Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with air-conditioned cabins, a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, restaurant, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This 5-star Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan with shore excursions and full board, arranged by 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, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck and pool. Its shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings between Aswan and Luxor.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Photography
- Family
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruiser
- Destinations
- Aswan · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Luxor West Bank · Nile River
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation with air conditioning · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Use of the restaurant and lounge bar · Access to the sun deck and pool · Wi-Fi access
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking organised Nile sightseeing
- 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 selected, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Egyptologist-led sightseeing can be arranged according to the booking
- On-the-ground travel support in Egypt
What lingers
- 01Sail between Aswan and Luxor on a 5-star Nile cruiser
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple during the shore-excursion programme
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Ptolemaic temple at Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae Temple on an island in the Nile near Aswan
- 05Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank
- 06Relax on the sun deck beside the pool while sailing between ports
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile reflects the ochre light of the desert, and the riverbank villages pass quietly beyond your cabin window. Between shore excursions, the sun deck offers space to read beside the pool, while the lounge bar and restaurant keep the pace pleasantly unhurried.
The sailing alternates time on the river with visits to Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Chateau Lafayette sails weekly in both directions between Aswan and Luxor. Ancient surfaces can be uneven and some excursions start early. We arrange your embarkation, disembarkation and Egyptologist-led programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
This Nile cruise package uses a deluxe 5-star river cruiser sailing between Aswan and Luxor, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city according to the sailing direction. The vessel typically sails for three nights, and the weekly schedule includes Aswan-to-Luxor departures on Mondays and Luxor-to-Aswan departures on Thursdays. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The shore-excursion programme covers major ancient sites along the Nile. In Luxor, visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. The programme also includes the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple at Kom Ombo and Philae Temple on an island near Aswan. Karnak and Luxor temples are approximately 3 km apart within modern Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings lies across the Nile on the West Bank.
Cabins are air-conditioned, and onboard facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi, sun deck and pool. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water), personal expenses and gratuities are excluded. Shore visits can involve early starts, steps and uneven ancient surfaces, particularly at temple complexes and archaeological sites.
Named in this entry
Chateau Lafayette·Nile River·Aswan·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Horus's temple in Edfu·Temple at Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Luxor’s West Bank·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travellers who want to combine organised sightseeing with time on the Nile. It is appropriate for adults and families who can manage early starts, boarding access and uneven surfaces at archaeological sites.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or cannot manage early starts and uneven ground. It may also be a poor fit if you want a quiet, pool-focused cruise with little sightseeing.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Connects Aswan and Luxor with named temple visits along the Nile
- Unlike a hotel stay, the vessel links several historic sites by river
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve early starts and a busy sightseeing pace
- Uneven ancient paving and stairs limit access for some travellers
- Shade can be limited at archaeological sites during midday heat
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities cost extra
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Nile-side hotel itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river sailing and a coordinated excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a day cruise, it includes cabins, meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast, and visits to sites in Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and Luxor.
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
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Airport shuttle
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin on board Chateau Lafayette
- Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge
- Air conditioning in the cabin and Wi-Fi access
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Single supplement
- Personal costs, such as laundry and spa treatments
- Optional cabin upgrades and services not included in your booking
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Keep water and sun protection handy for shore visits, where shade can be limited and ancient stone surfaces are uneven.
- 02
Wear shoes with a firm grip for temple paths and tomb approaches on the Luxor West Bank.
- 03
Carry a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cooler after sunset.
- 04
Check the cabin category and view before booking.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually request private or shared shore-excursion arrangements, cabin-category upgrades and pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan, subject to availability. A single supplement applies to solo occupancy, while optional services, personal expenses and upgrades not listed in the booking are charged separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Pair the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise with time in Cairo before or after sailing, or add Abu Simbel from Aswan for a wider southern Egypt itinerary. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Aswan and Luxor, with shore excursions at major sites along the river.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise combines time aboard a river vessel with shore excursions across uneven ancient surfaces. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings involve stone paving, sand, steps and occasional steep ramps. Boarding may require a narrow or sloped gangway, depending on the river level and dock position. A collapsible wheelchair is generally more practical than a standard chair, but independent boarding and every excursion cannot be guaranteed. Please request a mobility assessment before booking so we can discuss cabin access, gangways, transfers and the physical demands of each site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River travel between Luxor and Aswan reduces repeated road journeys between the principal Nile Valley sites. Shore excursions use local Egyptian transport providers and air-conditioned vehicles, with vehicle size matched to the travelling party. The programme also supports local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff and communities around the archaeological sites. The vessel shares water and electricity systems across all cabins and public areas. Specific environmental equipment can vary because the cruise line and vessel are assigned at booking. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a reusable bottle and requesting towel or linen changes only when needed.
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, comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen SPF50+, lip balm and sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Compact day bag for trips ashore
- Prescription medication you need
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Walking shoes with closed toes
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Light jumper for air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be hard to manage on gangways, along narrow corridors and across uneven temple surfaces. Ask us to request a high chair before booking; the cruise supplier must confirm availability.
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 £537single cabin £667triple cabin £537 | Peak dates: from £1,084single cabin £1,517triple cabin £1,084 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £966single cabin £1,397triple cabin £966 | May – September: from £621single cabin £794triple cabin £621 | Peak dates: from £1,351single cabin £1,927triple cabin £1,351 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,476single cabin £2,230triple cabin £1,476 | May – September: from £871single cabin £1,174triple cabin £871 | Peak dates: from £2,149single cabin £3,158triple cabin £2,149 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,492single cabin £2,245triple cabin £1,492 | May – September: from £886single cabin £1,189triple cabin £886 | Peak dates: from £2,164single cabin £3,173triple cabin £2,164 |
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 Temple3 km
- The Valley of the Kings7 km
- Philae Temple8 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare weekly sailings in both directions before choosing
02
Shore excursions cover temples from Aswan to Luxor
03
Full-board dates are clearly tied to embarkation and disembarkation
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
The listed holiday lasts 8 days, while the Chateau Lafayette sailing typically takes three nights. The vessel travels between Aswan and Luxor, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city depending on the direction booked. Check your confirmed arrangements for the exact sailing dates and port details.02How often does Chateau Lafayette sail between Aswan and Luxor?
Chateau Lafayette sails weekly in both directions between Aswan and Luxor. The published schedule lists departures from Aswan on Mondays and from Luxor on Thursdays. Sailing dates can affect which port you embark at, so confirm the direction and departure date shown for your booking before making onward travel plans.03What meals are included on the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
Full board covers lunch on the day you embark through breakfast on the day you disembark. Drinks (including water) are excluded. Meals are served in the vessel’s restaurant. Check your booking details for any specific dietary requests, as arrangements depend on confirmation with the cruise provider.04Which shore excursions are included on the Chateau Lafayette?
The shore-excursion programme includes Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Visits take place between sailing periods, and some begin early. Expect uneven stone underfoot at ancient sites, particularly around temple remains and tomb entrances.05What is not included in the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal spending, laundry, spa treatments and optional cabin upgrades are not included. A single supplement also applies when a cabin is booked for one person. Review the booking terms for the applicable supplement and any services not specifically listed as included.06Is the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise accessible for guests with limited mobility?
Guests should expect gangways and uneven surfaces during shore excursions, which may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. Ancient sites such as the Valley of the Kings involve walking over irregular ground, and visits can include early starts. Contact us before booking to discuss your specific mobility needs and the arrangements available.07Can children travel on the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or 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.08What clothing and items should I bring for shore visits from Chateau Lafayette?
Wear comfortable, closed walking shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water for hot, exposed sites. Lightweight clothing helps in the heat, while modest dress is advisable at temples and other religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful on the sun deck after sunset.09Can I take photographs during the Chateau Lafayette shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may differ between open-air areas and tomb interiors. Follow signs and instructions from site staff, and ask before photographing people. Some locations restrict cameras or charge separately for photography, so check the current rules on arrival rather than assuming every area permits pictures.10What is the difference between the Edfu and Kom Ombo visits?
Edfu’s Temple of Horus is a temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus, while Kom Ombo is a Ptolemaic temple site beside the Nile. Both are stops in the Chateau Lafayette shore-excursion programme. Walking surfaces at each site are ancient and can be uneven, so allow time and wear supportive shoes.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-386376
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