Concerto II Nile Cruise
Panoramic windows, a sun deck, a lounge bar and full-board dining define life aboard.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
The short answer
Concerto II is an 8-day Nile cruise vessel serving Luxor, Aswan and riverside archaeological sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Concerto II sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at six named archaeological sites. Its Full Board period runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are typically extra.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile cruise cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Luxor Temple · Shore-excursion programme at the Temple of Horus in Edfu · Shore-excursion programme at Kom Ombo · Shore-excursion programme at Philae · Shore-excursion programme at the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; a third-party cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
What lingers
- 01Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Shore excursion programme may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Excursion programme may include Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Full Board covers meals from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast
02Overview
A first look
Concerto II is the sister ship of the Concerto, a contemporary five-star cruiser sailing the classic Nile route between Luxor and Aswan, with full-board dining and guided shore excursions at the temples en route. Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the operator.
Background
The facts
Concerto II is a Nile River cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. Its excursion programme links Luxor and Aswan, with sailing between the two cities and visits to archaeological sites along the river. The vessel sails weekly in both directions.
The programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae in Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Luxor and Aswan are about 200 km apart in a straight line; the river route is longer, and sailing time varies with the schedule and river conditions.
The sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak’s principal construction took place during the New Kingdom, particularly from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs chiefly from the New Kingdom. The Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage property; Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae include Philae and are also UNESCO-listed.
Excursion access and site opening times vary by location and season, so check current schedules before travel. The Nile cruise fare is Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra; cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement usually applying.
Named in this entry
Concerto II·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Kings’ Valley·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Concerto II suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to see major Nile Valley sites while travelling between Luxor and Aswan. Choose it if you value a set shore-excursion programme and full board over independent, flexible days
- the weekly sailings run in both directions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access, dislike scheduled shore excursions or want to spend longer at each site. Walking over uneven ancient stone and steps at archaeological sites can be tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of class.
Things to Consider
- Shore visits involve uneven stone, steps and exposed areas.
- Excursion timings follow the vessel's programme, not your own schedule.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- Cabin views and room sizes vary by class and availability.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe one fixed sailing direction; Concerto II sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a land-based sightseeing programme, its visits to Karnak, Edfu and Philae are arranged as shore excursions from the vessel.
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 round-trip embarkation from Luxor. On 7-night round-trips each site is visited once.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard entrance fees to sightseeing sites
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- Entry to premium tombs, including the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Gratuities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin classes have Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows before choosing; cabin views and layouts can vary.
- 02
Keep small notes or cash for gratuities, which are not included unless your booking states otherwise.
- 03
Carry a light layer for breezy sailing periods, even when daytime temperatures on shore are high.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Cabin choice can be requested across Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, subject to availability; pricing is per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies. Ask us to arrange extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, or additional site visits, alongside the cruise; these depend on availability and are not part of the vessel's standard excursion programme.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Concerto II fits between stays in Cairo and additional time in Luxor or Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available in either city. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme connects major sites along the Nile rather than treating Luxor and Aswan as separate stops.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise can involve steps when boarding by gangway, narrow corridors and staircases between decks, and uneven surfaces at some quaysides. Shore excursions may include ancient stone paving, temple steps and soft sand, including at Karnak, Edfu and Philae. Wheelchair access varies between vessels, and many do not have a passenger lift. We cannot confirm access until the assigned cruiser is known. We can arrange assistance at embarkation and disembarkation; tell us in advance about mobility needs, wheelchair dimensions and medical equipment so we can check the vessel and excursion arrangements. Some sites may not be manageable for guests with limited mobility.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Airport and local road transfers use air-conditioned coaches; the Nile vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line, so its fuel use and engine standards are set by that supplier. We cannot verify the assigned vessel’s fuel efficiency before booking. Local crew, caterers and guides are arranged through Egyptian suppliers, and shore excursions use local Egyptologists and boatmen in Luxor and Aswan. Excursions may include visits to community-run craft shops. On board, guests can reduce laundry demand by reusing towels and declining daily linen changes where the supplier allows it. We can ask the cruise line for further details about the vessel assigned to your booking.
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 and booking voucher
- SPF30 or higher sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable closed shoes for temple visits
- Sandals for use on board
- Small daypack and refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker for cooler evenings
- Prescription medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Type C or F plug adaptor, confirm the cabin sockets with us
What to wear
- Light, breathable layers for warm days
- Long trousers or a long skirt and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- Light sweater or fleece for cooler evenings on deck
- Non-slip shoes for gangways, steps and uneven ground
- Smart-casual clothing for the dining room
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 years 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 awkward on landing stages and temple approaches. Cots and high chairs vary by vessel, so request them when booking and we will check availability.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin 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 Temple, LuxorRight here
- Valley of the Kings, Luxor West BankRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae Temple, AswanRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
The Concerto II Nile Cruise is an eight-day product. Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan, with the sailing direction depending on your booking. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between these cities. Check your booking details for the confirmed dates and port order.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails between these two cities, and the direction depends on your booking. We arrange the cruise and confirm the port details before you travel. Check your final documents for the embarkation point and any timings specific to your sailing.03What is included in the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
Full Board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We arrange your cabin and the onshore arrangements before you board.04What is not included on the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are typically extra on the Concerto II Nile Cruise. Full Board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, but it does not mean all drinks are included. Gratuities and optional extras should also be checked in the inclusions and exclusions shown on your booking.05Is the Concerto II Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin, vessel layout and shore excursion, so confirm your needs before booking. Boarding and moving around the vessel may involve steps, while ancient sites can have uneven stone, stairs and exposed ground. We can check what is possible for your arrangements, but cannot confirm step-free access from the information available.06What is the child policy on the Concerto II 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. The adult price is per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies when a cabin is occupied by one person.07What should I wear and bring on the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes and light clothing for warm days on the Nile. Conditions can be cooler in winter, particularly in the evening, so pack a layer. Wear modest clothing at temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered; uneven ancient stone makes supportive footwear useful on shore excursions.08Can I take photographs during the Concerto II Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites on the Concerto II shore-excursion programme. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s instructions, and ask before photographing people. Some interiors may restrict photography or require a separate photography ticket; rules can change, so check locally before taking pictures at places such as the Valley of the Kings.09When is the best time to take the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
November to March is generally the most comfortable season for visiting Luxor, Aswan and their archaeological sites. Temperatures rise in summer, and midday visits can feel demanding, particularly at exposed places such as Karnak Temple. Winter dates are popular, so check availability early for Christmas, New Year and UK half-term holidays.10Which sites can I visit on the Concerto II Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus, while Philae’s temple complex is on an island near Aswan. The order of visits varies with the sailing direction and the confirmed programme.
Last updated 12 December 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-931276
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