Alyssa Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser featuring a swimming pool, sun deck, full-board dining, a lounge bar and three cabin categories.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes air-conditioned cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, sun deck, gym, spa and Wi-Fi, while drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Aswan · Valley of the Kings · The Nile
- Includes
- Air-conditioned cabin in your chosen category · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursions to Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings · Access to the swimming pool and sun terrace
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · History enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a full-board river journey · Families able to manage stairs and uneven archaeological sites
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Cruise arrangements and shore excursions are booked and coordinated by Discovery Tours Egypt
- 24/7 on-the-ground travel support can be arranged through the local operator
What lingers
- 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor.
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple.
- 03The excursion programme includes Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- 04A swimming pool and sun deck provide space to relax while on the Nile.
- 05On-board facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, gym and spa.
- 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile slips past the sun deck in bands of green, ochre and reflected light. From the lounge bar or an air-conditioned cabin, you watch villages, cultivated banks and desert edges pass at river pace, with the swimming pool nearby when the heat calls for a quieter hour.
Shore excursions bring you ashore for Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Our Egyptologists explain what you are seeing without turning every stop into a lecture. We select and arrange your cabin, embarkation and shore programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with full-board dining from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, combining overnight accommodation on the Nile with an organised shore-excursion programme. The exact sailing duration depends on the booking and departure schedule.
Excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple near Aswan. Luxor Temple is approximately 3 km from Karnak Temple by road, while the Valley of the Kings lies around 7 km west of the Nile in the Theban Necropolis. Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat transfer from the mainland.
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with air conditioning and Nile views available according to the selected category. Facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, sun deck, gym, spa and Wi-Fi. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally charged separately.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·The Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Theban Necropolis·Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and travellers aged approximately 18–70 who want to combine major ancient sites with relaxed river travel. It is appropriate for travellers who can manage steps, uneven temple surfaces and short walks during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another holiday if you need step-free access or cannot manage uneven temple surfaces and stairs. Drinks (including water), gratuities and the single supplement are extra.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The programme also visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ancient surfaces and may include stairs.
- Drinks (including water) are generally charged separately.
- Solo travellers should expect a single supplement for their cabin.
- December to February is popular and can bring busier site visits.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a single-day Nile outing, this cruise provides overnight accommodation, full-board dining and a sequence of organised shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a fixed hotel itinerary, it combines river sailing with visits to major temples and tombs, while cabin category and any optional land arrangements can be selected separately.
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
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
- Airport shuttle
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Nile cruise in your chosen cabin category
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- Access to the swimming pool and sun deck
- Air-conditioned cabin
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- The single supplement for travellers occupying a cabin alone
- Optional entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other visits charged separately
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose the cabin category after checking whether its listed outlook includes a Nile view; views vary by cabin.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for gratuities, which are not included.
- 03
Pack sun protection for time on the sun deck, particularly during the hotter months.
- 04
Wear comfortable shoes for ancient sites, where paths can include uneven stone and exposed ground.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation, subject to availability, with a single supplement applying when a cabin is occupied alone. Private transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, additional sightseeing and separately priced premium tombs or pyramid interiors can be arranged; the cruise vessel and shore programme are selected and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Alyssa Nile Cruise fits between a stay in Cairo and onward travel from Luxor or Aswan. It sails weekly in both directions, with shore excursions at major temples and the Valley of the Kings.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves uneven access that guests with limited mobility should assess before booking. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, sand, cobbles, steps and occasional steep ramps at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may involve a gangway that becomes steeper as the river level changes. Cabins, dining areas and the sun deck are linked by stairs, and lift access varies by the assigned vessel. Wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can confirm cabin access, gangway arrangements and suitable excursion support. The Valley of the Kings also includes uneven ground and exposed walking routes.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We select and arrange the Nile cruiser through Egyptian cruise-line partners, while the vessel is owned and operated by its assigned cruise line. Shore excursions use locally licensed Egyptian drivers and vehicles, usually air-conditioned coaches or cars matched to the group size. The programme supports Egyptologists, drivers, site staff and port services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Water use, laundry schedules and waste handling vary by vessel, so we do not make unverified environmental claims. Guests can reduce single-use waste by carrying a refillable bottle and following the vessel's guidance on water, laundry and waste. Choosing local guides and transport providers keeps spending within the communities along the Nile.
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
- Passport and booking confirmation
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- A small day bag for shore trips
- Any personal medication
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers for fluctuating temperatures
- Secure shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
- A light layer for air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent (no more than one child per cabin); two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be hard to manoeuvre on gangways, stairs and uneven temple surfaces. High chairs are subject to availability on the assigned vessel, so please request one before departure.
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 Fridays | 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 Mondays | 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 Mondays | 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 Fridays | 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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Arrange shore visits at six named ancient sites
02
Choose a sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Alyssa Nile Cruise?
The Alyssa Nile Cruise is listed as an eight-day product. The exact number of nights aboard and the sailing dates depend on the selected departure, so check the final arrangement before booking. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan, depending on the sailing direction. We arrange the cruise booking. We'll confirm your port, arrival time and transfer arrangements, including whether transfers to or from the vessel are included.03What is included on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The booking also includes cabin accommodation in the selected category, air conditioning, use of the swimming pool and sun deck, and shore excursions covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04What costs extra on the Alyssa Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included unless your booking states otherwise. A single supplement applies when one traveller occupies a cabin alone. Optional pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other separately priced visits also cost extra.05Is the Alyssa Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The programme includes visits to ancient sites where uneven stone surfaces, steps and walking distances may be involved. Share any mobility needs with us before booking so we can confirm the arrangements for your sailing.06Can children travel on the Alyssa 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.07What should I wear and bring for shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream for visits at Karnak Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Temperatures can be high, particularly from May to September. Choose modest clothing for temples and other religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered where practical.08Can I take photographs during the Alyssa Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before photographing inside a tomb or temple, as restrictions may apply. We'll confirm whether any camera or photography charges apply.09When is the best time to take the Alyssa Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing around Luxor and Aswan. Summer, from May to September, brings stronger heat at exposed sites such as the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, but the available departure dates depend on the season.10Which places does the Alyssa Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus. Excursions take place between sailing periods on the Nile, with Luxor and Aswan serving as the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Last updated 11 August 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-605260
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