Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
This Nile vessel pairs full-board dining with guided shore excursions to major temples and monuments along the river.
The short answer
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury is a 5-Star Luxury Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is one of Sanctuary Retreats’ boutique luxury ships, an intimate 32-cabin cruiser sailing Luxor–Aswan with a strong focus on service, contemporary design and privately guided sightseeing. 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
- 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 03See Philae, an island temple complex near Aswan.
- 04The programme also includes the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard site entrance fees
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- 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 for the excursion order before sailing; site timing can affect how much time you have at each stop.
- 02
Bring sun protection for exposed temple courtyards, especially during visits around midday.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for public facilities and incidental purchases at stops.
- 04
Confirm any requested cabin category and view in writing, as cabin dimensions are not supplied here.
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
You can ask us to check Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin availability and compare sailing directions between Luxor and Aswan. Optional site visits or a longer stay before or after the cruise can be discussed when arranging your trip; availability and costs depend on the sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise suits adults and older teenagers who want to visit major Nile Valley sites while travelling between Luxor and Aswan. It works well for couples, solo travellers comfortable with a single supplement and families whose children can manage shore excursions on uneven stone.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. The excursion programme involves walking at ancient sites, and summer heat can make visits tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The programme also visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer different levels of space.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites include uneven stone and steps.
- Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C during shore excursions.
- The excursion programme leaves less room for independent sightseeing.
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra.
Where it fits
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, and can be paired with time in Cairo before or after the river journey.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a site ticket, it combines river travel with a recurring shore-excursion programme; cabin specifications are not provided here.
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.
- Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,398 pp
- Jaz Elite Viceroy Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,398 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 Nile cruise cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore excursions at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Luxury travellers · Couples · Nile cruise travellers · History enthusiasts
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and cruise boarding voucher
- SPF30+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and offer good grip
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Camera, spare batteries or charger
- Egyptian pounds for tips and small purchases
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- At temples and mosques, wear trousers or a long skirt and cover your shoulders
- Sturdy sandals or closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- A sun hat and UV-protective clothing
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 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 require their own cabin. Strollers can be used on the vessel's main decks but are difficult at many temple landing stages and inside ancient sites with steps or narrow passages. Cots and high chairs depend on supplier availability, so request them when booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding a Nile cruiser involves crossing a gangway, which may be steep or move with the river level. On board, some routes between decks and some cabins require stairs. Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, steps, steep ramps and sandy landing areas at sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. These conditions make wheelchairs and mobility scooters impractical at many sites. A folding wheelchair may be carried by arrangement, but access cannot be guaranteed throughout the excursion programme. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the proposed arrangements with the cruise supplier and assess each site visit realistically.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is owned and operated by a cruise line; we select and arrange the vessel rather than operate it. River vessels generally use diesel engines. Shore transport may be by air-conditioned coach, with smaller local motor launches used where the landing stage requires them. We prefer coaches with Euro 4 or better engines when available, but cannot guarantee a particular vehicle before arrangements are confirmed. We work repeatedly with local Egyptologists, boat crews and accommodation suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, directing bookings to businesses in the region. Refillable water may be available on board, depending on the cruise supplier; where it is not, use the recycling bins provided for empty bottles. Optional workshop or village visits can be arranged with local partners when available.
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 Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the specific duration and embarkation details for your holiday.02What is included in the price of the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise?
Your cruise includes full board, from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. It also covers the services of an Egyptologist for all shore excursions, and entrance fees to the sites visited as part of the programme.03What shore excursions are part of the cruise programme?
The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise includes visits to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These excursions are led by our expert Egyptologists.04What is the cabin configuration on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury?
The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury offers various cabin categories, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Most cabins feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, allowing you to enjoy the river scenery from your private space.05What is the food and drink policy on board?
The cruise operates on a full-board basis, covering all meals from lunch on your first day to breakfast on your last. This typically includes afternoon tea. Drinks (including water) are usually an additional charge.06Is the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children will require their own cabin.07What should I wear on a Nile cruise and during shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential, along with light, breathable clothing. When visiting religious sites, modest dress is required, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. On board, resort casual attire is generally appropriate.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. This period aligns with the UK's winter sun season. The summer months can be very hot, particularly for excursions.09What is the embarkation and disembarkation process like?
Embarkation and disembarkation typically occur in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen sailing direction. Our team will provide precise timings and details for your specific cruise, ensuring a smooth start and end to your journey.10Are there laundry facilities available on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury?
Yes, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury typically offers laundry services on board for an additional charge. You can enquire about the specific services and pricing once you have embarked on your cruise.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-289573
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
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