Jamila Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck seating, lounge bar and full-board dining; an on-board shore-excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Jamila Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise vessel visiting Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egyptian sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Jamila sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme covering six named sites. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard Jamila · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · On-board shore-excursion programme · Excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Excursion to Philae · Excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Temple and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- The product information identifies the vessel as Jamila and names its cabin grades: Standard, Deluxe and Suite.
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
- 02See Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae on shore excursions along the Nile.
- 03Explore the Valley of the Kings during a shore excursion from Luxor.
- 04Choose from graded cabin classes, with Nile-view balconies on higher grades and panoramic windows on lower grades.
- 05Watch the river from the sun deck, which has both seating and shaded areas.
02Overview
A first look
Early-morning light on the Nile makes the river glassy, coffee steam rising on the sun deck while the Jamila slips its moorings in Luxor. The soft thud of the engines and the scent of baked bread from the dining room set the pace for a gently moving holiday.
We hand-pick this vessel and arrange the full-board programme, with shore excursions scheduled so you have actual time ashore at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The Jamila sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and our Egyptologists join selected departures to explain the sites while embarkation and disembarkation are handled in Luxor or Aswan.
Background
The facts
Jamila is a Nile river cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Its eight-day product is based on sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in either city.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings; the sequence depends on sailing direction and timing.
These Upper Egyptian sites span different periods: Karnak and Luxor Temple developed as major religious centres, while the Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground during the New Kingdom. Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are temples associated with the Ptolemaic and Greco-Roman periods. Ancient Thebes, including its necropolis, is a UNESCO World Heritage property.
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Higher grades typically have more floor area and Nile-view balconies; lower grades commonly have panoramic windows. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) and gratuities are extra.
Named in this entry
Jamila·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·The Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Jamila suits adults and older children who want a structured Nile sailing with guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. It works well for couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with fixed excursion timings, shared cabin arrangements and moderate walking at archaeological sites.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you want independent sightseeing or flexible daily plans. Jamila is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access, or for families travelling with strollers.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Walking on uneven stone at archaeological sites
- Boarding involves steps and variable access
- Fixed excursion schedule leaves limited independent time
- May to September heat can make visits demanding
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many coach-led Nile packages use a fixed group format; Jamila is a vessel selected by Discovery Tours Egypt rather than presented as a coach tour. Its excursion programme covers six named sites, with the sequence varying by sailing direction and timing.
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
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner served aboard
- Accommodation aboard Jamila
- The vessel’s shore-excursion programme to the listed sites
- Embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and guides
- Optional premium entrance fees, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs
- Domestic flights and transfers to or from the embarkation or disembarkation ports, except when booked in advance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Karnak, allow time to look closely at the carved columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall, not only the main processional route.
- 02
At Edfu, look for reliefs depicting temple rituals and the myth of Horus and Seth.
- 03
At Kom Ombo, notice the temple's paired sanctuaries, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
- 04
Choose a cabin grade by comparing its listed floor area and view; balcony access is described for higher grades.
Tailor it
Make it yours
We can arrange private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan, and domestic flights can be pre-booked. Ask us about adding sites or extending your Egypt itinerary; cabin class can be selected from Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with a single supplement typically applying.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Jamila fits a wider Egypt holiday that pairs time in Cairo with a Nile journey between Luxor and Aswan. It can follow visits to the Giza Plateau or the Egyptian Museum, or sit between stays in Luxor and Aswan.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has standard gangways and cabins on more than one deck; step-free access throughout has not been confirmed. Boarding may involve a sloping or moving gangway, and access between decks may require stairs. The sun deck and public rooms may not be reachable without steps. Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, stairs and, at some sites, sandy paths or narrow entrances. Wheelchair access at the temples and tombs is limited, and a wheelchair may not be practical for every visit. If you have reduced mobility or use a wheelchair, contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin position and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is provided by a separately owned and operated cruise line, so vessel fuel use, waste handling and crew employment practices depend on the ship assigned to your booking. We do not have verified data to support claims about its emissions or environmental certifications. Shore visits use local Egyptologists and suppliers arranged in Egypt, bringing paid work to the communities along the Nile route. At archaeological sites, follow your guide’s instructions, stay on permitted paths and do not touch or remove stone, pottery or other remains. Ask the cruise line about its current water-refill and waste policies before travel; these have not been confirmed for the assigned vessel.
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
- Passport and travel documents
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Light layers for cooler evenings on deck
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medicines and basic first-aid items
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot weather
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven stone and sandy paths
- A hat and sunglasses for strong sun
- A light layer for evenings on deck
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 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 can be awkward on gangways, stairs and uneven temple paths. High-chair availability is not confirmed, so please ask us 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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £681single cabin £923triple cabin £681 | May – September: from £606single cabin £811triple cabin £603 | Peak dates: from £828single cabin £1,200triple cabin £825 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £813single cabin £1,136triple cabin £813 | May – September: from £713single cabin £986triple cabin £709 | Peak dates: from £1,009single cabin £1,505triple cabin £1,005 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,207single cabin £1,772triple cabin £1,207 | May – September: from £1,032single cabin £1,510triple cabin £1,026 | Peak dates: from £1,550single cabin £2,418triple cabin £1,544 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,223single cabin £1,788triple cabin £1,223 | May – September: from £1,048single cabin £1,525triple cabin £1,041 | Peak dates: from £1,566single cabin £2,433triple cabin £1,559 |
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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Excursion programme includes six named ancient sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Jamila Nile Cruise?
This product is listed as an 8-day holiday, while Jamila’s typical sailings between Luxor and Aswan last 3 or 4 nights. The exact cruise dates and remaining arrangements depend on your confirmed booking. Check the itinerary on the page so you can see how the sailing fits within the full holiday.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are arranged at Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between these cities. Transfers to and from the ports and domestic flights are not included unless booked in advance, so check your confirmed arrangements before travelling.03What meals are included on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board. Drinks (including water) are usually extra unless your booking states otherwise.04What is not included in the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), crew and guide gratuities, optional premium site tickets, domestic flights and port transfers are excluded unless stated or booked separately. Premium extras can include entry inside a pyramid or to selected tombs. Check your booking details for any arrangements added to your holiday.05Is the Jamila Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Guests should be prepared for stairs between decks, potentially steep gangways and uneven ground at ancient sites. Gangway angles can change with the Nile’s water level. Staff may be able to assist, but shore excursions require some walking; contact us before booking to discuss your specific needs.06What is the children’s policy on the Jamila Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel free, those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.07What should I wear on the Jamila Nile Cruise and its shore excursions?
Light clothing and comfortable, secure walking shoes are practical for the Nile’s heat and ancient sites. Bring sun protection, including a hat and high-factor sunscreen. For temple visits and other religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees; cabin or dining-room dress expectations may vary.08Can I take photographs on the Jamila Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited. Ask your Egyptologist before photographing inside tombs or any restricted space, and follow signs and staff instructions. Camera or photography fees may apply at some sites, so confirm the current rules during your visit.09When is the best time to take the Jamila Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally cooler for sightseeing in Upper Egypt than May to September. Winter sun suits time ashore at places such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, though daytime sun remains strong. Carry water, a hat and sun protection in every season.10Which places does the Jamila Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days alternate with visits ashore, and the exact order depends on the direction of travel and sailing schedule. Cabin grades range from Standard to Suite; higher grades have Nile-view balconies, while lower grades have panoramic windows.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-596281
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