Egypt Discovery
From per person£590
Nile Cruise5-Star Ultra DeluxeLuxor → Aswan

Grand Sun Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining and guided shore excursions.

At a glance

Length
8 days · 3 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Class
5-star

The short answer

The Grand Sun Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise programme sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New
Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
5-Star Nile Cruise Vessel
Destinations
Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
Includes
Cruise cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak and Luxor temples · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
Best for
First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a Nile-based itinerary
Guide languages
English
  • Arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator
  • Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and coordinates the third-party cruise vessel
  • Egyptologist-guided shore-excursion programme available through the arranged tour services
  • Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
  • Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
  • On-the-ground assistance in Egypt

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.

Background

The facts

The Grand Sun Nile Cruise programme is a 5-star river-cruise experience linking Luxor and Aswan in either direction. The vessel sails weekly between the two cities, with embarkation and disembarkation available at Luxor or Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the vessel; the cruise ship is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.

The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple near Aswan. Sailing days alternate with shore visits, allowing travellers to combine monument visits with time on the Nile.

Accommodation is provided in Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, subject to availability. Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing, and a single supplement typically applies. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks other than water served with meals and personal expenses are generally excluded unless stated otherwise.

Named in this entry

Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Luxor East Bank·Luxor West Bank·Ptolemaic Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travellers aged roughly 12 and above who want to connect Luxor and Aswan while visiting the principal Nile monuments. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding a river vessel, using stairs or gangways and walking across uneven temple grounds during shore excursions.

What lingers

  • 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile
  • 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple during the shore-excursion programme
  • 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo
  • 04Explore Philae Temple near Aswan
  • 05Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
  • 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, subject to availability

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this programme combines accommodation and travel between Luxor and Aswan aboard a Nile vessel, with sailing days between shore excursions. Unlike a fixed hotel stay, cabin categories, embarkation ports and sailing direction are subject to the selected cruise sailing and availability.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

  • →Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
  • →Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
  • ↻Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.

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The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Accommodation aboard the 5-star Grand Sun Nile Cruise vessel
  • Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Shore-excursion programme covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings

Not included

  • Drinks other than water served with meals, unless stated otherwise
  • Single supplement for sole occupancy
  • Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities, unless specifically requested
  • Personal expenses and services not listed in the inclusions

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, subject to availability, and choose either sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan. Private Egyptologist-guided sightseeing, extra hotel nights before or after the cruise, premium tomb visits and other services may be added on request
  • pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist 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.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Sunscreen SPF50+
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Small day bag
  • Any required medication

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
  • Breathable layers for changing temperatures
  • Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
  • Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
  • Swimsuit and cover-up for the onboard pool, if available
  • Hat and sun-protective clothing

Children & families

Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% and 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 archaeological surfaces, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. Please confirm high-chair availability before booking.

Location

On the map

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

– 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 local Egyptologists

    ETAA-credentialed, on payroll

  • Fair wages on the ground

    Drivers + guides paid above market

  • Site preservation

    We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols

  • Carbon-aware itineraries

    Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

·In summary

This 5-star Nile cruise programme includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available subject to availability, with pricing based on two people sharing.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the typical duration of the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    The Grand Sun Nile Cruise usually offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, providing flexibility in trip length depending on your chosen itinerary.
  2. 02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    The full board plan covers all main meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes meals served in the dining room, with water provided during these times.
  3. 03What shore excursions are part of the Grand Sun Nile Cruise programme?
    The included shore excursion programme features visits to major Nile sites. These typically include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
  4. 04What is the policy for children travelling on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin.
  5. 05What should I wear for shore excursions and on board the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing are recommended, especially in warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. On board, smart casual attire is suitable for evenings.
  6. 06Are drinks, beyond water with meals, included on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    Drinks other than water served with meals are generally not included in the full board package. You can purchase additional beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks, from the lounge bar on board.
  7. 07What is the cabin arrangement for solo travellers on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travellers typically incur a single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin. Please enquire with us for specific single supplement rates.
  8. 08What is the best time of year to take the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
    The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the most comfortable for a Nile cruise. Temperatures are milder, making shore excursions more enjoyable. Summer months can be very hot.
  9. 09What is the accessibility like on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise and for shore excursions?
    The vessel typically has stairs between decks, and gangways can vary in steepness depending on docking conditions. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain and can include steps at temple sites. Travellers with mobility concerns should consult us for specific advice.
  10. 10Are gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists included in the Grand Sun Nile Cruise price?
    Gratuities for the cruise staff, drivers, and Egyptologists are not included in the standard cruise price. It is customary to tip at the end of your journey, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Editorial review

Discovery Tours

Last updated 31 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-367528

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