Nile Quest Nile Cruise
The short answer
Nile Quest is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £667 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light the Nile slips past in bands of gold and green, the sun deck filling with the smell of strong coffee and the soft hiss of the gangway as passengers move between cabin, pool and lounge. You step ashore for temple visits while the crew prepare the dining room, and moments between excursions are quietly Nile-side: a shaded chair, a palm-lined quay, a panoramic window framing the river.
Our Egyptologists meet the group before each shore visit and explain what to look for; we arrange embarkation and disembarkation formalities and book the cruise for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
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 | May – Septembercurrent season |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | May – September: from £667double cabinsingle cabin £986 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | May – September: from £821double cabinsingle cabin £1,246 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | May – September: from £1,275double cabinsingle cabin £2,019 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | May – September: from £1,290double cabinsingle cabin £2,034 |
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.
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, major temple complexes on Luxor’s east bank.
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the riverside temple complex at Kom Ombo.
- 03Scheduled excursions include Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- 04On-board public areas include a sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room.
- 05Cabin accommodation is booked by grade and priced per person sharing.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board provision, covering lunch on the day of embarkation through breakfast on the day of disembarkation
- Scheduled shore excursions as set out in the vessel's excursion programme
- Accommodation in the cabin grade you book, priced per person sharing
- Use of the ship’s communal areas: sun deck, swimming pool, lounge bar and indoor dining room
- Services provided by the on-board crew and use of standard ship facilities
Not included
- International flights and any associated airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Premium drinks and beverages (including water)
- Gratuities for on-board and local staff unless you request their inclusion
- Optional extras that fall outside the vessel's published programme
- Personal expenses
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check the published excursion programme before booking to understand which visits take place on sailing days and which ashore.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for gratuities unless you request otherwise.
- 03
Confirm current site opening hours close to travel, as they can differ from the vessel's sailing programme.
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
Travellers can usually choose between private and shared arrangements for the land elements around the cruise, subject to availability. Cabin grade can be selected at booking, and some departures may allow upgraded cabins or additional sightseeing in Luxor or Aswan before or after the sailing. Extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, meal upgrades, and optional visits beyond the standard vessel programme can often be arranged separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a comfortable, structured way to see Upper Egypt’s key monuments without planning each transfer independently. It is a strong fit for couples, solo travellers and small groups who are happy with a set excursion programme and moderate walking at temple sites and tomb complexes.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace at every site. Summer heat and movement between the vessel, gangways and ancient sites can also be difficult for travellers with limited mobility.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Scheduled excursions also reach Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps, sand and uneven ancient paths
- Excursion timings and stops follow the vessel programme
- Drinks (including water) are extra
- Single travellers typically pay a cabin supplement
Where it fits
This cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, and works well as the central section of a wider Egypt holiday with time in Cairo before or after. Its shore-excursion programme links major Nile Valley sites, from Karnak Temple to Philae.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Egypt trip, this cruise combines transport, accommodation and guided sightseeing on the Nile in one booking. Compared with a fixed hotel stay in one city, it lets travellers visit both Luxor and Aswan while keeping the same cabin for the sailing. It also differs from a private car itinerary because the route, meal plan and shore-excursion programme are set by the vessel schedule. That makes it better suited to travellers who prefer an organised programme rather than fully flexible daily touring.
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.
- Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £566 pp
- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor
From £580 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
- 5-Star River Vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions scheduled in the vessel's programme · Cabin accommodation, per person sharing · Use of the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room · On-board crew services and vessel facilities
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers wanting organised sightseeing · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes for stone paths and sand
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Refillable water bottle
- A small daypack for excursions ashore
- Any required medicines in their original packaging
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A light jumper for cooler evenings spent on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground and steps
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 and above 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. Cribs and high chairs are not standard on Nile cruise ships; we will forward requests to the cruise line before travel, who will confirm availability. Strollers can be used on the vessel but are often impractical during shore excursions that include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has multiple internal staircases between decks, narrow gangways and raised thresholds at many cabin doors, which present a challenge for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility. Public areas including the sun deck and pool require climbing short flights of steps. Shore excursions frequently involve walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and short temple steps. Wheelchair users should expect to remain on board for several calls unless they bring a compact, self-propelled chair and a travelling companion to assist. Transfers from airport to dock include steps into coaches and, at some landing stages, stepping into tenders; taller transfer steps may be unavoidable at certain quays. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange airport meet-and-assist at Luxor or Aswan on request, and we will discuss which cabin grades have the most favourable door thresholds and floor layouts. Please contact us before booking so we can assess individual needs and advise suitable arrangements; we cannot guarantee full step-free access ashore.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is powered by a diesel river engine; local transfers are typically in air-conditioned minibuses that meet Egyptian road safety standards. We contract excursions with licensed Egyptologists and local boat crews, and the cruise line pays staff wages directly. Sailings are scheduled weekly and alternate sailing and excursion days to reduce peak pressure at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Waste management and potable water systems vary by vessel; we will share the ship's published procedures on request. To reduce personal impact, bring a refillable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics on board and consider tipping directly to individual guides or crew members to support household incomes in the communities visited.
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 Quest Nile Cruise?
The pace combines sailing with shore excursions, rather than keeping you ashore at one site each day. Your exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on the departure you book, so check these before arranging connecting travel.02How do embarkation and disembarkation work on the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing you book. We arrange the cruise booking, but transfers to and from the vessel are not listed among the inclusions, so confirm any transfer arrangements separately.03What is included in the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes full board, cabin accommodation in the grade booked, scheduled shore excursions and use of the vessel’s public areas. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Cabin pricing is per person sharing, and the available classes are Standard, Deluxe and Suite.04What costs extra on the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
International flights, airport taxes, an Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included. Premium drinks (including water), gratuities, optional extras outside the excursion programme and personal spending are also extra. A single supplement may apply if you want a cabin without sharing; confirm the amount when you enquire.05Is the Nile Quest Nile Cruise suitable for guests with mobility difficulties?
The Nile Quest Nile Cruise may be challenging for guests who cannot manage stairs or uneven access. River vessels can have steps between decks, and boarding conditions may vary with water levels; specific access details for this vessel are not supplied. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check what assistance can be arranged.06What is the child policy on the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children 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, so confirm cabin arrangements before booking.07What clothing and items should I pack for the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, high-factor sun cream and any personal medication for time on deck and at the ancient sites. Choose modest clothing for temples and other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. A light layer is useful for cooler evenings, particularly during winter sun season from November to March.08Can I take photographs during the Nile Quest Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited; there is no single policy supplied for every stop on the Nile Quest programme. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before photographing people, interiors or restricted areas. Some tombs and museum spaces may have separate rules, and any required photography permission is not included in the listed cruise inclusions.09When is the best time to take the Nile Quest Nile Cruise?
November to March is generally the more comfortable season for visiting Luxor, Aswan and the Nile’s archaeological sites. Summer brings stronger heat, especially during outdoor excursions, so early starts and careful sun protection matter. Departures run weekly in both directions, but availability and the excursion schedule depend on the sailing date.10Which sites does the Nile Quest Nile Cruise visit?
The vessel’s scheduled excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days and shore-excursion days alternate, but the order and timing are set by the vessel’s programme. Optional extras beyond that programme are not included.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-608912
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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