Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, plus a shore-excursion programme to major sites.
The short answer
Sonesta St. George I 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 start from £1,624 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, palm shadows stripe the Nile’s banks and the river carries the Sonesta St. George I past fields and villages. A morning on the sun deck gives way to the cooler shade of the lounge bar, before the carved columns of Karnak Temple or the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings come into view with our Egyptologists. Unlike a land-based sightseeing holiday, the river remains part of the day, not simply the route between places.
Cabins, a dining room and a sun deck give the vessel distinct spaces for quiet time between shore excursions. Full board is included, but drinks are not, even with meals. We select and arrange the cruise with its owning cruise line, and confirm cabin allocation and sailing details when you book.
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. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,624double cabinsingle cabin £2,392 | Peak dates: from £2,262double cabinsingle cabin £3,682 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,096double cabinsingle cabin £3,120 | Peak dates: from £2,946double cabinsingle cabin £4,840 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £3,507double cabinsingle cabin £5,300 | Peak dates: from £4,995double cabinsingle cabin £8,309 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £3,522double cabinsingle cabin £5,314 | Peak dates: from £5,010double cabinsingle cabin £8,324 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days 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
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the shore-excursion programme.
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 03Visit Philae Temple near Aswan.
- 04Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Nile cruise cabin accommodation in the category confirmed at booking
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Standard entry charges for the sightseeing included in the programme
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Personal costs and services not listed in the booking
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children interested in ancient Egyptian history who want to combine river travel with guided sightseeing. Travellers should be comfortable boarding a vessel and walking around archaeological sites, where surfaces may be uneven and exposed to the sun.
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.
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,508 pp
- Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,798 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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and booking documents
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- A reusable bottle for water
- A small bag for shore excursions
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication you need
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers for cooler mornings
- Shoes with a secure grip
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool or sun deck, if available
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, while those aged 12 or 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. Compact strollers or carriers are more practical on gangways and uneven archaeological sites. Request high-chair availability before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access on board with visits to ancient sites where paths can be uneven. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings may involve stone paving, sand, steps, narrow paths and steep ramps. Gangways can be narrow or steep, and access between decks may involve stairs; lift coverage varies by vessel. Wheelchair access and cabin arrangements cannot be confirmed without details of the assigned vessel. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact us before booking so we can check the ship and excursion arrangements. Some areas may remain inaccessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges this cruise with an established Egyptian cruise supplier and local partners for shore excursions. Travelling by river concentrates accommodation, dining and transport on one vessel, reducing the need for repeated road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff and site teams support employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Environmental practices vary by vessel and supplier, so please follow onboard water and energy guidance, avoid unnecessary single-use plastic and place waste in designated bins. We do not claim that every vessel uses the same environmental systems.
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 Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. Your confirmed booking sets out the sailing dates and cabin allocation. The programme combines time on the Nile with visits to temples and archaeological sites along its banks.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
You can embark or disembark in either Luxor or Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning cruise line; we do not operate the vessel.03What is included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The booking includes accommodation in the cabin category selected, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing are covered. Full board begins with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04Which items are not included on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and the single supplement are not included. Nor are personal expenses or optional premium visits that are not named in your confirmed programme. Check the final arrangements for any service not itemised as included.05Is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The vessel has lifts between decks, but shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, stairs and sand. These conditions may make some visits difficult for travellers with limited mobility. Tell us about your specific requirements before booking so we can check what can be arranged; access varies by site and excursion.06What is the child policy on the Sonesta St. George I 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 how the applicable child rate will be reflected in your booking.07What clothing and belongings should I pack for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
Wear light clothing, a hat and comfortable shoes for excursions, and bring sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Daytime heat can be strong, particularly during summer. Choose modest clothing for visits to temples and other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Evenings aboard can feel cooler, so a light layer is useful.08Can I take photographs during the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance, particularly inside tombs and temple buildings, where restrictions may apply. Ask before photographing people. We'll confirm whether camera or photography charges apply at particular sites and whether they are included in the cruise arrangements.09When is the best time to take the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for shore excursions in Luxor and Aswan. Summer sailings are possible, but sightseeing can be demanding in the heat, especially around midday. In winter, bring a light layer for evenings. The season does not change the listed shore-excursion programme, though sailing details are confirmed at booking.10Which sites does the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a visit limited to Luxor’s monuments, the cruise programme also reaches sites along the river towards Aswan. The exact excursion arrangements are confirmed with your booking.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-372615
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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