Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi between shore excursions.
The short answer
Nile Dolphin is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £754 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
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. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team selects the sailing, arranges your cabin and coordinates Egyptologists who explain each site clearly.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £754double cabinsingle cabin £1,038 | May – September: from £479double cabinsingle cabin £566 | Peak dates: from £812double cabinsingle cabin £1,160 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £937double cabinsingle cabin £1,315 | May – September: from £570double cabinsingle cabin £685 | Peak dates: from £1,014double cabinsingle cabin £1,478 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,478double cabinsingle cabin £2,141 | May – September: from £836double cabinsingle cabin £1,039 | Peak dates: from £1,614double cabinsingle cabin £2,425 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,493double cabinsingle cabin £2,155 | May – September: from £850double cabinsingle cabin £1,053 | Peak dates: from £1,628double cabinsingle cabin £2,440 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
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.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Join the vessel in Luxor and have lunch on board, then explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Discover the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then set sail south in the direction of Edfu.
- 3
See the Temple of Horus in Edfu and Kom Ombo’s double temple before continuing by boat to Aswan.
- 4
Explore the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional trip to Abu Simbel by air or road can be organised.
- 5
Enjoy a restful day in Aswan: take a felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel heads north.
- 6
- 7
Return to Luxor with time to see any West Bank sites still on your list, or unwind on the sun deck while the vessel moors for its last night.
- 8
Disembark in Luxor after breakfast and continue with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon, explore Karnak Temple, ancient Egypt’s largest religious complex, followed by Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Head across to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then sets sail south towards Edfu.
- 3
Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, before sailing onwards to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Sail on to Aswan, where the vessel is moored overnight.
- 4
The vessel remains moored in Aswan. Those heading to Abu Simbel set off before dawn, travelling by road or air to the pair of rock-cut temples that Ramesses II had carved into the cliff, and return on board at around midday. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board.
- 5
Following breakfast, leave the ship in Aswan. Spend the morning exploring the city: see the High Dam, reach the Temple of Isis at Philae by motor launch, and visit the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before continuing with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Aswan and have lunch on board. Explore the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Head north by boat to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then carry on to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus. Continue sailing towards Luxor.
- 3
Arrive in Luxor and travel across to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast, explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before disembarking for your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard in Aswan and have lunch on board before visiting the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Spend a leisurely day in Aswan, sailing by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or visiting a Nubian village. An optional trip to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo to see the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu and the Temple of Horus.
- 4
In Luxor, cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before the vessel turns south on its return voyage.
- 6
- 7
Return to Aswan, where you can unwind on board or join an optional excursion before your last night.
- 8
Disembark in Aswan after breakfast for your onward transfer.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship
- Year built
- 2007
- Cabins
- 63
- Decks
- 5
- Length
- 72 m
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard a 5-star river cruise vessel
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor
- 03Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temple complex at Kom Ombo
- 04See Philae and the Valley of the Kings as part of the shore-excursion programme
- 05Relax between excursions on the sun deck or by the swimming pool
- 06Use the onboard restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- All meals
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Stay in a cabin aboard the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, bar and lounge
- On-board Wi-Fi
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm the assigned vessel at booking, as the cruise arrangement may depend on availability.
- 02
Ask for excursion timings once the sailing schedule is confirmed; local operating conditions can change them.
- 03
Keep small change available for gratuities, which are excluded from the listed inclusions.
- 04
Budget separately for drinks (including water), as these are normally charged separately.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can advise on private or shared shore-excursion arrangements, pre- or post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan, airport or railway transfers and additional sightseeing. Cabin categories may include Standard, Deluxe and Suite options where available, with pricing normally calculated per person sharing and a single supplement applied for solo occupancy.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine hotel-style cabin accommodation with guided access to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a trip with little walking. Temple visits have limited shade, and summer sightseeing in Upper Egypt can be very hot.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Things to Consider
- Temple surfaces are uneven, with steps at some sites.
- Shore visits can have limited shade, especially around midday.
- Drinks (including water) are normally charged separately.
- Premium tombs and gratuities are not included.
Where it fits
The Nile Dolphin fits the river-cruise section of a wider Egypt holiday, linking Luxor and Aswan. Pair it with time in Cairo to add the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum; the cruise’s shore excursions focus on Upper Egypt.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, meals and river transport with guided shore excursions at the principal temples and necropolises along the Nile.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £754 pp
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
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise ship
- 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 Nile Dolphin · All meals included, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Guided visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Use of the swimming pool and sun deck · Use of the restaurant, bar and lounge · Onboard Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a full-board river journey
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Details of your travel insurance
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and offer good grip
- High-protection sunscreen (SPF 50 or above)
- A sun hat and a pair of sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Required medication
- A small bag for trips ashore
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers for warm weather and cooler evenings
- Closed-toe shoes for comfortable walks
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Clothing that covers you for mosque visits
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child per cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are impractical at many shore sites owing to steps, uneven stone and sand, and on board gangways. Ask for a high chair before booking; availability depends on the vessel assigned.
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.
– 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 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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
This river journey combines sailing days with visits to temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. Confirm the available departure dates and direction when arranging your booking.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the sailing you choose. We arrange the cruise booking and can discuss how it fits with your wider Egypt plans; transfers are not listed among the cruise inclusions. Unlike a land-based itinerary, this cruise moves between the two cities on the Nile, with shore excursions along the route.03What is included on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The included shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Use of the pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar and lounge is included, as is onboard Wi-Fi.04What costs extra on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are not included. A single supplement applies when booking a cabin alone. Check the page’s cancellation terms before booking, as cancellation conditions depend on the terms shown there.05Can I take the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise if I have limited mobility?
The available information does not confirm step-free access, lift facilities or the dimensions of gangways on Nile Dolphin. River levels can affect access between the vessel and shore, while temple visits may involve uneven stone, steps and exposed ground. If stairs or walking are difficult for you, ask us to check the vessel and excursion arrangements before booking.06What is the child policy on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Share the children’s ages when enquiring so the cabin arrangements and fare can be checked.07What should I pack for the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Pack light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and comfortable shoes for shore excursions. Upper Egypt can be very hot, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun. Evenings may feel cooler, particularly in winter. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and bring a light layer for religious sites.08Can I take photographs during the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some interiors or individual objects may have restrictions, and photography permissions can change. Keep your camera or phone ready for outdoor views along the Nile, but do not assume photography is allowed inside every tomb or temple.09When is the best time to take the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan than the hotter summer months. Summer temperatures in Upper Egypt can be high, especially during exposed visits at midday. For a winter-sun holiday, plan around November to March and bring sun protection even in cooler months.10Which sites does the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise visit?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then sites along the Nile such as Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, as well as the Valley of the Kings. The order and timing can vary with the sailing. Edfu’s temple is dedicated to Horus, while Philae is an island temple complex near Aswan.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-672096
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Alyssa Nile Cruise
Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae Temple. We arrange small-group cruises with English-speaking Egyptologists, full-board meals, airport and port transfers, and entrance fees for the listed sites. Groups are capped at eight participants, so visits are quieter and queuing times are typically shorter than on larger cruise programmes. The itinerary includes a horse-drawn chariot visit to Edfu and a folkloric evening ashore. Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel from Aswan, can be added. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Cairo-based team coordinates every detail on the ground, from meet-and-assist to transfers and local guides.
From £812
Nile7 Nights
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel is a classic, five-star cruise with a sun deck, pool and evening entertainment on board. Days combine guided visits to named sites, including a chariot ride to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, with relaxed afternoons watching the river. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, meet-and-assist and English-speaking Egyptologist guides for the excursions. We do not run group bus tours, excursions are private and led by an Egyptologist. Unlike many short packaged cruises that rush temple visits, this programme schedules fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Optional Abu Simbel excursions are available from Aswan on selected departures.
From £812
Luxor7 Nights
Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
We organise private guided visits rather than scheduled coach excursions, so you have longer ashore and smaller groups. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private transfers, cruising permits and licensed Egyptologists for each visit. Expect early starts for West Bank tombs and some walking on uneven ancient stone; shade on deck is limited at midday. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a light sunhat.
From £798