Salacia Nile Cruise
A 5-star river vessel with three cabin classes, a sun deck for Nile views, a shaded lounge bar and full-board dining.
The short answer
Salacia is a 5-Star Ultra 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 start from £1,252 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At the Luxor pier, the Nile moves quietly beyond the railings while luggage is taken to your cabin and the first lunch is served aboard Salacia. The pace changes between open water and shore excursions, from the vast columns of Karnak Temple to the tomb-lined slopes of Luxor West Bank, with Edfu Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo reached directly from the river.
Between visits, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room give you room to read, watch villages pass and escape the midday heat. We arrange the cabin, embarkation details and excursion programme through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our English-speaking Egyptologists guiding the ancient sites ashore.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,252double cabinsingle cabin £1,728 | May – September: from £935double cabinsingle cabin £1,252 | Peak dates: from £1,411double cabinsingle cabin £1,598 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,597double cabinsingle cabin £2,232 | May – September: from £1,174double cabinsingle cabin £1,597 | Peak dates: from £1,809double cabinsingle cabin £2,059 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £2,593double cabinsingle cabin £3,704 | May – September: from £1,853double cabinsingle cabin £2,593 | Peak dates: from £2,963double cabinsingle cabin £3,401 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £2,608double cabinsingle cabin £3,718 | May – September: from £1,867double cabinsingle cabin £2,608 | Peak dates: from £2,978double cabinsingle cabin £3,415 |
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.
What lingers
- 01Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- 02Spend time on the sun deck, or in the lounge bar and dining room
- 03Full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04The excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Possible calls include Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae
Bundled in
- Full board
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Access to the vessel’s shared areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel programme
- English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff
- Onboard service charges and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- Personal purchases and optional extras, including hot-air balloon flights and spa treatments
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Keep a light layer handy for breezy sailing periods on the open sun deck, especially outside the warmest months.
- 02
Wear shoes with a firm grip for uneven stone paths at the Valley of the Kings and other archaeological sites.
- 03
Carry small notes for personal purchases and gratuities, which are not included in the cruise price.
- 04
Ask which shore excursions are confirmed for your sailing before making plans around a particular site.
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 arrange the cruise privately or as part of a wider Egypt programme, subject to availability and the assigned sailing schedule. Travellers may request cabin upgrades from Standard to Deluxe or Suite, a single cabin with the applicable supplement, additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, premium tomb entrances, hot-air balloon flights or private sightseeing before or after the cruise.
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 and adults interested in ancient history who prefer to combine accommodation, river travel and scheduled sightseeing. Travellers should be comfortable boarding a vessel, using gangways and walking across uneven temple grounds
- excursions are less suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations unless arrangements are confirmed in advance.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout, as boarding and ancient sites can involve stairs, ramps and uneven surfaces. Summer heat and shared excursions may also be a poor fit if you need a private, flexible pace.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Excursion order and timing depend on the confirmed sailing programme
- Monument visits involve uneven stone, stairs and limited stroller access
- Drinks (including water) are usually extra
- Hot-air balloon flights and premium tomb entrances cost extra
Where it fits
Salacia can sit between a Cairo visit and time in southern Egypt, with Luxor and Aswan as the embarkation and disembarkation points.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt tour, this cruise combines accommodation and river transport with scheduled visits to major Nile Valley monuments. Unlike a fixed private sightseeing itinerary, excursion timing follows the vessel’s sailing programme, with the exact sites and sequence confirmed for the assigned sailing.
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.
- Acamar Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,237 pp
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,223 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
- Luxury Five-Star Nile Cruise Ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin on the allocated Nile cruiser · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Cabin choices: Standard, Deluxe and Suite · Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · The scheduled shore trips shown in the vessel's programme · English-speaking cruise host or member of the onboard team · Onboard service fees and local taxes
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for a well-organised Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and required travel documents
- Booking confirmation, printed or digital
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have sturdy soles
- Sun cream, SPF 50+, and lip balm
- Hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Personal medication
- A compact day bag for excursions ashore
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for the daytime heat
- Firm, comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for permitted onboard facilities
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or 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 require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult to use on gangways, stairs, quays and uneven archaeological paths. Ask us to check cot and high-chair availability, as this depends on the assigned vessel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility varies by the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and the ancient sites in the shore-excursion programme. Embarkation can involve a gangway, uneven riverfront ground and steps between the quay and vessel. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be linked by stairs, and lift access is not guaranteed. Excursions involve uneven stone, sand, cobbles, steps and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, the Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. A collapsible wheelchair may be possible, subject to the assigned vessel and port access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel is selected and booked through our licensed Egyptian tour operator network, while shore transport and local services are arranged with Egyptian suppliers. Vehicle type and supplier can vary by sailing programme, so we confirm the operational details in your booking documents rather than making a blanket environmental claim. Using Egyptian guides, drivers, catering teams and port services keeps part of your holiday spending within the local tourism economy. You can help reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, declining unnecessary single-use items and following visitor rules at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
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 Salacia Nile Cruise?
Your exact sequence of visits depends on the programme confirmed for your sailing, so check the final arrangements before travel.02How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Salacia Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the direction of your sailing. We arrange the cabin and share the relevant embarkation details with you before departure. This product does not specify a pickup service, so confirm any separate transfer arrangements with us rather than assuming they are included.03What does the Salacia Nile Cruise fare include?
The fare includes a cabin aboard the assigned Nile cruiser, full board and scheduled shore excursions listed in the vessel programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, onboard staff, service charges and local taxes are also included.04Which items are excluded from the Salacia Nile Cruise fare?
International flights, an Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included. Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal purchases and optional activities such as a hot-air balloon flight or spa treatment are also extra.05Is the Salacia Nile Cruise suitable for guests with mobility concerns?
Accessibility depends on the vessel and the shore excursion, and specific facilities have not been confirmed. Temple visits can involve uneven ancient stone, steps and sandy paths. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking, and we can check what is possible for your chosen sailing and the excursions in its programme.06What is the children’s policy on the Salacia 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. The fare is priced per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies when a cabin is occupied alone.07What should I wear and bring on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes for temple grounds, plus a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream for Egypt’s strong sun. Choose modest clothing for visits to temples and mosques. Casual clothing is suitable aboard; pack a light layer for cooler evenings, particularly in winter, and bring any regular medication.08Can I take photographs during the Salacia Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some interior spaces may restrict photography or require separate permission or a ticket. Keep cameras away where photography is prohibited, and ask before photographing local people.09When is the best time to take the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting temples in Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. Summer brings higher temperatures, especially during outdoor excursions, so expect to plan around the heat. Sailing dates operate weekly, but availability and the exact excursion programme depend on the selected departure.10Which sites can I visit on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, followed by Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Not every sailing necessarily follows the same sequence. Premium tomb entrances, such as Tutankhamun’s, are not included unless specifically requested.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-194865
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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