Historia Nile Cruise
5-star cruiser with air-conditioned cabins, Nile-view balconies, rooftop sun deck with heated plunge pool, panoramic lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Historia Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Historia Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel on the Luxor–Aswan route with air-conditioned cabins, a sun deck, a heated plunge pool and a lounge bar. It includes full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, plus daily English-language commentary and shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Photography
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Lodging on board MS Historia · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · A welcome drink when you arrive aboard · English-language commentary on board each day · A cultural introduction before excursions ashore · Return transfers between hotels and ports within city limits, where available · Charges at ports, taxes and service fees
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Upper Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking a relaxed sightseeing pace
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Transfers in Luxor are arranged, with Aswan arrival assistance available on request
- Full board, port fees, taxes and service charges are clearly stated in advance
- Site entrance fees, gratuities, visas and insurance are clearly excluded unless added
- Cruise details are presented with a fixed route and named archaeological sites
What lingers
- 01Scenic daytime cruising between Luxor and Aswan with Nile panoramas
- 02English-speaking onboard commentary and cultural briefing each day
- 03Welcome drink and freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian choices
- 04Sunset photography from rooftop deck and heated plunge pool area
- 05Relax in air-conditioned cabins with private Nile-view balconies
- 06Dine in the onboard restaurant serving Egyptian and international cuisine
02Overview
A first look
By 07:00 the Nile light pools on the Historia's rooftop sun deck, the heated plunge pool sending up small ripples while feluccas and fishermen puncture the river’s calm. In the panoramic lounge the smell of fresh coffee and warm bread mixes with the limestone dust from the riverbanks, and mornings alternate between relaxed sailing and shore excursions to the temple complexes that line the Nile.
We arrange embarkation transfers in Luxor and can meet arrivals in Aswan on request, and our Egyptologists give a daily English-language cultural briefing before each shore excursion. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and its onboard programme allows fuller visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than the quick stop many day boats make.
Background
The facts
Historia Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used on the Luxor–Aswan route, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan depending on the sailing direction. The cruise programme is built around the Nile passage between Upper Egypt’s two main river ports and includes shore excursions to major ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae at Aswan.
The vessel offers air-conditioned cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, each with a Nile-view balcony, plus a rooftop sun deck, heated plunge pool, and panoramic lounge bar. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, with buffet lunches and vegetarian options. Daily English-language onboard commentary and a cultural briefing are included before shore excursions.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, including transfers in Luxor and, on request, meeting arrivals in Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the excursion rhythm alternates sailing time with visits, allowing longer stops at sites such as Edfu and Kom Ombo than a tightly scheduled day programme.
From a visitor-logistics perspective, this is a river cruise rather than a land tour: luggage remains aboard while the vessel travels between ports, and standard site entrance fees are not included unless stated otherwise on the booking page. Gratuities, visas, insurance, flights and optional tours are separate from the cruise fare.
Named in this entry
Historia Nile Cruise·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus, Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Nile River
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a structured way to see Upper Egypt’s key temple and tomb sites without changing hotels every night. It is a good fit for adults and older children interested in archaeology, river travel and a moderately paced itinerary with guided sightseeing.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout, as ancient sites have stairs and uneven stone. It may also disappoint travellers who prefer independent sightseeing or want archaeological entrance fees included.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Cabins have private Nile-view balconies in three class grades.
- Daily onboard cultural briefings prepare you for the named sites.
Things to Consider
- Archaeological site entrance fees are not included.
- Uneven stone and steps make some shore excursions physically demanding.
- May to September heat can make midday sightseeing tiring.
- Drinks beyond those included with meals cost extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Luxor or Aswan hotel stay, this cruise combines transport, accommodation and sightseeing in one itinerary while the vessel moves between ports. Compared with rushed same-day sightseeing, the onboard programme allows more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo and includes a daily English-language cultural briefing before excursions.
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
Aboard
Cabin classes
- 01Luxury Cabin – 22 m2, panoramic Nile view. Contemporary and restful, in a natural colour palette. The only cabin grade on board — every guest has the same cabin, the only choice is which deck.
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- Shared transfer
- Full board
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard MS Historia
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- A welcome drink when you board
- Buffet lunch, with vegetarian options as described
- Daily English-language onboard commentary and cultural briefings before shore excursions
- Return hotel transfers within city limits where available
- Port fees, taxes and service charges
Not included
- Admission to archaeological sites and museums, unless specifically stated
- Optional shore excursions or guided land visits outside the standard programme
- International and domestic flights
- Accommodation outside the cruise
- Personal spending, including souvenirs and drinks beyond those provided
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Visas, travel insurance, and medical or evacuation costs
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Take photographs from the sun deck near sunset, when the low light defines the riverbank and temple silhouettes.
- 02
Pack a light layer for the lounge bar and open deck; river breezes can feel cool after sunset.
- 03
Ask which shore visits are part of your confirmed programme, as optional excursions and guided land tours are excluded.
- 04
Bring small notes for personal purchases at stops; souvenirs and drinks beyond those included are personal expenses.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose a private arrangement or book the cruise as part of a longer Egypt itinerary, subject to availability. Add-ons may include extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, additional guided sightseeing, upgraded cabin grades, or hotel stays before and after the cruise. Meal or transfer arrangements can also be adjusted where the supplier allows.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
The Historia sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so it can sit between a Cairo stay and time in either Nile city. Pair it with additional nights in Luxor or Aswan to visit sites beyond the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The MS Historia requires boarding via a gangway and moving between decks by stairs; there is no lift between all public decks and some cabins. Expect quay steps, short ramps, and narrow gangways when boarding tenders, plus uneven temple approaches with cobbles and ancient stone at the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are standard river-cabin width and are not wheelchair-adapted; wheelchair users with full mobility needs will find access limited. Passengers who need mobility assistance should contact us before booking so we can advise on cabin suitability and arrange porterage, step-assistance at embarkation and disembarkation, and a meet-and-assist at the airport. We can request ground assistance from local partners, but full onboard wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel engines and is maintained by the cruise line; fuel consumption and main engineering are the line’s responsibility. Shore excursions use the vessel’s tenders and licensed local Egyptologists contracted for each visit, with guide and ticket revenues paid directly at sites. We contract local catering and port teams through named local suppliers where possible, and port fees and service charges paid in Luxor and Aswan provide direct income to riverside communities. Onboard recycling depends on the cruise line’s facilities; we encourage guests to bring refillable water bottles and minimise single-use plastics. Compared with fast day trips that rely on coaches, the Historia’s pattern of alternating sailing and visits reduces duplicate transfers and concentrates visitor spend with local guides and 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 plus photocopy
- Printed or digital travel and medical insurance details
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF30 or higher)
- Grippy, comfortable shoes for walking
- Reusable water bottle (refillable)
- Small first-aid kit, blister plasters and personal medication
- A lightweight day bag for visits ashore
What to wear
- Light, airy clothes for the daytime
- A thin jumper or wrap for chillier evenings on deck
- Shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples and mosques
- Comfortable shoes for uneven stone
- Smart-casual clothing for the dining room
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and children aged 12 years and 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 may be used on quays but can be difficult on gangways and temple approaches. Ask us in advance about transfer child seats.
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 | £4,436 | £7,947 | £11,734 |
| Double cabin | £3,091 | £4,839 | £7,059 |
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 | £2,658 | £4,664 | £6,828 |
| Double cabin | £1,889 | £2,888 | £4,157 |
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 | £2,065 | £3,569 | £5,192 |
| Double cabin | £1,488 | £2,238 | £3,189 |
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 | £4,451 | £7,962 | £11,749 |
| Double cabin | £3,106 | £4,855 | £7,074 |
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
- Valley of the KingsRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Historia Nile Cruise?
The Historia Nile Cruise is listed as an 8-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and the exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on your booking. Ask us to confirm the sailing dates and timing for your chosen direction before you make travel plans.02How do embarkation transfers work for the Historia Nile Cruise?
Hotel transfers within city limits are included where offered for the Historia Nile Cruise. We arrange the embarkation details in Luxor, and transfers from Aswan can be arranged on request. Share your hotel and arrival details with us so we can confirm what applies to your sailing; flights are not included.03What does the Historia Nile Cruise fare include?
The fare includes a cabin aboard Historia, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, a welcome drink and the listed onboard commentary and cultural briefings. Port fees, taxes and service charges are also included. Buffet lunches have vegetarian options; confirm any other dietary needs in advance.04Are entrance fees and drinks included on the Historia Nile Cruise?
Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums are not included unless the booking details say otherwise. Optional excursions, flights, accommodation outside the cruise, gratuities, visas, insurance and personal spending are also excluded. Additional drinks beyond those included are extra, so check the final arrangements for precisely which drinks are covered.05Is the Historia Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin, vessel layout, gangways and the landing arrangements at each site. Shore visits can involve steps, uneven ancient stone and walking in heat, including at Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the specific arrangements.06What is the children’s policy on the Historia 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 (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Cabin availability and the final price should be confirmed when you enquire.07What should I wear and bring on the Historia Nile Cruise?
Pack comfortable shoes for uneven paths, lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream; Upper Egypt can be very hot. Choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits. A light layer can help in air-conditioned indoor spaces, and bring any personal medicines you need.08Can I take photographs during the Historia Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules differ between sites and may change, particularly inside tombs and museums. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs; some areas restrict photography or require a separate ticket or permission. Keep your camera secure while boarding small craft or walking over uneven ground, and do not photograph people without consent.09When is the best time to take the Historia Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally cooler for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, while summer heat can make outdoor visits more demanding. Winter sun draws many UK travellers, so book dates early if you have fixed leave. The sailing schedule is weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.10Which sites does the Historia Nile Cruise visit?
The excursion programme features Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el-Bahari, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Visits are arranged around sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Entry fees are excluded unless your booking specifically states otherwise; Tutankhamun’s tomb may require a separate ticket.
Last updated 28 June 2026Product ID: CRU-LUX-915403
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