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
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Soleil Nile Cruise is an 8-day river cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt’s principal temple sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Soleil Nile Cruise includes accommodation in a chosen cabin grade, Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking with the cruise line, and the vessel is operated by a third-party supplier.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation in chosen cabin grade · Full Board, from lunch on the day of embarkation until breakfast on the day of disembarkation · Scheduled shore excursions in the vessel programme · Use of the sun deck · Use of the lounge bar and dining room · On-board crew and captain
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Small groups · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing on included shore excursions
- Full Board and excursion programme are stated clearly in advance
- On-the-ground support is available throughout the trip planning and travel process
What lingers
- 01Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades, with Nile views where available.
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin-sanctuary temple at Kom Ombo.
- 04The programme also includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05Spend sailing time on the sun deck or in the lounge bar and dining room.
02Overview
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 operates between Luxor and Aswan on scheduled sailings in both directions. It is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, which books the cruise with the cruise line; the vessel itself is operated by the third-party cruise line. Accommodation is offered in graded cabin categories, typically Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile views where available.
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes major Upper Egypt monuments and temple sites associated with the classic Luxor–Aswan Nile route. These generally include Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city centre, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin temple complex at Kom Ombo, and the island temple of Philae near Aswan. These sites are separated by river distances that make overland connections impractical, which is why they are commonly combined into a multi-day river itinerary.
Full Board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Public spaces on the vessel include a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, which are used for meals, relaxation and the cruise programme. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and any optional visits are usually extra.
Luxor and Aswan are the embarkation and disembarkation ports, and weekly sailings in both directions allow travellers to connect the cruise with flights, hotel stays or other Egypt itineraries. Typical Nile cruising between these cities is chosen for its access to Pharaonic monuments, temple complexes and river scenery rather than for rapid point-to-point transport.
Named in this entry
Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus, Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Upper Egypt·Pharaohs of the New Kingdom
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a structured Nile experience with guided temple visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is well matched to couples, small groups and first-time visitors, especially adults and older children who are comfortable with repeated temple visits and some steps at monument sites.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or find several sightseeing visits tiring. Summer departures also require tolerance for intense heat at inland sites such as the Valley of the Kings.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- The programme also calls at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades offer a choice of comfort
- A sun deck provides open views along the Nile
Things to Consider
- Uneven ground, sand and steps limit access at ancient sites
- Limited shade at archaeological sites can make midday visits uncomfortable
- Drinks beyond water with meals are extra
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels and transfers are not included
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-based Egypt itinerary, this vessel combines accommodation and transport while sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with included shore excursions at the main temple and tomb sites along the route. Compared with a day tour, it offers more time at each stop and removes the need to organise separate hotels and transfers between Upper Egypt cities. It is also different from a privately arranged boat charter, because the sailing programme, cabin categories and included excursions follow the cruise line’s published 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
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- On-board accommodation in your selected cabin grade
- Meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- The vessel’s planned shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- Access to shared spaces, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- On-board service from the crew and captain
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Optional shore excursions and premium visits outside the vessel’s programme
- Crew and guide gratuities, unless requested
- Hotel stays and transfers before embarkation or after disembarkation
- International and domestic flights
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin positions have Nile views available before confirming a cabin grade.
- 02
Keep drinks beyond water with meals separate from your onboard food budget.
- 03
Check whether any premium tomb visits or optional shore excursions are offered, as they are not part of the listed programme.
- 04
Allow time for the boat transfer from Aswan to Agilkia Island when planning your visit to Philae.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose between cabin grades such as Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability, and may request a single cabin with the relevant supplement. Discovery Tours Egypt can also arrange pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers and broader Egypt extensions, while optional visits or upgraded experiences can be added where available. The cruise can be paired with other private touring in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo or the Red Sea.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Soleil fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, linking the Nile’s main temples and archaeological sites. Add nights in either city to see its sights beyond the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
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.
– 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.
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
What to bring
- Passport and booking voucher
- Broad-brimmed hat and SPF30+ sunscreen
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Small daypack for water and personal items
- Reusable water bottle, refill options vary
- Personal medication and motion-sickness remedies if needed
- European two-pin plug adaptor, 220V
What to wear
- Breathable, lightweight clothes for hot days
- A shawl or light jumper for cooler Nile evenings
- For temples and mosques, cover your shoulders and wear skirts or trousers that reach the knee
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes with closed toes for uneven ancient stone paths
- Smart casual clothing for the dining room and evening briefings
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 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 useful on quays and in public areas but are impractical on uneven temple approaches and inside most tombs. Cots may be available on request, subject to cabin space. Bring any special food or medicines your child needs.
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.
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
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- The Temple of Horus in EdfuRight here
- The Temple at Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit Karnak, Edfu and Philae on scheduled excursions
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Soleil Nile Cruise?
The listed Soleil Nile Cruise holiday is 8 days, but the number of nights aboard depends on the confirmed arrangement. The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city. Check your final itinerary for the exact sailing dates, ports and time spent on board.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing arrangement. Pre-cruise and post-cruise transfers and hotel nights are not included in the listed cruise arrangements. We can confirm the port and help coordinate onward transport when your dates and travel plans are known.03What is included on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
The booking includes accommodation in your selected cabin class, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the vessel's scheduled excursions. The programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, along with access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.04What is not included in the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Drinks beyond water with meals, optional excursions or premium visits outside the scheduled programme, gratuities, flights and pre- or post-cruise hotels and transfers are excluded. Full board covers meals within the stated embarkation-to-disembarkation window; it does not mean drinks are included. Cancellation conditions are those shown on the product page.05Is the Soleil Nile Cruise suitable for guests with mobility concerns?
Mobility access depends on the vessel's gangway and river level, and shore visits include uneven ancient stone and sand. The product information does not confirm step-free access or lift facilities, so please tell us about any mobility needs before booking. We can check the relevant arrangements rather than assume the vessel or sites will be accessible.06What is the child policy on the Soleil 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. Cabin availability and the final family arrangement should be confirmed when you enquire.07What should I wear and bring on the Soleil Nile Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, sun protection, a hat, water and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at sites such as the Valley of the Kings. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. A light layer can be useful in cooler winter evenings. Pack any personal medication you may need during the sailing.08Can I take photographs during Soleil Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and individual tombs, so check posted instructions before taking pictures. Some areas may restrict photography or require a separate permission or ticket; these are not confirmed as included. Ask your Egyptologist before photographing people, religious activity or staff, and avoid flash where signs prohibit it.09When is the best time to take the Soleil Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for visits in Luxor and Aswan; summer heat can be intense in Upper Egypt. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, but your preferred dates depend on the confirmed schedule. In winter, take a layer for cooler mornings and evenings.10Which sites does the Soleil Nile Cruise visit?
The scheduled shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then sites along the Nile such as Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The sequence depends on the sailing direction and vessel programme. Optional premium visits beyond that programme are not included.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-460310
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