Cleopatra Nile Cruise
Air-conditioned cabins, a sun deck and pool, plus a restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi make up this river vessel’s on-board facilities.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes an air-conditioned Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and a shore-excursion programme covering Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. On-board facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, swimming pool, Wi-Fi where available and room service; drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe five-star Nile vessel offering Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Nile River
- Includes
- Climate-controlled cabin in your reserved category · All meals included, from lunch on boarding to breakfast on leaving the vessel · Shore-excursion programme · Swimming pool and communal facilities · Wi-Fi access when available
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a full-board Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing is arranged as part of the shore-excursion programme where stated in the confirmed booking.
- The company provides on-the-ground travel coordination for transfers and sightseeing.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Sail between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week
- 02Choose from air-conditioned Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, subject to availability
- 03Excursions ashore visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Visit Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae as part of the cruise excursion programme
- 05Use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace on board
- 06Full-board dining is provided from lunch on the day of embarkation until breakfast on the day of disembarkation
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck as Cleopatra leaves the quay, with village lights appearing beyond the palms. Between quiet stretches on the river, you step ashore with one of our Egyptologists to read temple reliefs at Edfu and Kom Ombo, visit the Valley of the Kings or follow the colonnades of Karnak Temple. The pace is unhurried, though ancient sites mean heat, uneven ground and some early starts.
Cleopatra sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. We select and arrange the vessel, confirm your cabin class and shore excursions, and keep the practical details clear before embarkation. Back on board, full board, air conditioning and the lounge bar make the return to the river straightforward.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings available in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation take place at Luxor or Aswan, depending on the confirmed sailing. The cruise programme combines sailing on the Nile with shore excursions to major archaeological sites in Upper Egypt.
Excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo and Philae Temple near Aswan. Karnak is approximately 3 km from central Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings lies around 7 km west of the Nile across the river. Philae is located on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat transfer from the mainland near Aswan.
Cabins are air-conditioned and assigned in Standard, Deluxe or Suite classes, subject to availability. On-board facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, swimming pool, Wi-Fi where available and room service. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally extra.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise, while the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included when stated in the confirmed booking; premium admissions, such as selected tomb interiors, are excluded unless specifically requested.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to connect Luxor and Aswan by river while visiting major ancient sites. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding a vessel, using gangways and taking shore excursions that may involve uneven ground and extended walking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a quiet, resort-style stay with little sightseeing. Summer heat and walking at archaeological sites can make the excursions tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The shore-excursion programme also covers Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- The pool and sun deck offer space to relax between excursions.
- Unlike a land tour, the sailing links Luxor and Aswan without hotel changes.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, steps and moderate walking.
- Limited shade at some archaeological sites can make midday visits tiring.
- May to September heat can exceed 35°C in Luxor and Aswan.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Upper Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and transport on the Nile with organised shore excursions at the principal temples and royal tombs. Unlike a private charter, cabin class and sailing availability are subject to the assigned third-party vessel, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite options available when confirmed.
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
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Airport shuttle
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Rooftop terrace
- Beach access
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Air-conditioned cabin in the class confirmed at booking
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation
- Shore-excursion programme covering the listed Nile Valley sites
- Access to the vessel’s swimming pool and shared public areas
- Wi-Fi on board where available
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for sole occupancy
- Optional purchases and personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Premium admissions not included in the confirmed booking, including selected tomb or pyramid interiors
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin category is available for your sailing before choosing, as class options are subject to availability.
- 02
Allow time for uneven ancient paving and exposed areas during shore excursions, particularly around temple precincts.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for personal purchases and gratuities, which are not included.
- 04
Check seasonal opening hours for each archaeological site close to travel, as visitor access can change.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation, subject to availability, and choose either the Luxor or Aswan embarkation direction. Private Egyptologist-guided transfers or additional sightseeing before or after the sailing can be added through Discovery Tours Egypt. Single occupancy is available with a supplement, while premium tomb or pyramid interiors and personal purchases can be arranged at additional cost where possible.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Cleopatra Nile Cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with Cairo before or after for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau. It can also sit within a longer Upper Egypt itinerary that includes Abu Simbel from Aswan.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven temple floors, stone steps, sandy paths and occasional steep gangways between the vessel and shore. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae all require walking, with limited shade at several sites. Wheelchair access depends on the assigned vessel, cabin position, gangway design and crew assistance. Standard wheelchairs may be impractical during shore excursions. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so our team can confirm the assigned vessel and shore arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange this sailing with established local cruise, transport, guiding and port-service suppliers in the Nile Valley. Travelling between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan by river reduces the need for separate daily road journeys. Shore excursions support local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, site guides and nearby service providers. Water and electricity use on board is controlled by the vessel operator, although standards vary between assigned vessels. We do not claim that the cruise is carbon-neutral. A refillable bottle, where permitted, and respect for temple and tomb rules can help reduce waste and protect sites.
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 travel documents
- Firm-soled walking shoes
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, ideally SPF 50
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Any medication you need
- A small bag for day trips ashore
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers for warm daytime weather and cooler evenings
- Firm, comfortable shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for communal pool areas
- Light layer for air-conditioned public spaces
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult rate, while anyone aged 12 or above pays the full adult rate. Children must stay in a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a separate cabin. Strollers may be difficult to manage on gangways, steps and paths at ancient sites. High chairs depend on the vessel assigned, so please request one ahead of 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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,200single cabin £1,805 | May – September: from £984single cabin £1,488 | Peak dates: from £1,776single cabin £2,785 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,505single cabin £2,312 | May – September: from £1,216single cabin £1,889 | Peak dates: from £2,273single cabin £3,618 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £2,418single cabin £3,830 | May – September: from £1,913single cabin £3,091 | Peak dates: from £3,763single cabin £6,117 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £2,433single cabin £3,846 | May – September: from £1,929single cabin £3,106 | Peak dates: from £3,779single cabin £6,133 |
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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Horus Temple in EdfuRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The Cleopatra Nile Cruise is listed as an eight-day cruise. The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city depending on the confirmed arrangement. Weekly sailings operate in both directions. Check your booking details for the exact sailing dates and port sequence.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction you book. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and confirms the vessel details and port arrangements before travel. The cruise line owns and operates the vessel; we do not run the boat.03Which items are covered by the Cleopatra Nile Cruise fare?
The fare includes an air-conditioned cabin in the booked class, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Use of the pool and shared public areas is included, with Wi-Fi available on board where service permits.04Which items are excluded from the Cleopatra Nile Cruise fare?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal spending are not included. A single supplement applies when a cabin is occupied by one traveller. Selected premium admissions, such as entry to certain tomb or pyramid interiors, are excluded unless they appear in your confirmed booking.05Can children travel on the Cleopatra 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. Confirm cabin arrangements when booking.06Are the Cleopatra Nile Cruise cabins suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the vessel and the shore excursions selected, so confirm your needs before booking. Ancient sites can involve uneven stone, steps and exposed ground, including at the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Cabin classes are listed as Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability; specific cabin dimensions and access details are not supplied.07What should I wear and bring on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes for uneven temple surfaces, light clothing, sun protection and water for excursions. Egypt can be very hot, particularly around midday. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites; modest clothing is also appropriate when visiting mosques. Casual clothing suits time aboard, and a light layer can be useful in cooler months.08Can I take photographs during the Cleopatra Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Follow posted signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance, especially inside tombs or other restricted spaces, where photography may be limited or require separate permission. Check current rules at each entrance before taking photographs.09When is the best time to take the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, so excursions may feel demanding, particularly where shade is limited. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan; confirm the sailing date that suits your plans.10Which sites are visited on the Cleopatra Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursions take place between sailing stretches on the Nile. The order and timing can depend on the sailing arrangements, so use the confirmed programme for your departure.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-956370
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