Egypt Discovery
Nile CruiseLuxor → Aswan

Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise

A 5-star river vessel with panoramic glazing, an open sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining.

At a glance

Length
5 days · 4 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

The short answer

Grand Mandarin is a 4-day Nile cruise vessel serving Luxor and Aswan, with its shore excursions arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Luxor and Aswan are linked by about 220 km of Nile sailing, with Grand Mandarin serving both ports. Its excursion programme can include six sites, from Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings to Philae.

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Nile Cruise Cabin
Destinations
Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Cabin aboard Grand Mandarin · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme · Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Visit to Kom Ombo · Visits to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Best for
Nile cruise travellers · Culture and history enthusiasts · Couples · Families
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

What lingers

  • 01Sail on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly departures in both directions.
  • 02Shore excursions can include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
  • 03The excursion programme can visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo.
  • 04Visits may also include Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
  • 05Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

02Overview

A first look

Grand Mandarin is a five-star Nile cruiser between Luxor and Aswan, with full-board dining, a sun-deck pool and an Egyptologist-guided temple programme along the river. 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

Grand Mandarin is a Nile river cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. Its cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite; cabin dimensions and views depend on the selected class. The vessel has a shore-excursion programme along the Luxor to Aswan corridor.

The ports are Luxor and Aswan, about 220 km apart by river. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Excursions may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings; the order varies with sailing direction and schedule.

Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple form part of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples reflect construction and use across several periods of ancient Egyptian history, including the New Kingdom. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground during the New Kingdom.

Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra. Exact sailing dates, excursion availability and site opening times vary; check current details before travel. Standard entrance fees are included unless the booking states otherwise.

Named in this entry

Grand Mandarin·Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·New Kingdom

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • The Grand Mandarin suits couples and solo travellers, usually adults or older teenagers, who want to see several Nile Valley sites without changing hotels each night. Choose it if you enjoy a structured shore-excursion programme, shared dining and time aboard between visits to places such as Karnak Temple and Philae.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a land-based holiday instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace at every site. The excursion programme involves walking on uneven ancient stone, and summer heat can make visits tiring.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of category
  • Combines river sailing with visits to temples and archaeological sites

Things to Consider

  • Shore visits involve uneven stone and steps at ancient sites
  • Excursion timings follow the vessel's sailing schedule
  • Drinks (including water) are typically extra
  • Summer visits can mean high temperatures and limited shade

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Nile holidays are planned around a fixed sailing direction. Grand Mandarin sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with excursions scheduled according to the sailing timetable. Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, this cruise combines nights aboard with scheduled shore visits; the excursion order can vary by direction.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Standard site entrance fees are typically included.

Not included

  • Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre.
  • Premium tomb access, including the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I.
  • Gratuities.
  • Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask for the cabin dimensions and view in writing before choosing a cabin class.

  2. 02

    Check whether your sailing direction places the Valley of the Kings visit before or after the longer sailing stretches.

  3. 03

    Bring a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cool after sunset.

  4. 04

    Keep small notes for optional purchases and gratuities; these are separate from standard site entrance fees.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask us whether private guiding or extra time at a particular site can be arranged around the vessel's excursion programme. Cabin class selection is available across Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories; any meal or itinerary changes depend on the cruise arrangements and should be confirmed before booking.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Grand Mandarin fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, with shore excursions linking the Nile’s major temples and archaeological sites.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile cruise includes uneven stone, exposed rock and irregular carved surfaces at archaeological sites. Temple landings may involve gangways, ladders, steps and short inclines, including at Agilkia Island and Luxor Temple. Most temple entrances do not have permanent ramps. Wheelchair users should bring a folding wheelchair and a companion who can assist during shore excursions. Onboard public areas may be connected by short staircases, and step-free cabins are limited. A folding pushchair can help onboard but may need to be carried at site entrances. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin access and practical arrangements with the vessel operator.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The vessel uses a diesel engine and a low-wake hull. Transfers to and from the embarkation port are arranged by air-conditioned coach or private car, depending on the routing. The cruise and shore excursions involve locally based crew, Egyptologists and excursion providers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste handling follows the vessel operator’s separation and offloading procedures at port facilities. Single-use plastics may still be used where hygiene or safety requires them. We look for local suppliers and guides where available, but cannot verify the source of every onboard ingredient or item. Tips given directly to site guides and crew go to the individuals who provided the service.

  • 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 any required visa
  • Closed walking shoes with a good grip
  • High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light daypack for shore excursions
  • Small torch for dim or uneven steps

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
  • A layer for cooler mornings and evenings on deck
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
  • Sturdy, closed shoes for archaeological sites
  • A light scarf for sun protection or modesty

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. Pushchairs are useful onboard but are often impractical on uneven archaeological ground; a folding pushchair and an adult able to carry it may be needed. High-chair availability is not confirmed, so please ask 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.

How an extension is arranged

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

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Karnak TempleRight here
  • Luxor TempleRight here
  • Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
  • Kom Ombo TempleRight here
  • Philae TempleRight here
  • The Valley of the KingsRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Plan visits across six named Nile sites

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the typical duration and route for the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    The Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise typically sails for three or four nights, offering weekly departures in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's key historical sites.
  2. 02What shore excursions are included with the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    Your cruise includes shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are all arranged with our Egyptologists.
  3. 03What is the board basis on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    The Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally an additional cost.
  4. 04What are the cabin options and amenities on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    Cabins on the Grand Mandarin are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. All cabins feature panoramic windows, and some offer Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable accommodation during your sailing.
  5. 05What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
    For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing are essential. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits. Bring swimwear for the sun deck pool and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile.
  6. 06Is the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
    Yes, children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents; two or more children will require an additional cabin.
  7. 07What is the best time of year to take a Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    The best time for a Nile cruise is during the winter sun season, from November to March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be very hot, particularly for shore excursions.
  8. 08What is the photography policy for sites visited during the cruise?
    Photography is generally permitted at most archaeological sites, though some tombs or specific areas may prohibit it or require an extra fee for cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise you on site-specific rules.
  9. 09What is the accessibility like on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise and its excursions?
    The vessel itself has lifts between decks, but shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, steps, and sometimes sand. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us before booking.
  10. 10Are gratuities included or expected on the Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise?
    Gratuities for the cruise staff and your Egyptologist are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and our team can provide guidance on appropriate amounts for the crew and guides.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-835568

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