The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Five-star cabins with Nile-view windows or private balconies, plus full-board dining, a panoramic sun deck and a lounge bar.
The short answer
The Oberoi Philae is a Signature Collection Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Tuesday or Saturday for 4 nights to Luxor, or in Luxor on a Tuesday or Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan. Fares start from £3,873 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Typical calls include Karnak, Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings), Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Tuesdays and Saturdays | October – April: from £3,873double cabinsingle cabin £6,202 | May – September: from £3,252double cabinsingle cabin £4,417 | Peak dates: from £4,941double cabinsingle cabin £8,027 |
| 4 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Tuesdays and Saturdays | October – April: from £3,873double cabinsingle cabin £6,202 | May – September: from £3,252double cabinsingle cabin £4,417 | Peak dates: from £4,941double cabinsingle cabin £8,027 |
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
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 at midday and settle in with lunch. Later, visit the Nubian Museum — the finest introduction to the culture of the far south — followed by a cocktail reception and dinner on board. Stay overnight in Aswan.
- 2
Visit the island Temple of Philae and the High Dam in the morning, then sail north to Kom Ombo to see the twin temple of Sobek and Horus beside the water. Continue sailing to Edfu for the night.
- 3
Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, before sailing through the Esna lock and northwards to Luxor. Spend the night moored in Luxor.
- 4
Set off at dawn for the West Bank to see the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Medina, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Visit Luxor Temple and the vast temple complex of Karnak in the afternoon. Overnight in Luxor.
- 5
Have breakfast on board, then disembark at 8am for your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard in the late morning and head north towards Qena as lunch is served. Visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera in the afternoon, among Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Stay overnight near Qena.
- 2
Travel to the Temple of Seti I at Abydos, the great cult centre of Osiris, then sail south again to Luxor. Enjoy the afternoon on deck and visit the Luxor Museum in the evening. Stay overnight in Luxor.
- 3
Spend the day on the east bank, visiting the immense temple complex of Karnak in the morning and Luxor Temple later on. There is time to enjoy the ship in between. Stay overnight in Luxor.
- 4
Set off early for the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Medina, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Then sail south to Esna and pass through the lock. Stay overnight at Esna.
- 5
Set off at first light for Edfu and the Temple of Horus, before sailing onwards to Kom Ombo for an early-evening visit to the twin temple of Sobek and Horus. Spend the night at Kom Ombo.
- 6
Arrive in Aswan during the morning to see the island Temple of Philae and the High Dam, followed by an afternoon visit to the Nubian Museum. Stay overnight in Aswan.
- 7
Have breakfast on board, then disembark at 8am for your onward transfer.
What lingers
- 01Guided shore excursions led by our Egyptologist, including Valley of the Kings visits and Karnak Temple commentary.
- 02All meals on board, cabin service and scheduled transfers between Nile ports and your Cairo or Aswan hotel included.
- 03Late-morning departures ashore maximise cool hours; we avoid midday heat for temple walks where shade is limited.
- 04We do not cram four-site land itineraries into one afternoon; we schedule proper time at each temple.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Cabin accommodation in Standard, Deluxe or Suite class
- Daily cabin housekeeping
- Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and restaurant on board
- Shore-excursion programme while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- International flights and airport taxes
- Single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check your confirmed cabin grade for whether it has a Nile-view window or a private balcony.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for crew and Egyptologist gratuities.
- 03
Ask which shore excursions are scheduled on each sailing date before making independent plans in Luxor or Aswan.
- 04
Compare the single-occupancy supplement before booking if you will not be sharing a cabin.
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
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes; ask us to confirm availability and any price difference. Private visits, additional sites or extra nights on land before or after the cruise can be requested, subject to availability and separate arrangements.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Oberoi Philae suits couples, mature travellers and first-time visitors who want a cabin, full-board dining and scheduled sightseeing along the Nile. It works well for travellers who prefer organised shore excursions to arranging temple visits independently.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday instead if you need step-free access throughout or want complete control over each day’s schedule. The shore excursions involve outdoor sightseeing, steps and uneven ancient stone.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes.
- A sun deck and lounge bar provide space between excursions.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps and uneven ancient stone.
- Strong sun and limited shade can make midday sightseeing tiring.
- Drinks (including water) are extra.
- A single supplement typically applies to sole cabin occupancy.
Where it fits
The Oberoi Philae fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, linking the temples and tombs of both cities along the Nile.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most independent sightseeing requires travellers to arrange transport and site visits separately. The Oberoi Philae combines river sailing with an organised shore-excursion programme at named sites along the Luxor to Aswan route. Unlike a shore-based hotel stay, the vessel moves between Luxor and Aswan; cabin category and view depend on the selected grade.
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.
- The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor / Sat from Luxor/Aswan
From £2,924 pp
- Historia Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £2,378 pp
- Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £2,378 pp
The route
Aswan and Luxor
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Aswan or Luxor
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Cabin accommodation in Standard, Deluxe or Suite class · Daily cabin housekeeping · Sun deck access · Lounge bar access · Restaurant access · Shore-excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families · Travellers seeking full board · Guests preferring a choice of cabin classes
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- A sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and prescription copies
- Light rain jacket
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Closed, comfortable shoes for uneven temple and tomb floors
- A warmer layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Smart-casual clothing for restaurant evenings
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years 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 may be used on board but can be awkward at narrow gangways and small-boat landings. High chairs and child equipment depend on the assigned vessel and must be requested; availability is not guaranteed until confirmed.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has steps between decks, narrow gangways and, on some assignments, staircases between cabins and public areas. Elevators are not guaranteed. Shore excursions can involve uneven stone, cobbles, sand and steps, including at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo and tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access at these sites is limited and may depend on the landing conditions. We can request assistance at embarkation and discuss reduced-walking options with the local Egyptologist, but cannot promise that a wheelchair or electric mobility aid can be used throughout the vessel and excursions. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and access arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is supplied by a locally operating cruise partner; Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the booking but does not own or operate the vessel. Nile cruisers of this class generally use twin-diesel engines, and low-sulphur fuel may be requested where available. Transfers to the embarkation point are generally by air-conditioned road vehicle, while locally owned boats may be used for shore landings. Local Egyptologists and vessel crew are engaged through suppliers based in Egypt, supporting employment in the places visited. Fresh produce may be sourced from markets in Luxor and Aswan when available. Linen reuse and onboard waste sorting depend on the assigned vessel. Ask us before booking for the current supplier practices for your sailing.
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
01
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange qualified Egyptologists for excursions and local guides where required.02Are entrance fees and gratuities included?
We can pre-pay optional extras on request and we supply suggested tipping guidelines with your final itinerary.03
The exact order depends on navigation and local conditions; we adapt the programme to reduce driving and to visit cooler sites in the morning. Our Egyptologist briefs you before each visit and licensed local guides handle on-site commentary.04
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for temples and a light layer for evenings on deck. Temperatures often exceed 30–35°C between May and September, so a wide-brimmed hat, SPF30+ sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are essential. For temple and mosque visits ensure shoulders and knees are covered; lightweight cotton and a small daypack make moving between sites easier.05Is MS The Oberoi Phiale suitable for passengers with limited mobility?
The ship has gangway steps and some temple sites involve cobbles and uneven stone; full wheelchair access is not guaranteed. We can arrange many adjustments: closer parking, alternative temple routes and a main-deck cabin where available, but access varies by ship and site. Please tell us about mobility needs at enquiry so we can confirm specifics with the ship and local partners before booking.06
Excursions commonly start early, often before 07:00 for West Bank tomb visits and to avoid midday heat. Expect at least one early start and some walking on uneven ground; we schedule cooler visits for Karnak and Philae where possible. If you prefer later starts we can often re-order visits but this may affect which monuments are open that day and could increase short transfers.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-044757
At a glance
- Length
- 4 or 6 nights
- Embarks
- Tue, Wed or Sat in Luxor · Tue or Sat in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- Signature Collection
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