What is a Nile cruise?
A floating hotel that sails the stretch of river between Luxor and Aswan, about 200 kilometres, stopping at temples built on the banks: Karnak and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new.
Routes and length
| Route | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor → Aswan | 4 nights | The classic: sails upstream with more time on board. |
| Aswan → Luxor | 3 nights | Same visits in reverse order, one night shorter. |
| Luxor → Aswan → Luxor | 7 nights | Both directions without rushing; ideal for a honeymoon. |
| Lake Nasser (Aswan ↔ Abu Simbel) | 3–4 nights | Nubian temples few travellers see; Abu Simbel from the water. |
That is why many trips say “4/3 nights”: depending on the departure day you start in Luxor or in Aswan. The visits are the same.
What is usually included
- Full board on the ship (drinks are extra).
- The visits in the itinerary, with entrance fees and a guide.
- Usually not included: drinks, tips, optional excursions such as the balloon flight over Luxor, entry inside the pyramids or the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Before booking any cruise, ask for the final price in writing, including taxes, visa and anything payable on arrival. In our quotes every item is listed before you pay anything.
A typical day on board
Visits start early, at sunrise in summer, when the light is soft and the temples are quieter. You are back on board for lunch while the ship sails, the afternoon is for the sun deck and the pool, and evenings bring the sunset over the palm groves. Edfu is reached by horse carriage, and Kom Ombo is often visited at dusk.
Types of boat
| Boat | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5-star cruise ship | Several decks, pool, restaurant, buffet | Best value and classic itineraries |
| Luxury cruise ship | Larger cabins or suites, fine dining, attentive service | Those who want comfort above all |
| Dahabiya | Traditional sailing boat with few cabins | Slow travel, privacy, islands without crowds |
| Felucca | Small open sailing boat | Sunset sails in Aswan; adventurous multi-day trips |
Dahabiya or cruise ship?
A dahabiya sails under canvas with a small group, moors at islands and sandbanks where large ships cannot stop, and usually takes longer between Esna and Aswan. It feels like a private yacht and costs more. A cruise ship is faster, has a pool and more facilities, and is the most economical way to see the great temples. Both visit the same essential sites. See our 10-day dahabiya journey.
Abu Simbel: by road or by plane
From Aswan, the road convoy leaves at around 04:00, takes about three and a half hours each way and gives you around two hours at the temples. The flight takes about 45 minutes and saves the early start. For the most memorable version, spend the night in Abu Simbel and see the temples at dawn. Compare by road, by plane and with an overnight stay.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable season, with warm days and cool nights; in December and January you will want a jacket on deck at night. From May to September it is very hot in Luxor and Aswan, but there are fewer visitors and better prices, and visits are done at first light. Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest weeks. And in August 2027, a total solar eclipse darkens the sky over Luxor for more than six minutes.
How much does a Nile cruise cost?
On our website, Nile cruise journeys with Cairo start from €500 for 8 days with a special flight, and go up to €2,150 for 10 days by dahabiya and €2,999 for luxury trips with the Red Sea. A few examples:
- Nile cruise and Cairo, special flight — 8 days from €500
- Nile cruise and Abu Simbel — 8 days from €900
- Nile and Lake Nasser cruise — 11 days from €1,800
- Dahabiya Nile cruise — 10 days from €2,150
Prices are per person and vary by date and ship; we confirm the exact price in writing.
What to pack
- Light cotton or linen clothes, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
- A warm layer for winter nights and the early start to Abu Simbel.
- Swimwear for the pool and comfortable walking shoes for the temples.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for mosques and churches.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get seasick?
Very unlikely. The Nile is a calm river with no swell.
Are the guides Spanish- or English-speaking?
On our trips, yes: Egyptologist guides in Spanish or English on every visit.
Is a Nile cruise suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. The pace is relaxed and the ship is your base. We have family and senior departures.