LA Sara Nile Cruise
Aswan to Luxor, small-group guided sailing
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
LA Sara Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise vessel visiting sites between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The LA Sara excursion programme connects six major sites between Luxor and Aswan, including Karnak Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor and Aswan are about 200 km apart in a straight line, with a longer sailing route along the Nile.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cruise cabin, Standard, Deluxe or Suite
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin in the selected class · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursions at Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Standard site entrance fees
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The shore-excursion programme names Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- The stated sailing schedule runs weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
What lingers
- 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile.
- 02Shore excursions may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo as part of the excursion programme.
- 04See Philae and the Valley of the Kings on eligible sailings.
- 05Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
LA Sara is a Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. Its excursion programme links Luxor and Aswan, with sailing between visits to major archaeological sites along the river.
The route includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae in Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Luxor and Aswan are about 200 km apart in a straight line; the river route is longer. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between the two cities.
Karnak and Luxor Temple were developed over several pharaonic periods, particularly during the New Kingdom, around 1550–1070 BCE. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground mainly during the New Kingdom. The ancient city of Thebes, including its necropolis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Philae forms part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.
Shore-excursion access depends on each site’s opening hours, which can change by season and during Ramadan. Visits involve walking on uneven ancient stone, and some areas have steps. Summer temperatures are high, so early visits are common; modest clothing is appropriate at religious sites.
Named in this entry
LA Sara·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Abu Simbel·Nile
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- LA Sara suits couples and solo travellers, particularly adults interested in ancient Egyptian sites who prefer to move between Luxor and Aswan by river rather than change hotels. It also works for families with school-age children who can manage guided visits and time aboard
- the shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. The sailing and shore-excursion schedule is structured, and ancient stone paths can be uneven.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites have uneven stone paths and limited shade.
- Shore visits follow a set programme rather than your own pace.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are typically charged separately.
- Cabin views and space vary by class; dimensions are not provided.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe one fixed departure itinerary. LA Sara is the vessel, with weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and shore excursions at named sites. Cabin class and views vary; confirm the available category when enquiring.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Gymnasium
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Service
- Doctor on Call
- Main Lounge / Sundeck Bar
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation for 03, 04 or 07 nights on a full-board basis
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- Support from our team throughout your stay and excursions
- Guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist, in groups of up to 8
- Transfers in private, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
- Admission to all sights named in the itinerary
- One complimentary bottle of water per person each day
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids, premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I, and gratuities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Karnak, allow time for the Hypostyle Hall’s inscribed columns rather than treating the complex as a single viewpoint.
- 02
At Edfu, look for the carved falcon reliefs associated with Horus on the temple walls.
- 03
At Kom Ombo, compare the twin sanctuaries dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
- 04
At Philae, note that the temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island after the Aswan High Dam was built.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Cabin choice can be tailored by class, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite options; ask us to confirm the available views and dimensions before booking. The vessel's shore-excursion programme follows its sailing schedule, so ask us whether any additional site visits or a longer land stay can be arranged around it. Pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
LA Sara sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, making it a river-cruise link between Cairo sightseeing and time in Upper Egypt. Add nights in Luxor or Aswan to explore each city beyond the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access varies by the vessel assigned to your booking, so we cannot confirm lift access or a step-free cabin before checking with the cruise line. Cabins on the main deck may involve three to five steps from gangway level, and stairs connect the decks; some vessels also have stepladders to the upper sun deck. Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, cobbles, sand and steps, as well as narrow passages in some tombs. These conditions may make parts of the excursion programme difficult for wheelchair users and travellers with limited mobility. Please tell us about access requirements before booking so we can ask about the cabin and assistance available. Final access arrangements depend on the vessel and port facilities.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser uses diesel engines, as is typical of passenger vessels on the river. Any overland transfers arranged around the cruise use air-conditioned vehicles from local Egyptian suppliers; vehicle type and size depend on the arrangements for your booking. We work with Egyptian cruise providers and local Egyptologists, and shore visits also use local boat crews where required. These bookings direct work to Egyptian staff, though we cannot verify the wage or employment policies of every supplier. On-board recycling and water-refill facilities vary by vessel, so check the assigned ship’s facilities before travel. We ask travellers to take rubbish away from archaeological sites and follow site staff instructions.
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
- A valid passport and a photocopy
- High-factor sunscreen and sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat or sun cover
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven stone and sandy approaches
- A hat or cap for sun protection
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 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 their own cabin. Strollers can be useful around ports but are often impractical on shore excursions with steps and narrow approaches. Ask at booking about cots or child-specific equipment; availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.
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
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the LA Sara Nile Cruise?
The LA Sara Nile Cruise is an eight-day holiday, with sailing and shore excursions along the Nile. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, though the number of nights aboard depends on the selected arrangement. Check the dates and embarkation and disembarkation details on your chosen itinerary before booking.02What happens at embarkation and disembarkation on the LA Sara Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. The package includes meet-and-assist support on arrival and departure, plus private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles. Your final booking details confirm the port and timing. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the cruise for you.03What does the LA Sara Nile Cruise package include?
The package includes full board, guided shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist in groups of up to eight, and entrance fees to the sights listed in the itinerary. It also includes private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, arrival and departure assistance, one bottle of water per person each day, service charges and taxes.04What is not included in the LA Sara Nile Cruise package?
Drinks beyond water served with meals are typically extra, and gratuities are not listed as included. Optional visits, including Abu Simbel, can be arranged for an additional charge. The price is per person sharing a cabin, with a single supplement typically applying. Check the booking details for the exact exclusions and cancellation terms.05Is the LA Sara Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The LA Sara has stairs and uneven surfaces may be encountered when boarding or visiting ancient sites, so access can be challenging. The available information does not confirm step-free cabin access or accessible facilities. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and excursion arrangements; some shore visits may not be practical.06Are children allowed on the LA Sara 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. Ask us to confirm the cabin arrangement for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring on the LA Sara Nile Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, sun protection, a hat and comfortable shoes for uneven temple paths. Modest clothing is appropriate at religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered. A light layer can be useful in the evening. The vessel provides one bottle of water per person each day, but you may want extra water for excursions.08Can I take photographs during LA Sara Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography is generally possible at outdoor sites, but rules vary between monuments and some areas may prohibit cameras or charge a separate fee. Ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside tombs or temples. Be considerate when photographing people, and follow any signs or instructions at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and other stops.09When is the best time to take the LA Sara Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings high temperatures, particularly during visits to exposed ancient sites, so plan for heat and carry sun protection. Conditions vary by date; the cruise sails throughout the year, subject to the published sailing schedule.10Which sites does the LA Sara Nile Cruise visit?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days and visits ashore alternate, with the exact order depending on the sailing direction and final arrangement. Abu Simbel is an optional visit and is not part of the listed standard programme.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-659068
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