Salima Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon; cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, full-board; sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Salima Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt’s main riverside sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Accommodation in the booked cabin class · Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon · Scheduled shore excursions provided by the vessel
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Cruise travellers · History enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the cruise; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
- Cabin classes are identified as Standard, Deluxe and Suite.
- The stated full-board period runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- The listed shore-excursion programme names Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
02Overview
A first look
At first light the Nile near Luxor takes on a low, cool gloss, and Salima's shaded sun deck is one of the river's quietest vantage points for that hour. Panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies frame the water while the lounge bar and dining saloon begin to carry the smell of freshly baked bread and strong Egyptian coffee.
We arrange your embarkation and disembarkation logistics and book the cabin class you choose, and our Egyptologists are available to brief you before the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We hand-pick Salima for reliable full board service and roomy, shaded public spaces.
Background
The facts
Salima is a five-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the cruise, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where specified.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple near Aswan. Excursions take place between sailing periods; exact visit times depend on the vessel’s schedule.
Karnak and Luxor Temple are major components of ancient Thebes, whose monuments and necropolis are listed by UNESCO. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground mainly during the New Kingdom, from about the 16th to the 11th centuries BCE. Philae is part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments, relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 20th century.
Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities are typically extra. Site opening hours and access arrangements can vary by season and excursion schedule, so check current details before travel. The shaded sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining saloon are vessel facilities.
Named in this entry
Salima·Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes·Nubian Monuments·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Salima suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and solo travellers who want guided visits to major Nile Valley sites without arranging each stop themselves. It also suits adults and older children interested in archaeology who are comfortable with several nights aboard and regular excursions on uneven ground.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a quiet stay with little scheduled sightseeing. Summer departures can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with intense heat.
What lingers
- 01Five-star vessel with a sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining saloon
- 02Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where specified
- 03Shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Excursion programme also visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 06Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae along the Nile route.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of class.
- Sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon provide indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ground, steps and limited accessibility.
- Summer sightseeing can mean intense heat and little shade.
- Drinks beyond water with meals and staff gratuities cost extra.
- December and January are busier at major archaeological sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most short Nile cruise itineraries concentrate on the Luxor to Aswan route; Salima’s excursion programme also names six sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Philae. Unlike a land-based sightseeing circuit, the vessel combines scheduled shore visits with sailing periods on the Nile.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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 | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,401 | £3,057 |
| Double cabin | £1,577 | £1,920 |
| Triple cabin | £1,577 | £1,907 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,495 | £1,870 |
| Double cabin | £1,024 | £1,220 |
| Triple cabin | £1,024 | £1,212 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,193 | £1,474 |
| Double cabin | £839 | £986 |
| Triple cabin | £839 | £981 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,416 | £3,072 |
| Double cabin | £1,593 | £1,936 |
| Triple cabin | £1,593 | £1,922 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board dining, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Stay on board in the cabin category you have booked.
- Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon.
- Shore excursions scheduled by the vessel.
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals, unless stated otherwise.
- Gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists.
- Separate entrance fees for premium archaeological sites, such as pyramid interiors and premium tombs, where charged.
- Domestic and international flights to the embarkation port.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin categories have a private balcony; balcony availability is specified by cabin, not across every category.
- 02
Pack a light layer for shaded deck time, as river breezes can feel cooler after sunset.
- 03
Carry small notes for personal purchases and tips; gratuities are not included in the stated cruise arrangements.
- 04
Check excursion-day details before packing, as temple visits involve walking across uneven ancient stone.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- You can choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where offered. Sailings run weekly in either direction between Luxor and Aswan
- ask us to check the preferred direction and cabin availability for your dates.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Salima fits between stays in Cairo and either Luxor or Aswan, with the shore-excursion programme connecting major temples and sites along the Nile. We can arrange onward travel to match your wider Egypt itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access varies by vessel and by the shore excursion. Boarding usually involves a gangway, which can be steep or change with the Nile’s water level; steps may also connect the gangway to the deck. Cabins, dining areas and sun decks may be reached by stairs, and lift availability has not been confirmed. At Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, expect uneven stone, steps and some walking in heat. Full wheelchair access is limited. Contact us before booking to check the assigned vessel, cabin location and available assistance. A wheelchair or mobility aid may not be usable on every excursion.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and a photocopy kept separately
- High-SPF sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven temple surfaces and steps
- Small daypack and reusable water bottle
- Small notes in Egyptian pounds for purchases and gratuities
- Light layers for cooler evenings on deck
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for steps and uneven ground
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Smart-casual clothing for onboard evenings
Children & families
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Cabin space can be limited, so check the assigned cabin layout before booking. Stroller suitability and the availability of high chairs have not been confirmed; ask us to check these with the cruise operator.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak Temple0.0 km
- Luxor Temple0.0 km
- Valley of the Kings0.0 km
- Temple of Horus at Edfu0.0 km
- Kom Ombo Temple0.0 km
- Philae Temple0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Choose Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin classes
02
Sail weekly in either direction between Luxor and Aswan
03
Visit temples and tombs through the vessel's shore-excursion programme
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel and its crew are supplied and managed by the cruise operator; Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise. The available information says provisions are sourced locally where possible and crew receive guidance on respecting cultural sites. It does not identify specific suppliers, vehicle types, fuel use or community projects, so we cannot make more detailed environmental claims. Shore excursions visit busy archaeological sites, including Karnak and Philae. Follow site rules, stay on marked routes and do not touch or remove ancient material. Local purchases during port visits can support nearby traders, though the benefit depends on where and what you buy.
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
Salima sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, calling at six named archaeological sites on its shore-excursion programme. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where specified.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Salima Nile Cruise, and which way does it sail?
The Salima Nile Cruise is an eight-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction. The vessel sails weekly both ways. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The exact order of visits depends on the sailing and the vessel’s arrangements.02How do I arrange embarkation and disembarkation for the Salima Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen sailing direction. We arrange the cabin booking and share the relevant embarkation details with you. Flights to the port are not included, so plan your arrival to match the vessel’s schedule. Tell us if you need help coordinating onward travel.03What is included in the Salima Nile Cruise booking?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Your booking also includes accommodation in the selected cabin class, access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon, and the vessel’s scheduled shore excursions. The vessel’s programme brings river sailing together with visits to named sites, rather than treating each stop as a separate land-based tour.04What is not included on the Salima Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists are generally extra. Flights to Luxor or Aswan are also excluded. Separate charges may apply for premium archaeological access, such as entry inside a pyramid or to a premium tomb. Check your booking details for any exceptions to these arrangements.05Is the Salima Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with mobility difficulties?
The vessel has lifts between decks, but its shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, sand and steps. These surfaces may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility. Contact us before booking with your specific requirements, so we can check what assistance may be possible for the vessel and the planned visits.06What is the Salima Nile Cruise child and cabin policy?
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Cabin availability and pricing depend on the final arrangement.07What should I wear and bring on the Salima Nile Cruise?
Pack light, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a hat, sun cream and water for shore excursions. Egypt’s sun can be strong, including in cooler months. At temples and mosques, dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees. Casual clothing is suitable on board; a light layer can be useful on the sun deck after sunset.08Can I take photographs during Salima Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so check the signs or ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs. Some tombs or individual exhibits may restrict photography or require a separate permission. Keep your camera or phone secure while walking over uneven ground, and be considerate of other visitors.09What is the ideal time of year to go on the Salima Nile Cruise?
The cooler months, broadly October to April, are generally more comfortable for outdoor visits along the Nile. From November to March, daytime conditions usually suit exploring temples better than the hottest summer period. Even in winter, expect strong sun at archaeological sites; start excursions prepared with water, a hat and sun protection.10Which archaeological sites are visited from the Salima Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme calls at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, as well as Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are arranged around the vessel’s sailing schedule, so not every stop follows the same order on every departure. Entry to premium tombs, where separately charged, is not included.
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
Last updated 21 March 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-019559
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