Jamila Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck seating, lounge bar and full-board dining; an on-board shore-excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Jamila Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt – operating since 1988 with Cairo and five regional offices
- Licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA)
- Local, licensed Egyptologist guides included on shore excursions
- Five-star rated vessel offering full-board service
02 Overview
A first look
Early-morning light on the Nile makes the river glassy, coffee steam rising on the sun deck while the Jamila slips its moorings in Luxor. The soft thud of the engines and the scent of baked bread from the dining room set the pace for a gently moving holiday.
We hand-pick this vessel and arrange the full-board programme, with shore excursions scheduled so you have actual time ashore at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The Jamila sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and our Egyptologists join selected departures to explain the sites while embarkation and disembarkation are handled in Luxor or Aswan.
Background
The facts
Jamila Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise programme typically operates weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan and scheduled shore excursions on alternating sailing days.
The included excursion programme usually covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, plus Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings depending on the sailing direction and timing. These sites represent some of the best-known monuments of Upper Egypt, spanning New Kingdom royal funerary history, Greco-Roman temple architecture, and Ptolemaic religious centres.
Cabins are offered in graded classes such as Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Higher categories typically include larger floor area and Nile-view balconies, while lower categories commonly feature panoramic windows. Public spaces generally include a sun deck with seating and shaded areas, a lounge bar, and a dining room where full board meals are served.
Full board on this vessel means lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on board. Water is typically provided with meals, while additional drinks are usually extra. Gratuities are normally separate unless specifically stated in the booking conditions.
Named in this entry
Jamila Nile Cruise · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Nile River · Discovery Tours Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided temple visits and time aboard a five-star vessel. It is a good fit for travelers who prefer comfort, fixed logistics, and moderate activity rather than independent sightseeing.
Maybe not, if
- Guests needing full wheelchair access due to gangway steps and temple stairs.
- Travelers who prefer active trekking or extensive inland exploration.
What lingers
- 01 Five-star full-board cruising, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 02 On-board shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 03 Cabin classes from Standard to Suite, higher grades offering Nile-view balconies and larger sqm
- 04 Sun deck with seating and shaded areas for Nile viewing while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 05 Lounge bar and dining room serving included meals, with water typically provided at meals
Worth knowing
How this compares
Versus seven-night cruises, this four-day itinerary focuses tightly on the Luxor–Aswan temple cluster without extra sailing days. It's ideal for travelers who want core highlights in a short timeframe.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $920 | $920 |
| Single Cabin | $1,250 | $1,250 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,065 | $1,065 |
| Single Cabin | $1,510 | $1,510 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board, defined as lunch on the day of embarkation through breakfast on the day of disembarkation.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board the Jamila Nile Cruise.
- Accommodation aboard the Jamila Nile Cruise.
- On-board shore-excursion programme to the listed sites.
- Embarkation at Luxor or Aswan.
- Disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan.
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless otherwise stated.
- Gratuities for crew and guides.
- Entrance fees that are optional premium extras, such as pyramid interiors and premium tombs.
- Domestic flights and transfers to or from the embarkation or disembarkation ports, unless pre-booked.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Visit the Valley of the Kings early to avoid heat and midday tour bus congestion.
- 02
Ask for an upper-deck river-view cabin for quieter nights and better vistas.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for market purchases, tips, and small onboard extras.
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf for temple visits where modest dress is required.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The ship uses standard gangways and has cabins on multiple decks; full wheelchair access may be limited. Many temples and archaeological sites have uneven stone, steps and narrow access. Guests with limited mobility should contact us to review arrangements before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport, photocopies and travel documents
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces
- Lightweight layers for cool evenings on deck
- Reusable water bottle and basic personal first-aid items
What to wear
- Lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking on uneven stone
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings in the dining room
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses for strong sun
Children & families
Children are welcome; cabins can be shared with parents subject to availability. Child fares and age restrictions vary–contact Discovery Tours Egypt for current policies and family cabin options.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt sources local produce where possible and hires local guides and staff to support regional economies. Crew training emphasizes cultural respect and responsible visitor practices to help protect archaeological sites and communities.
-
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
The Jamila Nile Cruise is a 4-day, 3-night deluxe river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (Cairo + five regional offices since 1988; ETAA licensed). Full-board meals and guided shore excursions visit Luxor and Aswan's principal temples and tombs.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the usual length of a Jamila Nile Cruise?
The Jamila Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of three or four nights, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. These durations are designed to allow for visits to the main historical sites along the Nile, balancing sailing time with shore excursions. -
02 What is included in the full board meal plan on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Jamila Nile Cruise covers lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily on board. Drinks, apart from water with meals, are generally not included unless stated otherwise. -
03 Which shore excursions are part of the Jamila Nile Cruise programme?
The Jamila Nile Cruise includes a shore-excursion programme to significant sites. These typically feature visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, allowing ample time ashore at each. -
04 What cabin options are available on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
The Jamila Nile Cruise provides various cabin grades, from Standard to Suite. Higher-grade cabins offer Nile-view balconies, while lower-grade cabins feature panoramic windows. All cabins are designed for comfort during your journey on the Nile. -
05 What is the policy for children on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. -
06 What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advised for visits to temples and religious sites. -
07 Are gratuities included in the Jamila Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included in the standard cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and a suggested amount will be provided in your pre-departure information, allowing you to budget accordingly. -
08 What is the best time of year to take a Jamila Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt, making early starts essential. -
09 How accessible is the Jamila Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Jamila, generally have stairs between decks, and gangways can be steep depending on water levels. While staff assist, guests should be able to manage some steps. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. -
10 What happens if I need to cancel my Jamila Nile Cruise booking?
Should you need to cancel your Jamila Nile Cruise booking, our cancellation terms apply. These terms are detailed on the booking page and outline the refund policy based on the timing of your cancellation before the departure date.
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
Last updated 17 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-596281
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