Lady Carol Nile Cruise
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins sit alongside a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, with full-board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the cruise selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
The scheduled shore-excursion programme links six sites between Luxor and Aswan, with Karnak Temple about 3 km from Luxor Temple. Lady Carol sails weekly in both directions, subject to the vessel’s operating schedule.
- Couples·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the class booked · Full-board dining, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions to the listed temples and sites · Enjoy the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Embarkation and disembarkation assistance organised by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking an organised Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Cruise selection, booking and port assistance arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Scheduled excursions are arranged with Egyptologist guidance where included
- Traveller support is provided by an Egypt-based tour operator
What lingers
- 01MS Lady Carol four-day, three-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 02Included daytime guided visits by our Egyptologists to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; premium tombs (Tutankhamun) excluded.
- 03Overnight sailing between Edfu and Aswan provides two-hour shore time at Edfu Temple after the cruise boats depart.
- 04We operate small-group shore excursions; unlike large coach tours, we avoid midday departures to minimise heat exposure.
- 05Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; basic onboard meals and crew service are provided.
02Overview
A first look
By mid-afternoon, the Nile carries the sound of water against the hull as palm groves and village roofs pass beyond the sun deck. Inside, the lounge bar and dining room offer a calm place to watch the river change between shore excursions, while your cabin provides a private retreat with a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony where available.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae into focus without turning each visit into a hurried stop. Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange embarkation assistance, port coordination and the shore-excursion programme before you travel.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is a river sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port subject to the sailing schedule. The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae. Excursions are scheduled around sailing days and may vary according to the vessel’s operating programme.
Cabin accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes. Panoramic Nile-view windows or balconies are available where specified for the selected cabin category. Public areas include a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, providing views of the river and space to relax while sailing.
Full-board dining runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise. Standard entrance arrangements for the scheduled excursion programme are included, while premium site tickets, optional private excursions and gratuities are excluded unless requested.
Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travellers to choose their embarkation port. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise and provides embarkation and disembarkation assistance; the vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple·Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Ancient Egypt·Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults, couples, families and first-time Egypt visitors who want a structured introduction to the major archaeological sites along the Nile without changing hotels between Luxor and Aswan. It is most appropriate for travellers comfortable with scheduled shore excursions, river embarkation procedures and moderate walking over uneven temple and tomb surfaces.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout or prefer independent visits without a scheduled shore-excursion programme. Summer heat can also make extended outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer different comfort and view options.
- Sailing between Luxor and Aswan links the main sights without repeated road transfers.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve uneven ancient surfaces, steps and sun exposure.
- Drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Premium site tickets, private excursions and crew gratuities cost extra.
- December to February brings higher visitor numbers at major sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Luxor and Aswan itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river transport and scheduled sightseeing in one booking. Unlike a private bespoke sailing, the shore-excursion programme follows the vessel’s operating schedule, while cabin choice and optional private excursions provide some flexibility.
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 in the cabin category booked
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day until breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Planned shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Assistance with embarkation and disembarkation at the port, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- Superior entrance tickets and optional private trips
- International and domestic flights to and from the embarkation ports
- Single-occupancy supplement for a cabin
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check the sailing schedule before choosing an embarkation port, as excursion order and timing depend on the vessel’s operation.
- 02
At the Valley of the Kings, confirm the current premium ticket arrangements before deciding whether to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb.
- 03
Take photographs of Karnak Temple early in the visit, before the main excursion groups gather around the central precinct.
- 04
At Philae, allow time to orient yourself on Agilkia Island before following the temple’s reliefs and columned halls.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, with Nile-view windows or balconies where available, and choose embarkation at Luxor or Aswan according to the sailing schedule. Optional private excursions, premium site tickets and wider Egypt itineraries can be added, while flights, single occupancy and gratuities are arranged separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Lady Carol fits between time in Cairo and a stay in Luxor or Aswan, or as the river section of a longer Egypt holiday.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility depends on the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and the embarkation port. Expect gangways that may be steep or narrow, raised thresholds, narrow corridors and stairs between decks; lifts may not reach every level. Some cabin layouts have steps. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae involve uneven ancient paving, sand, steps and limited shade. A wheelchair may not be practical on every excursion. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin access, gangway conditions and available assistance with the cruise supplier.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your sailing uses a river cruiser and locally arranged transport between the vessel and Egypt’s archaeological sites. Discovery Tours Egypt books these services with Egyptian cruise and transport suppliers, while the cruise line controls the vessel’s fuel use, waste systems and energy management. Facilities differ between assigned vessels, so we cannot promise specific environmental equipment before confirmation. Shore excursions provide work for licensed Egyptian Egyptologists, drivers and other local suppliers. You can help reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding disposable plastics and following the crew’s waste-sorting instructions.
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 travel documents
- Booking confirmation
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip
- Sunscreen with SPF 50 or above
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle, where permitted
- Prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight clothing with a relaxed fit
- Breathable layers for chilly mornings and evenings
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a sun-deck cover-up
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; travellers aged 12 and above are charged 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 must have their own cabin. Strollers may be awkward to use on gangways, narrow decks and uneven archaeological sites. Please request a high chair in advance; availability depends on the vessel assigned.
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 Mondays | October – April: from £652single cabin £874triple cabin £652 | May – September: from £609single cabin £811triple cabin £609 | Peak dates: from £912single cabin £1,315triple cabin £912 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £774single cabin £1,070triple cabin £774 | May – September: from £717single cabin £986triple cabin £717 | Peak dates: from £1,120single cabin £1,658triple cabin £1,120 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,140single cabin £1,658triple cabin £1,140 | May – September: from £1,039single cabin £1,510triple cabin £1,039 | Peak dates: from £1,745single cabin £2,687triple cabin £1,745 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,155single cabin £1,673triple cabin £1,155 | May – September: from £1,054single cabin £1,525triple cabin £1,054 | Peak dates: from £1,761single cabin £2,702triple cabin £1,761 |
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 TempleRight 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 scheduled shore programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How do I reach the Lady Carol embarkation port?
Flights to Luxor or Aswan aren’t included in the cruise arrangements. Discovery Tours Egypt can assist with embarkation and disembarkation at the port, while airport transfers depend on the rest of your booking. Check your port and arrival arrangements before travelling, especially if your flight lands on embarkation day.02What is included on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
The booking includes your chosen cabin class, full-board meals and the scheduled shore-excursion programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, subject to the sailing schedule.03What costs extra on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), crew and Egyptologist gratuities, premium site tickets and optional private excursions are excluded unless your booking states otherwise. Flights to and from Luxor or Aswan are also not included. Cabin prices are based on two people sharing; a single supplement applies when one person occupies a cabin.04How much walking is involved on the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Shore visits involve walking around ancient sites, where surfaces can be uneven and shade may be limited. The schedule and walking demands vary by site, and the product information does not confirm step-free access or mobility facilities aboard the vessel. Contact us with specific access needs so we can check what can be arranged.05Can children travel on the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, those aged 6–11.99 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.06What should I wear and bring for the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection and water for visits to the archaeological sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites. Conditions can be hot, especially in summer, and ancient stone paths may be uneven, so dress for sun and walking rather than relying on shade.07Can I take photographs during the Lady Carol shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and may differ for particular monuments or interiors. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs, especially inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Do not use flash or photograph people without permission where site rules or personal consent make this inappropriate.08When is the best time to take the Lady Carol Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for shore excursions around Luxor and Aswan. Summer visits can be very hot, particularly at exposed sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. If you travel in warmer months, plan for strong sun and follow your Egyptologist’s advice during visits.09Which sites does the Lady Carol Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae. Excursions alternate with sailing between Luxor and Aswan, but the order and timing depend on the vessel’s schedule. Visits to Edfu include the Temple of Horus.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-731126
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