What you're actually paying for
The Standard tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 14–17 m²
- Decks
- 4 (cabins on 2)
- Balcony
- Standard cabins · French balcony
- Dining
- Buffet · open seating
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.8
- Pool
- Yes · sun-deck plunge pool
- Best for
- First Egypt holiday · families · groups
- From (per person)
- from £551 per person · high season, October–April
“The temples don't get fancier when you pay more. The cabin does.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night covers Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
5-Star Standard Nile cruisers (35).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
A Sara Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
A Sarah Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river cruise arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, swimming pool and Wi-Fi, with shore excursions forming part of the cruise programme. Sailing takes place weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. While sailing, you can view the Nile from the deck, then visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra.
from£652per person · high season, October–April
Al Kahila Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Al Kahila Nile Cruise is a river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with cabin classes, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. It sails weekly in both directions, with shore excursions in the vessel’s programme at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The programme alternates sailing with visits to temples and ancient sites along the Nile. Unlike a coach-based tour, the cruise links these places by river. We arrange the booking as part of your Egypt travel plans; the vessel is operated by its cruise provider.
from£681per person · high season, October–April
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Al Nabilatan is a 5-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its cabins include junior suites and feature Andalos Islamic-style decor; shared spaces include a swimming pool, pool bar, sun terrace, gym, reading room and grand lounge. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple, with a private Egyptologist guide for the listed visits. Unlike a cruise focused only on time aboard, this programme combines river sailing with visits to major sites along the route. Evening entertainment may include a folkloric show, a galabeyah party and a discotheque. Abu Simbel is an optional excursion.
from£580per person · high season, October–April
Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
The Blue Shadow Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Philae, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead all guided excursions and explain the archaeology at each site. Onboard life alternates deck-side Nile views with full-board dining, short talks and an evening folkloric show. We do not run large-group bus tours, our sailings are restricted to small groups of no more than eight guests. Compared with mass-market coach tours, the cruise allows more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo to explore on foot. Optional excursions, including an Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan, can be arranged on request.
from£681per person · high season, October–April
Emilio Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Emilio, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days balance guided temple visits with relaxed afternoons on deck as the river passes cultivated islands and riverside villages. All guided visits are led by our Egyptologists, who explain the archaeology and chronology at each site. We limit excursions to small groups, maximum eight participants, so time ashore is unhurried and personal. Unlike short-stop cruise schedules, this itinerary allocates proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo for meaningful visits. Evening life onboard is simple and classic, with dinner, local entertainment and clear river views. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate transfers, Egyptologists, sightseeing, and hotel and cruise bookings on the ground.
from£609per person · high season, October–April
Grand Rose Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades. Several cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies. On board, facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, concierge, rooftop terrace and pool. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra. Weekly sailings run between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions. The programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, the cruise combines time on the river with visits at several historic sites.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Jamila Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Jamila Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, alternating visits with sailing on the Nile. Cabins are available in graded classes, from Standard to Suite; higher grades have Nile-view balconies, while lower grades have panoramic windows. The sun deck has seating and shaded areas, and the vessel also has a lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. We select this vessel for its programme of time ashore at major temples, rather than coach-led sightseeing between ports.
from£681per person · high season, October–April
King of Thebes Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
King of Thebes Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan, with 3, 4 and 7-night sailing options. Sailings run weekly in both directions. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with drinks beyond water with meals excluded unless specified. Shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam, accompanied by a private English-speaking Egyptologist. On board, facilities include air conditioning, a swimming pool, a fitness facility, Wi-Fi, a hot tub and an entertainment lounge. Unlike a single fixed itinerary, the programme offers several sailing lengths. Abu Simbel is an optional excursion.
from£580per person · high season, October–April
Kleos Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
MS Kleos is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided excursions to major temples and tombs. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the shore visits. Unlike larger seven-night cruises, this compact itinerary concentrates on Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo so you see the key sites without extra nights. We keep shore groups deliberately small rather than running large coach rotations. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are extra. Note the trade-offs: early starts, walks on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on deck at midday.
from£580per person · high season, October–April
Kontiki Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with a shore-excursion programme that includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Most cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies; on board, guests can use the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike a fast transfer between the cities, a Nile cruise allows time to sail between visits. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise line.
from£652per person · high season, October–April
LA Sara Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
The LA Sara Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on Luxor's East and West Banks. Choose the 4-day northbound sail (Aswan to Luxor, departs Wednesdays) or the 5-day southbound sail (Luxor to Aswan, departs Saturdays). We arrange full-board accommodation and guided excursions with our Egyptologists in small groups, maximum eight per guide, which keeps visits paced and personal. Unlike many four-night package cruises, this itinerary gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than a rushed stop. Expect active days with walking on uneven temple stone and early starts at key sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
On request
Lady Carol Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Lady Carol is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We arrange private transfers and our Egyptologists lead all ashore visits. Unlike many larger 7-night cruises, this short cruise concentrates on principal river temples and keeps sailing time compact, which means shorter days ashore at smaller sites. Expect early starts for cooler visits and simpler onboard facilities rather than a full floating resort. Site entrance fees are included unless the itinerary states otherwise; premium tombs and gratuities are extra. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
from£652per person · high season, October–April
Lady Mary Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Lady Mary between Luxor and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange Egyptologists to lead each temple visit. We arrange private guided shore excursions rather than fixed coach-group timings, and unlike cruise-line timetables we plan departures to avoid peak crowds and the midday heat. Typical highlights are Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae in Aswan. Expect early starts, limited shade at many temple sites and walking on uneven ancient stone; we recommend sensible footwear and sun protection.
from£652per person · high season, October–April
Magic I Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Three nights aboard MS Magic I, sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include guided land visits led by our Egyptologist rather than relying on audio guides; this keeps group sizes small and the schedule reliable. Typical timings put two full mornings on Luxor’s West and East Banks, a daytime sail calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a full day in Aswan. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium extras such as Tutankhamun’s tomb or private felucca rides are optional and charged separately. Practical trade-offs: cabins are compact, departures can start early, and temple sites have limited shade at midday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange transfers, local crew and on-board meals.
from£566per person · high season, October–April
Magic II Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
MS Magic II is a four-day Nile cruise operated on the River Nile by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. The schedule gives paced shore visits, evenings on board and dawn or dusk time ashore for photography. Unlike single-day excursions from Cairo or Luxor, the four-day pace provides multiple mornings and evenings to visit major sites properly. We do not automatically include pyramid interior tickets or premium tombs; clients choose those extras at booking or on request. Trade-offs include early starts on some mornings, limited shade at midday and walking on uneven ancient stone at sites. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Moondance Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Moondance is a four-day Nile cruise linking Luxor and Aswan. We arrange private Egyptologist-led visits and shore transfers as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We don't run mass coach tours; we prefer private or small-group sailings that let you visit Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank at quieter times. Compared with single-day excursions from Luxor, a four-day cruise gives relaxed transit time and evening light on the Nile. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, upper decks have limited shade at midday, and some shore visits require walking on uneven ancient stone and early starts for sunrise photography.
from£652per person · high season, October–April
Nephtis nile cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Nephtis Nile Cruise is a Nile sailing arranged aboard a superior five-star river cruiser, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are covered; drinks other than water with meals, gratuities and optional premium entries are not. Cabin categories are Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability. Cabin pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement applying.
from£594per person · high season, October–April
Nile Quest Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
This 5-star Nile cruise package includes a cabin, full board and scheduled shore excursions. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with visits to sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. On board, facilities include a sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are excluded. We arrange the booking, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Unlike a single-site stay, this cruise links temples and archaeological sites along the Nile, though the excursion programme follows the vessel’s schedule.
On request
Nile Story Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Story Nile Cruise operates small-group sailings between Aswan and Luxor, on 3- or 4-night itineraries. The route visits Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank, with guided excursions led by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Your package is full board, includes entrance fees to listed sites, private meet and assist at airports or stations, and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles. Groups are limited to 1–8 guests maximum, which gives more time ashore and shorter waits at ancient sites than typical large motor-boat cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage your on-the-ground arrangements, including sightseeing, transfers and local guiding.
On request
Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Princess Sarah II is a Comfort-tier Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, offered on 3, 4 or 7-night full-board programmes. Routes call at Kom Ombo and Edfu and include guided visits to Luxor East Bank and the West Bank. All excursions are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist, small groups maximum eight guests. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, Princess Sarah II has panoramic windows in every cabin and on-deck social spaces for uninterrupted river views. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange meet-and-assist, private air-conditioned transfers, and onboard assistance. Onboard facilities include a pool, sun deck, gym, daily housekeeping and a main dining room. Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel can be arranged for an additional fee.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Princess Sarah is a 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades, plus a restaurant, lounge, bar, sun deck and swimming pool. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing between visits. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals are extra. Unlike a fixed land itinerary, the cruise combines time on the river with visits to major temples and sites. Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing, and a single supplement applies.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise is a river vessel offering full-board sailings on the Nile, with 72 suite-cabins featuring private bathrooms and large windows. Cabins are located on the main or upper deck. Packages typically cover 3 or 4 nights, with shore excursions included at sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. On board, guests have access to a recently refurbished lounge bar with Egyptian and Moorish interior details and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Arrival transfers from the airport, train station or hotel are included.
from£551per person · high season, October–April
Radamis II Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Radamis II is a Comfort Nile cruise operating 3- and 4-night sailings between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo and Edfu. All guided excursions are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist in small groups, maximum eight travellers. Cabins have panoramic windows, individual air-conditioning and bathrooms with full-size bathtubs; public areas include a sun deck, swimming pool and a barbecue area. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private air-conditioned transfers and on-board coordination. We do not run large coach-group excursions, so visits are paced for photography and short walks rather than rushed coach drop-offs. Choose the shorter Friday Aswan to Luxor option or the Monday Luxor to Aswan sailing, both timed to include the West Bank and East Bank highlights of Luxor.
On request
Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Royal Beau Rivage, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate this cruise on the ground. Unlike many cruise-only packages, our shore visits are led by our Egyptologists rather than hotel-contracted guides, which lengthens time at key sites. Cabins are compact compared with larger river yachts and deck shade is limited at midday. Abu Simbel is available as an optional add-on and requires either an early road transfer or a short domestic flight.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Royal Elite Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Four-day cruise on MS Royal Elite between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We operate shore visits with our Egyptologists and private transfers; we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We don't run coach-load group excursions – we limit shore groups and schedule visits to avoid the mid-afternoon heat where possible. Unlike many three-night packaged cruises, this itinerary includes full calls at both Edfu and Kom Ombo. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and open decks that get hot at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included; optional extras such as Abu Simbel flights, pyramid interiors and gratuities are not included.
from£623per person · high season, October–April
Royal Esadora Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sail between Aswan and Luxor on board Royal Esadora, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The vessel provides a shaded sun deck with a small pool, an air-conditioned lounge, an on-board massage room and a boutique. We provide English-speaking Egyptologists who lead excursions for groups capped at eight guests. Unlike many large coach sightseeing packages, excursions are run in small guided groups. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate transfers and onshore logistics while you travel in Egypt. Guided visits include the temple complexes at Kom Ombo and Edfu; optional visits to Abu Simbel can be arranged by road or by flight for an extra fee. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at some open-air sites, so bring sun protection and comfortable shoes.
On request
Royal La Terrasse
Luxor → Aswan
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and an on-board programme of shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel has a sun deck with pool, a lounge bar, a rooftop terrace, a spa and cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. We arrange sailings weekly in both directions, and the itinerary alternates sailing days with visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike mass coach cruises, this vessel runs a regular weekly programme, so you see each major site across several sailing days.
from£609per person · high season, October–April
Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Royal Amira between Luxor and Aswan. Egyptologist-led visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae. We schedule temple visits early to avoid midday heat and heavier river traffic. Unlike the quickest packaged sailings, this four-day itinerary allows proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stops. Cons: early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on deck at midday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we provide Egyptologists, private transfers and on-board meals. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
from£695per person · high season, October–April
Royal Princess Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
The Royal Princess Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The route focuses on temple visits and short shore excursions, with mornings allocated for landings before the midday heat. We limit groups to a maximum of eight participants, so you will not travel on a large coach-style tour. Unlike many short cruises that rush Edfu and Kom Ombo, this itinerary allows unhurried visits to both sites. Onboard the vessel you will find a sun deck with pool, social lounges and cabins with panoramic Nile views, making river travel an uninterrupted way to move between Upper Egypt’s principal temples. We arrange local transfers, Egyptologists for guided visits and meet-and-assist at embarkation and disembarkation.
On request
Royal Ruby Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sail between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Royal Ruby, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor's West Bank and East Bank temples. The itinerary alternates short, site-centred mornings with relaxed sailing periods, so you have time on deck and time at the monuments. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits, explaining pharaonic inscriptions and architectural phases at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, as well as the temple complexes at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We limit cabin numbers to keep groups small, maximum eight passengers, which avoids the coach-party model common on larger river cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate all local arrangements on your behalf.
On request
Ruby 1 Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Ruby 1 is a Nile river vessel offering a four-day, three-night cruise along the Nile. We position this as a compact river option for travellers who prefer three nights aboard rather than a seven-night itinerary. Unlike longer cruises, this 4-day sailing concentrates on core river travel and normally requires earlier departures and shorter shore visits. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private transfers, luggage handling and Egyptologist-guided shore visits. Trade-offs include fewer stops ashore, more early starts for excursions, and more walking on uneven ancient stone during visits. Ask us about adding pre- or post-cruise nights in Cairo or Luxor.
from£681per person · high season, October–April
Semiramis II Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Semiramis II, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on the Luxor banks. Departures run from Aswan and from Luxor on fixed days, with guided shore visits led by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Full board accommodation, airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed sites, and service charges are included. We limit guided shore groups to a maximum of eight participants, which keeps visits calmer and reduces time spent queuing. Unlike larger motor-cruise schedules, this programme allows more relaxed calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange your meet and assist service, transfers and Egyptologist briefing on the ground.
On request
Semiramis III Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Semiramis III is a five-star Nile cruiser with a restaurant, gym, Wi-Fi and concierge service. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with pricing based on two people sharing. The sun deck and public lounge provide space to sit between visits ashore. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme that can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a fixed single sailing, it is arranged in either direction, subject to the selected departure. Full-board meals are provided on board; drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise.
from£566per person · high season, October–April
Tower Prestige Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Tower Prestige Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly departures in both directions. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with air conditioning and Nile or panoramic windows. On board, the sun deck has a pool and shaded seating, alongside a rooftop terrace, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel’s scheduled shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with local Egyptologist guiding. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, the cruise combines river sailing with visits to major temples and tombs.
from£681per person · high season, October–April
Zeina Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Zeina Nile Cruise runs 3, 4 or 7 night cruises along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Departures run every Wednesday from Aswan and every Saturday from Luxor. The itinerary calls at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank, with full board accommodation and guided tours by our Egyptologists. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed attractions, and meet-and-assist on arrival and departure. Sightseeing is in small groups, maximum eight participants, which gives more time ashore at the temples than larger vessels allow. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck bar, restaurant, lounge, library, spa, internet corner, boutique and 24-hour doctor.
On request
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Standard dahabiyas (6).
Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.
Akhnaton Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Akhnaton Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered craft offering seven days on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We operate it as a small, privately chartered dahabiya; we don't run group-bus tours. Typical calls include Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Esna lock, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo. Unlike packaged motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly and anchors at quieter riverside moorings overnight. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on motor cruise ships and sailing days depend on wind; there is limited shade on the sun deck at midday. We can arrange a private Egyptologist and bespoke shore excursions for each group.
from£959per person · high season, October–April
Amoura Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Amoura Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya for a quieter journey on the Nile. Its route includes stops at places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, which are accessible to dahabiyas. The pace differs from that of larger motor cruisers, with sailing shaped by wind conditions and time ashore at river sites. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The captain and crew are on board, and guests can use the public areas and sun deck. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its supplier.
from£943per person · high season, October–April
Bens Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Bens Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya cruise on the River Nile in Egypt. Dahabiyas offer a quieter, slower-paced alternative to larger Nile cruise ships, though sailing times can vary with wind conditions. Full-board meals are provided from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Standard sightseeing and site entrance fees are included only where listed in the confirmed cruise programme. Some visits involve walking over uneven ground. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise provider. Unlike larger cruise ships, a dahabiya offers a smaller-scale sailing experience, but the exact route and sightseeing stops depend on the confirmed booking.
from£984per person · high season, October–April
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya is a small sailing boat on the Nile, featuring four double cabins and room for up to eight guests. With its lateen sail and limited passenger capacity, it provides a more peaceful alternative to larger Nile cruise ships, although sailing times are dictated by the wind. Full Board covers lunch on the day you embark through to breakfast on the day you disembark; drinks other than water served with meals cost extra. The dahabiya can be chartered in full; the rate is available on request. At least two cabins must be booked to guarantee sailing, and a private charter supplement may be charged when fewer than all four cabins are booked. The booking is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we do not operate the vessel.
from£991per person · high season, October–April
Queen Nefeer Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Nefeer Dahabiya is a dahabiya cruise on the River Nile, a smaller sailing vessel class associated with a quieter pace than larger motor cruisers. A dahabiya’s lateen sail uses the wind where conditions allow; sailing schedules can therefore depend on the breeze and river traffic. The smaller format can reach some Nile-side stops that larger cruise ships cannot, though the exact route and shore visits depend on the itinerary booked. Full Board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s operator; the boat is not operated by us.
from£910per person · high season, October–April
Three Pyramids Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruises from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The pace is measured, with mornings ashore for temple visits and afternoons spent sailing past palm groves and Nile islands. You pass through the historic Esna Lock, visit a riverside village and explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin temples at Kom Ombo. We favour small-group dahabiya sailings with eight to 12 guests rather than larger motor-ship cruises, so visits are quieter and more flexible. Our Egyptologists lead the sightseeing and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, available to answer planning questions and arrange your transfers and onward travel.
from£984per person · high season, October–April
Five things to know
Before you book Standard.
01Is the food on a 5-star standard cruise actually any good?
Yes. Every 5-star Standard vessel we book runs a buffet that includes Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Western mains at every meal, fresh fruit, and freshly baked bread. À la carte restaurants are typically Deluxe and up – but the buffet on Standard ships in 2026 is genuinely good. We avoid the 4-star floating hotels for exactly this reason.
02Will I miss any temples by booking the budget tier?
No. Standard, Deluxe, Ultra-Deluxe, and Luxury vessels all dock at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Esna and visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Philae. The shore-excursion itinerary is identical – the cruise tier sets the cabin, food format, and on-board polish, not what you see ashore.
03What's the cabin like – is it cramped?
Standard cabins are 14–17 m² (smaller than a typical UK 5-star hotel room, larger than a cruise ship interior cabin). All have ensuite, climate control, panoramic window (or French balcony on higher decks), in-room safe, and twin or double bed configuration. They're designed for sleeping – you spend the day ashore or up top on the sun deck.
04How many people are on the boat?
Standard 5-star vessels typically carry 60–80 cabins (120–160 guests at full occupancy). That's social but not crowded. If you want fewer people on board, the Dahabiya tier sails with 8–12 cabins maximum – quieter, but a different style of holiday and a different price point.
05Is the operator the same as on the higher tiers?
Yes. Egypt Discovery's specialist team has operated cruise departures across every tier since 1988 from our Cairo head office and Luxor + Aswan branches. The shore-excursion crew, Egyptologists, and reservations team are shared. The vessel is what differs.
Different budget?
The other tiers.
5-Star Deluxe
Step up the cabin square-meterage and the bathroom. Same temples, more finish.
5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Newer fleet, broader balconies, attentive crew ratio – the polish without the Luxury price.
5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels and sail-powered dahabiyas. Smaller-scale, off-the-beaten-path stops.
Then pick a route
Which way to sail.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery