NILE DOLPHIN
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi between shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Swimming pool and sun deck access · Restaurant, bar and lounge access · Onboard Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking guided Upper Egypt sightseeing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- The company is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged through the operator.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, fields and palms slide past the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise as the river catches the copper light. The sun deck gives you a clear view of village life along the banks, while the pool and lounge bar offer an easy pause before the next shore excursion. Inside, the dining room keeps the rhythm unhurried, with full board covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Sailing days are balanced with time ashore at Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, then the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple. Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing us to fit the vessel around your wider Egypt plans. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team selects the sailing, arranges your cabin and coordinates Egyptologists who explain each site clearly.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. Weekly sailings operate in both directions, although the assigned vessel is confirmed at booking.
Luxor’s East Bank monuments include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while the Valley of the Kings lies on the West Bank, approximately 7 km from central Luxor by road. Edfu is approximately 105 km south of Luxor, Kom Ombo is about 50 km north of Aswan, and Philae is located on Agilkia Island near Aswan. Exact shore-excursion timings depend on the sailing schedule and local operating conditions.
Accommodation is aboard a third-party-operated Nile cruiser arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals are normally charged separately. Facilities include cabins, a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and onboard Wi-Fi.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine guided archaeological visits with relaxed sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Travellers should be comfortable with hot-weather sightseeing, uneven temple surfaces and boarding or disembarking at river ports.
What lingers
- 01Deluxe 5-star Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Swimming pool and sun deck for time between shore excursions
- 03Restaurant, bar and lounge onboard
- 04Visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Shore excursions to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 06Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, sailing and a planned programme of Upper Egypt temple visits. Unlike a fixed hotel stay, embarkation and disembarkation can be arranged in Luxor or Aswan, with full board beginning at lunch on embarkation day and ending after breakfast on disembarkation day.
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.
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $755 | $1,171 | $1,259 |
| Triple Cabin | $690 | $967 | $1,025 |
| Single Cabin | $1,215 | $2,658 | $3,009 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $594 | $832 | $882 |
| Triple Cabin | $557 | $715 | $748 |
| Single Cabin | $857 | $1,682 | $1,882 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $540 | $718 | $756 |
| Triple Cabin | $512 | $631 | $656 |
| Single Cabin | $737 | $1,356 | $1,506 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $768 | $1,184 | $1,271 |
| Triple Cabin | $703 | $980 | $1,038 |
| Single Cabin | $1,228 | $2,671 | $3,021 |
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.
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Access to the swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar and lounge
- Wi-Fi access onboard
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional premium entry tickets, including pyramid interiors and selected premium tombs
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the inclusions
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared shore excursions, subject to availability, and can coordinate embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Travellers may request premium entrances, such as selected tombs, or additional hotel nights and transfers
- these are priced separately when not included.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access on board with shore excursions across uneven historic terrain. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include stone surfaces, steps, ramps, sand and areas with limited shade. Boarding may involve a gangway and steps, depending on the dock and river level. Cabins and public areas may not provide wheelchair turning space. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. Accessibility depends on the assigned vessel and the conditions at each site.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Any required medication
- Small bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Modest clothing for mosque visits
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children 12 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 not practical for many shore excursions because of steps, uneven stone, sand and gangways. Request a high chair before booking, as availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel, with local road transport for transfers between the embarkation port, docks and shore excursions. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges services with Egyptian transport providers, licensed Egyptologists, port agents and locally owned businesses. Shore visits support guides, drivers, site staff and businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Environmental facilities vary by the assigned vessel, so we do not claim specific fuel, waste, water or energy certifications. Please avoid single-use plastics and follow onboard waste instructions.
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
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, onboard Wi-Fi and access to a pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar and lounge. Its shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
The Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise typically offers 8-day sailings, operating weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's key sites, combining sailing days with shore excursions.02What is included in the full board on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise covers meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all meals served in the onboard restaurant. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically charged separately.03What shore excursions are part of the Nile Dolphin programme?
The Nile Dolphin shore excursion programme includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are guided and provide insight into ancient Egyptian history.04What amenities are available on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
The Nile Dolphin is a 5-star vessel featuring a swimming pool, a spacious sun deck, a restaurant, a bar, and a comfortable lounge. Wi-Fi access is also available onboard, allowing you to relax and stay connected between excursions.05Is the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with mobility challenges?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Nile Dolphin, typically have stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. While some areas may be accessible, travellers with significant mobility challenges should contact us to discuss specific needs and capabilities.06What is the policy for children on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, along with a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or shawl is advisable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09Are gratuities included in the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists are not included in the standard Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts closer to your departure.10Can I upgrade my cabin on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Cabin upgrades on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise may be available depending on the vessel's configuration and availability at the time of booking. Options typically include larger cabins or those with specific views, such as panoramic windows or balconies. Please enquire for details.
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 25 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-672096
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