Soleil Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck, lounge bar and dining room; full-board dining and guided shore excursions, 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
Soleil Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cruise Cabin Categories: Standard, Deluxe, Suite
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions as per vessel programme · Use of sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room · Service of on-board crew and captain
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects and arranges this cruise for travellers.
- Cabins, meals, and shore excursions are booked as part of a structured cruise programme with a cruise-line-operated vessel.
- Scheduled temple visits are coordinated in advance, reducing logistics for travellers moving between Luxor and Aswan.
- Support is available through Discovery Tours Egypt before and during travel for itinerary coordination and booking assistance.
- Traveller reviews and repeat bookings are commonly used to assess cruise quality, cabin category, and excursion pacing.
02 Overview
A first look
Late-afternoon light on the Nile smells of warm timber and baking river mud, while the sun deck softens from heat to amber and palms slip by in slow succession. Panoramic windows and Nile-view cabins turn the passing landscape into a quiet rhythm; in the lounge bar guests swap notes about tomb reliefs and temple columns before dinner.
We hand-pick this vessel and arrange bookings with the cruise line rather than running the boat ourselves, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. One of our Egyptologists meets guests at embarkation to outline the shore-excursion programme and practical notes for your time on the Nile.
Background
The facts
Soleil Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel that sails between Luxor and Aswan, the two main embarkation ports used for Upper Egypt cruise traffic. The route follows the Nile corridor between the southern city of Aswan and Luxor, where the riverfront distance is roughly 200 km by water, with shore-excursion stops arranged along the way.
The vessel’s excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. Karnak and Luxor are located on the east bank at Luxor; the Valley of the Kings is on the west bank opposite the city; Edfu lies between Luxor and Aswan; Kom Ombo is north of Aswan; and Philae is reached from Aswan by boat transfer to Agilkia Island.
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, with Nile views where available. Public areas typically include a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travellers to connect the cruise with flights, hotel stays, or longer Egypt itineraries.
Full Board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, optional visits, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, and flights are separate unless specifically added to the booking arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Named in this entry
Nile River · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided temple visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is a strong fit for adults, couples, and families who are comfortable with several days of moving between sightseeing and sailing days, with moderate walking at archaeological sites.
What lingers
- 01 Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes with Nile views where available
- 02 Sun deck with panoramic views for sunset and reading
- 03 Shore-excursion programme calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04 Full Board service, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 05 Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so schedules suit connecting travel plans
- 06 Lounge bar and dining room for onboard meals and briefings
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Egypt trip, this cruise combines accommodation, meals, and scheduled temple visits while sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with a fixed one-way land transfer, the river route reduces repeated packing and unpacking and groups the main Upper Egypt monuments into one itinerary. It is also different from a private day tour because the sightseeing is built around the vessel’s excursion programme and onboard schedule.
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.
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Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | May to September | October to April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
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
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin grade on board the vessel
- Full Board, defined as lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions in the vessel programme to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- Use of public areas including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Service of the on-board crew and captain
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Optional shore excursions or premium visits not listed in the vessel programme
- Gratuities and tipping for crew and guides unless requested
- Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel nights and transfers
- International or domestic flights
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be booked in different cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, and Nile-view options may be available where offered by the cruise line. Travellers can also combine the cruise with pre- or post-cruise hotels, extra transfers, or additional sightseeing in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo. Private arrangements can be added around the cruise for travellers who want a more tailored Egypt itinerary.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves multiple embarkation and shore excursions that present moderate physical demands. Expect gangway boarding with a short ladder or ramp, staircases between deck levels, and uneven surfaces on temple landings including cobbles, low doorways and carved stone steps. Some shore landings use small motor launches with a short step down onto soft sand or river quays. Wheelchair users can access certain public areas on board, but standard cabins are not fully wheelchair-accessible and lift access is limited. If you require step-free embarkation, a wheelchair-accessible cabin, or additional assistance, tell us before booking so we can confirm feasibility with the cruise line. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we will check specific accessibility options, recommend which shore visits are more suitable for reduced mobility, and arrange alternatives where possible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital booking voucher
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a broad-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Small daypack for water, camera and personal items
- Reusable water bottle for refilling on board where available
- Any prescription medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Plug adaptor for European two-pin plugs (220V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirts or trousers for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven ancient stone
- Smart casual clothing for the dining room and evening briefings
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. The cruise line can supply a cot on request where cabin space allows; bring any special child foods or medicines as these may not be stocked. Strollers are practical on quays and around public areas on board, but they are not usable on uneven temple approaches, inside most tombs, or on small landing launches.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel-powered river engines designed for Nile navigation, and smaller locally registered motor launches are used for temple landings. Caterers, launch crews and many excursion guides are Egyptian-registered suppliers, which keeps expenditure in the communities the cruise visits. Licensed Egyptologists for shore visits are contracted locally and paid through the cruise line or local suppliers. The cruise line discourages single-use plastics where ship policy permits, and provides refill stations or reusable water bottles for guests in many sailings. If you prefer specific low-impact options, for example locally sourced meals, avoiding souvenir purchases from middlemen, or minimising motor-launch transfers, tell us at booking and we will pass those requests to the cruise provider for confirmation.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
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Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
Soleil Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the chosen cabin grade, Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Public areas include a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by the cruise line.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 What is the typical duration of a Soleil Nile Cruise?
The Soleil Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. These options allow guests to experience the key historical sites along the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation available in either city. -
02 What is included in the Full Board meal plan on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Full Board on the Soleil Nile Cruise includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers all main meals served in the vessel's dining room. Drinks beyond water with meals are generally an additional charge. -
03 Which historical sites are visited during the Soleil Nile Cruise shore excursions?
The Soleil Nile Cruise shore excursion programme includes visits to significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These excursions are scheduled as part of the vessel's programme. -
04 What is the policy for children on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. -
05 What should I wear on the Soleil Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
Comfortable, light clothing is recommended for both on-board activities and shore excursions. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is advisable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites. -
06 What are the cabin options available on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
The Soleil Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, from Standard to Suite. While specific sizes vary, all cabins provide comfortable accommodation. Many feature panoramic windows or balconies, allowing for views of the Nile as you sail. -
07 Is the Soleil Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Soleil, have gangways that can be steep depending on river levels and docking conditions. On-board, there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand, which may be challenging for some guests. -
08 What is the best time of year to take a Soleil Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt. -
09 Are gratuities included in the Soleil Nile Cruise package?
Gratuities and tipping for the on-board crew and guides are not included in the standard Soleil Nile Cruise package. This allows guests to tip at their discretion based on service quality. Specific guidance on customary amounts can be provided before travel. -
10 Who operates the Soleil Nile Cruise vessel?
The Soleil Nile Cruise vessel is owned and operated by a dedicated cruise line. Discovery Tours Egypt hand-picks this cruise for its quality and arranges your booking with the cruise line, coordinating all aspects of your trip on the ground.
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 1 July 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-460310
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