Amada Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile vessel offering full-board meals, weekly departures and visits ashore to Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Amada Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise package operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Amada Nile Cruise includes Nile cruise accommodation, full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, and a shore-excursion programme covering Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in Luxor or Aswan, with the vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through third-party cruise partners.
- Cultural
- Budget
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cabin on a five-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · The Nile · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard a Nile cruise · Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursion to Karnak Temple · Shore excursion to Luxor Temple · A visit to Edfu’s Temple of Horus · A visit to Kom Ombo · Visit to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children of school age · Travellers who would rather unpack just once
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt 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 can be arranged as part of the programme.
What lingers
- 015-star river cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Departures each week in either direction
- 03Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 04See the Temple of Horus in Edfu, as well as Kom Ombo
- 05Excursion programme includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 06Embark or disembark in Luxor or Aswan
02Overview
A first look
Morning light moves across the Nile as the riverbank slips past your cabin window, changing from Luxor’s dense riverside life to fields and desert beyond. The vessel’s dining room, lounge bar and sun deck give sailing days an unhurried rhythm, while shore excursions bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, into the Temple of Horus at Edfu and towards the cliffs of the Valley of the Kings.
Our Egyptologists add context without turning every stop into a lecture. We arrange embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and books the vessel and coordinates the shore programme, full board and local support.
Background
The facts
The Amada Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river-cruise package linking Luxor and Aswan on the Nile. Weekly sailings are scheduled in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either Luxor or Aswan. The cruise is arranged and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is selected through third-party cruise partners and is operated by the relevant cruise line.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, mature travellers and families who want to combine comfortable river travel with guided archaeological visits. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although temple precincts, quays and tomb approaches may involve uneven ground, steps and walking in warm conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access or prefer to explore without a set shore-excursion programme. Very young children may find the temple visits tiring in the sun.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- Unpack once while the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan
- Full-board meals cover lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps and uneven archaeological surfaces
- Shore excursions have scheduled timings rather than fully flexible visits
- Drinks (including water) cost extra
- November to February brings larger crowds at major temples
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, this cruise allows travellers to unpack once while moving between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. It differs from a cruise-only booking because the package includes a defined shore-excursion programme covering major temples and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel is operated by a third-party cruise line, while Discovery Tours Egypt manages the booking and travel arrangements.
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
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Amada Nile cruiser
- Meals on a full-board basis, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- A shore-excursion itinerary taking in Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for solo travellers
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional premium entrance tickets, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which Valley of the Kings tombs are open on your visit date; access can change and premium tomb tickets cost extra.
- 02
Carry small notes for local purchases at riverside stops, and confirm prices before accepting goods or services.
- 03
Keep a light layer handy for the sun deck, where the breeze can feel cooler during sailing.
- 04
Bring shoes with a firm grip for uneven stone paths at archaeological sites.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, subject to sailing availability. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared shore excursions, cabin categories such as Standard, Deluxe or Suite, and additional land arrangements before or after the cruise. Premium entrance tickets, drinks (including water) and other personal extras can be added or settled separately where available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Use the Amada Nile Cruise as the Luxor-to-Aswan section of a wider Egypt holiday, with Cairo before or after the river journey. Weekly sailings run in both directions, so the route can be arranged to fit your travel dates.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access varies by the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and by the embarkation port. Boarding may require crossing a narrow gangway and negotiating steps, uneven quays or changes in river level. Cabins, dining rooms, lounges and sun decks are usually reached by stairs; lift availability is not confirmed for the assigned vessel. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps or sloping paths, with limited shade at some sites. A folding wheelchair may help on some transfers, but independent wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and discuss practical assistance.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is selected and booked through local Egyptian cruise suppliers. Shore transport and sightseeing are arranged with local drivers, licensed Egyptologists and site services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, supporting employment along the Nile. Fuel use, waste systems and environmental standards depend on the assigned cruise line, so we do not make unverified environmental claims. You can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding single-use plastics and following crew instructions for waste disposal. Please do not remove stones, pottery or archaeological material from any site. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that coordinates these local arrangements.
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
- Booking confirmation, printed or digital
- Firm-soled walking shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- A compact day bag for excursions ashore
- Personal toiletries and prescription medication
- Payment card or cash for drinks, gratuities and optional extras
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Light layers for cooler Nile evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- Swimwear and a cover-up for shared pool spaces, where available aboard your assigned vessel
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 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 can be difficult to use on gangways, quays, stairs and uneven archaeological paths. High chairs depend 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 £623single cabin £825triple cabin £623 | Peak dates: from £912single cabin £1,315triple cabin £912 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £966single cabin £1,397triple cabin £966 | May – September: from £736single cabin £1,005triple cabin £736 | Peak dates: from £1,120single cabin £1,658triple cabin £1,120 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,476single cabin £2,230triple cabin £1,476 | May – September: from £1,073single cabin £1,544triple cabin £1,073 | Peak dates: from £1,745single cabin £2,687triple cabin £1,745 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,492single cabin £2,245triple cabin £1,492 | May – September: from £1,088single cabin £1,559triple cabin £1,088 | Peak dates: from £1,761single cabin £2,702triple cabin £1,761 |
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
- Edfu's Temple of HorusRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Kings' ValleyRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Excursion programme includes six named archaeological sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Amada Nile Cruise?
The Amada Nile Cruise is an eight-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Sailings run weekly in both directions, and you can embark or disembark at either city. The exact sailing dates and arrangements depend on the option you book.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Amada Nile Cruise?
You can embark or disembark in either Luxor or Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise through its cruise partners, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Ask us about transfers to or from the embarkation point when planning the rest of your holiday.03Which inclusions are covered on the Amada Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes cabin accommodation, full-board meals and a shore-excursion programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Excursions cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04What is not included in the Amada Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses and optional premium entrance tickets are not included. Solo travellers should also expect a single supplement. Check the booking details for the specific terms that apply to your selected sailing and cabin.05Is the Amada Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, sand and steps, so they may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility. We'll confirm what accessibility arrangements are available on board before you book.06What is the children’s policy on the Amada Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, while children aged 12 and over pay the 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.07What should I wear and bring for the Amada Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and light clothing for the Egyptian heat. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and choose shoes with grip for uneven ground. A refillable water bottle is useful during shore excursions.08Can I take photographs during the Amada Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between archaeological sites and may differ for particular areas or exhibits. Follow signs and instructions from site staff, and ask before photographing people. Some premium areas may have separate entrance requirements, so check the rules at each site before taking out your camera.09When is the best time to take the Amada Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings milder conditions for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan. May to September can be very hot in Upper Egypt, particularly during visits to exposed archaeological sites. Winter sailings suit travellers seeking winter sun, though daytime temperatures still call for sun protection.10Which archaeological sites does the Amada Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing alternates with visits ashore, so the programme combines time on the Nile with time at these sites.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-423184
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Farida Nile Cruise
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its programme alternates sailing with shared shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in some cabins. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. On board, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide places to spend time between visits. Unlike coach-based tours, this cruise links the sites through sailing on the river.
From £767
Nile7 Nights
Hambra Nile Cruise
The Hambra Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offered as 4-day/3-night and 5-day/4-night itineraries. Each itinerary visits the High Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple. Mornings are guided by an English-speaking Egyptologist, afternoons are for sailing and on-deck time. We limit guided groups to eight travellers, rather than running large coach tours. On disembarkation in Aswan, an optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and local logistics.
Nile7 Nights
Stephanie Nile Cruise
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise combines river sailing with shore excursions at major sites between Luxor and Aswan. The programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings operate weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, subject to availability. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, this format pairs time on the river with visits to archaeological sites. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
From £739