are provided by the cruise operator. The base information does not confirm a particular waste-separation scheme, linen-reuse policy or local purchasing programme, so we will not claim those measures are in place. Ask us before booking if you would like us to check the assigned supplier’s current policies.
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
What to bring
- Valid passport and a separate photocopy
- Comfortable walking footwear with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, and a wide-brim hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Type C or E power adapter and phone charger
What to wear
- Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes for warm days
- Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable, closed-toe footwear for uneven archaeological sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for shared areas, if the vessel has a pool
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 years 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. A compact stroller can be folded on board, but steps and uneven surfaces make many shore sites difficult for strollers. High chairs and infant equipment are limited, so request them at booking and we will check availability.
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,772 |
| Double cabin | £1,207 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,136 |
| Double cabin | £813 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £923 |
| Double cabin | £681 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,788 |
| Double cabin | £1,223 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
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
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
The Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise is listed as an 8-day product. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with the exact sailing and embarkation details confirmed for your booking. The excursion programme alternates time sailing on the Nile with visits ashore; check your confirmed arrangements for the schedule that applies to your departure.02How do transfers and embarkation work for the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
Air-conditioned airport and port transfers, plus meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, are included in the listed arrangements. Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the sailing direction. We confirm the relevant port and arrangements before you travel; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.03What is included in the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
The listed arrangements include full-board meals, an English-speaking Egyptologist for the shore excursions and entrance fees to the attractions on the programme. Accommodation, transfers, meet-and-assist, bottled water and service charges and taxes are also included as specified. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included in the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond the water provided with meals, extra meals not specified, personal spending, gratuities, travel insurance, visa fees and international flights are excluded. Gratuities for the Egyptologist, drivers and cruise staff are optional but recommended. Cabin prices are per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies if you need a cabin to yourself.05Is the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin, vessel layout and shore-excursion arrangements, so it cannot be confirmed from the information available. Ancient sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings may involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check what can be arranged for your sailing.06What is the children’s policy on the Blue Shadow I 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. The cruise visits archaeological sites, so consider the walking and heat when planning with younger children.07What should I wear and bring on the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at temple and tomb sites. Bring modest clothing for religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful in the evening. Your travel documents will confirm any further items needed for your sailing.08Can I take photographs during the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may differ between outdoor areas, tombs and museum spaces. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance, and ask before photographing people. Some interiors may restrict photography or require a separate permission or ticket; confirm the rules at each location rather than assuming one policy applies across the programme.09When is the best time to take the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
The most comfortable time for outdoor visits is generally the cooler part of the day, although the exact excursion timings depend on the sailing schedule. Temperatures vary by season, and summer heat can make exposed archaeological sites demanding. If you are travelling in winter sun, pack for warm daytime conditions and cooler evenings.10Which sights are visited on the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. These visits take place between sailing periods on the Nile, with the order depending on the direction and schedule. The programme is arranged around the vessel’s sailing, rather than one fixed daily sequence.
Last updated 26 May 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-744700
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