No internal flight
One-way cruises need a domestic flight or the sleeper train at one end. A round trip does not. On a tight schedule that is one less thing to go wrong, and one less move with the luggage.
Seven nights · out and back
Luxor Round-Trip Nile Cruises
Fly into Luxor, leave from Luxor, and skip the internal flight altogether.
220 kilometres, five moorings, one direction.
- 01
Luxor
Board in time for lunch, included on the day you arrive. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank across the first two days.
- 02
Esna
The lock, southbound on the way down and again coming back.
- 03
Edfu
The Temple of Horus — most round trips call here both ways, at different hours.
- 04
Kom Ombo
Sobek and Horus on the bank, usually at dusk heading south.
- 05
Aswan
The turn: two nights for Philae, the High Dam and the islands, with Abu Simbel optional before sailing north.
- 06
Luxor
Back where you began. Disembark after breakfast, airport or sleeper train from the same mooring you left.
A round trip sails Luxor to Aswan and back again across seven nights. You get the full temple run in both directions and never move airports, which takes out the most fragile part of an Egypt itinerary.
It is the longer, slower choice and the one seasoned Nile travellers tend towards on a second visit. Seeing Edfu heading south and again heading north is not repetition — the light and the crowds differ each time.
Why a round trip
Two nights at Aswan, not one
Round trips hold at Aswan for the turn, which is where one-way sailings feel hurried. Philae, the High Dam, a felucca and Abu Simbel all fit without a four o'clock start.
The temples twice
Edfu and Kom Ombo are called at both ways on most round trips — early light heading south, late light coming back. Guests who have cruised before rate this more highly than first-timers expect.
Seven nights is the actual week
Three or four nights on the river is a segment within a larger holiday. Seven nights is the holiday. If the Nile is the point rather than a stage of it, this is the shape.
What you stop at
Sailing this route
95 ships sail this route, across four tiers, typically 7 nights.
Comfort5-Star Standard
16 ships
Comfort
Zeina Nile Cruise
Zeina Nile Cruise runs 3, 4 or 7 night cruises along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Departures run every Wednesday from Aswan and every Saturday from Luxor. The itinerary calls at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank, with full board accommodation and guided tours by our Egyptologists. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed attractions, and meet-and-assist on arrival and departure. Sightseeing is in small groups, maximum eight participants, which gives more time ashore at the temples than larger vessels allow. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck bar, restaurant, lounge, library, spa, internet corner, boutique and 24-hour doctor.
Comfort
A Sara Nile Cruise
A Sara sails the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings and Luxor's East Bank. Choose the Aswan-to-Luxor, four-day option that departs every Wednesday, or the five-day Luxor-to-Aswan option that departs every Saturday with an optional Abu Simbel extension. Days combine temple visits with short daytime sailings, so you spend more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo than on many tightly timed itineraries. Evenings are spent on deck with river views and relaxed dining. We arrange the Abu Simbel excursion by coach or scheduled flight if you add it when you book.
Comfort
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise is a 5-star river vessel offering full-board sailings between Luxor and Aswan. Its 65 cabins, including junior suites, feature Andalos Islamic-style decor, while shared spaces include a sun terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, reading room and grand lounge. The sailing programme combines time on the Nile with guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. Sailings operate weekly in both directions. Evenings may include a folkloric show, galabeyah party, belly dancer and discotheque. An optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing.
Comfort
King of Thebes Nile Cruise
King of Thebes Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan, with 3, 4 and 7-night sailing options. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Our private English-speaking Egyptologist guides accompany shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam. On board, cabins have air conditioning, television, a fridge and Wi-Fi, while shared facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, fitness area, lounge bar and entertainment lounge. An Egyptian folklore show is scheduled on board. Abu Simbel is available as an optional excursion.
Comfort
LA Sarah Nile Cruise
The LA Sarah Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on Luxor's East and West Banks. Choose the 4-day northbound sail (Aswan to Luxor, departs Wednesdays) or the 5-day southbound sail (Luxor to Aswan, departs Saturdays). We arrange full-board accommodation and guided excursions with our Egyptologists in small groups, maximum eight per guide, which keeps visits paced and personal. Unlike many four-night package cruises, this itinerary gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than a rushed stop. Expect active days with walking on uneven temple stone and early starts at key sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Comfort
NILE DOLPHIN
Nile Dolphin is a deluxe 5-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Its onboard facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, giving you space to relax between shore excursions. The programme combines sailing days with visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings operate weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are normally charged separately.
Classic5-Star Deluxe
40 ships
Classic
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise offers full board, guided shore excursions and comfortable cabins on the Nile. Enquire with Discovery Tours Egypt today.
Classic
Kleos Nile Cruise
MS Kleos is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided excursions to major temples and tombs. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the shore visits. Unlike larger seven-night cruises, this compact itinerary concentrates on Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo so you see the key sites without extra nights. We keep shore groups deliberately small rather than running large coach rotations. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are extra. Note the trade-offs: early starts, walks on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on deck at midday.
Classic
Kontiki Nile Cruise
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel, offering cabins with Nile views, a sun deck and a lounge bar. The vessel typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with an organised shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, and pricing is per person sharing with a single-supplement policy for sole occupancy. Unlike fast one-way transfers, the Kontiki gives time on board to relax between visits, and we carefully select this vessel for its balanced schedule and facilities.
Classic
Lady Carol Nile Cruise
Lady Carol is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We arrange private transfers and our Egyptologists lead all ashore visits. Unlike many larger 7-night cruises, this short cruise concentrates on principal river temples and keeps sailing time compact, which means shorter days ashore at smaller sites. Expect early starts for cooler visits and simpler onboard facilities rather than a full floating resort. Site entrance fees are included unless the itinerary states otherwise; premium tombs and gratuities are extra. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Classic
Lady Mary Nile Cruise
A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Lady Mary between Luxor and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange Egyptologists to lead each temple visit. We arrange private guided shore excursions rather than fixed coach-group timings, and unlike cruise-line timetables we plan departures to avoid peak crowds and the midday heat. Typical highlights are Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae in Aswan. Expect early starts, limited shade at many temple sites and walking on uneven ancient stone; we recommend sensible footwear and sun protection.
Classic
Magic I Nile Cruise
Three nights aboard MS Magic I, sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include guided land visits led by our Egyptologist rather than relying on audio guides; this keeps group sizes small and the schedule reliable. Typical timings put two full mornings on Luxor’s West and East Banks, a daytime sail calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a full day in Aswan. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium extras such as Tutankhamun’s tomb or private felucca rides are optional and charged separately. Practical trade-offs: cabins are compact, departures can start early, and temple sites have limited shade at midday. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange transfers, local crew and on-board meals.
Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe
15 ships
Prestige
Acamar Nile Cruise
Acamar Nile Cruise offers cabins, sun deck, lounge bar and full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire with Discovery Tours Egypt.
Prestige
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Six-night Prestige Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star vessel. Typical calls include Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and shore excursions. We don't run group bus tours, we favour paced days so you see Edfu and Kom Ombo properly, not in 40 minutes. Unlike many four-night packages, this six-night voyage gives longer calls and more cruising time.
Prestige
Amada Nile Cruise
Amada Nile Cruise is a luxury 5-star river cruise linking Luxor and Aswan, with sailing scheduled weekly in both directions. Your cruise ship provides a calm base while the shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in Luxor or Aswan. Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, you unpack once while travelling between the principal archaeological sites. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with the vessel selected and booked through its cruise partners.
Prestige
Amwaj Nile Cruise
Amwaj Nile Cruise is a river vessel offering full-board sailings on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions and embarks and disembarks at Luxor and Aswan. On board you will find a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining room; cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. The excursion programme alternates sailing days with visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We select and arrange this cruise for our clients, and we do not bundle premium site extras such as pyramid interiors, which are optional and charged separately.
Prestige
Concerto II Nile Cruise
Prestige
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.
Luxury5-Star Luxury
24 ships
Luxury
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits and included transfers. We operate as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage all local logistics on the ground rather than selling a cruise-only package. Typical shore visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank, though exact sites depend on direction and scheduling. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are excluded unless requested. Note the trade-offs: shortened cruising means some shore stops have limited time ashore and early starts are common.
Luxury
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxury
Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxury
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering cabin accommodation, public lounges, a sun deck and an onboard excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided, defined as lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange bookings and transfers for this carefully selected cruiser.
Luxury
Soleil Nile Cruise
Soleil Nile Cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Soleil Nile Cruise Classic. The route visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then Aswan's High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae. Meals are served onboard and guided tours are led by our Egyptologists; entrance fees for included sites are covered. We schedule visits to avoid the hottest midday hours where possible, and we time key visits to reduce overlap with larger group tours. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and cabin bookings on your behalf.
Luxury
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
18 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise
Or sail it over seven nights instead of three.
A dahabiya covers the same stretch under sail with six to twelve guests aboard, mooring at El Kab and Gebel Silsila where the larger vessels carry on past. It costs more per night and takes twice as long, which is rather the point.
Dahabiya cruises
When a one-way is the better trade
If your holiday also takes in Cairo, the Red Sea or Jordan, seven nights on the river is probably too much of the budget in one place. A three- or four-night one-way covers the same headline temples and leaves room for the rest. Take the round trip when the Nile is the holiday rather than a chapter of it.
Questions we get about the direction
01How many nights is a Luxor round-trip cruise?
Seven, sailing Luxor to Aswan and back to Luxor. That is the standard round-trip length across the fleet; the three- and four-night sailings are one-way segments of the same route.
02Do you see the same temples twice?
Edfu and Kom Ombo are usually called at both ways, at different hours. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank are done at the Luxor end; Philae, the High Dam and the islands during the two-night hold at Aswan. Same river, not the same day.
03Round trip or one-way?
A round trip is better if you want the Nile itself to be the holiday and would rather not change airports. It is worse if Egypt must also include Cairo and the Red Sea, because seven nights is most of a fortnight. The temples are identical either way.
04Can Abu Simbel be added?
Yes, during the Aswan turn. Round trips hold there long enough that Abu Simbel fits by short flight or road convoy without cutting anything. Our Aswan office arranges it as part of the booking.
Tell us your dates and we'll pick the direction.
Our Aswan and Luxor offices look after both ends of this route. Egypt travel specialists since 1988, with offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.