Emilio Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining and shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Emilio Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise package sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Nile cruise accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Scheduled shore-excursion programme · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing sites
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a river-based Upper Egypt itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged for included shore excursions
- On-the-ground support is available for transfers and cruise coordination
02Overview
A first look
At dusk, the Nile catches the last light beside Emilio’s sun deck, while palms and village roofs move quietly beyond the rail. Inside, a panoramic cabin window, lounge bar and dining room give the river a slower rhythm than road travel, with full-board meals marking the sailing rather than the clock.
Shore excursions bring the ancient landscape into focus, from Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Emilio sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, so embarkation can suit your wider holiday plans. We arrange the cruise and shore programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists guiding you ashore and coordinating the details around your sailing.
Background
The facts
The Emilio Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile River cruise package arranged between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation are available at either Luxor or Aswan, and the sailing schedule operates weekly. The cruise combines time aboard a Nile cruiser with scheduled shore excursions at major archaeological sites.
The excursion programme may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km from central Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings is about 7 km west of the Nile. Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat transfer from the shore near Aswan.
Cruise accommodation is provided in graded cabins, generally including Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories; available views and cabin dimensions depend on the assigned third-party vessel. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Water served with meals is included, while other drinks and personal expenses are generally extra. Standard entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included, but premium tickets such as entry inside Khufu or Khafre are excluded unless requested.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Ancient Egypt·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history-focused travellers who want to combine accommodation, river sailing and guided visits to Upper Egypt’s principal temples. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and walking in strong sun.
What lingers
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu
- 04Stop at Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Excursion programme including the Valley of the Kings
- 06Five-star river cruise standard
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation and transport on the Nile with shore excursions at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Unlike a fixed one-way sightseeing tour, the cruise is available in both Luxor–Aswan and Aswan–Luxor directions, with the assigned vessel and sailing schedule confirmed at booking.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 | £1,517 |
| Double cabin | £1,046 |
| Triple cabin | £1,033 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £987 |
| Double cabin | £718 |
| Triple cabin | £710 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £811 |
| Double cabin | £610 |
| Triple cabin | £604 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,523 |
| Double cabin | £1,053 |
| Triple cabin | £1,039 |
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.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Emilio Nile Cruise
- Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursion programme covering the scheduled ancient sites
- Standard entry fees for the included sightseeing sites
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional premium site tickets, including entry inside Khufu or Khafre
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in a private or more structured shore-excursion format, subject to the assigned sailing schedule and supplier availability. Travellers may request cabin-category upgrades, a single cabin with the applicable supplement, premium site tickets or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan before or after sailing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves uneven quays, sloped or stepped gangways and stairs, with elevator access varying by the assigned vessel. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may not all be on the same level. Shore excursions include sand, cobblestones, uneven ancient stone, steps and exposed paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking. We can check the assigned vessel, cabin access and practical assistance, but cannot guarantee step-free boarding or archaeological-site access. Sturdy footwear and support from a travelling companion may be necessary.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- SPF50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Insect repellent
- Required medication
- Egyptian pounds for personal expenses and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Closed shoes for sand and uneven ancient stone
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and a light cover-up for the sun deck
- Hat and sunglasses for strong Nile sunshine
Children & families
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are not practical on gangways, narrow decks, stairs or archaeological sites. Request a high chair before booking, as availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel travels along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, limiting the need for separate long road journeys between the main sightseeing areas. Shore transport is arranged with local Egyptian suppliers using licensed vehicles and drivers. The programme provides work for local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, site guides and hospitality teams in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste, water and energy practices vary by the assigned vessel, so we do not make blanket environmental claims. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where safe, declining unnecessary single-use items and following site protection rules. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges these local services.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
The Emilio Nile Cruise includes Nile cruise accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, scheduled shore excursions and standard entrance fees for included sites. The programme may visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of an Emilio Nile Cruise?
The Emilio Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing for flexible travel planning to suit your holiday schedule.02What is included in the Emilio Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes your cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, and a shore excursion programme covering scheduled ancient sites. Standard entrance fees for these sites are also included.03What is not included in the Emilio Nile Cruise fare?
Exclusions typically cover drinks beyond water served with meals, the single supplement for solo travellers, optional premium site tickets like entry inside Khufu or Khafre Pyramids, gratuities, and personal expenses. These can be arranged separately.04What shore excursions are part of the Emilio Nile Cruise programme?
The shore excursion programme includes visits to major ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These are integrated into the sailing schedule.05What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Emilio Nile Cruise are available at both Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly, offering options for starting your journey from either city, depending on your wider travel plans.06What is the policy for children on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear on the Emilio Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. Onboard, casual attire is suitable, with slightly more formal options for dinner.08Is the Emilio Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Emilio, have stairs between decks and can present challenges for travellers with significant mobility issues. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sand. Please discuss specific needs when booking.09What is the best time of year to take an Emilio Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile Cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but can offer fewer crowds.10Are drinks included on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Water is served with meals as part of the full board. Other drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water outside of meals, are typically not included in the standard fare and can be purchased onboard.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-NIL-829834
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
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.
Nile7 Nights
Concerto Nile Cruise
The Concerto Nile Cruise runs between Luxor and Aswan, offered as 3-night or 4-night full-board itineraries. Itineraries visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae. Edfu is reached by horse-drawn chariot, and Kom Ombo receives an extended stop for photography and study of the reliefs. Full-board accommodation onboard, private air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees and an English-speaking Egyptologist are included, with guide groups limited to eight guests. We keep Egyptologist groups to a maximum of eight to reduce walking-group size at busy sites and allow more time with the guide. Optional Abu Simbel excursions can be added from Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all transfers and local guides.
Nile7 Nights