Emilio Nile Cruise
The Emilio features a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining, with guided shore excursions along the Nile.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- 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 through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Emilio Nile Cruise sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions that may include six major archaeological sites. Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; cabin size and views depend on the vessel assigned.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Accommodation on the Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Accommodation on the Nile cruise · Full-board meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation and ending with breakfast on disembarkation · Timetabled shore-excursion programme · Usual admission charges for the sightseeing attractions included · Excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · History enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a guided river journey · Families able to manage archaeological-site walking
- Guide languages
- English
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- DTE is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Travellers should confirm the assigned vessel, cabin category and supplier-specific terms before booking.
What lingers
- 01Weekly sailing in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03The excursion programme includes the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Visits include Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Five-star cruise package with the vessel assigned at booking
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 arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. Embarkation and disembarkation are available at Luxor and Aswan, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the double temple at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Luxor and Aswan are approximately 240 kilometres apart by road, while the navigable Nile route follows the river and includes stops at the principal archaeological sites between the two cities.
Cruise accommodation is provided in cabins, with categories generally graded by class such as Standard, Deluxe and Suite; exact cabin dimensions, views and facilities depend on the assigned third-party vessel. Full board covers 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 the scheduled sightseeing sites are included. Premium tickets, including entry inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu or Khafre where available, are not included unless specifically requested. Gratuities and the single supplement are also excluded; cabin prices are normally calculated per person sharing.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu’s Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and independent-minded travellers who want guided access to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan without changing hotels between river destinations. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, as shore excursions involve walking over uneven archaeological surfaces, steps and exposed ground.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or prefer not to walk around archaeological sites. Cabin sharing rules may also make this unsuitable for families with two or more children who do not want to book a separate cabin for them.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Combines Nile sailing with visits to major Upper Egypt sites
- Choose Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin classes
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient ground and steps can limit access
- Temple visits may involve walking in strong sun
- Drinks beyond water served with meals cost extra
- A single supplement typically applies to solo travellers
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based sightseeing circuit, this Nile cruise combines accommodation and river travel with guided shore excursions at major ancient sites. It also differs from a private point-to-point tour because sailing dates, embarkation ports, meal arrangements and excursion timings follow the assigned vessel’s operating schedule.
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 embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the cabin category and exact cabin dimensions before confirming, as layouts vary by assigned vessel.
- 02
For Philae photographs, ask your Egyptologist about the light and boat-transfer timing on your visit.
- 03
Keep small notes for local purchases at stops; market prices are often open to polite bargaining.
- 04
Bring a light layer for the sun deck after sunset, when river breezes can make it feel cooler.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange embarkation at Luxor or Aswan and discuss private or shared shore-excursion arrangements where available. Travellers may also request premium archaeological tickets, a single cabin, additional hotel nights before or after sailing, or transfers connecting the cruise with Cairo and other Egyptian destinations.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
The Emilio Nile Cruise fits between stays in Cairo and either Luxor or Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Add time in Cairo before or after the river journey for the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum.
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.
– 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 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
- Comfortable walking footwear with sturdy soles
- SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- A water bottle you can refill
- A small bag for day trips ashore
- Any medication you need
- Insect repellent
- Egyptian-pound cash for personal costs and gratuities
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers to suit fluctuating temperatures
- Closed, comfortable shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a light cover-up for the sun deck
- A hat and sunglasses for strong sun
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years of age travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay half price; guests aged 12 or above pay the full adult fare. Children are required to share a cabin with their parents, and only one child is permitted in each cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are unsuitable for gangways, narrow decks, stairways and uneven archaeological sites. Ask for a high chair before booking; availability varies according to the vessel assigned.
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 | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,174 | £1,510 |
| Double cabin | £871 | £1,039 |
| Triple cabin | £857 | £1,026 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £794 | £986 |
| Double cabin | £621 | £717 |
| Triple cabin | £613 | £709 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £667 | £811 |
| Double cabin | £537 | £609 |
| Triple cabin | £531 | £603 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,189 | £1,525 |
| Double cabin | £886 | £1,054 |
| Triple cabin | £873 | £1,041 |
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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Edfu’s Temple of HorusRight here
- The Temple at Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare Luxor and Aswan embarkation options before booking
02
Scheduled shore visits cover six named ancient sites
03
Full-board terms and extra charges are clear before travel
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does an Emilio Nile Cruise usually last?
Emilio Nile Cruise sailings usually run for 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel operates weekly in each direction, giving travellers flexibility when planning their trip.02What does the Emilio Nile Cruise fare include?
The fare covers cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day, and a shore excursion programme featuring scheduled ancient sites. Standard admission fees for these sites are included too.03What is excluded from the Emilio Nile Cruise fare?
Items generally excluded are drinks other than water served with meals, the single supplement for solo travellers, optional premium site tickets such as entry inside the Khufu or Khafre Pyramids, gratuities and personal expenses.04Which shore excursions feature in the Emilio Nile Cruise programme?
Excursions take in major ancient sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Visits are arranged around the sailing schedule.05Where can you embark and disembark on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
You can embark or disembark at either Luxor or Aswan. With weekly sailings, the vessel offers the choice of beginning your journey in either city.06What are the rules for children on the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, and those aged 6–11.99 pay 50% of the adult fare. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. A cabin can be shared with parents by one child at most; two or more children need their own cabin.07What clothing is suitable for the Emilio Nile Cruise and shore excursions?
For trips ashore, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes. When visiting temples, modest clothing is advised, with shoulders and knees covered. Casual wear is fine on board, though you may prefer something a little smarter for dinner.08Can travellers with mobility concerns manage the Emilio Nile Cruise?
Nile cruise boats, the Emilio among them, have stairs connecting the decks, which may be difficult for travellers with substantial mobility limitations. Shore visits frequently require walking over uneven ancient stone or sandy ground. Please let us know about your particular requirements when you book.09When is the ideal season for an Emilio Nile Cruise?
October to April, when the weather is cooler, is usually regarded as the best period for a Nile Cruise, with more pleasant conditions for sightseeing. May to September brings hotter weather, but visitor numbers may be lower.10Does the Emilio Nile Cruise include drinks?
Water is provided with meals as part of the full-board arrangement. Other beverages, such as soft drinks and alcohol, as well as bottled water consumed outside mealtimes, are generally excluded from the standard fare and may be bought on board.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-829834
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