Lady Carol Nile Cruise
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins sit alongside a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, with full-board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast.
The short answer
Lady Carol is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Monday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £761 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
By mid-afternoon, the Nile carries the sound of water against the hull as palm groves and village roofs pass beyond the sun deck. Inside, the lounge bar and dining room offer a calm place to watch the river change between shore excursions, while your cabin provides a private retreat with a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony where available.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae into focus without turning each visit into a hurried stop. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange embarkation assistance, port coordination and the shore-excursion programme before you travel.
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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £761double cabinsingle cabin £984 | May – September: from £718double cabinsingle cabin £920 | Peak dates: from £1,021double cabinsingle cabin £1,425 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £943double cabinsingle cabin £1,240 | May – September: from £886double cabinsingle cabin £1,155 | Peak dates: from £1,290double cabinsingle cabin £1,828 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,449double cabinsingle cabin £1,967 | May – September: from £1,348double cabinsingle cabin £1,819 | Peak dates: from £2,055double cabinsingle cabin £2,997 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,463double cabinsingle cabin £1,982 | May – September: from £1,362double cabinsingle cabin £1,834 | Peak dates: from £2,069double cabinsingle cabin £3,012 |
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
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.
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Included daytime guided visits by our Egyptologists to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; premium tombs (Tutankhamun) excluded.
- 02Overnight sailing between Edfu and Aswan provides two-hour shore time at Edfu Temple after the cruise boats depart.
- 03We operate small-group shore excursions; unlike large coach tours, we avoid midday departures to minimise heat exposure.
- 04Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; basic onboard meals and crew service are provided.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation in the cabin category booked
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day until breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Planned shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Assistance with embarkation and disembarkation at the port, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- Superior entrance tickets and optional private trips
- International and domestic flights to and from the embarkation ports
- Single-occupancy supplement for a cabin
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check the sailing schedule before choosing an embarkation port, as excursion order and timing depend on the vessel’s operation.
- 02
At the Valley of the Kings, confirm the current premium ticket arrangements before deciding whether to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb.
- 03
Take photographs of Karnak Temple early in the visit, before the main excursion groups gather around the central precinct.
- 04
At Philae, allow time to orient yourself on Agilkia Island before following the temple’s reliefs and columned halls.
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 request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, with Nile-view windows or balconies where available, and choose embarkation at Luxor or Aswan according to the sailing schedule. Optional private excursions, premium site tickets and wider Egypt itineraries can be added, while flights, single occupancy and gratuities are arranged separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults, couples, families and first-time Egypt visitors who want a structured introduction to the major archaeological sites along the Nile without changing hotels between Luxor and Aswan. It is most appropriate for travellers comfortable with scheduled shore excursions, river embarkation procedures and moderate walking over uneven temple and tomb surfaces.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout or prefer independent visits without a scheduled shore-excursion programme. Summer heat can also make extended outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer different comfort and view options.
- Sailing between Luxor and Aswan links the main sights without repeated road transfers.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ancient surfaces, steps and sun exposure.
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Premium site tickets, private excursions and crew gratuities cost extra.
- December to February brings higher visitor numbers at major sites.
Where it fits
Lady Carol fits between time in Cairo and a stay in Luxor or Aswan, or as the river section of a longer Egypt holiday.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Luxor and Aswan itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river transport and scheduled sightseeing in one booking. Unlike a private bespoke sailing, the shore-excursion programme follows the vessel’s operating schedule, while cabin choice and optional private excursions provide some flexibility.
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.
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
- Deluxe five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the class booked · Full-board dining, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions to the listed temples and sites · Enjoy the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Embarkation and disembarkation assistance organised by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking an organised Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Booking confirmation
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip
- Sunscreen with SPF 50 or above
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle, where permitted
- Prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight clothing with a relaxed fit
- Breathable layers for chilly mornings and evenings
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a sun-deck cover-up
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; travellers aged 12 and above are charged the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child in each cabin. Two or more children must have their own cabin. Strollers may be awkward to use on gangways, narrow decks and uneven archaeological sites. Please request a high chair in advance; availability depends on the vessel assigned.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility depends on the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and the embarkation port. Expect gangways that may be steep or narrow, raised thresholds, narrow corridors and stairs between decks; lifts may not reach every level. Some cabin layouts have steps. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae involve uneven ancient paving, sand, steps and limited shade. A wheelchair may not be practical on every excursion. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin access, gangway conditions and available assistance with the cruise supplier.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your sailing uses a river cruiser and locally arranged transport between the vessel and Egypt’s archaeological sites. Discovery Tours Egypt books these services with Egyptian cruise and transport suppliers, while the cruise line controls the vessel’s fuel use, waste systems and energy management. Facilities differ between assigned vessels, so we cannot promise specific environmental equipment before confirmation. Shore excursions provide work for licensed Egyptian Egyptologists, drivers and other local suppliers. You can help reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding disposable plastics and following the crew’s waste-sorting 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
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
01How do I reach the Lady Carol embarkation port?
Flights to Luxor or Aswan aren’t included in the cruise arrangements. Discovery Tours Egypt can assist with embarkation and disembarkation at the port, while airport transfers depend on the rest of your booking. Check your port and arrival arrangements before travelling, especially if your flight lands on embarkation day.02What is included on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
The booking includes your chosen cabin class, full-board meals and the scheduled shore-excursion programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, subject to the sailing schedule.03What costs extra on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), crew and Egyptologist gratuities, premium site tickets and optional private excursions are excluded unless your booking states otherwise. Flights to and from Luxor or Aswan are also not included. Cabin prices are based on two people sharing; a single supplement applies when one person occupies a cabin.04How much walking is involved on the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Shore visits involve walking around ancient sites, where surfaces can be uneven and shade may be limited. The schedule and walking demands vary by site, and the product information does not confirm step-free access or mobility facilities aboard the vessel. Contact us with specific access needs so we can check what can be arranged.05Can children travel on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection and water for visits to the archaeological sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites. Conditions can be hot, especially in summer, and ancient stone paths may be uneven, so dress for sun and walking rather than relying on shade.07Can I take photographs during the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and may differ for particular monuments or interiors. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs, especially inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Do not use flash or photograph people without permission where site rules or personal consent make this inappropriate.08When is the best time to take the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for shore excursions around Luxor and Aswan. Summer visits can be very hot, particularly at exposed sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. If you travel in warmer months, plan for strong sun and follow your Egyptologist’s advice during visits.09Which sites does the Lady Carol Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae. Excursions alternate with sailing between Luxor and Aswan, but the order and timing depend on the vessel’s schedule. Visits to Edfu include the Temple of Horus.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-731126
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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