Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise
A 5-star river vessel with panoramic glazing, an open sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining.
The short answer
Grand Mandarin is a 5-star 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
Grand Mandarin is a five-star Nile cruiser between Luxor and Aswan, with full-board dining, a sun-deck pool and an Egyptologist-guided temple programme along the river. 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
- 01Shore excursions can include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02The excursion programme can visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo.
- 03Visits may also include Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 04Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard site entrance fees are typically included.
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre.
- Premium tomb access, including the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I.
- Gratuities.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the cabin dimensions and view in writing before choosing a cabin class.
- 02
Check whether your sailing direction places the Valley of the Kings visit before or after the longer sailing stretches.
- 03
Bring a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cool after sunset.
- 04
Keep small notes for optional purchases and gratuities; these are separate from standard site entrance fees.
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
Ask us whether private guiding or extra time at a particular site can be arranged around the vessel's excursion programme. Cabin class selection is available across Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories; any meal or itinerary changes depend on the cruise arrangements and should be confirmed before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Grand Mandarin suits couples and solo travellers, usually adults or older teenagers, who want to see several Nile Valley sites without changing hotels each night. Choose it if you enjoy a structured shore-excursion programme, shared dining and time aboard between visits to places such as Karnak Temple and Philae.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace at every site. The excursion programme involves walking on uneven ancient stone, and summer heat can make visits tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of category
- Combines river sailing with visits to temples and archaeological sites
Things to Consider
- Shore visits involve uneven stone and steps at ancient sites
- Excursion timings follow the vessel's sailing schedule
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra
- Summer visits can mean high temperatures and limited shade
Where it fits
Grand Mandarin fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, with shore excursions linking the Nile’s major temples and archaeological sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile holidays are planned around a fixed sailing direction. Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, this cruise combines nights aboard with scheduled shore visits; the excursion order can vary by direction.
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 £852 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
- Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin aboard Grand Mandarin · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme · Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Visit to Kom Ombo · Visits to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Culture and history enthusiasts · Couples · Families
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- Closed walking shoes with a good grip
- High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Small torch for dim or uneven steps
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- A layer for cooler mornings and evenings on deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Sturdy, closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A light scarf for sun protection or modesty
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 and over 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. Pushchairs are useful onboard but are often impractical on uneven archaeological ground; a folding pushchair and an adult able to carry it may be needed. High-chair availability is not confirmed, so please ask before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven stone, exposed rock and irregular carved surfaces at archaeological sites. Temple landings may involve gangways, ladders, steps and short inclines, including at Agilkia Island and Luxor Temple. Most temple entrances do not have permanent ramps. Wheelchair users should bring a folding wheelchair and a companion who can assist during shore excursions. Onboard public areas may be connected by short staircases, and step-free cabins are limited. A folding pushchair can help onboard but may need to be carried at site entrances. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin access and practical arrangements with the vessel operator.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses a diesel engine and a low-wake hull. Transfers to and from the embarkation port are arranged by air-conditioned coach or private car, depending on the routing. The cruise and shore excursions involve locally based crew, Egyptologists and excursion providers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste handling follows the vessel operator’s separation and offloading procedures at port facilities. Single-use plastics may still be used where hygiene or safety requires them. We look for local suppliers and guides where available, but cannot verify the source of every onboard ingredient or item. Tips given directly to site guides and crew go to the individuals who provided the service.
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 and route for the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's key historical sites.02What shore excursions are included with the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
Your cruise includes shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are all arranged with our Egyptologists.03What is the board basis on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
The Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally an additional cost.04What are the cabin options and amenities on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
Cabins on the Grand Mandarin are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. All cabins feature panoramic windows, and some offer Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable accommodation during your sailing.05What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing are essential. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits. Bring swimwear for the sun deck pool and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile.06Is the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents; two or more children will require an additional cabin.07What is the best time of year to take a Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is during the winter sun season, from November to March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be very hot, particularly for shore excursions.08What is the photography policy for sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most archaeological sites, though some tombs or specific areas may prohibit it or require an extra fee for cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise you on site-specific rules.09What is the accessibility like on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise and its excursions?
The vessel itself has lifts between decks, but shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, steps, and sometimes sand. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us before booking.10Are gratuities included or expected on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
Gratuities for the cruise staff and your Egyptologist are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and our team can provide guidance on appropriate amounts for the crew and guides.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-835568
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
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