Grand Rose Nile Cruise
5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck with shaded seating, lounge bar, full-board dining and guided shore excursions, sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt’s major ancient sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes full board accommodation from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, plus use of onboard facilities and scheduled shore excursions. The programme typically covers Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and coordinates embarkation and excursion logistics; drinks (including water), gratuities and travel documents are usually extra.
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Accommodation in booked cabin grade · Use of sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Scheduled shore excursions per vessel programme
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Older families · Travellers seeking a structured Nile journey
- Guide languages
- English · Italian · French · German · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise arrangements and embarkation logistics are coordinated in advance
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing is arranged where specified on the booking
- 24/7 on-the-ground support is available for travel coordination
What lingers
- 01Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades, with Nile-view windows or balconies in several cabins
- 02Spend time on the rooftop terrace, sun deck or beside the onboard pool
- 03Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the scheduled shore-excursion programme
- 04See the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae on scheduled excursions
- 05Explore the Valley of the Kings as part of the vessel's excursion programme
02Overview
A first look
By early light the Nile flattens into a bright ribbon and the air carries river reed and distant calls of fishermen, seen from the sun deck as the vessel slips past palm-lined banks. Cabin doors open onto panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies; the dining room and lounge bar set the day's tempo with full board meals and evening briefings.
We arrange weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan, and the vessel's shore-excursion programme alternates sailing days with full days ashore so visits are less rushed than on short cruises. Our Egyptologists meet you on board to brief each visit and answer questions, and embarkation logistics are handled for you.
Background
The facts
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used on weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The route follows the river corridor linking Upper Egypt’s major archaeological sites, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged through Luxor and Aswan. The vessel is a river cruiser rather than an ocean ship, so the programme centres on sailing days, shore excursions and time on board.
The cruise programme typically includes scheduled visits to Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Karnak and Luxor Temple date to ancient Thebes, with major construction phases from the Middle Kingdom through the Greco-Roman period, while Philae was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from rising waters. The Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor contains the royal tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including those of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties.
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with some units featuring Nile-view windows or balconies. Public areas generally include a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and a small pool, which are used during the sailing days between sightseeing stops. Full board normally runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, while drinks (including water) and gratuities are usually additional.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and coordinates the shore excursions and embarkation logistics. Because the vessel is a Nile cruiser with a fixed excursion programme, it suits travellers who want a structured river journey rather than a flexible land-based itinerary.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile·Karnak Temple Complex·Luxor Temple·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Thebes·New Kingdom·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older families who want a comfortable, guided way to see Upper Egypt’s key monuments without changing hotels each night. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors, history-focused travellers and anyone who prefers a moderate pace with organised sightseeing and onboard downtime.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based stay if you want a flexible daily schedule or dislike repeated temple visits. It is also a poor fit if stairs, gangways or uneven archaeological paths are difficult for you.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sun deck, lounge bar and small pool provide onboard downtime
- Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
Things to Consider
- Excursions follow the vessel's scheduled programme, limiting day-to-day flexibility
- Gangways, stairs and uneven ancient-site surfaces can be demanding
- Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses cost extra
- May to September heat can make outdoor sightseeing strenuous
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based tour, this Nile cruiser combines accommodation, meals and transport on the river, reducing the need to change hotels between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with shorter sightseeing options, it follows a structured programme with time on board between temple visits and archaeological sites. It is also different from a hotel stay because the itinerary is organised around sailing days and scheduled shore excursions rather than independent day trips. That makes it a better fit for travellers who want a fixed route with included sightseeing and full board on the Nile.
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
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Concierge
- Rooftop terrace
- Swimming pool
Bundled in
- Full board
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and finishing with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the cabin grade you book, on board the vessel
- Use of on board facilities including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions that form the vessel's excursion programme
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- International and domestic flights, including airport taxes
- Egyptian entry visa and travel insurance
- Premium tickets for specific sites, such as pyramid interiors or premium tombs, unless confirmed as included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry a light layer for breezy evenings on the sun deck, even after a hot day ashore.
- 02
Keep small notes for onboard purchases and tips; gratuities are not included in the stated fare.
- 03
Ask before booking which cabin grades have Nile-view windows or balconies, as features vary by cabin.
- 04
Leave room in your day for uneven stone paths and exposed areas at ancient sites.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades, subject to availability, and request Nile-view windows or balconies where offered. The cruise can also be paired with additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, private sightseeing before or after sailing, or upgraded meal and cabin options when available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise links Luxor and Aswan, making it a natural middle section between time in Cairo and a stay in either Nile city. Weekly sailings run in both directions, with shore excursions at the major temples and the Valley of the Kings.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise requires boarding a gangway and moving between decks using steps and low thresholds, so travellers with reduced mobility should plan accordingly. Cabins may have narrow doorways and some require steps to access; lift access between decks is limited on most Nile cruisers. Embarkation and shore excursions typically involve short walks on river quays, uneven cobbles, historic stone paving and short staircases at temples and tombs. Wheelchair users usually need a collapsible wheelchair and assistance for boarding and shore transfers; please tell us your exact requirements before booking so we can check cabin suitability and request staff assistance with the cruise line. If you use a walking stick or have limited stamina, allow extra time for temple approaches and tell your Egyptologist before each excursion so they can plan pacing and rest stops.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses inboard diesel engines for propulsion and small launch boats for some shore landings, so fuel use and emissions are typical for Nile river cruisers. On board the cruise line limits single-use plastics where ship systems permit and operates a linen-reuse programme on multi-night sailings. Shore excursions are supplied by local licensed guides, craftspeople and port crews, which directs income to businesses in Luxor and Aswan; the cruise employs local crew and on-board staff recruited from the region. If you would like lower-impact ashore options, ask your Egyptologist about walking routes, visits to craft co-operatives and shore activities that channel spending to local initiatives. We arrange the cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can pass specific sustainability requests to the cruise line before you travel.
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 with at least six months validity
- Printed or digital travel documents and visas
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- High-factor sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle for on-board refills
- A lightweight day bag for excursions ashore
- Prescription medicines in original packaging
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Closed, comfortable shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- An extra layer for cooler evenings on the sun deck
- A hat with a brim and sunglasses
Children & families
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. Strollers may help on flat promenades but are impractical at many temple approaches and inside tombs. High chairs are not guaranteed; request one when booking so we can check 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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £623single cabin £825triple cabin £623 | May – September: from £522single cabin £652triple cabin £517 | Peak dates: from £767single cabin £1,070triple cabin £762 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £736single cabin £1,005triple cabin £736 | May – September: from £601single cabin £774triple cabin £594 | Peak dates: from £928single cabin £1,332triple cabin £920 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,073single cabin £1,544triple cabin £1,073 | May – September: from £837single cabin £1,140triple cabin £824 | Peak dates: from £1,409single cabin £2,115triple cabin £1,396 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,088single cabin £1,559triple cabin £1,088 | May – September: from £853single cabin £1,155triple cabin £839 | Peak dates: from £1,424single cabin £2,131triple cabin £1,411 |
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
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
We coordinate cruise booking and embarkation arrangements
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Grand Rose Nile Cruise, and where does it sail?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise is an eight-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions. The programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The exact order depends on the sailing.02Where do I embark for the Grand Rose Nile Cruise, and how are arrival arrangements handled?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. We arrange the cruise booking and coordinate the practical embarkation details with you before travel. International and domestic flights, airport taxes, the Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included, so check your travel arrangements against the confirmed port and timing.03What meals and shore excursions are included on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The booked cabin grade, onboard facilities and the vessel’s scheduled shore excursions are also included. Standard site entrance fees are included unless your booking says otherwise. Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are extra unless stated at booking.04What is not included on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses, flights, airport taxes, an Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included. Premium tickets, such as entry inside a pyramid or to a premium tomb, are also excluded unless your booking explicitly includes them. Check the confirmed booking details for any exceptions.05What cabin types are available on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades. Several have Nile-view windows or balconies, but the view and layout depend on the cabin assigned within your booked grade. Pricing is per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies when you occupy a cabin alone. Ask us to confirm the available cabin details for your dates.06Is the Grand Rose Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility details for the vessel and individual shore sites have not been confirmed, so suitability depends on your mobility needs and the final arrangements. Ancient sites can involve uneven stone paths, steps and exposed ground. Tell us about any mobility or balance concerns before booking, and we can check the cabin and excursion arrangements rather than assume every stop will be manageable.07Can children travel on the Grand Rose 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 the child’s age and room arrangements when enquiring, as the policy affects cabin allocation.08What should I wear and bring for Grand Rose Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and light clothing for warm conditions. A hat, sunglasses and water are practical for exposed temple grounds, where shade can be limited. Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites, including temples and mosques. The vessel has shaded seating on its sun deck, but excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand.09Can I take photographs on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise and at the sites?
Photography rules vary between the vessel and individual sites, so check signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance before taking pictures. Some monuments or tomb interiors may restrict photography or require a separate photography permit. Do not photograph people without permission. The applicable rules can differ between Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and other stops.10What is the best season for a Grand Rose Nile Cruise, and what does the route visit?
The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for sightseeing than the hot summer period. The excursion programme covers sites between Luxor and Aswan, including Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a stay based in one city, the vessel changes location as it sails along the Nile.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-LUX-766321
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