Kontiki Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser: most cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies, sun deck, lounge bar, indoor dining, full-board meals and planned shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a 5-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
02Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile is a still ribbon and the Kontiki's pale hull reflects palm trees and laundry flapping on the riverbank, a quiet place to sit with a coffee and the panorama from your cabin's Nile-view window or balcony. Mornings on the shaded sun deck carry the scent of baking bread from nearby villages and the soft clink of cutlery in the dining room between excursions.
We carefully select the Kontiki for its balanced schedule and graded cabins, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists meet groups ashore to contextualise each visit and answer detailed questions before you return to the ship.
Background
The facts
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for scheduled sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. It is typically sold on a per-person sharing basis, with a single supplement for sole occupancy.
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, and many cabins feature Nile-view windows or balconies. On board, the vessel includes a sun deck with shaded seating, a lounge bar, and an indoor dining room. Full board usually runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with meals served while sailing on the Nile.
The vessel’s shore-excursion program commonly includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are major Upper Egypt monuments connected by river cruising between the Luxor and Aswan embarkation points. The cruise typically sails weekly in both directions, so shore days alternate with sailing days rather than following a fixed point-to-point transfer pattern.
Karnak is a large temple complex on the east bank of Luxor, developed from the Middle Kingdom onward and expanded under New Kingdom pharaohs such as Seti I and Ramesses II. The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank of Luxor and contains royal tombs from the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth Dynasties. Philae is reached near Aswan and is associated with the cult of Isis; the temple complex was relocated during the UNESCO Nubian Monuments campaign to protect it from flooding.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with comfortable cabins, set meals, and time on board between sightseeing stops. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and history-focused visitors who are comfortable with repeated embarkation and disembarkation at river ports and monument sites.
What lingers
- 01Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with most offering a Nile-view window or balcony
- 02Sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining room on board
- 03Trips ashore take in Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 05Full-board meals cover the period from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
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.
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, 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 | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,745 | £3,023 |
| Double cabin | £1,140 | £1,813 |
| Triple cabin | £1,127 | £1,799 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,120 | £1,850 |
| Double cabin | £774 | £1,159 |
| Triple cabin | £767 | £1,151 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £912 | £1,459 |
| Double cabin | £652 | £940 |
| Triple cabin | £646 | £935 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,761 | £3,039 |
| Double cabin | £1,155 | £1,828 |
| Triple cabin | £1,142 | £1,815 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard Kontiki
- Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Planned shore trips on the vessel’s itinerary to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- Drinks beyond bottled water served with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Personal expenses and optional shore activities not included in the vessel programme
- Optional or premium entrance fees, for example premium tombs or pyramid interiors where applicable
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Kontiki Nile Cruise and its shore excursions involve a mix of flat, level surfaces aboard and uneven, ancient stone at archaeological sites. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway and may require stepping up or down; cabins typically have a single-step threshold and narrow doorways that can restrict wheelchair access. On shore excursions passengers should expect cobblestones, temple steps, and sandy approaches, some without handrails. We can arrange assistance for travellers with reduced mobility if advised at booking, including help with luggage and transfers from the jetty, but independent wheelchair users may find some visits impractical. Please tell us about mobility aids and mobility levels before travel so we can best advise and coordinate with the cruise line and local teams. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will pass your requirements to the vessel and site teams, but final access on-site is determined by the ship and site authorities.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed copy of your booking
- Small daypack for excursions, with water and sun protection
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors
- Medication and a basic first-aid kit, with prescriptions labelled
- Power adapter (Egypt uses type C and F, 220–240V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fibres
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light jumper or fleece for evening on the Nile
- Flat, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers
- A scarf or sarong for additional modesty or sun protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and 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 a separate cabin. Strollers are practical on board for moving between cabin and public areas, but they may be difficult to use during shore excursions where there are steps, narrow pathways, or sandy terrain. High chairs and baby equipment are provided subject to availability, please request them at booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Kontiki Nile Cruise sails the river on diesel-powered engines common to Nile cruisers; on-board transport between cabin and public areas is primarily by stairs and corridors. We work with the cruise line to limit single-use plastics by encouraging use of refillable water bottles and by requesting bottled water only when necessary. Shore excursions use local licensed boats and small coaches provided by the cruise line and local partners; these suppliers employ local crew and Egyptologists, generating income in Luxor and Aswan. When available, we prioritise vessels and suppliers that source produce from nearby markets and employ local staff. We also encourage guests to respect fragile archaeological sites by following site signage and guide instructions, and to leave no litter. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us at booking so we can share supplier practices and suggest low-impact options while you are on board.
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
This Kontiki Nile Cruise product is listed as an eight-day holiday, while the vessel’s usual sailings are offered for 3, 4 or 7 nights. The exact number of nights depends on the arrangement you book. Check your travel documents for the embarkation and disembarkation dates and ports, Luxor or Aswan.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The Kontiki sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in one of those ports. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. We arrange the cruise and can confirm your port details and any connections with the rest of your holiday; there is no cruise pick-up service included in the information provided.03What is included on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The arrangement also includes accommodation aboard the vessel, scheduled excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, plus use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.04What is not included in the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses and optional activities outside the vessel’s programme are not included. Optional or premium entrance fees may also cost extra, such as access to premium tombs. Check the final arrangements for any exceptions or additional inclusions.05Is the Kontiki Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility details for the Kontiki are not specified, so we cannot confirm that the vessel or shore excursions meet particular mobility needs. Boarding, moving around the vessel and visiting ancient sites may involve steps or uneven surfaces. Tell us what assistance you need before booking so we can check the arrangements with the cruise operator.06Can children travel on the Kontiki 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 applicable price should be confirmed when arranging your booking.07What should I wear and bring for Kontiki shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and light clothing suited to the heat. For temples and mosques, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Conditions can be hot, particularly during summer visits, so carry water and follow your Egyptologist’s advice at each site.08Can I take photographs during the Kontiki Nile Cruise and shore excursions?
Photography rules depend on the location and the specific site. Ask before photographing people, religious spaces or any area where signs restrict cameras; some tombs may have separate rules or fees. The information supplied for Kontiki does not set out a vessel-wide photography policy, so check with the crew for photography on board.09When is the best time to take the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for visiting sites in Upper Egypt, while May to September can bring intense heat. Winter sun is a practical reason UK travellers choose this route, though early starts and sun exposure still matter. Ramadan can affect opening hours, so check site timings for your travel dates.10Which sites are visited on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The scheduled shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursion days alternate with sailing days on the Nile. The order and timing can vary with the vessel’s programme, so treat these as planned visits rather than a fixed daily sequence.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-624028
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