Golden Nile Cruise
Golden has panoramic cabins, a sun deck and lounge bar, with full-board meals and guided shore excursions along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Golden is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the operator.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 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 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
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 the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor.
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temple complex at Kom Ombo.
- 04Visit Philae, an island temple complex in Aswan.
- 05Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard entrance fees at sightseeing sites
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- Entry to premium tombs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Gratuities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At the Valley of the Kings, ask which tombs are open on your visit; access to individual tombs can change.
- 02
Carry water for site visits, especially where shade is limited and the walking surface is uneven.
- 03
For temple visits, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a respectful choice.
- 04
Keep small Egyptian pound notes for toilets and tips; gratuities are not included unless stated.
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
You can request a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, subject to availability. Ask us about arranging extra nights in Luxor or Aswan before or after the cruise, or whether a particular shore excursion can be adjusted for your dates.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Golden suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to see major Nile Valley sites without changing hotels each night.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access or who want a flexible, land-based holiday with little time aboard. Ancient sites involve uneven stone, stairs and exposed areas.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The programme also visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer different price points.
Things to Consider
- Excursion days involve uneven ancient stone and some stairs.
- The schedule follows the vessel's sailing and excursion programme.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
Where it fits
Golden sails between Luxor and Aswan, so it fits between time in either city and a Cairo stay before or after.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a point-to-point land itinerary, its shore-excursion programme combines river sailing with visits at several ports.
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.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £757 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
- Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin aboard the Golden
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Cabin accommodation aboard the Golden · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Luxor Temple · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursions at Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Nile cruise travellers
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and cruise voucher
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- Walking shoes with grip for uneven stone
- Reusable water bottle and a light day bag
- Prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions
- European two-pin plug adapter and phone charger
- Egyptian pounds for tips and small purchases
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for daytime heat
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- A sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and children aged 12 years or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are easier to use on board than at sites, where steps and uneven ground can make them impractical. High chairs and child-specific equipment may be available from partner hotels and restaurants on request; availability varies.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise and its shore excursions require moderate mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation involve a gangway and usually two or three steps; some ports may require stepping between a tender and the quay. Cabins generally have standard-width doorways and low thresholds, but most are not wheelchair-adapted and accessible cabins are limited. At Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, expect uneven stone, steps and limited continuous ramps. We can request airport or dock assistance, a collapsible wheelchair or porter service, subject to advance notice and availability. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can discuss which excursions may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel uses diesel-powered river engines, a common arrangement on the Nile. Some vessels have two engines and meet local emissions requirements, but they are not governed by international ocean-shipping standards. Shore excursions use locally licensed Egyptologists and, where needed, small transfer boats. Cruise operators and local suppliers provide work for crews, guides and service businesses in Luxor and Aswan; fresh produce and laundry may also be sourced locally, depending on supplier arrangements. These practices do not remove the vessel’s fuel use or the impact of travel. You can help limit waste by carrying a refillable water bottle where practical, avoiding unnecessary single-use plastic and following site waste rules.
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
01What is the typical duration of a Golden Nile Cruise?
This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's ancient sites and a relaxed pace on board.02What is included in the Golden Nile Cruise fare?
Your Golden Nile Cruise fare includes full board, covering lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. It also includes the shore excursion programme to key sites like Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by one of our Egyptologists.03What is not included in the Golden Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare generally excludes drinks (including water), gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, and any personal expenses. Entrance fees to premium tombs or sites not part of the standard excursion programme are also typically extra.04What are the cabin options on the Golden Nile Cruise?
The Golden Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Each cabin features panoramic windows, with some offering Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable accommodation and views of the river scenery.05What shore excursions are part of the Golden Nile Cruise programme?
The cruise programme includes guided shore excursions to major ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are led by our expert Egyptologists.06Is the Golden Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the Golden Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. One child maximum per cabin, sharing with parents.07What should I wear on the Golden Nile Cruise and during excursions?
For excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended, especially during warmer months. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable when visiting religious sites like temples and mosques. Casual wear is suitable on board.08What is the best time of year to take a Golden Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are ideal for a Nile Cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring the sites. This period is popular for winter sun holidays, though the cruise operates year-round.09What is the accessibility like on the Golden Nile Cruise?
While the vessel itself has lifts between decks, shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and stairs at archaeological sites. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss specific requirements with us before booking.10Can I embark or disembark the Golden Nile Cruise at any port?
The Golden Nile Cruise has fixed embarkation and disembarkation points in Luxor and Aswan.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-803341
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
You Might Also Like
Luxor7 Nights
Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
We organise private guided visits rather than scheduled coach excursions, so you have longer ashore and smaller groups. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private transfers, cruising permits and licensed Egyptologists for each visit. Expect early starts for West Bank tombs and some walking on uneven ancient stone; shade on deck is limited at midday. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a light sunhat.
From £801
Nile7 Nights
Farida Nile Cruise
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its programme alternates sailing with shared shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in some cabins. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. On board, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide places to spend time between visits. Unlike coach-based tours, this cruise links the sites through sailing on the river.
From £786
Nile7 Nights