King of Thebes Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile vessel with air-conditioned cabins, full-board meals, a pool, sun deck, hot tub and lounge bar.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
King of Thebes Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise programme sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise includes deluxe 5-star cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and a private English-speaking Egyptologist for listed shore excursions. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam, with Abu Simbel available as an optional excursion.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae · Aswan High Dam
- Includes
- All meals included, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · A private Egyptologist who speaks English · Entrance fees for listed shore excursions · Visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Visit to the Valley of the Kings · Visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam · On-board swimming pool, fitness facility and Wi-Fi · Egyptian folklore performance, when scheduled
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for full-board accommodation on the river
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Shore excursions are arranged with private English-speaking Egyptologist guidance.
- Cruise and cancellation terms are confirmed before booking.
What lingers
- 01Choose from 3, 4 or 7-night sailings between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor
- 03Explore the Valley of the Kings with a private English-speaking Egyptologist
- 04Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae during shore excursions
- 05Use the on-board swimming pool, fitness facility, hot tub and sun deck bar
- 06Add an optional Abu Simbel excursion by coach or domestic flight
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile carries palm shadows past the cabin window while King of Thebes Nile Cruise eases away from Luxor. The riverbank changes gradually, giving sailing days a quiet rhythm between temple visits and time on the sun deck.
Our Egyptologists make the shore excursions purposeful, from carved reliefs at Karnak Temple to the different scale of Philae and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Back aboard, air conditioning, full board and the lounge bar keep the pace comfortable, with an Egyptian folklore show scheduled during the sailing. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cruise booking and on-the-ground support before you travel.
Background
The facts
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise programme sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Sailing options typically range from 3 to 7 nights, depending on the selected programme.
The shore-excursion programme covers major ancient sites along the Nile Valley. In Luxor, visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Further south, excursions visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel is available separately by coach or domestic flight.
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Cabins include air conditioning, television, a fridge and Wi-Fi. Shared facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, fitness area, hot tub, lounge bar and entertainment lounge; an Egyptian folklore show is scheduled where available.
Named in this entry
King of Thebes·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Valley of the Kings·The Temple of Horus at Edfu·The Temple of Kom Ombo·Philae·The High Dam at Aswan·Abu Simbel·Ancient Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts and travellers who prefer to combine accommodation, river transport and guided sightseeing. It is appropriate for adults and families who can manage steps, uneven surfaces and walking across archaeological sites, with private English-speaking Egyptologist guidance arranged for the shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout, or want a quiet stay without scheduled shore excursions and on-board entertainment. Summer departures can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with heat.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guides accompany the listed visits
Things to Consider
- Archaeological sites have uneven surfaces, steps and limited stroller access
- Temple visits can involve long periods outdoors in direct sun
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise
- Abu Simbel is an optional excursion, not part of the listed visits
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this programme combines river-based accommodation, sailing between Luxor and Aswan and organised shore excursions. Unlike a standard group excursion, the listed sightseeing is accompanied by a private English-speaking Egyptologist, while Abu Simbel remains an optional addition rather than a standard inclusion.
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
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Fitness facility
- Wi-fi
- Television
- Phone
- Fridge
- Hot tub
- Wine bar
- Entertainment lounge
- Sun deck bar
- Gift shop
- Elevator
- Safe box
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard a deluxe five-star Nile cruiser
- Full board, with lunch on embarkation day and breakfast on disembarkation day
- Your own English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Admission fees for the listed shore excursions
- Explore Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Aswan High Dam
- Access to the on-board swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi and entertainment facilities
- Egyptian folklore performance, if scheduled
Not included
- Optional trip to Abu Simbel by coach or domestic flight
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Access to pyramid interiors and premium tombs, plus gratuities
- Personal spending, including gift shop purchases
- Single-cabin surcharge, if applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry a small torch for reading the labels inside dimly lit tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
- 02
Keep some Egyptian pounds available for small purchases and toilet facilities during shore visits.
- 03
Pack a light layer for the sun deck, where the breeze can feel cooler while the vessel is sailing.
- 04
Ask before photographing inside tombs or temples, as restrictions and charges can vary by site.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can select the available sailing duration and embark or disembark in Luxor or Aswan, subject to the chosen programme. Abu Simbel can be added by coach or domestic flight, while private arrangements, single cabins and additional hotel nights may be requested; single-cabin supplements and optional services are quoted separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
King of Thebes fits into a wider Egypt holiday between stays in Cairo and visits to Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme covers major Nile Valley sites, with Abu Simbel available as an optional excursion from Aswan.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps, ramps and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam. Boarding your Nile cruiser may require a gangway, which can be steep or uneven depending on the river level and berth. Cabins may be reached through narrow corridors or by stairs, and lifts cannot always serve every deck. Shore-excursion vehicles may not fit every wheelchair. The pool, hot tub and sun deck may also involve steps. Guests with limited mobility should request an accessible cabin and assistance before booking. We can confirm the assigned vessel and current port arrangements, but cannot guarantee step-free access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising combines accommodation and transport, so it can reduce the number of separate hotel stays and road transfers, although the vessel still uses fuel and produces wastewater. Shore excursions are arranged with local Egyptian drivers, licensed English-speaking Egyptologists and suppliers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Spending on meals, guiding and services in these towns supports local businesses along the Nile. Engine efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and fuel practices vary by the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not claim standards that have not been confirmed. A refillable water bottle, careful waste disposal and avoiding unnecessary single-use plastic are practical steps during your sailing.
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
- Details of your travel insurance
- Comfortable walking shoes with sturdy soles
- SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- A reusable water bottle
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A small day bag for shore excursions
- Any prescription medication you need
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothing suited to warm weather
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Swimwear and a light cover-up for the pool
- Light jumper or jacket for air-conditioned interiors and evenings
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A sun hat and sunglasses for the sun deck
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years go free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or above pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child in each cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are impractical on gangways, along narrow corridors and over uneven temple surfaces. Ask for a high chair before booking; its availability must be confirmed with the assigned vessel.
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 £580single cabin £752triple cabin £580 | May – September: from £465single cabin £566triple cabin £465 | Peak dates: from £710single cabin £984triple cabin £710 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £678single cabin £907triple cabin £678 | May – September: from £524single cabin £659triple cabin £524 | Peak dates: from £851single cabin £1,216triple cabin £851 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £972single cabin £1,372triple cabin £972 | May – September: from £703single cabin £938triple cabin £703 | Peak dates: from £1,274single cabin £1,913triple cabin £1,274 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £987single cabin £1,387triple cabin £987 | May – September: from £718single cabin £954triple cabin £718 | Peak dates: from £1,290single cabin £1,929triple cabin £1,290 |
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
- The Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- The Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Private Egyptologist visits across the Luxor to Aswan route
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What are the available sailing durations for the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise offers flexible sailing options, including 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing you to choose between embarking in Luxor or Aswan.02Which meals are included in the King of Thebes Nile Cruise full-board package?
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise full-board package includes every meal, from lunch on the day you embark through to breakfast on the day you disembark. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main dining room.03Are shore excursions and entrance fees part of the King of Thebes Nile Cruise package?
Yes. Your cruise package includes excursions ashore to major sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam. Entrance fees for all these included visits are covered too.04What types of cabin can you choose from on the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The King of Thebes Nile Cruise features deluxe 5-star cabins, each equipped with air conditioning, a television, and a fridge. Many cabins offer panoramic windows for views of the Nile, providing a comfortable base between excursions.05What facilities can I expect on board the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
On board the King of Thebes Nile Cruise, you will find a swimming pool, a sun deck, a fitness facility, and Wi-Fi access. There is also a lounge bar and an entertainment lounge, where an Egyptian folklore show is typically scheduled.06Is the Abu Simbel excursion included in the King of Thebes Nile Cruise fare?
No, the excursion to Abu Simbel is not included in the standard cruise fare. It is an optional add-on that can be arranged either by coach or domestic flight, depending on your preference and itinerary.07What are the arrangements for children travelling aboard the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years can travel at no charge; children aged 6–11.99 years are charged 50% of the adult fare. From age 12, children pay the full adult fare. Only one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a separate cabin.08What clothing is recommended for shore excursions on the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for shore excursions. Modest clothing is recommended at religious sites such as temples, with shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.09When is the best time of year to take the King of Thebes Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is generally during the winter sun months, from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.10Are tips covered by the King of Thebes Nile Cruise price?
No. Tips for the cruise staff and your Egyptologist guide are not covered by the cruise fare. Tipping for good service is customary, and we can advise you on suitable amounts.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-902998
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