Esmeralda Nile Cruise
This five-star river cruiser has a swimming pool, open-air sun deck, dining room, lounge and Wi-Fi, with weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Esmeralda Nile Cruise is an eight-day river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Esmeralda sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to six Nile Valley sites. The vessel has a pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi subject to coverage; drinks beyond water with meals are normally extra.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings · The Nile
- Includes
- Accommodation in a cruise cabin · Full board, from lunch on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation · Shore-excursion programme · Use of the pool and sun deck · Use of the restaurant and lounge · Wi-Fi, subject to vessel coverage
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · Families sharing cabins · History enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a full-board Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Egyptologist-led shore excursions can be arranged as part of the cruise programme.
- On-the-ground assistance is available through the arranging tour operator.
What lingers
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visits to Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Valley of the Kings excursion on the Luxor West Bank
- 05Pool and sun deck for viewing the Nile while sailing
- 06Restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi on board
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the Nile moves quietly past sugar-cane fields, palm groves and low riverbank villages. From Esmeralda’s sun deck, the landscape changes gradually as sandstone cliffs replace cultivated land, while the river sets an unhurried rhythm for sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Shore excursions bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, through the Valley of the Kings and across to Philae, with time to return to the lounge or pool afterwards.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions, giving the programme a steady pattern of sailing and exploration rather than hurried stops. We arrange the embarkation details and shore-excursion programme, while our Egyptologists explain the sites in clear, practical terms. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your arrangements are handled by people based here.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise package is arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing days alternating with a shore-excursion programme covering major monuments along the Nile Valley. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan.
Named in this entry
Esmeralda·Luxor·Aswan·Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Kings’ Valley·Edfu’s Temple of Horus·Temple at Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Ancient Thebes·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and travellers aged approximately 12 and above who want to combine accommodation, meals and guided sightseeing on the Nile. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although temple approaches, uneven ground and steps can be demanding.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a quiet, resort-style stay without scheduled shore excursions. The Valley of the Kings and temple visits involve walking on uneven ground, often with little shade.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- The Valley of the Kings is included in the programme.
- A pool and sun deck provide space between excursions.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ancient stone and steps.
- Valley of the Kings visits offer limited shade.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are usually extra.
- Single travellers typically pay a cabin supplement.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation, meals and transport between Nile Valley destinations on one cruise vessel. Unlike an ocean cruise, it sails on the Nile River and alternates sailing days with shore excursions at historic temples and tombs.
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
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Cabin accommodation on the chosen five-star Nile cruise
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to the specified sites along the Nile Valley
- Access to the vessel’s pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge
- On-board Wi-Fi, where the vessel’s coverage allows
Not included
- Beverages other than water served with meals
- Any single-cabin supplement
- Separately priced visits, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs
- Gratuities
- Personal purchases and services not specified as included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm cabin class and view before booking; Standard, Deluxe and Suite options may differ in space and outlook.
- 02
Treat Wi-Fi as coverage-dependent, especially while sailing between towns.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and any premium tomb or pyramid interior visits.
- 04
Ask which direction is available for your dates, as weekly sailings alternate between Luxor and Aswan.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction and can coordinate private or shared shore excursions, subject to availability. Travellers may also request cabin upgrades, a single cabin, additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, and separately charged visits such as pyramid interiors or premium tombs.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Esmeralda works well as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday, paired with time in Cairo before or after sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Weekly sailings run in both directions, so the order can be planned around your flights and the rest of your route.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves boarding and leaving the vessel by gangway. Its slope and surface can change with river levels and the embarkation berth. Shore excursions include uneven paving, sand, steps and exposed archaeological ground at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The sun deck and pool may be reached by stairs. Cabin dimensions and wheelchair access have not been confirmed for the vessel assigned to your booking. Wheelchair users and travellers with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the vessel and discuss what assistance is practical.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The principal transport is a river cruise vessel, with local road vehicles used for shore excursions and transfers connected with embarkation and disembarkation. We arrange the cruise, guiding and transport with Egyptian suppliers along the Luxor to Aswan route, supporting local crew, drivers, Egyptologists and site-based services. Fuel use, waste treatment and recycling facilities vary between the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not present these as standard features. Guests can reduce single-use plastic by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, following on-board water guidance and avoiding litter at archaeological sites. Please respect local communities and do not remove stones or other material from ancient 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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Insect repellent
- A small day bag
- Any medication you need
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Wear breathable clothing in layers for cooler mornings
- Comfortable shoes with closed toes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool
- A sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, while anyone aged 12 or over pays the full adult fare. Children need to share a cabin with a parent (no more than one child in each cabin); two or more children will need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be awkward to handle on gangways, staircases and archaeological terrain, so a compact, foldable model is more practical. High chairs are not confirmed as available, so check before booking.
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 | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,687 | £4,516 | £6,117 |
| Double cabin | £1,745 | £2,821 | £3,763 |
| Triple cabin | £1,745 | £2,821 | £3,763 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,658 | £2,704 | £3,618 |
| Double cabin | £1,120 | £1,735 | £2,273 |
| Triple cabin | £1,120 | £1,735 | £2,273 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,315 | £2,099 | £2,785 |
| Double cabin | £912 | £1,373 | £1,776 |
| Triple cabin | £912 | £1,373 | £1,776 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,702 | £4,532 | £6,133 |
| Double cabin | £1,761 | £2,837 | £3,779 |
| Triple cabin | £1,761 | £2,837 | £3,779 |
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 Kings’ ValleyRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise is an eight-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Sailing days alternate with visits ashore, giving time for both the river journey and the main sites. The vessel sails weekly in each direction, though exact embarkation and disembarkation times depend on the sailing schedule confirmed for your dates.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan, with the order depending on the sailing direction. We confirm the port and timing for your selected sailing before travel. This is a cruise arrangement, not a transfer service, so any separate travel to or from the vessel needs to be arranged as part of your plans.03What is included on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The booking includes a cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the shore-excursion programme. Standard entrance fees for the included visits are covered unless stated otherwise. You can also use the pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge; Wi-Fi is available when vessel coverage allows.04What is not included on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond water served with meals, gratuities and personal expenses are excluded. A single supplement usually applies if you want a cabin for sole use. Optional visits charged separately, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s, are not part of the included shore-excursion programme.05Is the Esmeralda Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The cruise includes movement between the vessel and ancient sites, where paths can be uneven and steps may be present. Access arrangements and cabin suitability depend on the vessel and the specific excursion. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check what can be arranged; step-free access cannot be assumed.06What is the children’s policy on the Esmeralda 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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Please confirm cabin availability for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring for the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
Pack comfortable shoes for uneven stone paths, light clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and other religious sites. A light layer can be useful on the sun deck after sunset, when the river breeze may feel cooler than the daytime heat.08Can I take photographs during the Esmeralda Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules differ between sites and may also depend on the area being visited. Ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures inside tombs or temple buildings, and follow any signs or staff instructions. Camera or video fees may apply at certain locations, so check locally before using equipment beyond a phone.09When is the best time to take the Esmeralda Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor, Aswan and the Nile Valley sites. Daytime conditions can still be sunny, so bring sun protection in winter as well as warmer layers for evenings. In hotter months, expect stronger heat during excursions and plan accordingly.10Which sites does the Esmeralda Nile Cruise visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and the order of visits varies with the sailing direction. Optional pyramid interiors and premium tombs are separately charged.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-293886
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