Stephanie Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser offering Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, full-board meals and shore visits to Karnak Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
The short answer
Stephanie is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £754 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile is already moving past date palms and low village banks, while the vessel’s engines add a steady hum beneath the sun deck. A panoramic window or Nile-view balcony gives the landscape its own quiet rhythm, with the lounge bar and dining room providing a calm place to sit between shore excursions.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus and the Valley of the Kings into focus without rushing the river itself. Sailing operates weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we select the sailing, arrange your cabin and coordinate the shore programme before embarkation.
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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £754double cabinsingle cabin £1,038 | May – September: from £479double cabinsingle cabin £580 | Peak dates: from £812double cabinsingle cabin £1,160 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £937double cabinsingle cabin £1,315 | May – September: from £570double cabinsingle cabin £705 | Peak dates: from £1,014double cabinsingle cabin £1,478 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,478double cabinsingle cabin £2,141 | May – September: from £836double cabinsingle cabin £1,072 | Peak dates: from £1,614double cabinsingle cabin £2,425 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,493double cabinsingle cabin £2,155 | May – September: from £850double cabinsingle cabin £1,087 | Peak dates: from £1,628double cabinsingle cabin £2,440 |
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
- 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo
- 04Visit Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Select a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin class
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Nile Cruise
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion programme including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement, if applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin class and specific cabin are available before confirming; Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are subject to availability.
- 02
Pack shoes with a firm grip for uneven stone surfaces at archaeological sites.
- 03
Bring a hat and high-factor sun protection for open-air visits, particularly in warmer months.
- 04
Keep a light layer handy for the vessel’s deck when river breezes make evenings cooler.
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
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in a private or shared shore-excursion format, subject to the sailing and supplier schedule.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine river travel with guided access to Egypt’s principal Upper Egyptian monuments. Travellers should be comfortable with heat, steps, uneven archaeological surfaces and early shore excursions
- private arrangements may be preferable for guests requiring a slower pace.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout or want a holiday with few early starts and little walking. Families needing more than one child in a cabin should note that children must share with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan with visits to six major sites.
- Sailing days provide a change of pace from archaeological visits.
Things to Consider
- Early shore excursions can mean short nights or rushed mornings.
- Ancient sites have uneven ground, stairs and limited shade.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Popular winter sailings can bring busier visits at major sites.
Where it fits
The Stephanie Nile Cruise fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, linking the two cities through a shore-excursion programme.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour by road, this Nile cruise combines sailing days with organised shore excursions at major archaeological sites. Unlike a cruise-only booking, the arranged package includes the listed excursion programme and full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation; drinks (including water) and optional premium entrances remain separate.
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 £754 pp
- Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £754 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
- Accommodation
- Deluxe five-star Nile vessel offering Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- A stay aboard a Nile cruise · Full board, from lunch on the day of embarkation until breakfast on the day of disembarkation · Shore excursion to Karnak Temple · Shore excursion to Luxor Temple · Excursion ashore to Edfu’s Temple of Horus · Excursion ashore to Kom Ombo · Excursion ashore to Philae · Excursion ashore to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Those visiting Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for an itinerary based on the river
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and travel documents
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Sun cream with SPF 50 or above
- A reusable water bottle
- A small bag for shore excursions
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for hot days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest attire for religious sites
- Secure walking shoes for uneven surfaces
- Light layer for evenings and air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, while children aged 12 and over are charged the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are unsuitable for gangways, narrow spaces onboard and uneven temple surfaces. High chairs depend on the vessel assigned, so please request one before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Shore excursions involve walking over uneven ancient stone, sand and cobbled surfaces, with limited shade at some sites. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings can require extended walking and steps. Boarding the vessel uses a gangway, which can be steep or narrow depending on river level and port position. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be reached by stairs. Wheelchair access cannot be confirmed without knowing the assigned vessel and its arrangements. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact us before booking so we can check boarding access, onboard routes and the practical demands of the excursions with the cruise line.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The assigned cruise vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and the shore-excursion programme with local Egyptian suppliers. Port transfers, where included in the confirmed arrangements, use locally contracted vehicles rather than a fixed company-owned fleet. Shore visits support Egyptian Egyptologists, licensed drivers, Nile boat crews, port workers and businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste, water and energy systems vary between vessels, so we do not make blanket environmental claims. Carrying a refillable bottle, reducing single-use plastic and following onboard waste instructions are practical ways to limit personal waste.
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 Stephanie Nile Cruise?
The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with visits ashore. The exact sequence of ports and excursion times can vary with the final sailing arrangements, so check your travel documents for the schedule that applies to your departure.02Where does the Stephanie Nile Cruise sail, and how do embarkation arrangements work?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place at one of these ports, according to the sailing you book. Transfer arrangements and boarding times depend on your final travel plan; we confirm the details before departure. This is a vessel-based cruise, not a shore tour with a pickup point.03What meals are included on the Stephanie Nile Cruise?
Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra. The inclusion does not specify afternoon tea, so please check the details for your selected sailing rather than assuming it is provided.04What is not included in the Stephanie Nile Cruise?
Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.05What is the child cabin policy on the Stephanie 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. Confirm the cabin arrangement when booking, as cabin classes are subject to availability.06Is the Stephanie Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on both the vessel and the shore excursions. Ancient sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings can involve uneven ground, sand, steps and substantial walking. Tell us about mobility needs before booking, and we'll confirm whether step-free access or a lift is available and check the specific arrangements.07What should I wear and bring on the Stephanie Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and water for shore excursions in the Egyptian sun. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques. Casual clothing is suitable on board. Temperatures vary by season, so pack an extra layer for cooler evenings, particularly during winter sun months.08Can I take photographs during Stephanie Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside a tomb or museum, as restrictions may apply and camera use may require separate permission. Do not photograph people without their consent. The cruise details do not specify any photography rules on board.09When is the best time to take the Stephanie Nile Cruise?
The cooler months, broadly October to April, are generally more comfortable for visiting sites along the Nile. Summer brings much higher daytime temperatures, especially during outdoor excursions at Luxor and Aswan.10Which ancient sites are visited on the Stephanie Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursions take place on alternating days between periods of sailing on the Nile. The order and timing of individual visits depend on the sailing schedule and local arrangements.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-579713
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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