Egypt Discovery
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Nile Cruise 5-Star Deluxe Aswan → Luxor

Sun Times Nile Cruise

At a glance

Length
4 days · 3 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

The short answer

Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

02 Overview

A first look

MS Sun Times runs scheduled four-day sailings between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Deir el‑Bahari, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all guided excursions and transfers.

Background

The facts

Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged at those two ports. On the Nile route, the vessel typically includes a shore-excursion programme to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are among the best-known archaeological sites in Upper Egypt and are commonly combined with river travel because they sit within practical reach of the Luxor–Aswan corridor.

Karnak Temple on Luxor’s east bank is one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt and was developed over many centuries, beginning in the Middle Kingdom and expanding through the New Kingdom. Luxor Temple, also on the east bank, is a major ceremonial temple linked to the ancient city of Thebes and is especially significant for its axial relationship with Karnak. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom period, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and lies roughly midway between Luxor and Aswan. Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, while Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to preserve it from rising waters. These sites are usually reached as part of planned shore excursions rather than independent city visits.

Cabins on this vessel are sold by grade, commonly from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on category. Onboard facilities typically include air conditioning, a lounge bar, dining room, spa facilities, rooftop terrace, WiFi in public areas, and a sun deck with a pool, which is a common place to spend late afternoons while sailing on the Nile.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Upper Egypt river itinerary with archaeological site visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is a good fit for first-time visitors, history-focused travelers, and couples who prefer a private cabin and full board dining over day-by-day hotel changes.

What lingers

  • 01 Four-day Nile cruise on MS Sun Times calling at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
  • 02 Guided visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) with our Egyptologist.
  • 03 All meals on board are included; shore-excursion entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated.
  • 04 Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we provide private transfers rather than large coach group transfers.
  • 05 Early starts and walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites mean sensible footwear and a 06:00 wake-up are common.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

On property

What's here

  • non-smoking
  • air-conditioning
  • pool
  • restaurant
  • room-service
  • laundry
  • spa
  • bar
  • wifi
  • garden
  • rooftop-terrace

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Full board meals, as listed: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Use of onboard facilities including sun deck and pool where present
  • Shore-excursion programme arranged by the vessel to named archaeological sites

Not included

  • Drinks beyond still water served with meals
  • Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists
  • Optional premium visits such as pyramid interiors or private guided tomb entries
  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Transfers between airports and embarkation/disembarkation ports unless explicitly added

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

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.

Location

On the map

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 What is included in the 4-day MS Sun Times Nile cruise?
    The cruise fare normally includes your cabin, full-board meals, routine port fees and standard on-board services. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we confirm exactly what is included at booking. Optional items commonly excluded are private shore excursions, premium alcoholic drinks, Pyramid interior tickets and international flights; we can pre-arrange any of these. If you need a precise inclusions list for your booking, ask us and we will send the ship’s passenger information sheet.
  2. 02 How do I reach the MS Sun Times and what are embarkation times?
    We confirm the embarkation pier and boarding time at least 48 hours before departure. We can arrange hotel transfers in Egypt if booked in advance; otherwise you should plan to arrive at the designated harbour at the stated check-in time. Expect passport checks, luggage handling and a short safety briefing; embarkation formalities typically take 30–60 minutes depending on passenger numbers. Unlike single-day shore excursions, a cruise night means you remain on board between ports rather than returning to a land hotel each evening.
  3. 03 Are the cabins on MS Sun Times air-conditioned and what cabin types are available?
    Cabins on Nile cruise ships are air-conditioned and include en-suite facilities and daily housekeeping. Cabin categories commonly offered are twin, double and single layouts across lower, middle and sun decks; exact deck placement and cabin dimensions vary by vessel. If you have a cabin preference (deck level, bed type or interconnecting cabins), tell us at booking and we will request it with the ship – allocation is subject to availability. We recommend confirming cabin specs on your booking confirmation before travel.
  4. 04 Is Wi‑Fi available on board the MS Sun Times?
    Wi‑Fi is usually available onboard Nile cruise ships but signal strength can be intermittent and slower than hotel connections. Satellite or shore-based connections can drop when the ship is between ports; many guests buy a local SIM for reliable data ashore. The ship may charge for higher-speed or guaranteed data packages; we can confirm the operator’s current Wi‑Fi policy for your sailing. For work-critical needs, request specifics before you travel so we can advise alternatives.
  5. 05 Are gratuities, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages included in the fare?
    Gratuities and premium alcoholic drinks are commonly excluded from basic Nile cruise fares. Some cruises include tea, coffee and basic soft drinks with meals but policies vary by operator and ticket; bottled water provision also differs. Tipping the crew and guides is customary in Egypt; we can add a pre-paid gratuity option to your reservation if you prefer. Ask us to supply the ship’s bar and gratuity policy for your departure so there are no surprises.
  6. 06 Is the MS Sun Times suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
    Many Nile cruise ships have limited wheelchair access and involve steps and narrow gangways. Shore landings often require climbing steps from small boats or stepping onto uneven river banks; historical sites ashore can have cobbles, stairs and rough terrain. The ship’s crew can assist where practical, but full wheelchair-accessible cabins and lifts are rare on traditional Nile vessels; please tell us your exact mobility needs at enquiry. If mobility is a primary concern, we will advise whether MS Sun Times is appropriate or suggest alternative arrangements.

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 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-129926

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