Magic I Nile Cruise
Three cabin classes, a panoramic sun deck, swimming pool and lounge bar accompany full-board dining and a shore-excursion programme.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is a river sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Selected 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Booked cabin accommodation · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Daily cabin housekeeping · Sun deck access · Lounge bar and dining room access · Swimming pool where available · Listed shore-excursion programme
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · History enthusiasts · Families sharing cabins · Travellers combining Luxor and Aswan
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged as part of the wider tour programme.
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beyond Magic I’s sun deck, with farmland on one bank and desert on the other. Inside, the lounge bar and air-conditioned public areas offer a quieter pause before the next shore excursion, while the dining room serves full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast.
Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, the vessel’s programme brings you to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Weekly departures operate in both directions, giving you more choice when planning. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we select and arrange the cabin, sailing details and Egyptologists supporting your visits on land.
Background
The facts
This deluxe Nile cruise is arranged aboard a selected 5-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Embarkation and disembarkation are available at either Luxor or Aswan, and weekly sailings operate in both directions. The cruise is a river journey rather than an ocean voyage, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions and time on board.
The shore-excursion programme covers major monuments in Upper Egypt, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km from Luxor Temple, while the Valley of the Kings lies around 7 km from central Luxor across the Nile and desert hills.
Accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, with panoramic Nile-view windows or Nile-view balconies where specified. On-board facilities include a sun deck with shaded and sunny seating, lounge bar, dining room, air-conditioned public areas, daily cabin housekeeping and a swimming pool where available. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks other than still water served with meals are generally extra.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise, while the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. Prices are normally calculated per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying. Standard site entrance fees are included only where expressly stated, and premium tombs, gratuities, international flights, visas and travel insurance are excluded unless separately arranged.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·River Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Upper Egypt·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine Luxor and Aswan without changing hotels between destinations. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although temple precincts, riverbanks and the Valley of the Kings involve walking over uneven or sun-exposed surfaces.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another style of holiday if you need step-free access or cannot manage stairs, ramps and uneven paths. Summer sightseeing can also be demanding for travellers sensitive to heat.
What lingers
- 01Three-night, four-day cruise between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo and Edfu with scheduled shore visits.
- 02Guided visits to Philae in Aswan and Luxor East Bank sites are led by one of our Egyptologists.
- 03Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; all scheduled shore visits are escorted by our Egyptologist team.
- 04Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded and charged separately.
- 05Unlike large coach timetables, we run single-group shore visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu to reduce queues.
- 06Early starts for Luxor West Bank visits; expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday.
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- The programme also reaches Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of cabin class.
- Full board runs from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast.
- Weekly sailings in both directions give more planning flexibility than one-way options.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve substantial walking on uneven archaeological paths.
- Open-air sites have limited shade during the hottest hours.
- Drinks beyond still water served with meals cost extra.
- Suite supplements and gratuities are not included unless requested.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed one-way sailing, this cruise package operates weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, giving travellers more flexibility when connecting it with a wider Egypt itinerary. Unlike a land-only tour, it combines accommodation, full-board dining and scheduled shore excursions while travelling along 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
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 | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,106 | £1,315 | £2,014 |
| Double cabin | £804 | £938 | £1,342 |
| Triple cabin | £804 | £938 | £1,342 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £755 | £874 | £1,274 |
| Double cabin | £582 | £659 | £890 |
| Triple cabin | £582 | £659 | £890 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £638 | £727 | £1,027 |
| Double cabin | £508 | £566 | £739 |
| Triple cabin | £508 | £566 | £739 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,122 | £1,330 | £2,030 |
| Double cabin | £819 | £954 | £1,357 |
| Triple cabin | £819 | £954 | £1,357 |
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.
On property
What's here
- Parking
- Gym
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board in the cabin category booked
- Full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Access to the listed on-board facilities, including the swimming pool when available
Not included
- Drinks with meals, except still water
- Crew and local guide gratuities, unless specifically requested
- Supplements for premium cabin upgrades and suites
- Admission to sites and tombs not specifically listed as included
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Visit the Valley of the Kings early in the day to avoid the strongest midday heat.
- 02
Bring a hat and high-factor sun cream for exposed temple courtyards and riverbank visits.
- 03
Keep small Egyptian pound notes available for local purchases and gratuities, which are not included unless requested.
- 04
Wear light clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, subject to availability, with a premium for upgrades and a single supplement for sole occupancy. Private transfers, additional sightseeing in Luxor or Aswan, premium tomb visits and extended Egypt itineraries can be arranged separately
- cruise drinks beyond the stated meal inclusion and gratuities can also be added where requested.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Magic I fits between stays in Cairo and time in Luxor or Aswan, connecting the two Nile cities through its shore-excursion programme. Weekly sailings run in both directions, giving more flexibility than a fixed one-way sailing when planning the wider trip.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding requires stepping between the quay and vessel, often by a gangway that may be narrow or steep. Quays can have uneven paving and level changes. On board, cabin thresholds, corridors, stairs and shared deck areas may restrict wheelchair movement; the sun deck may only be reached by stairs. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings involve uneven stone, sand, steps and limited shade. Wheelchair access may be possible in selected public areas, but cabin access and excursion arrangements need checking before booking. If you have reduced mobility, please travel with an accompanying adult and ask us to review your requirements before confirming.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent and prescription medicines
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler Nile evenings
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest clothing for mosques and other religious sites
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; travellers aged 12 and over 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 difficult on gangways, stairs, uneven quays and ancient site surfaces, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. Please confirm high-chair availability before booking.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak Temple0.0 km
- Luxor Temple0.0 km
- Edfu Temple of Horus0.0 km
- Kom Ombo Temple0.0 km
- Philae Temple0.0 km
- Valley of the Kings0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
02
Compare weekly sailings in both Luxor to Aswan directions
03
Arrange shore visits to six named Nile Valley sites
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses river transport between Luxor and Aswan, linking the main Nile Valley sites without separate road journeys between each city. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise and shore services through local Egyptian suppliers. The programme supports local Egyptologists, drivers, site staff and port services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Fuel consumption, waste handling and energy performance vary by the assigned vessel, so we do not assume figures that have not been supplied. Please use water and electricity thoughtfully, avoid single-use plastic where practical and follow crew instructions for waste disposal.
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
Magic I sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, with a shore-excursion programme spanning six named archaeological sites. Most royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings date to Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does a typical Magic I Nile Cruise last?
The Magic I Nile Cruise generally runs an 8-day programme, departing each week in either direction between Luxor and Aswan. This gives you time to discover the Nile’s historic sites in depth while enjoying a leisurely pace on board.02What meals are covered by full-board dining on the Magic I Nile Cruise?
Full-board meals on the Magic I Nile Cruise cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, beginning with lunch on the day you embark and ending with breakfast on your day of disembarkation. Still water is provided with meals; other drinks are charged separately.03What shore excursions are part of the Magic I Nile Cruise programme?
The Magic I Nile Cruise includes a comprehensive shore excursion programme. You will visit key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings.04Which cabin categories can I choose from on the Magic I Nile Cruise?
A choice of cabin categories is available on the Magic I Nile Cruise, from Standard and Deluxe to Suites. Cabins have windows overlooking the Nile, while some of the higher categories include private balconies for better river views.05Which facilities are available to guests on board during a Magic I Nile Cruise?
There are several facilities for guests to enjoy aboard the Magic I Nile Cruise, including a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and swimming pool. The public areas are air-conditioned for your comfort during the voyage.06Is the Magic I Nile Cruise a good choice for children and families?
Families are welcome on the Magic I Nile Cruise. Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the full adult fare. A maximum of one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a cabin of their own.07What clothing and belongings should I take on a Nile Cruise?
For excursions ashore, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Modest dress is advised when visiting temples. Casual wear is fine on board, though you may prefer something a little smarter for dinner.08What rules apply to photography at the sites visited during the cruise?
In most places, photography is allowed, although it may be banned in certain tombs or areas, or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist will explain the rules that apply at each site.09When is the ideal time of year for a Magic I Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally the ideal period for a Nile Cruise, with cooler, more comfortable weather for sightseeing. From May to September, it is hotter, but visitor numbers are lower.10Are tips for the crew and guides covered by the cruise fare?
Crew and local guide gratuities are not part of the standard cruise fare unless they have been requested and arranged in advance. Tipping the crew and your Egyptologist at the end of the cruise is customary.
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
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-041229
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