Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
Aswan to Luxor, 3–7 nights, full board
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and listed riverbank sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Princess Sarah II sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme covering six named archaeological sites. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Princess Sarah II · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo Temple · Shore excursion to Philae Temple · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
- The listed shore-excursion programme names Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
What lingers
- 01River-cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Weekly sailings in both directions
- 03Shore excursions may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 04Programme may visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 05Excursions may include Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 065-star cruise category
02Overview
A first look
The Nile widens between Aswan and Luxor as the cruise moves north along cultivated islands and temple-lined banks. Days combine short, guided excursions with relaxed time on the sun deck and panoramic lounges.
Background
The facts
Princess Sarah II is a Nile cruise vessel booked and arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Its excursion programme links Luxor and Aswan, with sailing periods between stops and visits to archaeological sites along the river.
The programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor and Aswan are the embarkation and disembarkation ports; the vessel sails weekly in both directions. Exact sailing times and the order of shore excursions can vary by departure.
The sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak and Luxor Temple developed mainly during the New Kingdom, while the Temple of Horus at Edfu was built in the Ptolemaic period. The ancient Thebes area, including Luxor’s monuments and the Valley of the Kings, is part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. Abu Simbel is a separate site.
Cabin classes are Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Shore-site opening hours and access arrangements vary. We'll confirm the departure-specific schedule before travel.
Named in this entry
Princess Sarah II·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·The Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nile
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- A good fit for couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to see Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan while travelling on the Nile. Choose it if you value a settled cabin between excursions and are comfortable with guided visits and walking at ancient sites.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay instead if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at each site. It may also suit you less if you prefer quiet days without scheduled shore excursions or want drinks beyond water included with meals.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
- Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
- The excursion programme leaves less room for unplanned time ashore.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe one fixed sailing direction; Princess Sarah II has weekly departures in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a shore-based sightseeing programme, its excursions are scheduled around sailing and port calls, with the departure-specific order subject to change.
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
Bundled in
- Swimming Pool
- Sun Deck
- Gymnasium
- Spa Services
- Main Dining Room / Restaurant
- Lounge and Sundeck Bar
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Service
- Doctor on Call
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- 03, 04 or 07 nights’ accommodation with full board
- Meet-and-assist on arrival and departure
- Support from our team throughout your stay and excursions
- Guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist, in groups of up to 8
- Transfers in private, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
- Entry fees for the sights named in the itinerary
- One bottle of water per person each day
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of Khufu or Khafre’s pyramid, access to premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, and gratuities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals, as they are typically charged extra.
- 02
Check the departure-specific excursion order before travel, since port calls and site timings can vary.
- 03
Compare the single supplement with the per-person-sharing price if you are travelling alone.
Tailor it
Make it yours
A private Egyptologist or additional site visits may be arranged for your sailing, subject to availability and any extra charges. Cabin class choices are Standard, Deluxe and Suite.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Princess Sarah II sails between Luxor and Aswan, so it can anchor the Nile portion of a wider Egypt holiday. Add time in Cairo before or after the cruise for the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Embarkation requires boarding by a gangway, and access between decks is generally by stairs. Quaysides can be uneven, while shore excursions may involve surfaced paths, stepped temple entrances, exposed stone ramps and uneven tomb floors. Some Valley of the Kings tombs have steep, narrow staircases. Wheelchair access, lifts and cabin door widths vary by vessel and may not meet every mobility need. Assistance with embarkation or disembarkation may be possible if arranged in advance, but it cannot be assumed. Please tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin and excursion options.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel and its fuel use depend on the cruise line assigned to your booking, so we cannot confirm a specific engine type or emissions figure in advance. Shore transport is generally provided by locally hired vehicles, with the vehicle type depending on the excursion and group arrangements. We work with local drivers and Egyptologists in Upper Egypt, supporting services based in the communities along the Nile. On-board practices also vary by vessel: ask us to confirm whether refillable water dispensers are available before travelling. A refillable bottle can help reduce disposable packaging where refill points permit. Please follow site guidance and avoid leaving litter at temples, tombs or quaysides.
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 required visa
- Cruise voucher and identification
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Water bottle for refilling
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medication and basic first-aid items
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt for temples and mosques
- A light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven stone and tombs
- Modest swimwear and a cover-up for shared areas
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 over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin. Strollers can be awkward on uneven temple approaches and are not practical inside many tombs. Cot space and high chairs vary by vessel, so request them when booking. No minimum age is confirmed in the supplied policy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,106 | £1,544 |
| Double cabin | £804 | £1,073 |
| Triple cabin | £790 | £1,059 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £755 | £1,005 |
| Double cabin | £582 | £736 |
| Triple cabin | £574 | £728 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £638 | £825 |
| Double cabin | £508 | £623 |
| Triple cabin | £502 | £618 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,122 | £1,559 |
| Double cabin | £819 | £1,088 |
| Triple cabin | £806 | £1,075 |
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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Shore excursions cover six major Nile Valley sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What does the Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise package include?
The Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise package includes full-board accommodation, covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. It also features guided shore excursions with an Egyptologist, all entrance fees to itinerary sites, private air-conditioned transfers, and assistance upon arrival and departure. All service charges and taxes are included.02What facilities and amenities are available onboard the Princess Sarah II?
The Princess Sarah II offers cabins with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms, and individually controlled air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. Additional amenities include a gymnasium, laundry service, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour doctor on call.03Is the Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome on the Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult rate. Children aged 12 years and above pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with their parents.04What is the typical duration and route for Princess Sarah II sailings?
The Princess Sarah II typically offers 3, 4, or 7-night sailings between Luxor and Aswan, travelling in both directions weekly. The itinerary alternates between sailing days and shore excursions to major sites like Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.05What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream are essential. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, with modest attire suitable for visiting religious sites. Onboard, smart casual wear is appropriate, with swimwear for the pool deck.06Are drinks included with the full-board accommodation on Princess Sarah II?
The full-board basis on Princess Sarah II includes water with meals. Other beverages, such as soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and speciality coffees, are generally available for an additional charge. Afternoon tea is typically included on 5-star vessels.07Is it possible to book optional excursions, including Abu Simbel, while on my cruise?
Yes, optional excursions like a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples can be arranged for an additional fee. These can be booked in advance through Discovery Tours Egypt or with the onboard tour coordinator. Transport options may include private vehicle or domestic flight.08What is the best time of year to take a Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically during the cooler winter sun months, from October to April. Temperatures are more comfortable for shore excursions, though it can still be warm. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but offer fewer crowds.09What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Princess Sarah II?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Princess Sarah II typically occur in Luxor or Aswan. Our team provides meet and assist services upon your arrival and departure, coordinating transfers to and from the vessel. Specific timings depend on your chosen sailing and flight schedule.10What is the photography policy at the sites visited during the cruise?
Most ancient sites permit photography without flash, but some areas, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit it or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location. Drones are strictly forbidden at all archaeological sites.
Last updated 12 September 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-857194
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