Cleopatra Nile Cruise
Air-conditioned cabins, a sun deck and pool, plus a restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi make up this river vessel’s on-board facilities.
The short answer
Cleopatra is a 5-Star Luxury Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £1,239 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck as Cleopatra leaves the quay, with village lights appearing beyond the palms. Between quiet stretches on the river, you step ashore with one of our Egyptologists to read temple reliefs at Edfu and Kom Ombo, visit the Valley of the Kings or follow the colonnades of Karnak Temple. The pace is unhurried, though ancient sites mean heat, uneven ground and some early starts.
We select and arrange the vessel, confirm your cabin class and shore excursions, and keep the practical details clear before embarkation. Back on board, full board, air conditioning and the lounge bar make the return to the river straightforward.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,239double cabinsingle cabin £1,844 | May – September: from £1,022double cabinsingle cabin £1,527 | Peak dates: from £1,815double cabinsingle cabin £2,824 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,577double cabinsingle cabin £2,384 | May – September: from £1,289double cabinsingle cabin £1,962 | Peak dates: from £2,346double cabinsingle cabin £3,691 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £2,588double cabinsingle cabin £4,000 | May – September: from £2,083double cabinsingle cabin £3,260 | Peak dates: from £3,933double cabinsingle cabin £6,287 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £2,603double cabinsingle cabin £4,016 | May – September: from £2,099double cabinsingle cabin £3,276 | Peak dates: from £3,948double cabinsingle cabin £6,302 |
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
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
- 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week
- 02Choose from air-conditioned Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, subject to availability
- 03Excursions ashore visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Visit Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae as part of the cruise excursion programme
- 05Use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace on board
- 06Full-board dining is provided from lunch on the day of embarkation until breakfast on the day of disembarkation
On property
What's here
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Airport shuttle
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Rooftop terrace
- Beach access
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Air-conditioned cabin in the class confirmed at booking
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation
- Shore-excursion programme covering the listed Nile Valley sites
- Access to the vessel’s swimming pool and shared public areas
- Wi-Fi on board where available
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for sole occupancy
- Optional purchases and personal expenses
- Gratuities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin category is available for your sailing before choosing, as class options are subject to availability.
- 02
Allow time for uneven ancient paving and exposed areas during shore excursions, particularly around temple precincts.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for personal purchases and gratuities, which are not included.
- 04
Check seasonal opening hours for each archaeological site close to travel, as visitor access can change.
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 request Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation, subject to availability, and choose either the Luxor or Aswan embarkation direction. Private Egyptologist-guided transfers or additional sightseeing before or after the sailing can be added through Discovery Tours Egypt.
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, families and history enthusiasts who want to connect Luxor and Aswan by river while visiting major ancient sites. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding a vessel, using gangways and taking shore excursions that may involve uneven ground and extended walking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a quiet, resort-style stay with little sightseeing. Summer heat and walking at archaeological sites can make the excursions tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The shore-excursion programme also covers Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- The pool and sun deck offer space to relax between excursions.
- Unlike a land tour, the sailing links Luxor and Aswan without hotel changes.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, steps and moderate walking.
- Limited shade at some archaeological sites can make midday visits tiring.
- May to September heat can exceed 35°C in Luxor and Aswan.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
Where it fits
The Cleopatra Nile Cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with Cairo before or after for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau. It can also sit within a longer Upper Egypt itinerary that includes Abu Simbel from Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Upper Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and transport on the Nile with organised shore excursions at the principal temples and royal tombs.
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.
- Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,253 pp
- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,383 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
- Deluxe five-star Nile vessel offering Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Nile River
- Includes
- Climate-controlled cabin in your reserved category · All meals included, from lunch on boarding to breakfast on leaving the vessel · Shore-excursion programme · Swimming pool and communal facilities · Wi-Fi access when available
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a full-board Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and travel documents
- Firm-soled walking shoes
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, ideally SPF 50
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Any medication you need
- A small bag for day trips ashore
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers for warm daytime weather and cooler evenings
- Firm, comfortable shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for communal pool areas
- Light layer for air-conditioned public spaces
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult rate, while anyone aged 12 or above pays the full adult rate. Children must stay in a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a separate cabin. Strollers may be difficult to manage on gangways, steps and paths at ancient sites. High chairs depend on the vessel assigned, so please request one ahead of departure.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven temple floors, stone steps, sandy paths and occasional steep gangways between the vessel and shore. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae all require walking, with limited shade at several sites. Wheelchair access depends on the assigned vessel, cabin position, gangway design and crew assistance. Standard wheelchairs may be impractical during shore excursions. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so our team can confirm the assigned vessel and shore arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange this sailing with established local cruise, transport, guiding and port-service suppliers in the Nile Valley. Travelling between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan by river reduces the need for separate daily road journeys. Shore excursions support local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, site guides and nearby service providers. Water and electricity use on board is controlled by the vessel operator, although standards vary between assigned vessels. We do not claim that the cruise is carbon-neutral. A refillable bottle, where permitted, and respect for temple and tomb rules can help reduce waste and protect sites.
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 Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city depending on the confirmed arrangement. Check your booking details for the exact sailing dates and port sequence.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction you book. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and confirms the vessel details and port arrangements before travel. The cruise line owns and operates the vessel; we do not run the boat.03Which items are covered by the Cleopatra Nile Cruise fare?
The fare includes an air-conditioned cabin in the booked class, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Use of the pool and shared public areas is included, with Wi-Fi available on board where service permits.04Which items are excluded from the Cleopatra Nile Cruise fare?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal spending are not included. A single supplement applies when a cabin is occupied by one traveller.05Can children travel on the Cleopatra 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. Confirm cabin arrangements when booking.06Are the Cleopatra Nile Cruise cabins suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the vessel and the shore excursions selected, so confirm your needs before booking. Ancient sites can involve uneven stone, steps and exposed ground, including at the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Cabin classes are listed as Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability; specific cabin dimensions and access details are not supplied.07What should I wear and bring on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes for uneven temple surfaces, light clothing, sun protection and water for excursions. Egypt can be very hot, particularly around midday. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites; modest clothing is also appropriate when visiting mosques. Casual clothing suits time aboard, and a light layer can be useful in cooler months.08Can I take photographs during the Cleopatra Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Follow posted signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance, especially inside tombs or other restricted spaces, where photography may be limited or require separate permission. Check current rules at each entrance before taking photographs.09When is the best time to take the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, so excursions may feel demanding, particularly where shade is limited.10Which sites are visited on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursions take place between sailing stretches on the Nile. The order and timing can depend on the sailing arrangements, so use the confirmed programme for your departure.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-956370
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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