Tulip Nile Cruise
Tulip is a five-star Nile vessel with three cabin classes, shaded sun-deck seating, full-board dining and an indoor lounge bar.
The short answer
Tulip 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 £1,513 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
From the sun deck, the Nile slips past in bands of green, with palms and riverside villages breaking the wide, quiet view. A shaded lounger gives you time to watch the banks change; indoors, the saloon and lounge bar offer a cooler place to read or listen to an evening lecture. Meals are served in the dining room, while cabins range from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies in many rooms.
Unlike bus-centred group touring, much of the journey unfolds at river level. We arrange your cabin and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme, so embarkation details are settled before you travel.
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 Fridays | October – April: from £1,513double cabinsingle cabin £2,431 | May – September: from £1,254double cabinsingle cabin £1,914 | Peak dates: from £1,742double cabinsingle cabin £2,776 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,944double cabinsingle cabin £3,169 | May – September: from £1,599double cabinsingle cabin £2,480 | Peak dates: from £2,250double cabinsingle cabin £3,628 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £3,197double cabinsingle cabin £5,340 | May – September: from £2,594double cabinsingle cabin £4,134 | Peak dates: from £3,733double cabinsingle cabin £6,144 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £3,211double cabinsingle cabin £5,355 | May – September: from £2,609double cabinsingle cabin £4,149 | Peak dates: from £3,747double cabinsingle cabin £6,159 |
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
- 01Cabin options include Standard, Deluxe and Suite; many feature panoramic windows or balconies overlooking the Nile
- 02View the Nile from the sun deck, which has shaded seating and loungers
- 03Use the lounge bar and indoor saloon during time on board
- 04Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple through the vessel’s shore-excursion programme
- 05The programme also includes Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 06Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard Tulip in your selected cabin class
- Full-board dining, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to facilities on board, such as the lounge bar, saloon and sun deck
- Shore excursions covered by the vessel’s programme
Not included
- International air travel, airport taxes and visas
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Tips for the ship’s crew and guides, unless requested
- Optional archaeological site extras, including Tutankhamun and Seti I tomb entrances where available
- Travel cover and personal spending
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin side faces the Nile on your chosen sailing before selecting a balcony cabin.
- 02
Bring a light layer for the sun deck after sunset, when the river breeze can feel cool.
- 03
Keep small notes for onboard purchases and crew gratuities, which are not included.
- 04
Check availability and extra charges for Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s tomb before your visit.
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
Ask us about arranging extra site visits, private guiding or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, subject to availability. Cabin class can be selected when enquiring; single travellers should expect a single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Tulip suits adults and families with school-age children or teenagers who want guided visits to major Nile sites alongside time to relax on board. It is a good match for travellers who prefer a set shore-excursion programme to arranging each visit independently.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. Luxor and Aswan are very hot in summer, and temple visits involve walking over uneven ground and steps.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sun-deck seating offers shaded spots to watch the Nile while sailing.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of class.
Things to Consider
- Walking over uneven stone and steps at archaeological sites.
- Limited shade at some temple sites during midday visits.
- Drinks (including water) and bar bills cost extra.
- Sailing dates and shore visits follow the vessel's programme.
Where it fits
Tulip Nile Cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major sites along the river. Add time in Cairo before or after the sailing for the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise products are presented as a fixed sailing itinerary. Unlike separate day tours, its shore visits form part of the vessel’s excursion programme.
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.
- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,441 pp
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,599 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
- Five-Star Nile Voyage
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the selected class · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore excursions on the schedule · Access to the sun deck · Access to the lounge bar and indoor saloon
- Best for
- Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers seeking a relaxed cultural cruise · Guests who prefer sailing between sightseeing visits
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Polarised sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven temple surfaces
- Light layers for chilly mornings and evenings
- Compact day bag for trips ashore
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
What to wear
- Breathable, lightweight clothes
- Attire that covers shoulders and knees at temples
- Closed-toe shoes with a firm grip for uneven ground
- A light layer for cooler mornings and evenings
- Smart-casual clothing for evening dining
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Child fares depend on sharing arrangements. Strollers may be difficult to use on gangways, steps and uneven archaeological paths. High-chair availability has not been confirmed, so please ask before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access aboard the Nile cruiser is via a gangway, which may be steep or move with the river level. Steps can also be present between the gangway, decks and cabins. The ship has cabins with en-suite facilities, but cabin layouts and access features have not been confirmed for this booking. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven stone, steps and exposed archaeological ground at sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access cannot be assumed at the vessel or sites. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin placement and which excursions may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the sailing rather than operate the vessel. The transport used between Luxor and Aswan is the river vessel, while local road transport may be required for some shore excursions; vehicle type and fuel details are not confirmed for this product. We work with local suppliers to source produce where available, which can reduce the distance food travels, though the proportion and sourcing vary. Guides receive training in cultural respect and low-impact conduct at archaeological sites. We do not have verified figures for vessel emissions, waste handling or community contributions, so we cannot make claims about those.
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 do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. We arrange the cruise booking and confirm the relevant port details for your departure. Airport or hotel transfers are not listed as included, so check your arrangements separately before travelling.02What is included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The booking includes a cabin in your selected class, full board meals, vessel facilities and shore excursions on the scheduled programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; optional premium tomb tickets are not.03What is not included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
International flights, airport taxes, visas, travel insurance and personal spending are excluded. Drinks (including water) and onboard bar bills are extra. Crew and guide gratuities are not included unless requested, and optional premium tomb entries, including Tutankhamun or Seti I where available, cost extra.04Can travellers with limited mobility access the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The vessel and shore visits may involve narrow gangways, steps and uneven ancient stone, so wheelchair access cannot be assumed. Gangway ramps can be steep and quays may lack lifts or ramps. Discuss your mobility needs before booking; an able companion may be helpful, but access at each site depends on conditions.05Can children travel on the Tulip 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. The vessel’s shore visits include walking over uneven historic surfaces, so consider this when planning with younger children.06What should I wear and bring on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Pack sun protection, a hat, water and sturdy shoes for uneven stone at archaeological sites. Choose light clothing for warm days and bring a layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing at temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. Carry any personal medicines you need, as these are not included.07Can I take photographs during the Tulip Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance during each shore excursion. Some tombs restrict photography or require a separate photography ticket. Keep your camera or phone secure while walking on uneven ground, and ask before photographing local people.08When is the best time to take the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Winter, from November to March, generally brings cooler conditions for visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Summer heat can make outdoor site visits demanding, particularly around midday.09What destinations are included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days alternate with shore visits, but the sequence and timing depend on the departure. Optional premium tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, are not included.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-343799
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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