Alma Nile Cruise
Alma pairs air-conditioned cabins with a sun-deck pool, restaurant and lounge bar, with Wi-Fi available on board.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Alma Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
This 5-star Nile cruise includes an air-conditioned cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and a shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. On-board facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a sun-deck pool; drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Seniors·
- Couples·
- Families with kids
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cabin on a 5-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation with air conditioning · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme · Use of the restaurant and lounge bar · Sun-deck pool · Wi-Fi access
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for a guided Nile cruise
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Egyptologist-led shore excursions and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged according to the confirmed programme.
What lingers
- 01Sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visits the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Includes Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings in its excursion programme
- 05On-board facilities include air-conditioned cabins, a pool, restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile slips past palm groves, fishing boats and low river villages as Alma leaves Luxor or Aswan. From the sun deck, the view changes slowly; ashore, our Egyptologists bring context to Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Valley of the Kings, then you return to the lounge bar or pool while sailing continues.
Alma sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, unlike fixed land itineraries where these sites are separated by long road journeys. We arrange your air-conditioned cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation and the shore-excursion programme. Drinks (including water) are usually charged separately, so we confirm the final arrangements before sailing.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise package is arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan, and the vessel provides air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a swimming pool on the sun deck. The cruise is arranged and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The shore-excursion programme covers major monuments along the Nile Valley, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km from Luxor Temple, while the Valley of the Kings lies across the Nile on the Theban west bank.
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately, while personal expenses, laundry, gratuities, travel insurance, visa costs, single supplements and cabin upgrades are excluded unless specifically arranged. The cruise programme combines sailing days with guided shore excursions rather than operating as a fixed single-direction itinerary.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Theban Necropolis·Ancient Egypt·Ptolemaic Kingdom
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts and travellers who want to combine accommodation, river transport and guided sightseeing. It is appropriate for adults and families comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven temple surfaces, steps and walking in warm conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access or cannot manage stairs and uneven ground. Summer shore excursions can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle in high heat.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Unlike a land-based sightseeing circuit, the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven stone, steps and limited stroller access.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- A single cabin usually requires a supplement.
- Summer heat can make shore excursions tiring, especially around midday.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines river accommodation with transport between Luxor and Aswan and scheduled shore excursions. Unlike a private charter, the specific third-party vessel is assigned at booking, while cabin pricing is normally per person sharing and a single supplement may apply.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Bar
- Airport shuttle
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Air-conditioned cabin accommodation on the Nile cruise
- Full board, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore-excursion programme featuring Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the pool and sun deck onboard
- Access to the restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi onboard
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal spending and laundry charges
- Gratuities
- Cabin upgrades and the single supplement
- Travel insurance and visa costs
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry water for temple visits; drinks (including water) are typically charged separately on board.
- 02
Ask about cabin class and view before confirming, as Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins may differ.
- 03
Budget separately for gratuities, laundry and personal spending; these are not included.
- 04
Check current site hours shortly before travel, as opening schedules can vary by season.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise privately or as part of a wider Egypt itinerary, subject to availability and the assigned third-party vessel. Travellers may request cabin upgrades, a single cabin, additional Cairo or Luxor nights, and pre- or post-cruise transfers; supplements and availability should be confirmed before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Alma Nile Cruise fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, linking the Nile’s principal temple sites with visits along the river.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven ground, sand, steps and ancient stone surfaces at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Some sites have limited shade and long walking distances. Boarding the vessel may involve a sloping gangway, with the slope changing as the river level changes. Stairs may connect cabins, dining areas and the sun deck, and wheelchair access depends on the assigned vessel and cabin location. The Valley of the Kings and temple sites are not fully wheelchair accessible. Guests with reduced mobility may need a companion’s help. Please tell us about access needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel’s arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River transport links Luxor and Aswan, while local Egyptian drivers provide transfers for the shore-excursion programme. The cruise line that owns and operates the assigned vessel manages dining, housekeeping, cabin services and on-board facilities. Licensed local Egyptologists and local drivers support employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sailing between the main Nile sites reduces repeated long road journeys, although fuel, water and waste use remain part of cruise operations. We can explain the confirmed vessel’s facilities and operating practices once the ship has been assigned.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Walking shoes with a comfortable fit and good grip
- SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Compact daypack for trips ashore
- Any prescription medication you need
What to wear
- Lightweight clothing with a loose fit
- Breathable layers for chilly mornings aboard
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and closed-toe
- At temples and religious sites, keep shoulders and knees covered
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult price, while children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. Children need to share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children must have a cabin of their own. Gangways, steps, sandy tracks and uneven ancient stone can make strollers difficult to manage, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High chairs are not confirmed as available; please check before booking.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | 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 £796single cabin £1,119triple cabin £796 | May – September: from £522single cabin £638triple cabin £522 | Peak dates: from £1,056single cabin £1,488triple cabin £1,056 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £966single cabin £1,397triple cabin £966 | May – September: from £601single cabin £755triple cabin £601 | Peak dates: from £1,312single cabin £1,889triple cabin £1,312 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,476single cabin £2,230triple cabin £1,476 | May – September: from £837single cabin £1,106triple cabin £837 | Peak dates: from £2,082single cabin £3,091triple cabin £2,082 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,492single cabin £2,245triple cabin £1,492 | May – September: from £853single cabin £1,122triple cabin £853 | Peak dates: from £2,097single cabin £3,106triple cabin £2,097 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Temple of Horus in EdfuRight here
- Temple at Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Alma Nile Cruise?
This Alma Nile Cruise is listed as an eight-day holiday. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Your confirmed embarkation and disembarkation dates determine the exact time aboard, so check the booking details before making onward travel plans.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Alma Nile Cruise?
The Alma Nile Cruise embarks and disembarks in Luxor and Aswan, according to the direction of your sailing. We arrange the cruise booking, but transfers to and from the vessel are not listed among the inclusions. Check your final arrangements for port details and any separately booked transport.03What is included on the Alma Nile Cruise?
The booking includes an air-conditioned cabin, full board and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme. Meals run from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day; the restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, pool and Wi-Fi are available on board. The excursion programme features Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04What is not included in the Alma Nile Cruise fare?
Drinks (including water), personal expenses, laundry, gratuities, travel insurance and visa costs are excluded unless your final arrangements state otherwise. A cabin upgrade or single supplement is also extra. The fare is based on sharing a cabin, so ask us to confirm the total if you are travelling alone.05Is the Alma Nile Cruise suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The vessel has stairs between decks, and the shore excursions involve uneven stone, sand and steps at archaeological sites. Some areas may therefore be difficult to reach for guests with limited mobility. Tell us about any access requirements before booking so we can check the arrangements for your sailing and the sites on its programme.06Are children welcome on the Alma Nile Cruise?
Children are welcome, with fares and cabin rules based on age. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 or over pay the adult fare. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Alma Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes for uneven paths and steps, plus a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for time ashore and on the sun deck. Choose light clothing for warm days and a layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, and keep water with you during excursions.08Can I take photographs during the Alma Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside temples or tombs, as restrictions may apply.09When is the best time to take the Alma Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for visiting Nile sites, while May to September can be very hot. Air conditioning is available in the cabins, and the vessel has a pool on the sun deck, but excursions still involve time outdoors. Take sun protection and water whatever the season.10Which sites does the Alma Nile Cruise visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The sailing connects Luxor and Aswan, with visits ashore between sailing periods. The precise order depends on the direction and arrangements for your departure.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-828520
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