Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, pool, lounge bar, panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies; full-board dining and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Le Fayan Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full Board meals · Scheduled shore excursions · Cabin accommodation · Use of shared onboard facilities
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Hand-picked cruise arranged in coordination with the third-party vessel operator.
- Egyptologist-led shore excursions on the published programme.
- 24/7 on-the-ground support for pre-arranged guests.
02Overview
A first look
Morning on the Nile begins with a thin blue light along the corniche, and the vessel's sun deck becomes a front row for feluccas, fishermen and market stalls sliding past the bank. Embarkation from the Luxor Corniche pier feels deliberate rather than rushed: cabins are ready, luggage is stowed, and mornings often start with coffee and a short briefing on the day's shore-excursions.
Our Egyptologists brief each visit to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, and we arrange your cabin and the vessel's excursion timings. Unlike quick quay calls on some mass-market sailings, the programme allows longer 60–90 minute shore visits so you have time on the quayside and at the temples.
Background
The facts
Le Fayan is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails on the river between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city depending on the direction booked. The cruise programme alternates sailing periods with guided shore excursions to major Upper Egypt sites, including Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city center, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank.
The vessel offers full board, meaning lunch is included from embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard inclusions usually cover the cabin booked and use of shared facilities such as the sun deck, pool, lounge bar, and fitness area where provided. Drinks beyond still water with meals are typically extra, and premium tomb entrances such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are generally not included unless specifically requested.
The route is a classic Nile corridor between two major archaeological hubs about 200 km apart by river, with overland transfer times often longer than the sailing itself. Visitors should expect early morning site visits in warmer months, especially around Luxor and Aswan where summer temperatures commonly exceed 40°C. Because the cruise is arranged as a package rather than a single sightseeing stop, the onboard schedule is shaped by sailing days, meal times, and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
Cabins are graded from Standard to Suite, with Nile-view and panoramic-window options available on selected categories. This makes the vessel suitable for travelers who want a structured river journey with hotel-style accommodation while moving between the monuments of ancient Thebes, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Named in this entry
Le Fayan·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a comfortable, structured way to visit Upper Egypt’s major temples and tombs without changing hotels every night. It is a strong fit for history-focused travelers, couples, and first-time visitors who prefer a private or small-party experience with onboard accommodation.
Maybe not, if
- Guests requiring full wheelchair access due to limited facilities
- Very active travelers seeking a fast-paced, adventurous itinerary
- Those wanting longer immersive cruises should choose a week-long option
What lingers
- 01Five-star vessel with sun deck, pool, lounge bar and shaded seating areas for river views
- 02Full Board dining, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Cabin classes from Standard to Suite, with Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows available
- 05Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with alternating sailing days and shore visits
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Luxor or Aswan stay, this vessel combines accommodation and intercity river travel in one package. Compared with independent sightseeing, the cruise’s shore-excursion programme bundles transport, guiding, and monument visits into a single arranged schedule. It is also different from a land tour because the onboard experience includes cabins, dining, and shared leisure facilities while sailing on the Nile.
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.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $4,015 | $4,496 | $4,977 |
| Double Cabin | $1,630 | $1,784 | $1,937 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $2,457 | $2,732 | $3,007 |
| Double Cabin | $1,094 | $1,182 | $1,269 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,937 | $2,143 | $2,349 |
| Double Cabin | $915 | $981 | $1,046 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $4,028 | $4,509 | $4,990 |
| Double Cabin | $1,643 | $1,796 | $1,950 |
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.
On property
What's here
- wifi
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- gym
- pool
- restaurant
- room-service
- family-rooms
- bar
- spa
- beach-access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Shore excursions organised by the vessel's programme: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- Accommodation in the cabin class booked, including daily cabin cleaning and selected onboard services.
- Use of onboard facilities as provided by the vessel: sun deck, pool, lounge bar and fitness area.
Not included
- Drinks other than still water with meals, unless otherwise stated.
- International or domestic flights.
- Entrance fees to premium tombs or pyramid interiors, unless explicitly requested.
- Gratuities for onboard staff and Egyptologists, unless requested.
- Visas and personal travel insurance.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose a mid-ship cabin to reduce motion and enjoy quieter nights on board.
- 02
Visit early at Karnak and Valley of the Kings to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for tipping local guides, cafés and crew gratuities.
- 04
Bring a light scarf for temple visits; it respects local customs and sun.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between cabin categories such as Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, depending on availability and budget. The cruise can be arranged as a Luxor-to-Aswan or Aswan-to-Luxor sailing, and guests may request add-ons such as premium tomb entrances, upgraded beverages, or extended land arrangements before or after the river journey.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate mobility. Expect uneven stone surfaces, cobblestones and short flights of steps at archaeological sites such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding and disembarkation use a gangway with steps; cabins sit on multiple decks and some have a small step between corridor and cabin threshold. Public areas include staircases and the sun deck is reached by steps; there is usually no lift between all decks on Nile cruisers. Transfers between airport and berth involve vehicle steps. Wheelchair users who can transfer independently and walk several metres may be able to travel, but manual wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can confirm ramp availability and the suitability of shore excursions on your chosen sailing date. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will advise on accessibility constraints for particular cabins and sailing dates, and we will liaise with the cruise line to confirm any reasonable adjustments where possible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus photocopy
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle (refillable on board)
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- A light layer for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Smart-casual outfit for the dining room in the evening
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, sharing the parents' cabin; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Maximum one child may share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be used on board but are often impractical ashore because of steps, uneven stone and narrow landing stages. High chairs are not standard on all vessels; request one at booking and we will confirm availability with the cruise line.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel river engines for propulsion and local tenders for short transfers to landing stages. Onboard waste is segregated where practical and transferred to licensed reception facilities in Luxor and Aswan rather than being discharged into the river. Food, longshore services and most guides are supplied by locally owned companies, which keeps income in the communities visited. Shore excursions are scheduled to reduce duplicate vehicle journeys between sites and most excursions use small, air-conditioned coaches supplied by local transport companies. Refillable drinking-water points are provided on board where available; we encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we monitor our suppliers annually and ask partners to follow local labour and environmental regulations.
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
Le Fayan Nile Cruise includes full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, plus the vessel’s scheduled shore excursions. The route covers Luxor, Aswan, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are booked by category, and drinks beyond still water, gratuities, and premium tomb entrances are usually extra.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
Le Fayan Nile Cruises typically sail for 3 or 4 nights, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers weekly departures in both directions, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans and preferred embarkation city.02What shore excursions are included with the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise includes an organised programme of shore excursions to major sites. These typically feature Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all led by an Egyptologist.03What is the board basis on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond still water with meals are generally not included.04What amenities are available on board the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise offers a range of amenities for guest comfort. These include a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a restaurant, a fitness area, and air-conditioned cabins. Wi-Fi is also typically available.05Are children welcome on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise, and what are the rates?
Children are welcome on board the Le Fayan 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 rate.06What are the cabin options on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The Le Fayan Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, including Standard cabins and Suites. Many cabins feature Nile-view or panoramic windows, providing views of the river scenery. All cabins are air-conditioned.07What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for warm weather, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for temple visits.08What is typically excluded from the Le Fayan Nile Cruise price?
Typically excluded from the cruise price are international and domestic flights, drinks beyond still water with meals, entrance fees to premium tombs or pyramid interiors, gratuities for staff and Egyptologists, visas, and personal travel insurance.09What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot.10How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange my Le Fayan Nile Cruise booking?
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your Le Fayan Nile Cruise booking directly with the vessel operator. We coordinate your accommodation and the included shore excursions, ensuring a seamless experience on the ground.
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 2026Product ID: CRU-LUX-534653
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