5-Star Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt
A 5-star Nile cruiser with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the selected category · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Excursion to Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings excursion · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking full-board Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Cruise details, cabin allocation, and sailing information are confirmed at booking.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged through the licensed operator.
02Overview
A first look
Late-afternoon light slides across the Nile as Sonesta St. George I leaves Luxor or Aswan, with palms, village roofs and desert edges passing beyond the panoramic windows. On sailing days, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room give the river a steady rhythm, while shore excursions bring the temples and tombs of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan into focus.
We arrange this 5-star vessel’s weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at either port. Our Egyptologists provide context ashore, while we confirm your cabin category, sailing details and full-board arrangements before departure. Drinks beyond water served with meals are usually extra, so the final booking information matters.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise connects Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme covers major archaeological sites along the Nile, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
Karnak and Luxor temples are located within Luxor, while Edfu lies approximately 105 km south of Luxor by road and Kom Ombo is approximately 170 km north of Aswan by road. Philae Temple is situated on Agilkia Island near Aswan and is reached by boat transfer. The Valley of the Kings is on the western bank of the Nile, approximately 7 km from central Luxor by road. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are covered; premium tombs and optional visits require separate arrangements.
Accommodation is provided in the cabin category selected at booking, with cabin classes generally graded as Standard, Deluxe, or Suite. Typical vessel facilities include a dining room, lounge bar, sun deck, and leisure areas; exact cabin layout, views, and onboard facilities are confirmed with the assigned cruise vessel. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra, while afternoon tea is commonly available on 5-star Nile vessels.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Luxor West Bank·Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts, couples, and families who want to combine accommodation, river sailing, and guided sightseeing. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven temple surfaces, stairs, and warm outdoor conditions.
What lingers
- 01Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 02Visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 03Excursion to Philae Temple near Aswan
- 04Time to explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank
- 05Weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
- 06Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines cabin accommodation, sailing on the Nile, full-board meals, and scheduled shore excursions at the principal riverside temples. Unlike a fixed single-direction departure, the programme offers weekly sailings in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available at Luxor or Aswan.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £5,136 |
| Double cabin | £3,353 |
| Triple cabin | £3,084 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £3,054 |
| Double cabin | £2,035 |
| Triple cabin | £1,881 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,360 |
| Double cabin | £1,596 |
| Triple cabin | £1,481 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £5,145 |
| Double cabin | £3,363 |
| Triple cabin | £3,094 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile cruise accommodation in the cabin category selected at booking
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion programme covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Optional premium visits or pyramid interiors not included in the confirmed programme
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the booking
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared shore excursions, subject to the confirmed cruise programme and supplier schedule. Travellers may request different cabin categories, a suite, a single cabin, private guiding, or additional pre- and post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan. Premium tombs and other optional visits can be added where availability permits.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise combines shipboard access with visits to archaeological sites where mobility can be challenging. Gangways may be narrow or steep, and cabin access may involve stairs if lifts do not serve every deck. Shore excursions include uneven stone paving, sand, narrow paths, steps and occasional steep ramps at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an accessibility review before booking. Assistance must be arranged in advance, and some areas may remain inaccessible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Insect repellent
- Required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler sailing mornings
- Comfortable shoes with good grip
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- Light sweater or jacket 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.
Location
On the map
– 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 local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Standard entrance fees for the listed sightseeing programme are included, while drinks beyond water, gratuities, personal expenses, and optional premium visits are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise typically operates as an eight-day programme, offering a comprehensive journey between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for ample time to enjoy sailing on the Nile and participate in the included shore excursions.02What is included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes your accommodation in the selected cabin category, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the full shore-excursion programme. Standard entrance fees for all included sightseeing are also covered.03What is not included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare excludes drinks beyond water served with meals, any single supplement charges, and gratuities. Optional premium visits, pyramid interiors not listed in the programme, and personal expenses are also not included.04What shore excursions are part of the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise programme?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise includes visits to major riverside sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are led by our Egyptologists.05What is the meal plan on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Water is served with meals, but other drinks are typically an additional charge.06Is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the 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 separate cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Evenings on board are casual. Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing on ancient sites.08What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise offers embarkation and disembarkation at either Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.09What is the accessibility like on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise and its excursions?
The Sonesta St. George I has elevators between decks, but shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, stairs, and sometimes sand. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking.10What is the best time of year to take the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, are hotter but still feasible for travel.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-372615
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