Semiramis II Nile Cruise

The short answer

Semiramis II Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile vessel experience covering Luxor, Aswan and scheduled shore excursions, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Nile cruise cabin

Destinations

Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cabin aboard Semiramis II · Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore excursions at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Standard site entrance fees

Best for

Nile cruise travellers · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin

What lingers

• 01Sail on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly departures in both directions.
• 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor shore-excursion programme.
• 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temple complex at Kom Ombo.
• 04Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings as part of the available shore excursions.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most Nile cruise descriptions focus on a single Luxor to Aswan sailing. Semiramis II sails weekly in both directions, with shore excursions at sites including Edfu and Philae. Unlike a land-based sightseeing package, this product centres on the vessel and its cabin classes, with excursions scheduled between sailing periods.

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.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• ·Swimming pool
• ·Barbecue area
• ·Sun Deck
• ·Restaurant
• ·Panoramic lounge & bar
• ·Gift shop / Boutique
• ·Wireless Internet (Wi‑Fi)
• ·Laundry service
• ·24-hour reception
• ·Air-conditioned throughout
• ·Doctor on call

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   At Karnak, allow time to look closely at the inscribed columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall, not just the central route.

2. 02

   At Edfu, agree a return time with your excursion organiser before exploring the temple grounds.

3. 03

   Carry a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cool after sunset.

4. 04

   Choose footwear with a firm sole for uneven stone at temple and tomb sites.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Choose among Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, subject to availability; pricing is per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies. Semiramis II sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so you can enquire about the direction that best fits your plans. Ask us whether extra sightseeing or additional nights can be arranged around the cruise.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Accessibility varies because the cruise vessel is assigned at booking. Embarkation and disembarkation may involve a fixed gangway, steps and changes in level, and some cabins or shared areas may only be reached by stairs. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient stone, compacted sand, steps and narrow doorways. Visits can involve standing and walking for up to 60 to 90 minutes. A compact manual wheelchair may help with some gangway transfers, but access at sites cannot be assured. Tell us about mobility, stamina, visual or hearing needs before booking so we can check arrangements with the cruise line and local guides.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The cruise vessel uses its standard river propulsion system; fuel use and emissions depend on the vessel and sailing conditions. Transfers, where required, are arranged using local vehicles, typically modern minibuses that meet local emissions norms. We book local Egyptologists and excursion teams and pay suppliers directly in Egyptian pounds. Our supplier arrangements support local employment, although we cannot verify the wider environmental impact of each partner. During shore excursions, guests are encouraged to refill reusable bottles on board rather than use single-use plastic bottles. We also ask guests to respect local customs and communities at sites and markets. Community activities depend on the excursion programme and are not guaranteed on every sailing.

• 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

Before you go

What to pack & wear

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

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• The Valley of the KingsRight here
• Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Compare Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin options

2. 02

   We arrange access to the named Nile shore excursions

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Semiramis II Nile Cruise?

   The Semiramis II Nile Cruise is listed here as an eight-day product. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, though the precise sailing dates and time aboard depend on the arrangement you choose. Check your confirmed itinerary for your embarkation and disembarkation dates.
2. 02Where do I embark and disembark on the Semiramis II?

   Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. We arrange the port transfers and coordinate the cruise booking. Your final documents confirm the port, arrival arrangements and timings, so use those details rather than assuming the same port for every departure.
3. 03What is included in the Semiramis II Nile Cruise?

   The listed package includes full-board meals, an English-speaking Egyptologist for the sightseeing programme, entrance fees to listed attractions and air-conditioned airport and port transfers. It also includes meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, one bottle of water per person each day, service charges and taxes. The group size is limited to eight participants.
4. 04What is not included in the Semiramis II Nile Cruise?

   Drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities are not included unless your confirmed arrangement says otherwise. Entry to pyramid interiors and premium tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun or Seti I, is also excluded unless specifically requested. Review the page’s cancellation terms before booking, as refund conditions depend on those terms.
5. 05Is the Semiramis II suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   Mobility needs should be discussed with us before booking, as access can vary between the vessel and individual shore sites. Ancient temples and tombs may involve uneven stone, steps, sloping surfaces and limited shade. Tell us what assistance you need so we can check the relevant arrangements; do not assume every excursion is step-free.
6. 06What is the children’s policy on the Semiramis II 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 cruise price is per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Semiramis II Nile Cruise?

   Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and comfortable shoes for uneven temple surfaces. A light layer is useful inside air-conditioned spaces. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. Bring swimwear only if you expect to use the vessel’s pool; confirm its availability for your sailing.
8. 08Can I take photographs during Semiramis II shore excursions?

   Photography rules differ between sites, tombs and exhibits, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some interiors may restrict photography or require a separate permission or ticket. Do not use flash where prohibited, and ask before photographing local people. Camera and phone rules can change at individual attractions.
9. 09When is the best time to take the Semiramis II Nile Cruise?

   The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor, Aswan and the open-air temples. Summer brings stronger heat, especially around midday, so shore visits can feel demanding. Whichever season you travel, carry water, sun protection and a hat, and follow your Egyptologist’s advice at each site.
10. 10Which sites does the Semiramis II visit between Luxor and Aswan?

    The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing and site visits alternate along the river route, rather than forming a day-long sequence at one place. The exact order depends on the sailing direction and confirmed programme.