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 is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt operate from Cairo + 5 regional offices since 1988
- Licensed by ETAA
- Five-star Nile cruise classification
02 Overview
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 that sails on the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged at those two cities. The cruise programme typically combines sailing days with scheduled shore excursions to key Upper Egypt sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
The vessel offers cabin accommodation in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where specified. Public areas usually include a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar, and an indoor dining saloon, which are used during the sailing portions of the voyage and during downtime between excursions.
Full board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra, and gratuities are generally not included unless stated in the booking conditions. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise booking and embarkation logistics as part of a broader travel arrangement.
The cruise is designed around the standard Nile corridor used by most Luxor-Aswan river vessels, where the river distance is roughly 200 kilometres by water depending on navigation and stops. Visitor time at monuments is usually structured to fit the vessel’s sailing schedule rather than a fixed land itinerary, so timing can vary by direction and season.
Named in this entry
Salima Nile Cruise · Luxor · Aswan · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Karnak · Valley of the Kings · Philae Temple · Nile sun deck · Discovery Tours Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt who want a guided Nile itinerary with monument visits built in. It also works well for adults and older children who are comfortable with stairs, short coach transfers to temple entrances, and several consecutive nights aboard.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers requiring full wheelchair accessibility and step-free access
- Those expecting nonstop active trekking or high-energy itineraries
- Very young infants may find cabin arrangements restrictive
What lingers
- 01 Five-star vessel with sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining saloon
- 02 Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or balconies where offered
- 03 Shore-excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04 Sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 05 Full board service, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 06 Carefully selected by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Worth knowing
How this compares
Versus longer Nile itineraries, this eight-day cruise concentrates on the Luxor–Aswan temple cluster with relaxed sailing days. It balances guided shore visits and leisure time aboard without extended repeat sailing.
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.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 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.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,120 | $1,120 |
| Single Cabin | $1,600 | $1,600 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Jan to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,330 | $1,330 |
| Single Cabin | $1,970 | $1,970 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board dining, covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Accommodation in the cabin class you have booked.
- Access to the vessel's public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon.
- Scheduled shore excursions operated by the vessel as part of its programme.
Not included
- Drinks with meals beyond water, unless the cruise states otherwise.
- Gratuities for on-board staff and for Egyptologists.
- Entrance fees charged separately for premium archaeological sites, for example pyramid interiors and premium tombs.
- Domestic or international flights to the embarkation port.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Sit on the starboard sun deck at sunrise for temple silhouettes and cool breezes
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for local vendors, tips, and small purchases ashore
- 03
Plan temple visits early in the day to avoid midday heat and crowds
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf and long sleeves for visiting conservative religious sites ashore
Accessibility
Who can join this
Most Nile cruise gangways and temple approaches include steps; full wheelchair access is limited. Contact Discovery Tours Egypt to review cabin locations and arrange assistance; some ships may offer accessible cabins by request.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and photocopy kept separate
- High-SPF sunscreen and broad-brim hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple surfaces
- Small daypack and reusable water bottle
- Local currency in small notes for tips and purchases
- Light layers for cool evenings on deck
What to wear
- Modest daytime clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Breathable layers for hot days and cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven surfaces and steps
- Smart-casual outfit for onboard evenings
Children & families
Children are welcome but cabin layouts may limit space for families; check cabin configurations. Child rates and age bands vary–contact Discovery Tours Egypt for detailed policies and availability.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt sources produce and provisions locally where possible and trains crew in cultural-site respect. The operator supports low-impact shore visits and works with local partners to benefit communities along the Nile.
-
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
The Salima Nile Cruise is an eight-day, five-star river voyage from Luxor to Aswan. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (operate from Cairo + 5 regional offices since 1988; licensed by ETAA), the trip includes full-board dining and comfortable Nile-cruise cabins, with opportunities to visit Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan temples.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration and route for the Salima Nile Cruise?
The Salima Nile Cruise typically offers an 8-day experience. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing you to choose your preferred embarkation and disembarkation port. -
02 What is included in the full board meal plan on the Salima Nile Cruise?
The full board meal plan includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers all main meals served in the dining saloon. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically not included. -
03 What shore excursions are part of the Salima Nile Cruise programme?
The Salima Nile Cruise includes a scheduled shore excursion programme. These excursions typically call at significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. -
04 What are the cabin options available on the Salima Nile Cruise?
The Salima Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Many cabins feature panoramic Nile-view windows, while some suites may offer private balconies for an enhanced experience. -
05 What is the policy for children on the Salima 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 price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. -
06 What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, comfortable casual wear is suitable. For shore excursions to temples and other religious sites, modest dress is recommended, covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring archaeological sites. -
07 Are gratuities included in the Salima Nile Cruise booking?
Gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists are typically not included in the booking price. It is customary to tip at the end of the cruise, and guidelines are usually provided on board for your convenience. -
08 What amenities are available on the Salima Nile Cruise vessel?
The Salima Nile Cruise vessel features a shaded sun deck, a comfortable lounge bar, and a dining saloon. These public areas are available for all guests to enjoy while sailing on the Nile or during leisure time on board. -
09 Is the Salima Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with mobility concerns?
While the vessel itself has lifts between decks, shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and climbing steps at archaeological sites. Travellers with significant mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking. -
10 What is the best time of year to take a Salima Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Salima Nile Cruise is generally during Egypt's cooler months, from October to April. Temperatures are more pleasant for exploring the outdoor archaeological sites during this period, making it ideal for winter sun holidays.
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 17 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-019559
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