Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise
A five-star Lake Nasser vessel featuring lake-view cabins, meals on a full-board basis, a restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The Lake Nasser cruise is a deluxe 5-star sailing route between Aswan and Abu Simbel, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt on a third-party Nile cruiser assigned at booking.
·In summary
This Lake Nasser cruise includes accommodation on a selected 5-star Nile cruiser, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and shore excursions to Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada and the Abu Simbel temples. The vessel is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and includes facilities such as a restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace; drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are excluded.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Solo traveller·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Lake Nasser · Aswan · Wadi El Seboua · Kasr Ibrim · Amada · Abu Simbel · Abu Simbel temples
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard the Lake Nasser cruise · Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day · Excursion ashore to Wadi El Seboua · View of Kasr Ibrim from the lake · Excursion ashore to Amada · Tour of the Abu Simbel temples · Access to the restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace
- Best for
- Nubian archaeology enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the Luxor–Aswan route · Couples and mature families · First-time visitors to Abu Simbel
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the cruise and shore programme.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged for the archaeological visits.
- The operator provides on-the-ground travel coordination and support in Egypt.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Cruise Lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel
- 02Discover the temples of Wadi El Seboua
- 03View the archaeological site of Kasr Ibrim from the lake
- 04Tour the Temple of Amada
- 05Discover the Abu Simbel temples
- 06Make use of the cruiser’s restaurant, pool and rooftop terrace
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the deck looks across Lake Nasser to bare desert ridges, with only the engine’s low hum interrupting the morning. Sailing south from Aswan, you spend shore time among the rescued temples of Wadi El Seboua and Amada, then view Kasr Ibrim from the water before reaching Abu Simbel. The landscape is spare, the distances are wide and the pace is gentler than on the busier Luxor to Aswan route.
Between excursions, there is room for a swim, a meal in the restaurant or shade on the rooftop terrace. We select and arrange the cruiser, cabin and local services as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists accompanying the scheduled visits ashore.
Background
The facts
This Lake Nasser cruise sails from Aswan towards Abu Simbel in southern Egypt, following the reservoir created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Lake Nasser extends for approximately 500 kilometres, although the exact sailing distance and duration depend on the assigned vessel and operational schedule. The route is quieter and more isolated than the conventional Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise, with fewer settlements and a smaller fleet of cruise vessels.
Shore excursions focus on monuments relocated or preserved during the UNESCO International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, undertaken mainly from the 1960s to the 1980s. The programme includes Wadi El Seboua, the Temple of Amada and the archaeological site of Kasr Ibrim, which is generally viewed from the lake because landing arrangements can vary. The temples at Abu Simbel are the principal endpoint of the route.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel were cut into sections and moved to higher ground between 1964 and 1968 to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Wadi El Seboua contains temples commissioned during the New Kingdom, while Amada includes one of the oldest surviving Egyptian temples in Nubia, begun under Thutmose III in the 15th century BC.
Accommodation is provided in a selected 5-star Nile cruiser assigned at booking. Facilities described for the arranged vessel include a restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally charged separately.
Named in this entry
Lake Nasser·Aswan High Dam·Aswan·Abu Simbel temples·Great Temple of Ramesses II·Temple of Hathor·Wadi El Seboua·Temple of Amada·Kasr Ibrim·Nubia·Ramesses II·Thutmose III·UNESCO International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers aged approximately 12 and above who are interested in Nubian archaeology, ancient Egyptian temples and a quieter sailing environment. It is appropriate for independent-minded couples, mature families and cultural travellers who prefer a structured cruise with scheduled shore excursions rather than frequent town visits.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another holiday if you want lively shore towns, a broad choice of ships or a conventional Luxor to Aswan route. Uneven paths, heat and steps on shore excursions may also rule it out for travellers who need step-free access.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Views Kasr Ibrim from the lake; access ashore is not listed.
Things to Consider
- Few shore towns and limited opportunities to go ashore independently.
- Smaller cruiser fleet means less choice of vessel.
- Shore paths can involve heat, steps and uneven ground.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities cost extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike the standard Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise, this route crosses Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel and visits Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim and Amada rather than Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. It offers fewer shore towns, a smaller cruiser fleet and a more isolated archaeological experience.
The route
Aswan and Abu Simbel
- Lake Nasser
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Abu Simbel3 nightsupstream, against the current
- Abu Simbel → Aswan2 nightsdownstream, with the current
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Abu Simbel.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Air conditioning in all cabins
- Panoramic lounge and bar
- Sun deck with loungers
- Onboard restaurant
- 24-hour reception and security
- Wi-Fi in public areas
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation on a selected five-star cruiser on Lake Nasser
- Full board, with lunch served on embarkation day and breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore visits to Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada and the Abu Simbel temples
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Your personal spending
- Optional services not specified in the booking details
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Bring binoculars for viewing Kasr Ibrim, since the archaeological site is seen from the lake rather than visited ashore.
- 02
Pack sun protection for time on the rooftop terrace and during shore visits in the Nubian desert climate.
- 03
Keep a small amount of cash for gratuities and personal purchases, which are not included in the cruise price.
- 04
Check the booking documents for the assigned cruiser and cabin details before travelling.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange this route as a private booking or within the sailing schedule available for the selected cruiser. Travellers may request pre- or post-cruise stays in Aswan or Abu Simbel, private transfers, additional Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and upgraded cabin arrangements, subject to availability. Meals and services not listed in the booking details, including drinks (including water) and gratuities, are normally extra.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Pair the Lake Nasser sailing with time in Aswan before embarkation or a stay in Abu Simbel afterwards. Unlike the standard Luxor to Aswan Nile route, this cruise focuses on monuments along Lake Nasser, including Wadi El Seboua, Amada and the Abu Simbel temples.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Lake Nasser cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding and disembarking involve steps on a gangway, and some cabins have a small threshold. Shore excursions at Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, the Temple of Amada and Abu Simbel include sand, uneven stone, steps and short climbs, with limited handrails. Transfer vehicles are standard coaches or air-conditioned minibuses with steps. Wheelchair users may travel with advance notice, but independent access is unlikely and ramp facilities cannot be guaranteed. Please contact our licensed Egyptian tour operator before booking so we can discuss assistance for each excursion.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transfers by air-conditioned minibus or coach between Aswan, embarkation points and excursion sites. Lake Nasser cruisers generally carry fewer passengers and make fewer port calls than larger Nile cruise ships, although the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier. We use local Egyptologists and shore-service teams in Aswan and Abu Simbel, supporting specialist employment and local suppliers. Partners may reduce single-use plastics, separate recyclable waste where facilities exist and source fresh produce locally. Official site fees support archaeological management through the relevant channels. We can recommend vetted community projects for voluntary donations.
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 photocopy
- A sunhat and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen, SPF30 or above
- A refillable water bottle
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight daypack
- Personal medication and prescription copies
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for incidental expenses
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for hot days
- Long sleeves or a scarf for sun protection
- Trousers or knee-length skirts for temple visits
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for religious sites
- Light fleece or jacket for cooler evenings on the lake
- Closed-toe shoes for sand, ruins and uneven stone
Children & families
There is no stated minimum age. 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 older 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 need their own cabin. Cabins and some site paths make bulky strollers impractical. High chairs may be requested but are not guaranteed.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Abu Simbel → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £661single cabin £897triple cabin £646 | May – September: from £531single cabin £782triple cabin £520 |
| 4 nights · Aswan → Abu Simbelembarks Mondays | October – April: from £815single cabin £1,130triple cabin £796 | May – September: from £642single cabin £976triple cabin £626 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,233single cabin £1,785triple cabin £1,200 | May – September: from £931single cabin £1,516triple cabin £904 |
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
- The Abu Simbel templesRight here
- Kasr IbrimRight here
- The Temple of AmadaRight here
- Wadi El Seboua templesRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
The Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise lasts four days, with three nights aboard between Aswan and Abu Simbel. The sailing follows Lake Nasser rather than the Luxor to Aswan Nile route. Check your booking details for the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation times, as these can affect how much of each day is available ashore.02How can I reach the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise in Aswan?
Embarkation is in Aswan, and the confirmed meeting point and any transfers depend on your booking arrangement. We can confirm these details before travel; do not assume an airport or hotel transfer is included unless it appears in your booking. The cruise ends at Abu Simbel, so check onward transport arrangements separately.03What does the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise include?
Your booking covers a stay aboard a chosen five-star Nile cruiser, full-board dining and the shore excursions shown. Full board begins with lunch on the day you embark and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. The excursions take in Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada and the Abu Simbel temples. We select and arrange the cruiser for you; the cruise line owns and operates it.04What does the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise leave out?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses and optional services not listed in your booking are excluded. Extra drinks are generally charged separately aboard the vessel. Afternoon tea may be provided on 5-star vessels, but confirm this for your assigned cruiser. Review the cancellation terms shown on the page before booking.05Is the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Shore visits can involve uneven ancient stone and steps, so the route may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility. Cabin and deck access also varies by vessel. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned cruiser and discuss which shore excursions may be manageable.06What are the children’s arrangements on the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser 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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Check cabin availability for your family before confirming, as space is vessel-specific.07What clothing and items should I pack for the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream for the Lake Nasser heat. Wear modest clothing for visits to temples, with shoulders and knees covered as a practical guide. Pack any personal medicines you need. A light layer can be useful on deck after sunset.08Can I take photographs during the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so follow signs and instructions from site staff during each shore excursion. Ask before photographing people, and check locally whether flash or photography inside a monument is permitted. Camera or phone use on the vessel is separate from rules at Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Abu Simbel.09When is the best time to take the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
The cooler months, generally October to April, are more comfortable for shore excursions around Lake Nasser. Summer temperatures can be high, especially around midday, so plan for heat and drink water. Compared with the Luxor to Aswan route, Lake Nasser has fewer shore towns and less passing vessel traffic, but also a smaller choice of cruisers.10Which sites does the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise visit?
The shore programme includes Wadi El Seboua, Amada and the Abu Simbel temples, with Kasr Ibrim viewed from the lake. Kasr Ibrim is an archaeological site on an island, so the visit is from the vessel rather than a landing. The route links Aswan with Abu Simbel across Lake Nasser.
Last updated 23 November 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-618473
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