Nebu Nile Cruise
Luxury 4-night Nile cruises, Aswan to Luxor
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nebu Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering sites between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Nebu’s shore-excursion programme links six major sites between Luxor and Aswan, including Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae. The eight-day cruise is arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin aboard Nebu · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Luxor Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore-excursion programme at Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The cruise programme identifies Luxor and Aswan as embarkation and disembarkation ports.
What lingers
- 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile.
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the shore-excursion programme.
- 03Explore Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo.
- 04See Philae and the Valley of the Kings on shore excursions.
- 05Choose a sailing in either direction, with departures scheduled weekly.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Nebu is a Nile cruise vessel used for an eight-day cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the booking; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. The sailing schedule runs weekly in both directions.
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor and Aswan are the embarkation and disembarkation ports. The Nile route between the cities is roughly 200 km, with sailing sections between visits.
Karnak and Luxor Temple formed part of ancient Thebes, whose monuments are within the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, principally the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Philae’s temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island after construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Shore visits take place at archaeological sites whose opening times and access conditions can change; check current details before travel. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
Named in this entry
Nebu·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·Agilkia Island·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nile River
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Nebu suits couples, friends and solo travellers, particularly adults interested in ancient Egyptian sites who prefer travelling between them by river. It works for families with school-age children who can manage steps and uneven ground on shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want complete control over daily timings. Shore visits involve ancient stone surfaces and may include stairs.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes are available.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites have uneven stone and steps underfoot.
- Shore excursions follow the vessel's programme, limiting timing flexibility.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are typically charged extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise products are presented as a single fixed-direction sailing; Nebu sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a sightseeing-only land programme, its shore excursions are paired with sailing sections on 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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Sun deck with swimming pool
- Restaurant (top-deck breakfast dining)
- Bar / Lounge with entertainment
- Spa
- Fitness center
- WiFi throughout
- Elevator
- 24-hour doctor on call
- Gift shop
- Concierge service
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- On-board luxury accommodation for 3 or 4 nights, with full-board meals
- Arrival and departure assistance
- Private transfers in air-conditioned modern vehicles
- Private Nile Cruise excursions listed in the itinerary
- Admission to all sights visited between Luxor and Aswan
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide, with a maximum of 8 guests
- One bottle of water per person each day at no charge
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Meals and drinks not listed as included
- Personal costs, including laundry
- Tips for the Egyptologist, driver and cruise crew
- Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry small notes for optional purchases at shore stops; prices and payment methods vary by site.
- 02
Ask the cabin provider which side faces the river on your sailing, as views depend on vessel position.
- 03
Bring a light layer for the sun deck after sunset, when river breezes can feel cool.
- 04
Wear shoes with firm soles for uneven stone paths and steps at archaeological sites.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Ask us whether private arrangements for selected shore excursions or extra nights in Luxor or Aswan can be added to your plans; availability and costs depend on the dates.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Nebu fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to major sites along the Nile. It can be paired with time in Cairo before or after the cruise.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise and its shore excursions require moderate mobility. Expect uneven stone paths, steps at temple entrances, low doorways and exposed areas with little shade. Boarding involves a gangway from the quay, which may be steep or move with the river level. Cabins on many Nile cruisers are reached by one or two internal stair flights; a lift may be available but cannot be assumed before the assigned vessel is confirmed. Some island visits involve boarding a small motorboat. Wheelchair users and travellers who have difficulty with stairs should contact us before booking. We can check the assigned vessel and discuss assistance, but access at historic sites and quays cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is a diesel-powered river vessel, with electricity generally supplied by on-board generators while sailing and alongside the quay. We select and arrange a vessel operated by a cruise supplier; we do not operate the ship. Food suppliers are typically based in Nile-side markets and in Aswan and Luxor, though sourcing varies by vessel and season. Shore excursions use locally hired guides, and standard site entrance fees support the existing Egyptian site management system. Coach transfers, when part of an arrangement, are provided by local suppliers; vehicle type depends on the service booked. Recycling provision varies between vessels. You can reduce water and energy use by reusing towels and carrying a refillable bottle where safe drinking water is available.
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
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- Booking confirmation and identification
- Comfortable shoes for walking, with good grip
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm afternoons
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple visits
- A shawl or long sleeves for sun protection
- Light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings on deck
- Closed, non-slip shoes for gangways and temple steps
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and children 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 used on deck but are awkward at temple entrances and on uneven quays. High chairs may be available on request, depending on the assigned vessel; please ask when booking.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.
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
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included in the Nebu Nile Cruise fare?
The Nebu Nile Cruise fare includes luxury cabin accommodation on a full-board basis, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day. You also receive private transfers, all scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist, entrance fees, and bottled water.02What is the typical route for the Nebu Nile Cruise?
The Nebu Nile Cruise sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. The journey includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all part of the organised shore excursion programme.03What kind of cabins are available on the Nebu Nile Cruise?
The Nebu Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Most cabins feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, providing scenic views as you sail. All cabins are designed for comfort during your journey.04Are drinks included on the Nebu Nile Cruise?
Your Nebu Nile Cruise includes full-board meals. Complimentary bottled water is provided daily. Other beverages, including soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and any extra meals not specified, are typically at an additional cost.05What facilities does the Nebu Nile Cruise offer?
The Nebu Nile Cruise features a sun deck with a swimming pool, a relaxing lounge bar, and a main dining room. These facilities provide comfortable spaces to unwind and enjoy the views while sailing on the Nile.06What is the policy for children on the Nebu Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions from the Nebu Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream. When visiting temples and mosques, modest dress is advised, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered.08Is the Nebu Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with mobility concerns?
While the Nebu Nile Cruise vessel itself has some accessible areas, shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone, stairs, and sandy paths. Travellers with significant mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking.09What is the best time of year to take the Nebu Nile Cruise?
The Nebu Nile Cruise is enjoyable year-round, but the cooler months from November to March are ideal for comfortable sightseeing. This period offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the ancient sites during your shore excursions.10Are gratuities included or expected on the Nebu Nile Cruise?
Gratuities for your Egyptologist guide, driver, and the cruise crew are not included in the Nebu Nile Cruise fare. Tipping is customary in Egypt and is an important part of the local service culture.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-113420
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