Magic II Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Magic II Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Four days aboard MS Magic II on the Nile, with daily shore visits and evenings on board. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
Background
The facts
Magic II is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation take place at the Luxor and Aswan ports, with the cruise line arranging scheduled shore excursions during the sailing program.
The onboard layout includes a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with a mix of panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies depending on cabin type. Full board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The excursion program commonly covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, then Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan, with the Valley of the Kings included in the Luxor sightseeing program. These are among the best-known Upper Egypt monuments, linked to the New Kingdom period, Ptolemaic temple building, and ancient Theban burial archaeology.
Because the vessel sails the Nile rather than operating as a land tour, the experience combines hotel-style accommodation with river travel between sites. Standard onboard facilities and port-related charges are included where charged by the cruise line, while drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to travelers who want a comfortable Nile itinerary with hotel-style cabins and guided sightseeing, especially couples, friends, and first-time visitors in the 30-70 age range. It also suits travelers who prefer a ship-based pace over moving between cities by coach.
What lingers
- 01Four-day voyage aboard MS Magic II between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Esna.
- 02Two guided temple visits: Edfu Temple (two hours), Kom Ombo Temple (90 minutes); our Egyptologist leads both.
- 03Morning in Luxor: Karnak Temple visit and Luxor West Bank tombs including Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut.
- 04Sail through Esna lock en route; overnight cruising between archaeological sites reduces daytime transit.
- 05Unlike packaged 4-night cruises, we schedule full visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stopovers.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,036 | $1,127 | $1,218 |
| Single Cabin | $2,128 | $2,437 | $2,747 |
| Triple Cabin | $884 | $945 | $1,006 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $761 | $813 | $865 |
| Single Cabin | $1,385 | $1,562 | $1,739 |
| Triple Cabin | $674 | $709 | $744 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $669 | $708 | $747 |
| Single Cabin | $1,137 | $1,269 | $1,402 |
| Triple Cabin | $604 | $630 | $656 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,049 | $1,140 | $1,231 |
| Single Cabin | $2,141 | $2,451 | $2,760 |
| Triple Cabin | $898 | $958 | $1,019 |
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.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board in the chosen cabin
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions as scheduled by the cruise line to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of public facilities: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Port taxes and standard onboard service charges where charged by the cruise line
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Gratuities for crew and guides unless otherwise stated
- Egypt entry visa and international flights
- Entrance fees for optional premium sites such as the Khufu or Khafre pyramid interiors and premium tombs unless explicitly listed
- Personal expenses and optional activities not listed in the cruise line program
Accessibility
Who can join this
The cruise involves boarding via gangway at the Luxor and Aswan ports, which requires negotiating one or two steps and a short ramp with variable slope depending on river level. Onboard public areas include single-level dining and lounge spaces, but some cabins are reached by a short flight of stairs; elevators are not guaranteed on every vessel. Shore excursions include rough surfaces, uneven ancient stone, narrow tomb passages and steps at the Valley of the Kings and some temples. Wheelchair users should expect limited independent mobility during shore excursions; passengers who require a wheelchair or extensive assistance must travel with a companion and notify us at booking so we can coordinate transfer assistance and accessible seating where possible. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we will share specific accessibility details for the assigned vessel and the planned excursions once the booking is confirmed.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital booking voucher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF50+
- Lightweight daypack and a refillable water bottle
- A compact torch for dim tomb passages
- Medication and a small first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses Type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
- Long sleeves and trousers or long skirts for sun protection
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 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 are practical on the vessel but can be cumbersome at some temple entrances and on cobbled approaches; bring a lightweight folding stroller if needed. Request cot availability and child-specific meal options at booking so we can confirm with the cruise line.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Sailings use standard diesel-powered river cruise vessels; the ship assigned at booking determines exact fuel and waste handling systems. Transfers to and from airports are arranged using air-conditioned minibuses that meet local commercial standards. We work with locally owned suppliers for onboard crews, excursion guides and port services, which directs expenditure into the Luxor and Aswan communities. Where possible the cruise line sources produce from village markets and hires local Egyptologists for temple briefings. Guests are asked to bring refillable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic; water refill points are usually available onboard. We also encourage responsible site behaviour: keep to marked paths at archaeological sites and avoid touching painted surfaces, which helps preserve monuments for local communities and future visitors.
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included in the MS Magic II 4-day cruise?
Price typically includes full-board meals, shared transfers, and standard site entrance fees listed in the sailing itinerary. Pyramid interiors, premium tombs (for example Tutankhamun or Seti I) and crew gratuities are normally charged separately. We are the operator on the ground, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we confirm exact inclusions on your booking voucher.02What is the typical itinerary for a four-day Nile cruise?
A typical four-day Nile cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo and Edfu with guided temple visits. Some boats run Aswan→Luxor; others do the reverse – the exact order depends on embarkation port and schedule. Unlike a single-day transfer, the four-day format includes overnight sailing and more time on the Luxor West Bank and at Karnak; we send the confirmed itinerary with your booking documents.03Do I need to pay extra for temple entrances and private guides?
Standard site entrance fees are usually included; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are charged extra. Private Egyptologists, bespoke shore excursions and personal guides are available at an additional cost and can be booked through us. Crew gratuities are customarily not included; we recommend carrying small notes in local currency for crew and local guides.04How do I get to and from the ship at start/end of the cruise?
We arrange shared harbour or hotel transfers at embarkation and disembarkation as part of the cruise transfer service. Exact meeting points depend on whether you arrive by flight, sleeper train or road; we confirm pick-up time on your booking voucher. If you prefer a private transfer or meet-and-greet at the airport, we can provide a separate quote.05Are cabins air-conditioned and do they have ensuite bathrooms?
Cabins on Nile cruise vessels such as MS Magic II are air-conditioned and fitted with an ensuite bathroom. Cabin size and deck position affect window type, storage and walk-around space; we will confirm your cabin category at booking. Electricity on most boats is 220V – bring a universal adapter if you need one.06Is the 4-day MS Magic II cruise suitable for children or older travellers?
A four-day Nile cruise suits children and older travellers who manage moderate walking and stairs. Shore landings often require steps, small boats and walking on uneven ancient stone; there is limited shade at midday and occasional early starts. If mobility is reduced, tell us before booking so we can advise on feasibility, suggest gentler pacing or arrange private transfers and assistance.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-800567
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