Kleos Nile Cruise
The short answer
Kleos is a 5-Star Standard 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 £595 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Early sunlight threads between date palms and reflects on the river as a felucca's gentle wash taps the hull; from the sun deck the Nile's soft heat and a distant muezzin set the pace for the day. Cabins range from Standard to Suite, many with Nile-view balconies, and the lounge fills after lunch with our Egyptologists' briefings that prepare you for each shore visit.
We arrange the bookings and shore programmes, and unlike shorter packaged sailings, this vessel's timetable gives proper time ashore at temples rather than rushing visits.
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 £595double cabinsingle cabin £767 | Peak dates: from £769double cabinsingle cabin £1,059 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £724double cabinsingle cabin £954 | Peak dates: from £956double cabinsingle cabin £1,342 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,106double cabinsingle cabin £1,509 | Peak dates: from £1,512double cabinsingle cabin £2,188 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,121double cabinsingle cabin £1,523 | Peak dates: from £1,526double cabinsingle cabin £2,203 |
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
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 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
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 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
- 01Visits typically: Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings), Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- 02Our Egyptologists lead morning excursions to avoid midday heat; sightseeing starts around 07:00 where local timings permit.
- 03Cabins on MS Kleos have ensuite bathrooms; luggage handling and daily housekeeping are included in the cruise fare.
- 04We avoid back-to-back early starts; most days include one guided temple visit plus relaxed afternoons aboard ship.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard Kleos in the cabin grade booked
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to the on-board sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme between Luxor and Aswan
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Visas and travel cover
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, unless stated as included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin grades have Nile-view balconies before booking; balcony availability varies by category.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water), crew gratuities and any premium tomb entry.
- 03
Check the cancellation terms shown on the booking page before confirming, as they are specific to the booking.
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 can usually choose between cabin grades, subject to availability, and may request single occupancy with a single supplement. The cruise can also be combined with extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, upgraded cabin views, or a private Egyptologist-guided extension before or after sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Nile itinerary with archaeological stops and time on board for relaxation. It is a good match for history-focused travellers, couples and small groups who prefer a cabin-based river journey rather than a land-only tour.
Maybe not, if
- It is not ideal for travellers who need step-free access at archaeological sites, or who want a flexible, independently planned trip. Families with two or more children need a separate cabin for the additional children.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of comfort levels.
- The sun deck and lounge bar provide space to relax between shore visits.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites involve stairs, uneven paving and periods of walking.
- Midday heat can make shore visits tiring, particularly from May to September.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Families with two or more children need an additional cabin.
Where it fits
Kleos fits between a Cairo visit and time in Aswan, with shore excursions linking the principal temples and sites along the Nile.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only tour, this cruise keeps accommodation, meals and archaeological visits within one river itinerary, reducing the need to repack between sites. Compared with shorter Nile sailings, it allocates proper time ashore at major temples and tombs, rather than treating them as quick stopovers. The vessel also offers cabin grades, public lounges and a sun deck, so the journey functions as both transport and accommodation while sailing on the Nile.
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.
- King of Thebes Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £595 pp
- Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £595 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
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation on board in booked cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Use of sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Shore excursions as per cruise programme
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Those visiting Egypt for the first time · Couples · Families travelling with older children · Travellers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus a photocopy and the booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple steps and uneven stone
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF30+), sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle, refillable on board
- Lightweight daypack for camera, binoculars and personal items
- Any prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Universal plug adaptor for type C and F sockets in Egypt
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques
- Comfortable shoes with grip for uneven site paths
- Choose smart-casual attire for dinner in the evening
- A light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
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 a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be awkward on the gangway and at temple entrances. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking and we will pass the request to the cruise supplier.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding the Kleos Nile Cruise is by gangway, and moving between decks requires using stairs; there is no guaranteed lift access to all public decks. Expect uneven gangway surfaces, one or two steps into many cabins, raised thresholds entering launch boats for shore excursions, and stone steps at temple sites such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users with powered wheelchairs or full mobility aids should contact us before booking so we can confirm cabin placement and arrange meet-and-assist at the airport and extra help boarding. Independent wheelchair access to some temple entrances and certain decks is limited by stairs and narrow gangways, so carers or companions may be required for full participation in shore excursions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel propulsion managed by the cruise line; we do not operate the Kleos Nile Cruise. Shore excursions are arranged with locally registered launch boats and air-conditioned coaches that meet Egyptian vehicle safety standards. We contract Egyptologists and guides who are based in Luxor and Aswan, prioritising suppliers from Nile communities where possible. Onboard waste segregation is carried out where the cruise line permits, and surplus food is measured with a view to redistribution to crew or local charities when health rules allow.
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 does full board cover on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Kleos Nile Cruise covers lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all main meals served in the dining room.02What shore excursions are part of the Kleos Nile Cruise programme?
The Kleos Nile Cruise excursion programme includes guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These are led by our Egyptologists.03Which cabin types can you choose from on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
The Kleos Nile Cruise has a range of cabin grades, from Standard cabins through to Suites. Many cabins have panoramic windows or balconies overlooking the Nile, offering river views as you sail.04What are the arrangements for children on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
Children under six travel at no charge. Those aged from six to under 12 pay half the adult fare, while children aged 12 or older are charged the full adult fare. A maximum of one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a separate cabin.05What clothing is suitable for shore excursions from the Kleos Nile Cruise?
For shore trips, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes for walking, along with a hat, sunglasses and light, airy clothing. Please dress modestly when entering temples or religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered.06Are gratuities covered in the Kleos Nile Cruise fare?
The standard Kleos Nile Cruise fare does not include tips for the crew or Egyptologists. For your convenience, we can advise you on suitable gratuity amounts.07When is the ideal time of year to go on a Kleos Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally the best period for a Kleos Nile Cruise, with cooler, more comfortable sightseeing weather. From May to September, summer is hotter, though there may be fewer crowds.08What facilities does the Kleos Nile Cruise have on board?
On board the Kleos Nile Cruise, guests can relax on the sun deck, unwind in the comfortable lounge bar or dine in the dining room, where every meal is served. All guests may use these communal areas while sailing.09Are any drinks (including water) included on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
The full-board arrangement on the Kleos Nile Cruise generally excludes drinks (including water). You can buy other beverages separately in the lounge bar or dining room.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-277904
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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