Kleos Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, panoramic windows, full-board dining and guided shore visits by our Egyptologists, with weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Kleos Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Kleos Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the booked cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. It is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation on board in booked cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Use of sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Shore excursions as per cruise programme
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Those visiting Egypt for the first time · Couples · Families travelling with older children · Travellers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist-guided shore excursions arranged for you
- 24/7 on-the-ground support in Egypt
- Verified customer reviews and established local supplier relationships
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise aboard MS Kleos between Luxor and Aswan, full-board accommodation and guided shore excursions included.
- 02Visits typically: Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings), Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- 03Our Egyptologists lead morning excursions to avoid midday heat; sightseeing starts around 07:00 where local timings permit.
- 04Cabins on MS Kleos have ensuite bathrooms; luggage handling and daily housekeeping are included in the cruise fare.
- 05We avoid back-to-back early starts; most days include one guided temple visit plus relaxed afternoons aboard ship.
02Overview
A first look
Early sunlight threads between date palms and reflects on the river as a felucca's gentle wash taps the hull; from the sun deck the Nile's soft heat and a distant muezzin set the pace for the day. Cabins range from Standard to Suite, many with Nile-view balconies, and the lounge fills after lunch with our Egyptologists' briefings that prepare you for each shore visit.
We arrange the bookings and shore programmes, and unlike shorter packaged sailings, this vessel's timetable gives proper time ashore at temples rather than rushing visits. The Kleos sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and your Egyptologist leads the scheduled lectures and orientation ashore.
Background
The facts
Kleos Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s major archaeological sites along the river corridor, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
Karnak Temple is on the east bank of Luxor, about 2.5 km north of Luxor Temple, and is one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt, developed over many dynasties from the Middle Kingdom onward. Luxor Temple stands in central Luxor on the east bank and was especially prominent in the New Kingdom, with later additions from Tutankhamun, Ramesses II and others. The Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of Luxor, where royal tombs were cut into the limestone cliffs during the New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62).
Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and dates mainly to the Ptolemaic period, beginning in 237 BCE. Kom Ombo, roughly 40 km north of Aswan, is unusual for its dual dedication to Sobek and Horus, while Philae, near Aswan, was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue campaign after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. These sites are commonly visited as part of multi-day Nile cruise programmes rather than as independent day trips.
Kleos offers cabin categories from Standard to Suite, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in selected cabins. Public areas include a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, and the cruise is arranged on a full-board basis from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing the same archaeological circuit from either end of the river.
Named in this entry
Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Luxor·Aswan·Horus·Sobek·Tutankhamun·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period·Agilkia Island·UNESCO
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Nile itinerary with archaeological stops and time on board for relaxation. It is a good match for history-focused travellers, couples and small groups who prefer a cabin-based river journey rather than a land-only tour.
Maybe not, if
- It is not ideal for travellers who need step-free access at archaeological sites, or who want a flexible, independently planned trip. Families with two or more children need a separate cabin for the additional children.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of comfort levels.
- The sun deck and lounge bar provide space to relax between shore visits.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites involve stairs, uneven paving and periods of walking.
- Midday heat can make shore visits tiring, particularly from May to September.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Families with two or more children need an additional cabin.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only tour, this cruise keeps accommodation, meals and archaeological visits within one river itinerary, reducing the need to repack between sites. Compared with shorter Nile sailings, it allocates proper time ashore at major temples and tombs, rather than treating them as quick stopovers. The vessel also offers cabin grades, public lounges and a sun deck, so the journey functions as both transport and accommodation while sailing 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
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard Kleos in the cabin grade booked
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to the on-board sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme between Luxor and Aswan
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Visas and travel cover
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, unless stated as included
- Entrance fees for premium tombs or pyramid interiors, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin grades have Nile-view balconies before booking; balcony availability varies by category.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water), crew gratuities and any premium tomb entry.
- 03
Check the cancellation terms shown on the booking page before confirming, as they are specific to the booking.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose between cabin grades, subject to availability, and may request single occupancy with a single supplement. The cruise can also be combined with extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, upgraded cabin views, or a private Egyptologist-guided extension before or after sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Kleos fits between a Cairo visit and time in Aswan, with shore excursions linking the principal temples and sites along the Nile.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding the Kleos Nile Cruise is by gangway, and moving between decks requires using stairs; there is no guaranteed lift access to all public decks. Expect uneven gangway surfaces, one or two steps into many cabins, raised thresholds entering launch boats for shore excursions, and stone steps at temple sites such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users with powered wheelchairs or full mobility aids should contact us before booking so we can confirm cabin placement and arrange meet-and-assist at the airport and extra help boarding. Independent wheelchair access to some temple entrances and certain decks is limited by stairs and narrow gangways, so carers or companions may be required for full participation in shore excursions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel propulsion managed by the cruise line; we do not operate the Kleos Nile Cruise. Shore excursions are arranged with locally registered launch boats and air-conditioned coaches that meet Egyptian vehicle safety standards. We contract Egyptologists and guides who are based in Luxor and Aswan, prioritising suppliers from Nile communities where possible. Onboard waste segregation is carried out where the cruise line permits, and surplus food is measured with a view to redistribution to crew or local charities when health rules allow. We request supplier details on fuel type, water treatment and local employment practices on request; we do not claim third-party certifications unless they appear in your booking paperwork.
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 plus a photocopy and the booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple steps and uneven stone
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF30+), sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle, refillable on board
- Lightweight daypack for camera, binoculars and personal items
- Any prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Universal plug adaptor for type C and F sockets in Egypt
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques
- Comfortable shoes with grip for uneven site paths
- Choose smart-casual attire for dinner in the evening
- A light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
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 a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be awkward on the gangway and at temple entrances. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking and we will pass the request to the cruise supplier.
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 £580single cabin £752triple cabin £580 | Peak dates: from £753single cabin £1,041triple cabin £747 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £678single cabin £907triple cabin £678 | Peak dates: from £909single cabin £1,293triple cabin £901 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £972single cabin £1,372triple cabin £972 | Peak dates: from £1,375single cabin £2,048triple cabin £1,362 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £987single cabin £1,387triple cabin £987 | Peak dates: from £1,391single cabin £2,063triple cabin £1,377 |
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
- Edfu’s Temple of HorusRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does a typical Kleos Nile Cruise sailing last?
The Kleos Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, providing flexibility for your holiday plans.02What does full board cover on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Kleos Nile Cruise covers lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all main meals served in the dining room.03What shore excursions are part of the Kleos Nile Cruise programme?
The Kleos Nile Cruise excursion programme includes guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These are led by our Egyptologists.04Which cabin types can you choose from on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
The Kleos Nile Cruise has a range of cabin grades, from Standard cabins through to Suites. Many cabins have panoramic windows or balconies overlooking the Nile, offering river views as you sail.05What are the arrangements for children on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
Children under six travel at no charge. Those aged from six to under 12 pay half the adult fare, while children aged 12 or older are charged the full adult fare. A maximum of one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a separate cabin.06What clothing is suitable for shore excursions from the Kleos Nile Cruise?
For shore trips, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes for walking, along with a hat, sunglasses and light, airy clothing. Please dress modestly when entering temples or religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered.07Are gratuities covered in the Kleos Nile Cruise fare?
The standard Kleos Nile Cruise fare does not include tips for the crew or Egyptologists. For your convenience, we can advise you on suitable gratuity amounts.08When is the ideal time of year to go on a Kleos Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally the best period for a Kleos Nile Cruise, with cooler, more comfortable sightseeing weather. From May to September, summer is hotter, though there may be fewer crowds.09What facilities does the Kleos Nile Cruise have on board?
On board the Kleos Nile Cruise, guests can relax on the sun deck, unwind in the comfortable lounge bar or dine in the dining room, where every meal is served. All guests may use these communal areas while sailing.10Are any drinks (including water) included on the Kleos Nile Cruise?
The full-board arrangement on the Kleos Nile Cruise generally excludes drinks (including water). You can buy other beverages separately in the lounge bar or dining room.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-277904
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