Sindbad Nile Cruise
Luxor to Aswan, classical temple route
The short answer
Sindbad is a 5-star 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
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
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.
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor.
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo during shore excursions.
- 03Explore Philae in Aswan.
- 04Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank.
- 05Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Lounge Bar
- Entertainment Area
- 24-hour Reception
- Air conditioning
- In-room safe
- Satellite TV
- En-suite bathrooms
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Sightseeing listed in the programme, accompanied by certified Egyptologist guides
- Admission to each attraction named in the programme
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- Applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- Gratuities for the crew, Egyptologist guide and drivers
- Optional excursions, including the hot-air balloon and Abu Simbel
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal spending
- Domestic flights, which can be arranged on request
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for cabin dimensions and whether the cabin has a Nile-view balcony before confirming, as these details are not supplied here.
- 02
Confirm which shore excursions are scheduled on your sailing, since the programme alternates visits ashore with sailing.
- 03
Allow time to check drinks pricing; drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- 04
For Philae, ask how the visit is timed against the day’s sailing and excursion schedule.
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
Ask us whether private guiding, additional site visits or a longer Egypt itinerary can be arranged; availability and any extra charges depend on the dates and suppliers.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Sindbad may suit adults and older teenagers interested in Egyptology who want to see major Nile Valley sites as part of a river cruise. It works best for travellers comfortable with scheduled shore excursions, time aboard and walking on uneven ancient stone.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access, a highly flexible schedule or detailed cabin facilities confirmed before booking. Travellers seeking a short, standalone sightseeing cruise should check the sailing schedule and embarkation arrangements before choosing.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone.
- Excursion timing follows the vessel’s sailing schedule, limiting flexibility.
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra.
Where it fits
Sindbad fits into a wider Egypt holiday that combines Cairo with time in Luxor and Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise programmes combine sailing with scheduled shore excursions at major riverbank sites. Sindbad’s stated programme includes visits at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings; exact excursion timings are not supplied.
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.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £852 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cruise cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Sindbad · Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursion programme at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion programme at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursion programme at Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers visiting Luxor and Aswan
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport, with at least six months’ validity
- Sun cream, SPF 30 or higher, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking footwear with good grip
- Reusable water bottle
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Personal medicines and a copy of any prescription
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven stone and tombs
- A light jumper or fleece for evenings on deck
- Sunglasses and a scarf for sun and dust
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 years 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 board but are often awkward at sites with steps, sand and uneven ground. High chairs may be available on some vessels; ask us to confirm before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise involves steps and uneven surfaces at several points, so moderate mobility is needed for boarding, leaving the vessel and joining shore excursions. Gangways may have steps, cabin doorways can be narrow, and some vessels have internal stairs between decks. At Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, expect uneven stone, steps and, in places, loose sand or narrow tomb passages. Wheelchair access, lifts and accessible cabins vary by the vessel assigned at booking; they cannot be assumed. Tell us if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or need help with steps, so we can check the vessel and discuss assistance at ports. Alternative routes may be possible at some sites, but not all difficult ground can be avoided.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange the cruise with locally based suppliers. Airport and pier transfers use air-conditioned cars or coaches provided by Egyptian drivers. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line, so its engine, fuel and waste systems depend on the ship assigned to your booking; we cannot verify a particular standard in advance. Food and provisions may be sourced from local markets and producers where available. Our shore-excursion programme visits archaeological sites and may include local crafts centres or cooperatives, where guests can choose to buy directly from artisans. Please use refillable water bottles where practical, follow the vessel’s waste guidance and stay within marked areas at archaeological sites. These are practical ways to limit waste and avoid damage, not a claim that cruising has no environmental impact.
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 do you sail on the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
Your confirmed sailing length and embarkation date depend on the selected arrangement, so check the details on your booking before you travel.02What happens at embarkation and disembarkation for the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. We arrange the relevant transfers and meet-and-assist service, with the details confirmed before travel. Allow time for boarding and shore excursions, and keep your travel documents and essential medication with you.03What is included with the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The arrangement includes sightseeing in the listed programme, entrance fees to the named attractions, Egyptologist-guided visits, transfers, arrival and departure assistance, taxes and service charges. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s operator.04What is not included on the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses and optional excursions are not included. Abu Simbel and hot-air balloon rides are examples of optional activities that can be arranged separately. Domestic flights are also excluded, though they may be arranged on request. Check the cancellation terms shown on the page before booking.05Is the Sindbad Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The vessel’s accessibility depends on cabin location, gangways and the facilities available at each landing point. Shore excursions can involve steps, uneven ancient paving and walking in heat, including at Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check what can be arranged.06What is the child policy on the Sindbad 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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring on the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for uneven temple paths. A light layer is useful on the river in cooler months. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees; carry water for shore excursions, particularly during warmer months.08Can I take photographs on the Sindbad Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
Photography is generally possible on board and at many outdoor sites, but rules vary by location. Some tombs and museum spaces restrict photography or require a separate camera ticket, and flash may be prohibited. Follow posted notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance; avoid photographing people without asking first.09When is the best time to sail on the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for shore excursions in Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, especially around midday, so plan for sun protection and follow your Egyptologist’s advice. Conditions vary by date, and sailing schedules are confirmed for the chosen departure.10Which sites are visited on the Sindbad Nile Cruise?
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Visits alternate with sailing on the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan. Abu Simbel is optional rather than part of the included programme.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-945133
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
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