Nephtis Nile Cruise
This five-star river cruiser offers Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, full-board meals and guided temple visits along the Nile.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nephtis is a superior five-star Nile cruise package sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
The Nephtis Nile Cruise includes accommodation on a superior five-star Nile cruiser, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are covered, while drinks other than water, gratuities, single supplements and optional premium entries are excluded.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise Ship, Superior Class
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions as scheduled · Admission charges for sightseeing included in the itinerary · Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin options, subject to availability · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a structured Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Travellers can request local Egyptologist guiding and on-the-ground support through the arranging operator.
What lingers
- 01Cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on a superior five-star river vessel
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and the temples of Kom Ombo
- 04Discover Philae Temple, close to Aswan
- 05Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank
- 06Select a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, subject to availability
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile catches the colour of the sun beside Nephtis, with riverbank villages and palms sliding past the panoramic windows. The sun deck offers the clearest view, while the lounge bar and dining room give sailing days an unhurried rhythm.
Shore excursions bring the riverbank into focus, from the columns of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to the reliefs at the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Our Egyptologists put each site into context, including the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank and Philae near Aswan. Nephtis sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange embarkation, disembarkation and the full shore programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
The Nephtis Nile Cruise is a superior five-star river-cruise package sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at both cities. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the temples of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. The cruise sails weekly in both directions; the supplied schedule shows Monday departures from Luxor and Friday departures from Aswan.
Karnak Temple lies on Luxor’s east bank, while Luxor Temple is situated approximately 3 km south of Karnak along the Nile. The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank, across the river from central Luxor, and contains royal tombs dating mainly from Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BC. Edfu’s Temple of Horus was built during the Ptolemaic period, principally between 237 and 57 BC, while Kom Ombo is a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island near Aswan after being relocated from Philae Island during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are covered. Premium entries, such as selected tombs, and personal expenses are not included unless specifically arranged.
Full board is provided from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks other than water with meals are typically charged separately. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, subject to availability, with pricing based on two people sharing and a single supplement usually applying.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Luxor West Bank·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, solo travellers and families seeking a structured introduction to the major monuments between Luxor and Aswan. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian history who can manage shore excursions involving walking, uneven surfaces, steps and exposure to heat.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based trip if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. Summer heat and early shore excursions may also be difficult for travellers with limited stamina.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven stone paths and steps
- Shore excursions can start early, especially in warmer months
- Drinks other than water with meals are typically extra
- A single supplement usually applies to solo travellers
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation and sailing on the Nile with scheduled visits to the principal temples and tombs between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an independently booked cruise, Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, excursion programme and related travel services, while the third-party cruise line operates the vessel.
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 round-trip embarkation from Luxor. On 7-night round-trips each site is visited once.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the superior five-star Nile cruiser Nephtis
- Full board from lunch on the day of embarkation until breakfast on the day of disembarkation
- Scheduled visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- Standard entry fees for the sightseeing programme listed above
Not included
- Beverages other than water served with meals
- Single-cabin supplement
- Gratuities
- Optional premium admission, including access to pyramid interiors and selected premium tombs
- Personal spending and any service not stated in the booking
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Karnak, allow time for the Great Hypostyle Hall rather than treating it as a quick passage between monuments.
- 02
At Luxor Temple, compare the scale of Amenhotep III’s original work with additions made under Ramesses II.
- 03
Bring a hat and water for the Valley of the Kings; shade is limited across exposed sections of the site.
- 04
For Philae, keep belongings secure during the short boat crossing from the mainland to Agilkia Island.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan and can coordinate the cruise with private transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays and additional sightseeing. Cabin upgrades from Standard to Deluxe or Suite are subject to availability; private guiding, premium tomb entries and special meal or dietary requests should be confirmed before booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Nephtis fits between time in Cairo and visits to Luxor or Aswan, or as the river section of a wider Egypt holiday.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access to a third-party vessel with shore excursions across historic sites. Boarding may involve a sloping gangway whose angle changes with river level. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be reached by stairs or narrow corridors. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include uneven paving, steps, sand and limited shade. Wheelchair access, lift dimensions and accessible cabins vary by assigned vessel and cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us before booking so we can check practical assistance and mobility requirements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a third-party Nile cruiser, with local cars or coaches for the scheduled shore excursions. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the vessel, Egyptologists, drivers and other Egyptian suppliers, keeping tourism spending with businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. River sailing and road transfers use fuel, so we do not describe the holiday as carbon-neutral. You can reduce avoidable waste by carrying a refillable bottle where practical, declining unnecessary single-use items and following site rules that protect ancient stonework. Please use approved waste bins on board and at excursion sites.
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
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Personal medication
- Insect repellent
- A small bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothing
- Airy layers to suit changing temperatures
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Comfortable walking shoes with covered toes
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- A light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no cost; those aged 6–11.99 are charged 50% of the adult fare, while children aged 12 or above pay the full adult fare. Each child must share a cabin with a parent, and only one child is permitted per cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be awkward to handle on gangways and in narrow corridors, as well as over uneven temple ground. High chairs are subject to the vessel assigned and should be requested ahead of time.
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 | £1,241 | £1,429 | £1,779 |
| Double cabin | £871 | £1,005 | £1,207 |
| Triple cabin | £871 | £1,005 | £1,207 |
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 | £832 | £940 | £1,139 |
| Double cabin | £621 | £697 | £813 |
| Triple cabin | £621 | £697 | £813 |
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 | £695 | £776 | £926 |
| Double cabin | £537 | £594 | £681 |
| Triple cabin | £537 | £594 | £681 |
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 | £1,256 | £1,445 | £1,794 |
| Double cabin | £886 | £1,021 | £1,223 |
| Triple cabin | £886 | £1,021 | £1,223 |
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.
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
- Edfu’s Temple of HorusRight here
- Kom Ombo templesRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Shore excursions cover six named archaeological sites
02
Choose from three cabin classes, subject to availability
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does a typical Nephtis Nile Cruise last?
A typical Nephtis Nile Cruise runs for 8 days, blending time on the Nile with visits ashore. This gives you the chance to explore key sites between Luxor and Aswan at a relaxed pace.02What does the Nephtis Nile Cruise fare cover?
Your fare covers accommodation on board the superior five-star Nephtis, full board from lunch on the day you embark until breakfast on the day you disembark, and scheduled shore excursions with standard admission fees to sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.03What is excluded from the Nephtis Nile Cruise fare?
The fare does not cover drinks other than water served with meals, gratuities, a single supplement for solo travellers, optional premium admission to places such as pyramid interiors or particular tombs, or personal expenses not listed in your booking.04How do embarkation and disembarkation work on the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
You can embark and disembark for the Nephtis Nile Cruise in either Luxor or Aswan. Sailings take place weekly: departures from Luxor are on Mondays, while departures from Aswan are on Fridays. Your final itinerary will include the specific timings.05Which shore excursions feature in the Nephtis Nile Cruise programme?
The Nephtis Nile Cruise features visits ashore to major sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Our Egyptologists lead these excursions.06Can travellers with mobility concerns take the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
Cruising the Nile involves walking over uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and using gangways to board the vessel. The vessel has elevators, but some shore excursions may be difficult for people with significant mobility concerns. Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.07What are the child rates on the Nephtis Nile Cruise?
Children from 0 to 5.99 years of age travel at no charge; children aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult fare. From age 12, children are charged the full adult price. Only one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a separate cabin.08What clothing and other items should I pack for the Nephtis Nile Cruise and excursions?
For daytime outings, we suggest lightweight, comfortable clothes; wear modest clothing at religious sites, and take a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Dress on board in the evenings may be casual. Pack comfortable shoes for walking around ancient sites.09When is the ideal season for a Nephtis Nile Cruise?
October to April is usually the most pleasant period for a Nile cruise, with milder temperatures that make sightseeing more comfortable. From May to September, summer weather is hotter, though sites are generally less crowded.10Does full board on the Nephtis Nile Cruise include alcoholic drinks?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not covered by full board on the Nephtis Nile Cruise. Water is provided with meals, while other beverages, including alcohol, are usually added to your cabin bill.
Last updated 22 June 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-166125
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