Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, pool, lounge bar, panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies; full-board dining and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Le Fayan Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt’s principal river-route sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Le Fayan Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for travel between Luxor and Aswan. It includes full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, plus organised shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are air-conditioned and range from Standard to Suite, with some Nile-view balcony and panoramic window options.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile sailing
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to key temples and tomb sites · Accommodation in booked cabin class · Daily cabin cleaning · Use of sun deck, pool and lounge bar
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families travelling with older youngsters
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Excursions organised around established monument visiting hours and river sailing schedules
- Standard entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
- Verified itinerary details for cabins, board basis and exclusions are clearly stated before booking
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak and Luxor Temple as part of the vessel’s shore-excursion programme.
- 02See Edfu, including the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo during shore visits.
- 03The programme also includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 04Onboard facilities include a pool, sun deck, lounge bar and fitness area.
- 05Air-conditioned cabins are offered in the class booked, with daily cabin cleaning.
- 06Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Morning on the Nile begins with a thin blue light along the corniche, and the vessel's sun deck becomes a front row for feluccas, fishermen and market stalls sliding past the bank. Embarkation from the Luxor Corniche pier feels deliberate rather than rushed: cabins are ready, luggage is stowed, and mornings often start with coffee and a short briefing on the day's shore-excursions.
Our Egyptologists brief each visit to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, and we arrange your cabin and the vessel's excursion timings. Unlike quick quay calls on some mass-market sailings, the programme allows longer 60–90 minute shore visits so you have time on the quayside and at the temples.
Background
The facts
Le Fayan is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile River. The route links Upper Egypt’s major archaeological sites and typically includes organised shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are arranged in Luxor or Aswan depending on the direction of travel.
The vessel offers full board dining, with lunch served from embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Cabins are air-conditioned and graded from Standard to Suite, with some categories offering Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. Onboard facilities include a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, shaded seating areas and a fitness area, depending on the vessel’s operating configuration.
Between Luxor and Aswan, the distance along the Nile is substantial and the cruise schedule alternates between sailing periods and shore visits rather than operating as a simple transfer. This format allows time for guided visits to major monuments such as the Karnak complex, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple at Kom Ombo, Philae on Agilkia Island and the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and the shore-excursion programme for this cruise. The vessel itself is owned and operated by the cruise line, while standard exclusions commonly include drinks (including water), gratuities, visas, travel insurance and premium tomb entrances unless requested.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Upper Egypt·Ptolemaic period
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a comfortable, guided way to see Upper Egypt’s major monuments without changing hotels between stops. It is a good fit for couples, small groups and independent travellers aged roughly 30+ who prefer organised logistics and a moderate pace.
- It also suits first-time visitors who want a structured route with Egyptologist-guided excursions, as well as repeat visitors who want to focus on temples and royal tombs rather than transport planning.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday instead if you need step-free access at every site or prefer to plan each day independently. The programme includes early starts, stairs and uneven ancient stone.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins suit different budgets
- Sun deck, pool and lounge bar provide space between excursions
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions follow the vessel's organised programme
- Uneven stone and stairs make some sites tiring
- Drinks (including water) usually cost extra
- Premium tomb entrances and staff gratuities are not included
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a one-way transfer, this cruise combines accommodation, dining and guided sightseeing while sailing on the Nile. Compared with hotel-based touring, it reduces the need to repack between Luxor and Aswan and keeps the monument visits linked to the river route. Compared with large coach tours, it offers a more compact travel environment and a set excursion programme centred on major Upper Egypt sites. The trade-off is that some extras, such as premium tomb entrances and drinks (including water), are normally charged separately.
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
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Spa
- Beach access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full Board: lunch on embarkation day and breakfast on disembarkation day, with meals in between
- Shore excursions in the vessel’s programme, including Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Stay in the cabin class booked, with daily cabin cleaning and selected onboard services
- Access to the onboard sun deck, pool, lounge bar and fitness area, subject to availability on the vessel
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- International and domestic flights
- Entry to premium tombs and pyramid interiors, unless specifically requested
- Gratuities for onboard staff and Egyptologists, unless requested
- Visas and personal travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin categories have a Nile-view balcony and which have panoramic windows before confirming your booking.
- 02
Check the single supplement if you are travelling alone, as pricing is per person sharing.
- 03
Keep some flexibility around shore visits: sailing periods alternate with excursions on the vessel’s programme.
- 04
Budget separately for drinks (including water), gratuities and any premium tomb entrance you request.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can usually choose between different cabin categories, including Standard, Nile-view and suite-level options, subject to availability. The cruise can also be paired with pre- or post-cruise arrangements in Luxor or Aswan, or extended with additional sightseeing on either end of the itinerary. Private arrangements may be possible for transfers or add-on touring, while meal, cabin and excursion preferences can sometimes be adjusted at booking. Premium tomb entrances, drinks upgrades and optional extras are normally handled separately unless specifically included.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Le Fayan fits between a stay in Cairo and time in Aswan or Luxor, linking major Nile Valley sites with a river journey. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the direction can be chosen to suit the wider itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate mobility. Expect uneven stone surfaces, cobblestones and short flights of steps at archaeological sites such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding and disembarkation use a gangway with steps; cabins sit on multiple decks and some have a small step between corridor and cabin threshold. Public areas include staircases and the sun deck is reached by steps; there is usually no lift between all decks on Nile cruisers. Transfers between airport and berth involve vehicle steps. Wheelchair users who can transfer independently and walk several metres may be able to travel, but manual wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can confirm ramp availability and the suitability of shore excursions on your chosen sailing date. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will advise on accessibility constraints for particular cabins and sailing dates, and we will liaise with the cruise line to confirm any reasonable adjustments where possible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses diesel river engines for propulsion and local tenders for short transfers to landing stages. Onboard waste is segregated where practical and transferred to licensed reception facilities in Luxor and Aswan rather than being discharged into the river. Food, longshore services and most guides are supplied by locally owned companies, which keeps income in the communities visited. Shore excursions are scheduled to reduce duplicate vehicle journeys between sites and most excursions use small, air-conditioned coaches supplied by local transport companies. We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we monitor our suppliers annually and ask partners to follow local labour and environmental regulations.
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 photocopy
- Sun cream, SPF 30 or higher
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Lightweight day bag for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Prescription medicines and personal essentials
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven archaeological paths
- A light extra layer for cooler Nile evenings
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Children aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price, and those aged 12 or 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 their own cabin. Strollers may be used on board but are often impractical at landing stages and archaeological sites. High chairs are not standard, so request one when booking and we will check availability.
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 Mondays | October – April: from £1,041single cabin £1,474 | Peak dates: from £1,243single cabin £1,791 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,293single cabin £1,870 | Peak dates: from £1,562single cabin £2,292 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £2,048single cabin £3,057 | Peak dates: from £2,519single cabin £3,797 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,063single cabin £3,072 | Peak dates: from £2,534single cabin £3,812 |
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
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins before booking
02
Clarify drink and premium tomb costs before you travel
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
The product page lists the Le Fayan Nile Cruise as an eight-day trip. The itinerary information also refers to a ninth day, so please check the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation dates before booking. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, but the precise sailing dates and duration depend on the departure selected.02Where do I embark, and are transfers to the vessel included?
The itinerary provided starts with embarkation in Luxor, while Le Fayan also sails between Luxor and Aswan in the opposite direction. Transfers to the port are not listed among the inclusions, so ask us to confirm any transfer arrangements for your chosen departure. We arrange the booking and shore excursions, while the cruise line operates the vessel.03What is included in the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Your booked cabin, daily cabin cleaning, selected onboard services and use of facilities such as the sun deck, pool and lounge bar are also listed. The shore-excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04What costs extra on the Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), flights, visas, travel insurance and gratuities are not included unless your booking states otherwise. Premium tomb entrances, including Tutankhamun’s tomb when offered, may also cost extra. Check the final booking details for the precise inclusions, as selected extras can depend on the arrangement.05Is the Le Fayan Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The information provided does not confirm step-free access or mobility equipment on Le Fayan. Shore visits involve walking at archaeological sites, where surfaces can be uneven and tombs may have steps. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and excursion arrangements; access can vary by site.06Can children travel on the Le Fayan 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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability and the applicable child fare for your departure.07What should I wear and bring for the shore excursions?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sun protection for visits in Luxor, Aswan and along the Nile. Light, breathable clothing helps in the heat. For temple visits, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is advisable; carry water for time ashore, particularly during warmer months.08Can I take photographs during the cruise and at the temples?
Photography rules differ between Le Fayan’s public areas and the archaeological sites on its excursion programme. Ask the Egyptologist or site staff before photographing inside tombs, where restrictions may apply; some areas may require a separate photography permit. Keep cameras secure while ashore and follow any signs or instructions at each site.09What’s the ideal time of year for a Le Fayan Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing than Egypt’s hotter summer months. Winter sun from November to March suits many UK travellers, although midday visits can still feel warm. Temperatures vary, so pack sun protection in every season and check conditions for Luxor and Aswan close to departure.10Which places does the Le Fayan shore-excursion programme visit?
The programme lists Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Visits alternate with sailing on the Nile, rather than following a fixed daily schedule on every departure. Ask us to confirm the stops and excursion sequence for your selected sailing.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-LUX-534653
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