Royal La Terrasse
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun-deck pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym, panoramic windows and full-board dining; sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin class · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions · Use of pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym · On-board Wi-Fi subject to signal and capacity · Port and harbour taxes where applied
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Families with children · Travelers wanting a structured Nile program
- Guide languages
- English
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing on included shore excursions
- 24/7 on-the-ground support for arranged travel services
- Standard site entrance fees included unless stated otherwise
02Overview
A first look
At first light the sun deck pool mirrors Luxor's minarets and rows of palms while the vessel slips slowly from the quayside, and the scent of coffee from the dining room mixes with the Nile breeze. Many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, and full board dining is timed around embarkation and disembarkation formalities so meals fit the sailing rhythm.
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise and its weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike mass coach cruises, this vessel spaces visits across several sailing days, and our Egyptologists brief guests each evening about the next day's shore excursions and practical details.
Background
The facts
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities. The cruise program alternates sailing days with scheduled shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.
Luxor is the usual starting point for access to Karnak Temple and the West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings contains tombs cut into the Theban limestone cliffs during the New Kingdom period, especially the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Aswan sits farther south on the Nile and serves as the gateway to Philae Temple, relocated in the 20th century during the UNESCO Nubia Campaign after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The vessel includes Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabin categories, with many cabins featuring panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. On board, guests use a sun deck with an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, indoor lounge, spa, gym, and dining room; full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and afternoon tea is typically included on 5-star services.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges this cruise as part of a weekly program in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, while the vessel itself is owned and operated by the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; gratuities, drinks beyond bottled water with meals, and optional premium excursions are excluded unless pre-purchased.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Thebes·New Kingdom·UNESCO Nubia Campaign·Aswan High Dam·Pharaoh Tutankhamun
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with major archaeological sites rather than a fast transfer between cities. It is a good match for adults, couples, and older families who are comfortable with boat travel, scheduled excursions, and moderate walking on uneven temple and tomb surfaces.
What lingers
- 01Sun deck with outdoor pool and rooftop terrace for Nile views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Lounge bar and indoor lounge for evening drinks and briefings about forthcoming shore excursions
- 03On-board spa and gym, plus afternoon tea included on 5-star services
- 04Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Cabin classes ranged Standard, Deluxe and Suite, many with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- 06Full board dining, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short transfer or day excursion, this vessel is built around a multi-stop Nile program with time allocated for Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Compared with large coach-based touring, it keeps accommodation, dining, and sightseeing in one arranged package while sailing between the two river cities. The weekly schedule also makes it different from one-off departures, because the route is handled as a regular program rather than a single point-to-point trip.
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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- 2
- 3
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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 | $974 | $1,073 | $1,171 |
| Single Cabin | $2,046 | $2,352 | $2,659 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $719 | $775 | $832 |
| Single Cabin | $1,332 | $1,507 | $1,682 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $634 | $676 | $718 |
| Single Cabin | $1,093 | $1,224 | $1,356 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $987 | $1,086 | $1,184 |
| Single Cabin | $2,059 | $2,365 | $2,671 |
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
- restaurant
- wifi
- spa
- concierge
- business-center
- bar
- parking
- rooftop-terrace
- gym
- pool
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Full board
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in the selected cabin class on board the vessel.
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel's programme between Luxor and Aswan.
- Use of on-board facilities, including the pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym.
- On-board WiFi, subject to local signal strength and capacity.
- Port and harbour taxes, where applied by the cruise line.
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance.
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless otherwise stated.
- Optional or premium excursions, and private guides not included in the vessel's scheduled programme.
- Personal expenses, including on-board specialist treatments and services.
- Gratuities for on-board staff and local guides, unless pre-purchased.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between private and shared arrangements for transfers and shore excursions, depending on what is booked for the sailing. Cabin selection may be upgraded from Standard to Deluxe or Suite, and some departures can be paired with pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo. Optional premium excursions, private guiding, and special dining or drink arrangements may also be added where available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise requires a moderate level of mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with steps and uneven surfaces at some quays, and some piers have steep or irregular ramps. Shore-excursion transfers typically include short walks over cobbles, sand and temple steps; many temple entrances have staircases without handrails. Cabins commonly have a single step at the doorway and some suite thresholds are narrow; elevators are limited or absent on many Nile cruisers. Full wheelchair access throughout the vessel and at most archaeological sites is not possible. We can request port-side assistance with luggage and coordinate reduced-mobility transfers and seating on excursions where the cruise line and sites permit, but please contact us before booking with exact mobility needs so we can confirm what the vessel and local sites can provide.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus any required visas, photocard and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple steps and quays
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed sun hat
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and evenings on deck
- Insect repellent for riverside evenings
- Small daypack for shore excursions and water bottle
- Any personal medication plus a copy of prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in breathable fabrics
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirts or trousers for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for early-morning or evening breezes on deck
- Non-slip shoes suitable for gangways and uneven stone steps
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and above 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. Strollers can be practical aboard the vessel but may be cumbersome on cobbled temple approaches and at some quays. High chairs and child equipment depend on the cruise line; we will request them on your behalf and confirm availability prior to travel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise with a cruise line that uses conventional diesel river engines, the standard propulsion for most Nile vessels. Shore excursions are carried out by local suppliers using air-conditioned minibuses driven by Egyptian staff. The vessel sources much of its fresh produce from regional markets in Luxor and Aswan, and the on-board crew is predominantly Egyptian, so wages and local procurement benefit the communities visited. Waste-management practices vary by supplier; we formally request recycling and food-waste separation where facilities exist, and we record and report shortfalls back to the cruise line. If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, ask us about voluntary carbon-offsetting options and shore-excursion alternatives that favour walking or felucca trips powered by sail.
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
Royal La Terrasse includes accommodation in the selected cabin category, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. On board facilities include a pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa, gym, Wi‑Fi subject to signal, and dining service.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, while the vessel is operated by the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; drinks beyond bottled water, gratuities, and optional premium excursions are extra.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
The Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise typically operates on an 8-day schedule, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the major ancient sites along the Nile River.02How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation points for the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise are in Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your transfers to and from the vessel at the start and end of your cruise, coordinating with your flight or hotel schedule.03What is included in the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes accommodation in your chosen cabin class, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions. Use of on-board facilities like the pool, rooftop terrace, and lounge bar, along with Wi-Fi, is also included.04What is not included in the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise package?
International flights, Egypt entry visas, travel insurance, and most drinks beyond bottled water with meals are not included. Optional excursions, private guides not in the scheduled programme, personal expenses, and gratuities for staff and guides are also excluded.05Is the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Royal La Terrasse, have gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. On-board, there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient sites, which may present challenges for guests with significant mobility concerns.06What is the policy for children on the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above 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 cruise on Royal La Terrasse?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and smart casual wear for evenings on board. Essential items include sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.08What is the photography policy for the sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most ancient sites, though some areas may prohibit flash or require a separate ticket for video cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location to ensure compliance.09What is the best time of year to take a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.10Which major ancient sites are visited during the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise programme?
The Royal La Terrasse cruise programme includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple, offering a comprehensive historical journey.
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 9 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-618457
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