Concerto Nile Cruise
3 or 4 nights Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Concerto Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Concerto sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major sites along the river. Its 8-day programme includes places such as Karnak Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cabin aboard the Concerto Nile cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions at Karnak Temple · Shore excursions at Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion at Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers visiting Luxor and Aswan
- The stated shore-excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- Cabin pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week.
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the shore-excursion programme.
- 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo.
- 04Visit Philae and the Valley of the Kings on excursions from the river.
- 05Alternate sailing days with visits to major sites along the Nile.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Concerto is a Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Its shore-excursion programme serves sites between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at those two cities. The vessel sails weekly in both directions.
Excursions may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, followed by Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. On Luxor’s west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs cut into the Theban hills. The order of sailing and visits varies with the vessel’s schedule.
Karnak and Luxor Temple formed part of ancient Thebes, a major religious and political centre of the New Kingdom, particularly from about 1550 to 1070 BCE. Thebes with its Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Philae is included in the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.
Site opening hours and access arrangements vary by location and can change seasonally. Tomb interiors at the Valley of the Kings may require separate tickets, while access to particular tombs can change. Walking surfaces at archaeological sites are uneven, and shade is limited in exposed areas.
Named in this entry
Concerto·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·Horus's Temple·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Theban Necropolis·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Concerto Nile Cruise suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to visit major temples between Luxor and Aswan without changing hotels each night. It works well for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian history who are comfortable with scheduled shore excursions and shared public spaces aboard a river vessel.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday if you want to set your own pace each day or need step-free access throughout. Drinks (including water) are usually extra, and children must share a cabin with a parent.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of room type.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ancient stone and walking between sites.
- Excursion timings follow the vessel's programme rather than your own schedule.
- Drinks (including water) are usually charged separately.
- Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a one-child limit.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Some Nile cruise products are sold around a single sailing direction; Concerto sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Unlike a site-only river excursion, its programme combines sailing with shore visits at several archaeological sites.
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
Bundled in
- Pool
- Jacuzzi
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Three or four nights’ deluxe accommodation aboard Concerto, with full board
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- Support throughout your stay and during excursions
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Private Nile cruise excursions as outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for all sights visited between Luxor and Aswan
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide, with no more than eight guests per group
- Taxes and service charges in full
Not included
- Additional meals and drinks
- Personal costs, including laundry
- Gratuities for the guide, driver and crew
- Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which Valley of the Kings tombs are open on your visit; access can change and premium tomb tickets may cost extra.
- 02
Carry a little cash for optional tomb tickets and gratuities, which are not normally included unless specifically requested.
- 03
Choose light, breathable clothing for exposed archaeological sites, and bring sun protection for shore excursions.
- 04
Pack modest clothing for visits to religious sites, including mosques if they are part of your plans.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Concerto sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so ask us which sailing and embarkation port suit your plans. We can discuss cabin class, private sightseeing arrangements or extra sites, subject to availability and additional cost. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; pyramid interiors and premium tomb tickets cost extra unless requested.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Concerto fits between a Cairo stay and onward travel from Aswan or Luxor, linking the Nile Valley’s major temple sites with either end of a wider Egypt itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Embarkation and disembarkation involve stepping between the quay and the vessel, often via a narrow or sloping gangway. Ask us about assistance with luggage before travel. On shore excursions, expect uneven stone, sand and steps at sites including the Valley of the Kings and Philae; handrails are not available at every entrance. Cabins and public areas may be reached by stairs, and lifts vary by assigned vessel. Wheelchair access cannot be assumed. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel, cabin and excursion arrangements and provide written details for the assigned sailing.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This cruise uses a large diesel river vessel, usually with twin engines. Shore power may be available in some ports, but availability depends on the vessel and location. Excursions use air-conditioned minibuses supplied locally. We ask suppliers about vehicle servicing and tyre records, though standards and documentation can vary. Egyptian crew, catering and housekeeping teams support local employment. On-board waste handling follows applicable Egyptian maritime rules; solid waste is separated for shore disposal and greywater treatment varies by vessel class. Purchases from museum shops and local craft cooperatives can support local guides and artisans. We can confirm vessel-specific practices once your sailing is assigned.
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
- A current passport and a photocopy
- A hat for the sun and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- A refillable water bottle
- Prescription medication and personal essentials
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A light scarf for sun and site visits
- Comfortable shoes with grip for uneven stone
- A light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
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 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 useful on promenades but are difficult on uneven archaeological ground and steps. High chairs and infant cots depend on the assigned vessel and should be requested before booking.
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
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae Temple, AswanRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included with the Concerto Nile Cruise?
The Concerto Nile Cruise includes full-board accommodation, covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. It also features private guided shore excursions, all transfers by private vehicle, entrance fees to sights between Luxor and Aswan, and all service charges and taxes.02What are the typical embarkation and disembarkation arrangements?
Embarkation for the Concerto Nile Cruise typically occurs in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen direction. We arrange all transfers to and from the vessel by private, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth start and end to your journey.03Which facilities can guests use aboard the Concerto Nile Cruise?
The Concerto Nile Cruise offers comfortable cabins, a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, and a main dining room. These facilities are designed to provide a relaxing environment as you sail along the Nile.04Are shore excursions part of the cruise package?
Yes, shore excursions are a key part of the Concerto Nile Cruise package. These include guided visits to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all led by an Egyptologist.05What is the child policy for the Concerto Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult rate. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.06What should I wear on board and for shore excursions?
On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visits to temples and religious sites.07What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. The peak winter sun period from November to March is particularly popular with UK travellers.08What is not included in the Concerto Nile Cruise package?
The package does not include extra meals or beverages beyond the full-board arrangement, personal expenses such as laundry, or gratuities for your guide, driver, and the cruise crew. Optional tours, such as Abu Simbel, are also excluded.09How does the Concerto Nile Cruise handle luggage and transfers?
We arrange all your transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle between the airport or your hotel and the Concerto Nile Cruise vessel. Our team assists with your luggage during these transfers, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to departure.10What is the typical group size for shore excursions?
Shore excursions from the Concerto Nile Cruise are typically conducted in small groups, with a maximum of eight guests per Egyptologist guide. This ensures a more personalised and engaging experience at each historical site.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-180377
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