Mirage Nile Cruise

The short answer

Mirage is a Nile cruise vessel covering shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Cabin aboard the Mirage

Destinations

Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cabin accommodation aboard the Mirage · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Nile sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore excursions at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae and the Valley of the Kings

Best for

Nile cruise travellers · Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Travellers visiting Luxor and Aswan

What lingers

• 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan on a weekly programme operating in both directions.
• 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the Luxor shore-excursion programme.
• 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the riverside temple complex at Kom Ombo.
• 04Include Philae among the shore excursions near Aswan.
• 05Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most Nile day cruises focus on a short river outing; Mirage combines sailing between Luxor and Aswan with shore excursions at major sites. We select and arrange the vessel, while the cruise line owns and operates it.

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.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• ·Swimming pool
• ·Jacuzzi
• ·Wi-Fi
• ·Large shaded sun deck with loungers
• ·Gourmet restaurant / buffets
• ·TV in cabins
• ·Mini bar
• ·24-hour doctor on call
• ·Discotheque
• ·Library
• ·Hairdressing salon
• ·Laundry service
• ·Boutique / gift shop

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Ask for the cabin’s deck and view details before booking; cabin dimensions and outlooks are not stated in the available information.

2. 02

   Keep some Egyptian pounds for small purchases at excursion stops, where card acceptance may vary.

3. 03

   Check the current opening times for each site shortly before travel, especially during Ramadan.

4. 04

   Bring a hat and water for exposed archaeological areas, where shade can be limited at midday.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The sailing runs weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so ask which direction and departure date fit your plans. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available, with prices based on two people sharing and a single supplement typically applied. You can ask us to arrange additional time in Luxor or Aswan around the cruise; availability and pricing depend on your dates.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Boarding a Nile cruiser usually involves steps from the quay to the main deck, and gangways can be steep or uneven. Ramp access varies by vessel and must be confirmed before booking. Cabins and corridors are often compact; some en suite showers have a raised step. Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, steps, steep ramps and soft sand. Reduced-walking options may be possible at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, but access to every temple area or tomb cannot be guaranteed. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, tell us before booking. We can check the assigned vessel’s access arrangements and discuss which excursions may be manageable.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

Nile cruisers generally use diesel engines for propulsion and on-board generators for electricity, so fuel use is part of this form of travel. Practices differ by vessel, and we cannot confirm the measures on your assigned ship until it has been selected. Where available, we ask cruise partners about engine maintenance, wake management, water refill points and waste separation. Recycling depends on facilities at the ports. Food may be bought from markets in Luxor and Aswan, while crew, guides and other shore-excursion staff are commonly hired locally. These arrangements can direct some spending to businesses and workers along the Nile, but we do not claim a measured environmental benefit. Ask us for vessel-specific information before travel.

• Licensed Egyptologist guides

  State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs

• Local teams, real help

  Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

Before you go

What to pack & wear

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

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
• Temple at Kom OmboRight here
• Philae TempleRight here
• The Valley of the KingsRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Full-board meal window stated clearly

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long does the Mirage Nile Cruise last?

   The Mirage sailing is arranged for three or four nights, depending on the selected programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Days alternate between time on the Nile and shore excursions, so the exact sequence and embarkation details depend on your chosen sailing.
2. 02What is included in the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The arrangement also includes an air-conditioned cabin, shore excursions listed for the sailing, an English-speaking Egyptologist in groups of up to eight, entrance fees to the included sights, private transfers, bottled water and service charges and taxes.
3. 03Which meals and drinks are not included on the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   Extra meals and beverages are not included in the cruise arrangement. Full Board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, while one bottle of water per person per day is included. Personal expenses such as laundry, gratuities and optional tours or activities are also excluded.
4. 04What cabin options are available on the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   Mirage cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with single, double and triple occupancy options subject to the selected sailing. Prices are per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies. Cabin size, view and specific facilities should be confirmed against the cabin details shown for your arrangement.
5. 05What is the child policy on the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or 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.
6. 06How much walking is involved on Mirage Nile Cruise shore excursions?

   Shore excursions include visits to ancient sites where walking surfaces can be uneven and exposed to the sun. The amount of walking varies by site and visit, and step-free access cannot be assumed. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the relevant sites and arrangements.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and comfortable shoes with a firm sole. Days at ancient sites can involve walking over uneven stone in strong sun. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees, and carry a light layer for cooler evenings in winter.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the Mirage Nile Cruise excursions?

   Photography rules vary between sites, and some areas or objects may have restrictions. Ask your Egyptologist before photographing interiors, guards or local people, and follow posted instructions. Camera or photography charges may apply at particular sites; these are not listed among the included entrance fees.
9. 09When is the best time to take the Mirage Nile Cruise?

   The cooler months from November to March generally make visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings more comfortable. Summer brings higher temperatures, particularly at open archaeological sites. Excursion times and conditions can vary, so carry water, sun protection and suitable clothing in every season.
10. 10Which places are visited on the Mirage Nile Cruise?

    The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing selected. The vessel alternates sailing periods with site visits, rather than following one identical schedule on every departure.