Grand Sun Nile Cruise
This five-star Nile cruiser offers comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge-bar service, full-board dining and guided excursions ashore.
The short answer
Grand Sun 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 start from £812 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
As the sun lowers over the Nile, the water takes on a bronze sheen and the riverbank slips past in palms, mud-brick homes and desert beyond. Grand Sun Nile Cruise makes the journey itself part of the experience: settle on the sun deck, watch the changing landscape through a panoramic window or join the quiet rhythm of the lounge bar between shore excursions.
We arrange the vessel, cabin class and embarkation details, with sailing between Luxor and Aswan available weekly in both directions. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team coordinates the programme ashore, while an experienced Egyptologist helps put Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings into context. The pace is measured, though uneven ancient stone and strong midday sun still require sensible footwear, water and a hat.
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. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £812double cabinsingle cabin £1,137 | Peak dates: from £1,073double cabinsingle cabin £1,580 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,014double cabinsingle cabin £1,447 | Peak dates: from £1,362double cabinsingle cabin £2,038 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,614double cabinsingle cabin £2,371 | Peak dates: from £2,222double cabinsingle cabin £3,406 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,628double cabinsingle cabin £2,385 | Peak dates: from £2,237double cabinsingle cabin £3,420 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
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.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days 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 include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 03See Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 04Select a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, subject to availability
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard a five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Full-board meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for travellers occupying a cabin alone
- Personal costs and services not listed among the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check which cabin class is confirmed before booking; Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories are subject to availability.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and personal purchases; gratuities are not included.
- 03
Keep a light layer handy for breezier sailing periods, even when daytime temperatures are high.
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
Travellers may request private or shared shore excursions, subject to availability and the confirmed cruise arrangements. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins can be requested, while private transfers, premium tomb visits, additional sightseeing and extended stays in Luxor or Aswan may be added separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to connect Luxor and Aswan while visiting the principal temples and tombs along the Nile. It is best for travellers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven archaeological surfaces, steps and warm outdoor conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access or want to avoid gangways, stairs and uneven ground. The shore excursions also involve heat and sustained walking, so this may not suit travellers seeking a low-effort holiday.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan rather than treating the Nile as a transfer
Things to Consider
- Temple grounds include uneven stone, steps and exposed areas
- Boarding requires using a gangways, which may not suit limited mobility
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise
- A single supplement typically applies to sole-occupancy cabins
Where it fits
Grand Sun fits as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday, between time in Cairo and visits in Luxor or Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Luxor and Aswan itinerary, this programme combines accommodation, river sailing and shore excursions at the principal Nile monuments. Unlike a fixed named-ship product, the specific 5-star vessel is selected and booked at the time of arrangement, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes subject to availability.
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.
- Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £812 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
- Five-Star Nile Cruise Ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- Accommodation in a cruise cabin · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Excursions ashore to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · An excursion ashore to the Valley of the Kings · Trips to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a combined sailing and sightseeing programme
- Guide languages
- English
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
- A reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- A small bag for day trips
- Any medication you need
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers to suit changing temperatures
- Comfortable footwear for uneven ancient ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A hat and clothing that protects you from the sun
- Swimsuit and cover-up if you plan to use the onboard pool
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or older 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 can be awkward on gangways and uneven ground at archaeological sites, so a compact stroller or child carrier is more practical. Please confirm high-chair availability before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps, sloped paths and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may require a gangway whose slope changes with the Nile level and the vessel’s position. Cabins, corridors and public areas may not provide full wheelchair access. A wheelchair can work for selected sections with advance planning, but assistance is usually needed on gangways, at temple entrances and across uneven ground. Please tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements. A compact mobility aid is generally more practical than a large wheelchair.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a locally supplied Nile vessel, while shore excursions use Egyptian road transport between ports and archaeological sites. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the vessel, guides, transfers and visits with Egyptian suppliers, rather than owning or operating the ship. Shore excursions provide work for licensed Egyptologists, local drivers, boat crews, site staff and service providers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. River travel can reduce repeated long road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, although fuel, air conditioning, laundry and food waste remain part of the vessel’s impact. Guests can reduce waste by reusing towels, carrying a refillable bottle and following conservation rules at each site.
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
01How long is the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Please check your selected arrangement for its exact embarkation and disembarkation dates, as the full trip length may include time beyond the sailing itself.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the direction of your sailing. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and can confirm the port and timings for your booking. We'll confirm whether transfers to or from the vessel are included in your booking.03What is included in the Grand Sun Nile Cruise fare?
The fare includes a cabin aboard the Grand Sun Nile Cruise vessel, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.04What is not included on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), single supplements, personal spending and any services not listed as included cost extra. Gratuities, entry inside pyramids and premium tomb tickets are also excluded unless requested specifically. Please ask us to confirm optional excursions or services when finalising your arrangements, as availability and extra charges can depend on the booking.05Is the Grand Sun Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The access arrangements depend on the vessel and the shore-excursion site, so this cruise should not be assumed to be step-free. Gangways, stairs between decks and uneven ancient surfaces may present difficulties; some monuments also have steps. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the selected vessel and discuss which visits may be practical.06What is the children’s policy on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or 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. Confirm cabin availability when making your enquiry.07What should I wear and bring for the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection and water for shore visits. Egypt’s midday sun can be strong, particularly during warmer months. Choose modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees where practical. Smart-casual clothing is suitable in the dining room; pack a light layer for cooler evenings during winter sun season.08Can I take photographs during the Grand Sun Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and may change, so follow posted notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance at each stop. Some interiors or individual tombs may restrict photography or require a separate photography ticket. Ask before taking pictures inside the Valley of the Kings, and avoid photographing people without their permission.09When is the best time to take the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for shore visits, while summer temperatures can make walking around temples demanding. Winter sun brings cooler days, but early starts and direct sun are still part of visiting sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Check current conditions close to departure and carry sun protection year-round.10Which temples and sites does the Grand Sun Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Visits take place on alternating sailing and shore-excursion days. The exact order depends on the direction of travel and the sailing arrangements; ask us to confirm the plan for your booking.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-367528
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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