Renaissance Nile Cruise
The short answer
Renaissance is a 5-Star Deluxe 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 are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Renaissance is a five-star Nile cruiser on the classic Luxor–Aswan route, combining full-board dining and a pool deck with an Egyptologist-led temple programme along the river. Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the 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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin 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 as part of the shore-excursion programme.
- 02Stop at Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo during the river journey.
- 03Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings on shore excursions.
- 04Full Board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard entrance fees to scheduled sites
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre
- Entry to premium tombs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Gratuities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which side of the cabin has the preferred river view for your sailing direction; the view changes as the vessel turns or docks.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for public conveniences at excursion stops; payment arrangements can differ by site.
- 03
Keep a light layer in your cabin for air-conditioned dining and lounge areas, even during warm-weather sailings.
- 04
Take a torch on evening excursions if you expect to read signs or steps in dimly lit areas.
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
Ask us about private shore excursions, subject to availability, or adding sites such as Abu Simbel to your wider Egypt itinerary. We can also discuss cabin class and extending your stay in Luxor or Aswan. Renaissance is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Renaissance suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to see the main Nile sites while travelling between Luxor and Aswan. It is a good match for travellers who enjoy guided archaeology, relaxed time on the river and the routine of returning to the same cabin.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access throughout, dislike stairs or want long, unstructured visits at each site. The shore programme involves walking on uneven stone, and the sailing schedule may not suit travellers seeking a completely flexible pace.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The shore programme also reaches Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Things to Consider
- Shore visits involve uneven ancient stone and steps.
- Visits follow a set programme, limiting time at each site.
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra.
- Single travellers usually pay a single supplement.
Where it fits
This cruise can anchor the Luxor–Aswan section of a wider Egypt holiday, with Cairo before it or Abu Simbel added from Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only sightseeing programme, its shore excursions are interspersed with sailing on 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 £757 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
- Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Renaissance · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and any required visa
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip
- Broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, at least SPF 30
- Light layers for cooler evenings on deck
- Refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A light jumper or fleece for cooler evenings
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven archaeological surfaces
- Swimwear for the pool area, if available
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 years and 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 need their own cabin. Strollers can be useful on board but are difficult to manage at some landing stages and temple approaches. High chairs are not guaranteed, so ask us to confirm availability with the cruise supplier before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Nile cruiser and its shore-excursion programme involve steps and uneven surfaces, so a moderate level of mobility is needed. Expect steps when boarding or leaving the vessel, cabin thresholds and narrow gangways at some docks. On board, wheelchair access may be possible in some public areas, but access to cabins and other facilities varies by vessel and should be confirmed before booking. At Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, paths can be uneven, with stairs, steep ramps and limited handrails. Many landing points and temple approaches are not wheelchair-friendly. We can request assistance at embarkation and disembarkation; tell us about mobility needs before booking. A companion may be needed for physical support.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel uses a diesel engine, a common propulsion type on the Nile, and transfers to and from the ports are generally by air-conditioned vehicle. The specific vehicle and vessel are assigned through suppliers, so we cannot promise a particular engine standard or emissions level. We arrange the cruise with a local cruise supplier and use licensed Egyptologists and local guides for shore excursions where available. This directs work to people based in Egypt, though the exact local employment arrangements depend on the supplier. On board, guests can reduce waste by reusing towels and bringing a refillable bottle. Waste sorting and recycling depend on facilities at each port; we cannot guarantee that all materials are recycled.
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 Renaissance Nile Cruise?
The exact sailing dates and embarkation and disembarkation arrangements depend on the booking selected, so check the details shown for your departure before travelling.02Where does the Renaissance Nile Cruise sail, and which sites are visited?
The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major sites along the Nile. The programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The order of visits can vary with the sailing.03What is included in the Renaissance Nile Cruise fare?
Full Board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The shore-excursion programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae, with our Egyptologists alongside you at each site. Check your booking details for the specific arrangements attached to your selected sailing.04What is not included on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately. Gratuities and any other exclusions depend on the final arrangement, so review the inclusions and terms on the page before confirming. Cabin pricing is per person sharing; a single supplement typically applies if you are travelling without someone sharing your cabin.05Are Renaissance Nile Cruise cabins suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin and the vessel’s layout. Shore visits involve ancient sites where surfaces can be uneven and access may include steps. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can confirm the arrangements for the vessel and the planned excursions.06Can children travel on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, high-factor sun cream and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at ancient sites. Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting temples and mosques: cover shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful after sunset. Check the forecast for your sailing dates before packing.08Can I take photographs during the Renaissance Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites, and some areas may restrict cameras or charge separately for photography. Check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures, particularly inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Keep your camera secure while moving across uneven stone and crowded areas.09When is the best time to take the Renaissance Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, especially during open-air site visits, so plan for sun protection and follow your Egyptologist’s advice.10What is the difference between sailing days and shore-excursion days on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?
The programme alternates time sailing on the Nile with shore excursions at named sites. While the vessel is under way, you can spend time in the cabin, lounge bar, dining room or on the sun deck, with river views through panoramic windows. Unlike a land-based circuit, travel between Luxor and Aswan happens on the river.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-314529
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
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