Grand Sun Nile Cruise
This five-star Nile cruiser offers comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge-bar service, full-board dining and guided excursions ashore.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise programme covering Luxor, Aswan and key temples between them, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise includes accommodation on a selected 5-star Nile river vessel, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Couples·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise Ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Nile River
- Includes
- Accommodation in a cruise cabin · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Excursions ashore to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · An excursion ashore to the Valley of the Kings · Trips to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a combined sailing and sightseeing programme
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise vessel selected, booked and arranged through a third-party cruise supplier
- Egyptologist-led sightseeing can be arranged through the tour programme
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested
- Travellers should review the cancellation terms shown on the booking page
What lingers
- 01Cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in either direction
- 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04See Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 05Select a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin, subject to availability
02Overview
A first look
As the sun lowers over the Nile, the water takes on a bronze sheen and the riverbank slips past in palms, mud-brick homes and desert beyond. Grand Sun Nile Cruise makes the journey itself part of the experience: settle on the sun deck, watch the changing landscape through a panoramic window or join the quiet rhythm of the lounge bar between shore excursions.
We arrange the vessel, cabin class and embarkation details, with sailing between Luxor and Aswan available weekly in both directions. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team coordinates the programme ashore, while an experienced Egyptologist helps put Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings into context. The pace is measured, though uneven ancient stone and strong midday sun still require sensible footwear, water and a hat.
Background
The facts
The Grand Sun Nile Cruise is a 5-star river-cruise programme linking Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either end of the route. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, and the cruise programme combines sailing days with shore excursions at major archaeological sites along the Nile.
The included excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s east bank, 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 and Luxor Temple are within Luxor city, while the Valley of the Kings lies on the opposite bank; Edfu and Kom Ombo are visited during sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Accommodation is provided aboard a selected 5-star Nile river vessel, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes subject to availability. Full board extends from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally extra. Cabin prices are based on two people sharing, with a single supplement typically applying.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise through a third-party cruise supplier. The vessel is not owned or operated by Discovery Tours Egypt, and the cruise should be understood as part of an arranged travel programme rather than a separately owned DTE ship.
Named in this entry
Grand Sun·Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Horus Temple in Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period
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 while visiting the principal temples and tombs along the Nile. It is best for travellers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven archaeological surfaces, steps and warm outdoor conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access or want to avoid gangways, stairs and uneven ground. The shore excursions also involve heat and sustained walking, so this may not suit travellers seeking a low-effort holiday.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan rather than treating the Nile as a transfer
Things to Consider
- Temple grounds include uneven stone, steps and exposed areas
- Boarding requires using a gangways, which may not suit limited mobility
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise
- A single supplement typically applies to sole-occupancy cabins
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Luxor and Aswan itinerary, this programme combines accommodation, river sailing and shore excursions at the principal Nile monuments. Unlike a fixed named-ship product, the specific 5-star vessel is selected and booked at the time of arrangement, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes subject to availability.
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
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard a five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Full-board meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement for travellers occupying a cabin alone
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities, except when specifically requested
- Personal costs and services not listed among the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check which cabin class is confirmed before booking; Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories are subject to availability.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and personal purchases; gratuities are not included.
- 03
Keep a light layer handy for breezier sailing periods, even when daytime temperatures are high.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers may request private or shared shore excursions, subject to availability and the confirmed cruise arrangements. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins can be requested, while private transfers, premium tomb visits, additional sightseeing and extended stays in Luxor or Aswan may be added separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Grand Sun fits as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday, between time in Cairo and visits in Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the embarkation port can suit either route through Egypt.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps, sloped paths and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may require a gangway whose slope changes with the Nile level and the vessel’s position. Cabins, corridors and public areas may not provide full wheelchair access. A wheelchair can work for selected sections with advance planning, but assistance is usually needed on gangways, at temple entrances and across uneven ground. Please tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements. A compact mobility aid is generally more practical than a large wheelchair.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a locally supplied Nile vessel, while shore excursions use Egyptian road transport between ports and archaeological sites. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the vessel, guides, transfers and visits with Egyptian suppliers, rather than owning or operating the ship. Shore excursions provide work for licensed Egyptologists, local drivers, boat crews, site staff and service providers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. River travel can reduce repeated long road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, although fuel, air conditioning, laundry and food waste remain part of the vessel’s impact. Guests can reduce waste by reusing towels, carrying a refillable bottle and following conservation rules at each site.
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
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- A small bag for day trips
- Any medication you need
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers to suit changing temperatures
- Comfortable footwear for uneven ancient ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A hat and clothing that protects you from the sun
- Swimsuit and cover-up if you plan to use the onboard pool
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or older 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 gangways and uneven ground at archaeological sites, so a compact stroller or child carrier is more practical. Please confirm high-chair availability before booking.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £796single cabin £1,119triple cabin £796 | Peak dates: from £1,056single cabin £1,560triple cabin £1,050 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £966single cabin £1,397triple cabin £966 | Peak dates: from £1,312single cabin £1,985triple cabin £1,305 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,476single cabin £2,230triple cabin £1,476 | Peak dates: from £2,082single cabin £3,259triple cabin £2,068 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,492single cabin £2,245triple cabin £1,492 | Peak dates: from £2,097single cabin £3,274triple cabin £2,084 |
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 Temple3 km
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Horus Temple in EdfuRight here
- Kom Ombo templesRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin options
02
Shore visits include Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
This Grand Sun Nile Cruise listing is for 8 days, while the vessel’s usual Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor sailings are 3 or 4 nights. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Please check your selected arrangement for its exact embarkation and disembarkation dates, as the full trip length may include time beyond the sailing itself.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the direction of your sailing. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and can confirm the port and timings for your booking. We'll confirm whether transfers to or from the vessel are included in your booking.03What is included in the Grand Sun Nile Cruise fare?
The fare includes a cabin aboard the Grand Sun Nile Cruise vessel, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.04What is not included on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), single supplements, personal spending and any services not listed as included cost extra. Gratuities, entry inside pyramids and premium tomb tickets are also excluded unless requested specifically. Please ask us to confirm optional excursions or services when finalising your arrangements, as availability and extra charges can depend on the booking.05Is the Grand Sun Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The access arrangements depend on the vessel and the shore-excursion site, so this cruise should not be assumed to be step-free. Gangways, stairs between decks and uneven ancient surfaces may present difficulties; some monuments also have steps. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the selected vessel and discuss which visits may be practical.06What is the children’s policy on the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those 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. Confirm cabin availability when making your enquiry.07What should I wear and bring for the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection and water for shore visits. Egypt’s midday sun can be strong, particularly during warmer months. Choose modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees where practical. Smart-casual clothing is suitable in the dining room; pack a light layer for cooler evenings during winter sun season.08Can I take photographs during the Grand Sun Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and may change, so follow posted notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance at each stop. Some interiors or individual tombs may restrict photography or require a separate photography ticket. Ask before taking pictures inside the Valley of the Kings, and avoid photographing people without their permission.09When is the best time to take the Grand Sun Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for shore visits, while summer temperatures can make walking around temples demanding. Winter sun brings cooler days, but early starts and direct sun are still part of visiting sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Check current conditions close to departure and carry sun protection year-round.10Which temples and sites does the Grand Sun Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Visits take place on alternating sailing and shore-excursion days. The exact order depends on the direction of travel and the sailing arrangements; ask us to confirm the plan for your booking.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-367528
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