Medea Nile Cruise
5-star Nile cruiser with graded cabins, panoramic windows, sun deck with shaded seating and pool, dining and full board, weekly sailings Luxor to Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Medea Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabin Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board meals · En-suite cabin accommodation · English-speaking Egyptologist · Scheduled shore excursions · Use of onboard facilities · Port taxes and routine service charges
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting guided Upper Egypt sightseeing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- English-speaking Egyptologist included on scheduled shore excursions
- Full board and port taxes are clearly specified in the inclusions
- 24/7 on-the-ground travel support is available for arranged trips
- Cabin category, excursion program, and exclusions are disclosed in advance
02Overview
A first look
Morning light pools on the dining room windows and the scent of hibiscus drifts from the sun deck, punctuated by the soft thrum of the engines as the vessel slips along the Nile. Cabins range from compact Standard rooms to larger Suites with Nile-facing windows, the small pool offers a brief cool-down, and conversations in the lounge often end with plans for the next temple visit.
We arrange embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan and our Egyptologists lead the shore-excursion programme. Unlike shorter packaged cruises, the schedule deliberately allows more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo, so visits are calmer and more study-focused rather than hurried.
Background
The facts
Medea Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise program includes embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Full board applies from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day.
The vessel offers graded cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, each with an en-suite bathroom and Nile-facing or panoramic windows. Onboard facilities include a sun deck with shaded seating, a small pool, a panoramic dining room, and a lounge bar. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, and personal expenses are typically additional.
Karnak Temple in Luxor was developed over many centuries and is one of Egypt’s largest temple complexes, while Luxor Temple sits on the east bank of the Nile. The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank near Luxor and is known for New Kingdom royal tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, Kom Ombo’s double temple, and Philae on Agilkia Island are standard stops on the cruise excursion program.
The route is commonly sold as either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor, but the vessel itself is the product, not a one-way trip. Because the cruise stops at major Upper Egypt monuments rather than only sailing between ports, it is typically chosen by travelers who want both river transport and guided sightseeing in one booking.
Named in this entry
Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Tutankhamun·Horus·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to travelers who want a structured Upper Egypt itinerary with guided monument visits and comfortable cabin accommodation. It is a good fit for couples, small groups, and first-time visitors who prefer fixed logistics over independent planning.
What lingers
- 01Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, all with en-suite bathrooms and Nile or panoramic windows
- 02Sun deck with shaded seating and a small pool for cooling on sailing days
- 03Panoramic dining room serving full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Calls to Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae included in the excursion programme
- 06Weekly sailings in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike short river packages that rush temple stops, this cruise program includes proper time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo. It also combines cabin accommodation, meals, and guided sightseeing in one booking rather than selling transport and excursions separately.
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 | $3,621 | $4,277 | $4,934 |
| Double Cabin | $1,477 | $1,609 | $1,740 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $2,232 | $2,607 | $2,982 |
| Double Cabin | $1,007 | $1,082 | $1,157 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,768 | $2,049 | $2,331 |
| Double Cabin | $849 | $906 | $962 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,634 | $4,290 | $4,946 |
| Double Cabin | $1,490 | $1,621 | $1,753 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day.
- En-suite cabin accommodation, offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes.
- Scheduled shore excursions led by an English-speaking Egyptologist.
- Use of onboard facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar and pool where fitted.
- Port taxes and standard onboard service charges.
Not included
- Drinks beyond water served with meals, including premium beverages.
- Gratuities for crew and guides, which are customarily paid locally.
- Personal expenses, for example laundry, spa treatments and phone charges.
- Optional private or premium excursions, for example hot-air balloon flights.
- Entrance tickets for premium-access areas, for example pyramid interiors, where applicable.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged as a private or shared travel experience depending on the wider booking. Travelers may often request cabin upgrades, additional sightseeing such as hot-air balloon rides, or a longer Egypt itinerary combining Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and a Nile cruise.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise requires a moderate level of mobility and involves uneven surfaces, steps and short gangway transfers. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with steps and can be unstable when the vessel is alongside the quay; passengers step up from the quay into the gangway. Many cabins have single-door thresholds and one or two low steps; some lower-deck cabins have easier access. Public areas include stairs to the sun deck and to some dining sections, and there is no guarantee of a lift between all decks. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and temple steps, some with steep staircases and limited handrails. Wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can assess cabin availability, arrange additional local assistance where possible and confirm whether an accessible shore-excursion alternative can be provided. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide meet-and-assist on arrival; any extra mobility equipment or dedicated assistance must be requested in advance and is subject to local supplier capacity.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any visa documents
- Copies of flight details and emergency contact numbers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- High SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Lightweight daypack and refillable water bottle
- Any prescription medication and seasickness remedies
- Plug adaptor for Egypt types C and F, 220–240V
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime on the Nile
- Covered shoulders and knees for visiting temples and mosques
- A light sweater or fleece for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for uneven surfaces
- Swimwear for the sun-deck pool; towel often provided
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free, children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for moving through ports and along quays, but gangways and some temple approaches have steps, so a lightweight, foldable pushchair is preferable. High chairs in the dining room can usually be provided on request, please tell us at booking so we can confirm with the cruise supplier.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses conventional marine diesel engines typical of Nile river cruisers, and scheduled weekly sailings reduce unnecessary manoeuvring. On board, the cruise line works to limit single-use plastics by supplying drinking water in larger containers and using reusable glassware where local infrastructure allows. Food provisioning prioritises Egyptian suppliers for bread, dairy and seasonal produce, supporting markets in Luxor, Aswan and surrounding towns. Shore excursions use licensed local Egyptologists and local boat crews for short transfers, so a portion of passenger spend goes directly to local guides and communities. Solid waste is sorted on board where space permits and transferred to port reception facilities in Luxor and Aswan; blackwater and greywater are managed according to local port regulations. We arrange this cruise for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and do not bundle premium tomb entrances such as Tutankhamun; these remain optional extras arranged with local suppliers on request.
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
Medea Nile Cruise includes full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, en-suite Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabins, and scheduled shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. The program covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration and route of the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise typically sails for three or four nights, offering weekly departures in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The journey includes shore excursions to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.02What meals and facilities are included during the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, covering all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes en-suite cabin accommodation, scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist, and use of onboard facilities like the sun deck, lounge bar, and pool.03What is not included in the Medea Nile Cruise price?
The cruise price excludes drinks beyond water with meals, premium beverages, and gratuities for the crew and guides. Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and phone charges are also not included, nor are optional excursions like hot-air balloon rides or premium-access site tickets.04What are the cabin options on the Medea Nile Cruise?
The Medea Nile Cruise offers a choice of cabin grades: Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. All cabins are en-suite and provide comfortable accommodation for your journey. Pricing is typically per person sharing, with a single supplement applied for solo travellers.05Is the Medea Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, the Medea Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult rate. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend light, comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. Onboard, casual attire is suitable, with slightly smarter options for evening dining. Bring sun cream and any personal medications.07What is the photography policy for sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, though some areas may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket, such as inside certain tombs. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location. Drones are typically not allowed without special permits.08What is the best time of year to take a Medea Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, though the vessel's air conditioning and pool offer respite.09How accessible is the Medea Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Medea, have stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Guests with significant mobility challenges should contact us to discuss specific needs and suitability.10Are there opportunities for optional excursions or activities during the cruise?
Yes, the Medea Nile Cruise offers opportunities for optional excursions, such as hot-air balloon rides over Luxor or visits to premium-access sites like specific pyramid interiors. These activities are not included in the standard cruise price and can be arranged locally or in advance.
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 18 May 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-520376
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