Kontiki Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser: most cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies, sun deck, lounge bar, indoor dining, full-board meals and planned shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Kontiki Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile river cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and scheduled Upper Egypt sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The shore programme names six major sites: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Kontiki sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore visits alternating with sailing days.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard the Kontiki · Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Scheduled shore excursions at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Scheduled shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo · Scheduled shore excursions at Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Best for
- Couples · Solo travellers · Families · Travellers seeking a Nile cruise
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- The shore-excursion programme names six sites across Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Aswan area.
What lingers
- 01Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with most offering a Nile-view window or balcony
- 02Sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining room on board
- 03Trips ashore take in Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 05Full-board meals cover the period from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
02Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile is a still ribbon and the Kontiki's pale hull reflects palm trees and laundry flapping on the riverbank, a quiet place to sit with a coffee and the panorama from your cabin's Nile-view window or balcony. Mornings on the shaded sun deck carry the scent of baking bread from nearby villages and the soft clink of cutlery in the dining room between excursions.
We carefully select the Kontiki for its balanced schedule and graded cabins, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists meet groups ashore to contextualise each visit and answer detailed questions before you return to the ship.
Background
The facts
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a river-cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. It sails between Luxor and Aswan, with cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Many cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies; onboard facilities include a sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining room. The fare is priced per person sharing, with a single supplement for sole occupancy.
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and shore visits alternate with sailing days. Exact distances and visit durations vary by sailing.
The sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak’s principal temple complex developed over many centuries, especially during the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE). The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom. The Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage property; Philae is part of the UNESCO Nubian Monuments campaign.
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water), crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses and optional activities are excluded. Premium tombs are not included unless specifically stated. Opening times and access arrangements at archaeological sites can change; we’ll confirm current arrangements, particularly during Ramadan and hot-weather months.
Named in this entry
Kontiki·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·The Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·UNESCO Nubian Monuments
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults, couples and history-focused travellers who want scheduled visits to Karnak Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with time on board between stops. It also suits families whose children can manage temple steps and uneven archaeological surfaces, and travellers comfortable with set meal times and shared-cabin pricing.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or prefer independent sightseeing and flexible meal times. Summer heat in Luxor and Aswan can also make early visits and time outdoors demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck, shaded seating and lounge bar provide time between visits.
- Weekly sailings in both directions offer a choice of route direction.
Things to Consider
- Uneven stone and steps at temples and the Valley of the Kings.
- Summer heat can make sightseeing strenuous, particularly around midday.
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Gratuities and optional shore activities are not included.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise products are presented as a fixed one-way transfer; Kontiki sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its programme alternates shore excursions with sailing days, rather than treating the river journey only as transport between visits.
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 Kontiki
- Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Planned shore trips on the vessel’s itinerary to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Personal expenses and optional shore activities not included in the vessel programme
- Optional or premium admission charges, such as for premium tombs or pyramid interiors where available
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm the sailing direction for your departure, as Kontiki sails weekly both from Luxor and from Aswan.
- 02
Ask which cabin grade is being quoted and whether its Nile view is through a window or balcony.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for crew and guide gratuities.
- 04
Check whether any premium tomb you want to enter is included; premium tomb fees are excluded unless stated.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Cabin choice can be made among Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Optional shore activities may be available at extra cost; drinks, gratuities and premium entrance tickets are not included unless stated otherwise.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Kontiki fits between stays in Cairo and time in Luxor or Aswan, linking the Nile Valley’s main temples and ancient sites.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Kontiki Nile Cruise and its shore excursions involve a mix of flat, level surfaces aboard and uneven, ancient stone at archaeological sites. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway and may require stepping up or down; cabins typically have a single-step threshold and narrow doorways that can restrict wheelchair access. On shore excursions passengers should expect cobblestones, temple steps, and sandy approaches, some without handrails. We can arrange assistance for travellers with reduced mobility if advised at booking, including help with luggage and transfers from the jetty, but independent wheelchair users may find some visits impractical. Please tell us about mobility aids and mobility levels before travel so we can best advise and coordinate with the cruise line and local teams. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will pass your requirements to the vessel and site teams, but final access on-site is determined by the ship and site authorities.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Kontiki Nile Cruise sails the river on diesel-powered engines common to Nile cruisers; on-board transport between cabin and public areas is primarily by stairs and corridors. We work with the cruise line to limit single-use plastics by encouraging use of refillable water bottles and by requesting bottled water only when necessary. Shore excursions use local licensed boats and small coaches provided by the cruise line and local partners; these suppliers employ local crew and Egyptologists, generating income in Luxor and Aswan. When available, we prioritise vessels and suppliers that source produce from nearby markets and employ local staff. We also encourage guests to respect fragile archaeological sites by following site signage and guide instructions, and to leave no litter. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us at booking so we can share supplier practices and suggest low-impact options while you are on board.
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 and a printed copy of your booking
- Small daypack for excursions, with water and sun protection
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors
- Medication and a basic first-aid kit, with prescriptions labelled
- Power adapter (Egypt uses type C and F, 220–240V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fibres
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light jumper or fleece for evening on the Nile
- Flat, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers
- A scarf or sarong for additional modesty or sun protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and 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 a separate cabin. Strollers are practical on board for moving between cabin and public areas, but they may be difficult to use during shore excursions where there are steps, narrow pathways, or sandy terrain. High chairs and baby equipment are provided subject to availability, please request them at 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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £652single cabin £912triple cabin £646 | Peak dates: from £940single cabin £1,459triple cabin £935 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £774single cabin £1,120triple cabin £767 | Peak dates: from £1,159single cabin £1,850triple cabin £1,151 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,140single cabin £1,745triple cabin £1,127 | Peak dates: from £1,813single cabin £3,023triple cabin £1,799 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,155single cabin £1,761triple cabin £1,142 | Peak dates: from £1,828single cabin £3,039triple cabin £1,815 |
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
Visit six named sites through the vessel's shore programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
This Kontiki Nile Cruise product is listed as an eight-day holiday, while the vessel’s usual sailings are offered for 3, 4 or 7 nights. The exact number of nights depends on the arrangement you book. Check your travel documents for the embarkation and disembarkation dates and ports, Luxor or Aswan.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The Kontiki sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in one of those ports. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. We arrange the cruise and can confirm your port details and any connections with the rest of your holiday; there is no cruise pick-up service included in the information provided.03What is included on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The arrangement also includes accommodation aboard the vessel, scheduled excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, plus use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.04What is not included in the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses and optional activities outside the vessel’s programme are not included. Optional or premium entrance fees may also cost extra, such as access to premium tombs. Check the final arrangements for any exceptions or additional inclusions.05Is the Kontiki Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Boarding, moving around the vessel and visiting ancient sites may involve steps or uneven surfaces. Tell us what assistance you need before booking, and we’ll confirm the arrangements for your mobility needs.06Can children travel on the Kontiki 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. Cabin availability and the applicable price should be confirmed when arranging your booking.07What should I wear and bring for Kontiki shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and light clothing suited to the heat. For temples and mosques, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Conditions can be hot, particularly during summer visits, so carry water and follow your Egyptologist’s advice at each site.08Can I take photographs during the Kontiki Nile Cruise and shore excursions?
Photography rules depend on the location and the specific site. Ask before photographing people, religious spaces or any area where signs restrict cameras; some tombs may have separate rules or fees. The information supplied for Kontiki does not set out a vessel-wide photography policy, so check with the crew for photography on board.09When is the best time to take the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for visiting sites in Upper Egypt, while May to September can bring intense heat. Winter sun is a practical reason UK travellers choose this route, though early starts and sun exposure still matter. Ramadan can affect opening hours, so check site timings for your travel dates.10Which sites are visited on the Kontiki Nile Cruise?
The scheduled shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursion days alternate with sailing days on the Nile. The order and timing can vary with the vessel’s programme, so treat these as planned visits rather than a fixed daily sequence.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-624028
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