Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise
The vessel offers broad picture windows, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining and guided shore excursions.
The short answer
Sanctuary Sun Boat III 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 Sun Boat III is the most intimate ship in the Sanctuary Retreats fleet — just 18 keys in a 1920s-inspired style — sailing Luxor–Aswan with private Egyptologist guiding and some of the finest dining on the river. 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
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week.
- 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo.
- 04The excursion programme also includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard site entrance fees are included.
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
Confirm the sailing direction before choosing flights, as embarkation and disembarkation are in different cities.
- 02
Ask which cabin class is available and whether its windows face the Nile before confirming the booking.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water), as these are typically extra.
- 04
Allow time ashore for uneven ancient paving and exposed areas, particularly during warmer months.
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
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide the stated cabin-class choices, subject to availability. The shore-excursion programme covers the listed temples and archaeological sites; ask us whether a visit or extra time at a particular site can be arranged. You can also enquire about extending your stay in Luxor or Aswan.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older teenagers interested in ancient Egyptian sites, with time to enjoy sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Couples, solo travellers and families who are comfortable with scheduled shore excursions may appreciate having meals and accommodation arranged together
- fares are priced per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay instead if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. The shore excursions involve walking over uneven ancient stone, and summer heat can make them demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The programme also reaches Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of accommodation.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites have uneven stone and limited step-free access.
- Summer excursions can be uncomfortable in high temperatures.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged extra.
- A single supplement typically applies to solo travellers.
Where it fits
This cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with Cairo added before or after for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a sightseeing tour without accommodation, a cruise combines nights aboard with shore excursions at scheduled stops.
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 cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to Edfu Temple of Horus · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Luxury cruise travellers · Couples · Solo travellers · Egypt history enthusiasts
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and booking confirmation
- Travel insurance details and emergency contact
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- SPF 30+ sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
- Light daypack and refillable water bottle
- Plug adapter for type C or F sockets, 220V
- Any required medication and personal mobility aids
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Closed, non-slip shoes for uneven archaeological ground
- Smart-casual clothing for dinner
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years and older 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 a separate cabin. Cots and extra beds are limited and must be requested when booking. Strollers can be used in some areas on board but may be awkward at stepped gangways and landing stages.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding a Nile cruiser usually involves steps from the embarkation pontoon, narrow gangways and uneven surfaces at landing stages. Cabins and public areas are commonly linked by fixed staircases, and a lift may not be available. Shore excursions can include uneven stone, sand, steps and short climbs, including at the Valley of the Kings and Philae. Wheelchair access on board is limited, and a folding wheelchair may only be practical on a vessel that can accommodate it with advance notice and assistance. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss which visits may be manageable. Handrails and seating are available in many public areas, but step-free access cannot be assumed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the booking with local suppliers. Transfers associated with the cruise may use air-conditioned coaches, with Euro 4 or better emissions standards where available. In Luxor and Aswan, we ask suppliers to reduce unnecessary vehicle journeys where practical. The reference information for this cruise states that most vessels use central waste separation and water-saving fixtures, and that linen reuse is offered only with guests' agreement; arrangements can vary by assigned vessel, so please check before booking. On-board meals may include locally sourced produce and Nile-caught fish when seasonally available. Egyptian crew, Egyptologists and shore guides provide local employment. Buying crafts directly from workshops in Luxor or Aswan can also direct spending to local makers.
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 Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
The exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on the sailing you book, so check the dates shown on the page before making travel plans.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan. The sailing may run in either direction, so check your booking details to confirm which city begins your cruise and which ends it. We arrange the cruise booking and coordinate the arrangements around your embarkation and disembarkation.03What is included on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
Full Board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The vessel has a sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room, with panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies available in some cabins. Shore excursions form part of the cruise programme; confirm the precise arrangements for your sailing before departure.04What is not included on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are typically extra, and gratuities are not included unless requested. Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying when you travel alone. Cancellation and refund terms vary, so refer to the terms shown on this product page before booking.05Is the Sanctuary Sun Boat III suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on your mobility needs and the cabin and excursion arrangements for your sailing. Boarding, moving around the vessel and visiting ancient sites can involve steps, uneven stone and outdoor walking. Tell us about any access requirements before booking so we can check what can be arranged with the cruise line.06Can children travel on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing for warm hours, with a layer for cooler evenings in winter. Shore visits can involve uneven stone and limited shade. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees; carry water for excursions.08Can I take photographs during the Sanctuary Sun Boat III shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so follow signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance. Some tombs and interiors may restrict photography or require a separate permission or ticket. Ask before taking photographs of people, and do not assume flash or tripods are allowed.09When is the best time to take the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
November to March is generally the cooler season for visiting Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Temperatures rise in summer, particularly around midday at exposed archaeological sites. Winter is also a busy travel period, so check sailing availability for your preferred dates before arranging flights.10Which sites are visited on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Days alternate between sailing on the Nile and visits ashore. The exact sequence can vary with the sailing direction and cruise arrangements.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-734098
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
Nile7 Nights
Nebu Nile Cruise
Nebu Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Luxor West Bank. We keep Egyptologist groups to a maximum of eight guests, avoiding large lecture-style crowds. We arrange private transfers, meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, and English-speaking Egyptologists who lead the guided visits to the High Dam, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; ask us about the optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan.
Nile7 Nights
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.
From £1,484