What you're actually paying for
The Luxury tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 24–55 m² · suites to 80+ m²
- Decks
- 4–5 (cabins on 3–4)
- Balcony
- All cabins · large private balcony
- Dining
- Two à la carte · no buffet · sommelier
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.1 · butler on suites
- Pool
- Yes · pool + bar + shaded loungers + spa
- Best for
- Honeymoons · landmark trips · 60+ travellers
- From (per person)
- £1,850 · 4 nights / 5 days
“Two formats sit in this tier. Cat-A river cruisers, and the 8–12-cabin dahabiyas that go where the big boats can't.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night covers Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
5-Star Luxury Nile cruisers (28).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
Esplanade Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
This cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS Esplanade, with guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Accommodation is full board on MS Esplanade, and we provide an English-speaking Egyptologist for groups of no more than eight guests. All sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan is included, with private air-conditioned transfers at embarkation and disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate arrival and departure meet-and-assist, onboard meals and excursions. Unlike shorter itineraries that compress temple visits, this schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to avoid the midday heat. An optional Abu Simbel excursion is available from Aswan on disembarkation day.
From · 4 nights£997/ pp
Farah Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Farah, operating the standard Luxor–Aswan route with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange cabins, transfers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than running large coach tours. Unlike many packaged cruises, we prioritise private or small-group shore time so visits are less rushed. Expect honest trade-offs: early starts, walking on uneven temple stone, and limited shade on open decks at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
From · 4 nights£1,142/ pp
Historia Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Our Historia Nile Cruise operates daily with flexible itinerary options – 4-, 5- and 8-day cruises. A welcome drink on arrival, a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian choices, English-speaking onboard commentary and roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered. All port fees, taxes and service charges are included. The cruise operates aboard the MS Historia. Entrance fees to archaeological sites, optional land excursions and gratuities are not included.
From · 4 nights£1,632/ pp
Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Luxor → LUXOR
The cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The Jaz Elite Senator is an all-suite Nile vessel offering full-board dining and guided excursions. An English-speaking Egyptologist leads small-group visits, limited to a maximum of eight guests per guide. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange meet-and-assist services, private deluxe air-conditioned transfers and the on-the-ground excursions listed. Unlike larger mass-market Nile ships, the Jaz Elite Senator provides all-suite accommodation and typically operates with smaller guided groups, which reduces time waiting at sites. Practical departures run from Luxor or Aswan, with a variety of itinerary lengths available.
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise is a five-star passenger vessel offering full board accommodation and an on-board shore excursion program between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel features a dining room, lounge bar and sun deck for river viewing, plus graded cabin classes from Standard to Suite. It sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and escorted shore visits to major Nile sites. We arrange bookings and cabin allocation for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the cruise line owns and runs the vessel.
From · 4 nights£970/ pp
Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
MayFair Nile Cruise
Luxor → LUXOR
Board the MayFair Nile Cruise for a five-star voyage along the Nile, sailing from Luxor to Aswan. It sails from Luxor to Aswan. The cruise follows the river corridor where Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are the classic stops along this stretch. We arrange guided visits, local transfers and Egyptologists to join you at the sites. We arrange private guided visits rather than large coach tours, which keeps group sizes smaller and timings more flexible. Unlike day trips run from Luxor, a multi-day cruise moves you between sites instead of returning each evening to one base. Evenings are typically spent on deck, watching river life and hearing short briefings from your Egyptologist. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate embarkation in Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
Mayflower Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Medea Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travelers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.
From · 4 nights£941/ pp
Miriam Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier mid-afternoon and settle into a compact river cabin before the first walk to Karnak. I meet you on the quay: I am the Egyptologist who guides this route and I take you straight to the temple avenues where the sound of sandals on sandstone and the smell of date-syrup stalls still set the rhythm of the day. We start early on the West Bank at the Valley of the Kings – low light, few people, and panels that explain the painted ceilings up close. Back on board you watch the Nile change color as the vessel slips through the Esna lock; we moor overnight near Edfu so the temple visit gets two hours rather than a rushed stop. Day three gives you Kom Ombo’s double shrines and the Nile at dusk; on arrival in Aswan I show you Philae’s hypostyle hall and the High Dam’s concrete scale against the river. Cabins are compact (about 12 m²) – classic river scale, not ocean-liner. Full board includes three meals daily; breakfasts are early to match excursions. Practical notes: bring a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and expect short walks and stairs at most sites. I walk every route with you, point out mason’s marks and later-period graffiti, and keep the timing tight so photography fits the light.
From · 4 nights£927/ pp
Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Movenpick MS Hamees is a five-star Nile cruise operating between Aswan and Luxor, offered as 3, 4 or 7 nights on a full board basis. We arrange guided sightseeing with licensed, English-speaking Egyptologists and include entrance fees to listed attractions. Sightseeing groups are limited to eight guests, which keeps visits more conversational than coach-led excursions. Embarkation is in Aswan, disembarkation in Luxor, and we provide meet and assist plus transfers in air-conditioned vehicles. WiFi is available in most public areas, though signal strength varies along the river. Vegetarian and special-diet requests can be accommodated with advance notice. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate the on-the-ground arrangements for the vessel and the guided excursions.
From · 4 nights£912/ pp
Movenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise
Aswan → Abu Simbel
Cruise aboard the Mövenpick Prince Abbas on Lake Nasser, operating from Aswan and serving the Abu Simbel corridor. We arrange the cruise logistics, local crew and onboard meals, as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We do not run mass coach transfers; our transfers are private or small-group, timed to minimise waiting at the pier. Unlike coach-run shore excursions, this cruise gives a slower pace on the lake and direct access to Abu Simbel by boat or tender depending on the itinerary.
From · 4 nights£1,080/ pp
Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
The Royal Lily Nile Cruise operates between Luxor and Aswan with flexible itinerary lengths – 4-, 5- and 8-day options departing Fridays and Saturdays. We provide full-board dining, English-speaking onboard commentary, guided excursions to the headline sites along the river and roundtrip hotel transfers where offered. Discovery Tours Egypt operates and supports this product as a licensed Egyptian Destination Management Company (ETAA). Entrance fees, optional land excursions and gratuities are not included.
Movenpick Sun Ray Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Nebu Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Nebu Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Luxor West Bank. Choose 4 nights Aswan to Luxor or 4 nights Luxor to Aswan, with daylight shore visits and an evening Egyptian folkloric show. We keep Egyptologist groups to a maximum of eight guests, avoiding large lecture-style crowds. We arrange private transfers, meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, and English-speaking Egyptologists who lead the guided visits to the High Dam, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; ask us about the optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan.
Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile on MS Nile Excellence on a four-day cruise with guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead shore visits and we arrange private transfers. Unlike coach-led packaged shore programmes, we prioritise longer on-site time so you see each monument properly rather than in a rushed stop. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise. Expect early starts, strong sun on open decks and compact cabins typical of Nile vessels; we recommend sunscreen, a hat and light layers.
From · 4 nights£912/ pp
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits and included transfers. We operate as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage all local logistics on the ground rather than selling a cruise-only package. Typical shore visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank, though exact sites depend on direction and scheduling. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are excluded unless requested. Note the trade-offs: shortened cruising means some shore stops have limited time ashore and early starts are common.
From · 4 nights£912/ pp
Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise
Aswan → Abu Simbel
A four-day cruise from Aswan across Lake Nasser, visiting Kalabsha, Wadi El-Seboua, Amada and Abu Simbel with an Egyptologist. You start in Aswan with guided visits to Kalabsha Temple, Beit el-Wali and the Kiosk of Kertassi, then sail into the desert to explore temples at Dakka, Meharakka, Derr and the Tomb of Penout. The voyage includes full-board dining aboard the Nubian Sea and afternoons at leisure while the vessel moves between shores. We time the Abu Simbel visit for the cooler, less crowded hours and keep guided groups intentionally small. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your transfers, onboard accommodation and shore visits, and your Egyptologist accompanies every scheduled excursion.
From · 4 nights£925/ pp
Salacia Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
You board MS Salacia at the Luxor Nile pier and sign in at reception; luggage moves to your cabin while I run through the day's timings. The vessel operates four nights between Luxor and Aswan on a Classic Nile-cruise scale: cabins are compact, Nile-cruise standard with en suite facilities – not an ocean liner. I time the major visits for cooler hours: Karnak's Hypostyle Hall before the tourist coaches, and Luxor Temple at dusk when the light is kinder and the heat eases. On the West Bank we visit the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut's mortuary temple; site entry allows access to selected tombs and involves short walks and uneven stone surfaces. We sail past riverbank villages and farmland from the shaded sun deck; the boat often moors at the Esna lock in the late afternoon. Edfu receives a two-hour guided visit because the Horus Temple needs more than a quick stop, and Kom Ombo sits at quay level with a short stair into the courtyard. Meals are full-board on board, with Egyptian dishes, salads and a set-menu dinner; coffee and tea service runs through the afternoon. We disembark in Aswan for Philae Temple by motorboat and a scheduled visit to the High Dam. Abu Simbel is not part of the standard cruise: arrange a separate transfer by plane (approx. $180 one-way) or by road (about 3.5–4 hours each way, early start). I manage pacing and walking routes so the heat and steps remain manageable.
From · 4 nights£797/ pp
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering cabin accommodation, public lounges, a sun deck and an onboard excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided, defined as lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange bookings and transfers for this carefully selected cruiser.
Soleil Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Soleil Nile Cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Soleil Nile Cruise Classic. The route visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then Aswan's High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae. Meals are served onboard and guided tours are led by our Egyptologists; entrance fees for included sites are covered. We schedule visits to avoid the hottest midday hours where possible, and we time key visits to reduce overlap with larger group tours. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and cabin bookings on your behalf.
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel with spacious suites, each offering a private Nile-view balcony. The vessel features a sun deck, a lounge bar, a dining room, and an onboard shore-excursion program calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange this cruise for you, including full board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast; drinks beyond water and gratuities are typically extra. Unlike mass coach tours, the ship’s program alternates sailing and guided shore visits for calmer sightseeing pacing.
From · 4 nights£1,344/ pp
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS The Oberoi Phiale with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide our Egyptologists for shore excursions and time visits early or late to avoid the midday sun. Unlike larger motor-vessel programmes, we keep longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief drive-by visits. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on sun decks; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun's are excluded unless requested. We arrange private transfers and bespoke extensions in Luxor or Aswan.
From · 4 nights£3,041/ pp
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS The Oberoi Zahra with Egyptologist-led shore excursions and private transfers arranged by our team. We don't bundle premium tombs and pyramid interiors into the fixed cruise price; we add them on request to keep the base price transparent. Compared with rushed three-day packages, a four-day schedule gives proper time ashore at Luxor West Bank and the Aswan temples. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Trade-offs include early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday temple visits.
From · 4 nights£2,208/ pp
Tosca Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
MS Tosca is a 3 or 4-night 5-star Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Luxor West Bank. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange full-board accommodation, meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and private Egyptologist-led excursions. Excursions are capped at eight guests per guide for a small-group experience. The itinerary includes the High Dam, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Luxor's Karnak and West Bank monuments. The standard fare does not include the Abu Simbel excursion, which we offer as an optional add-on. The MS Tosca's design was created by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and onboard dining and leisure time are scheduled to let you step ashore for guided visits and return for relaxed afternoons on deck.
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Luxury dahabiyas (11).
Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.
Abundance Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From · 5 nights£1,776/ pp
Adelaide Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail the Nile aboard the Adelaide Dahabiya for seven days, cruising at a slower, sail-influenced pace that prioritises time ashore. This is a small-boat alternative to four-night motor-ship cruises; the slower schedule lets you visit quieter riverbanks and villages. We arrange private Egyptologists and short road transfers rather than large coach movements. Expect smaller cabins and fewer onboard facilities than a large river cruise ship, and variable sail timings when wind conditions change. We operate Adelaide Dahabiya as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide local crew, fuel-powered backup, and all on-shore logistics.
From · 5 nights£1,875/ pp
Azhar Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.
From · 5 nights£2,352/ pp
Iris Luxury Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail seven days along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard Iris, a privately operated luxury dahabiya. We operate Iris as a private dahabiya rather than a large motor ship; that means slower transit and more time ashore. Unlike 4‑night motor cruise patterns, a dahabiya allows ad hoc moorings and quieter nights on the river. Our Egyptologists give daily briefings and accompany guided walks ashore. Trade‑offs: cabins are more compact than on larger ships, shade on deck is limited at midday, and some temple visits require early starts. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private embarkations and ground transfers.
From · 5 nights£984/ pp
Malouka Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, arranged for you as a full board Nile cruise vessel with traditional low-slung lines and spacious public areas. The vessel offers a mix of Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining salon serving full board meals. The shore-excursion programme visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books this vessel for our clients on the ground.
From · 5 nights£2,475/ pp
Meroe Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya style Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and a paced shore-excursion program. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are arranged in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile views or private balconies. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by Egyptologist-guided land visits. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tombs and personal gratuities are typically extra.
From · 5 nights£2,681/ pp
Minya Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Minya Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile dahabiya cruise offering slow sailing, village moorings and extended daylight ashore. We operate small dahabiyas and do not run group bus tours; that keeps mornings and landings flexible. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this itinerary prioritises sailing time and evenings at village quays rather than fixed port turnarounds. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are extra and not included unless requested. Expect simpler cabins, occasional river noise and fewer onboard facilities during sail days. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
From · 5 nights£2,377/ pp
Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star traditional dahabiya offering intimate sailing on the Nile, with full board and an on-board shore excursion programme. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and alternates sailing days with excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.
From · 5 nights£2,043/ pp
Princess Farida Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, a traditional, small-capacity sailing vessel on the Nile. The vessel offers graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon, with a programmed sequence of shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges this cruise for our guests.
From · 5 nights£1,488/ pp
Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027
Esna → Aswan
This private dahabiya charter places your party on the Nile during the 2027 solar eclipse, with exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered boat for up to 23 guests. A riverbank mooring is reserved for the eclipse totality window, with viewing from the dahabiya or shore subject to local conditions and arrangements. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The charter includes a professional captain and crew, plus shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a standard group cruise, sailing and excursion timings can be arranged more flexibly for your private party.
From · 5 nights£7,237/ pp
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
This seven-day Nile cruise aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya visits Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. We operate private, sail-powered dahabiyas rather than large motor cruise ships; sailing slows transit and reduces engine noise. One of our Egyptologists provides a pre-embarkation briefing in Luxor, and we arrange guided visits and local transfers throughout. Unlike standard four-night motor-cruise itineraries, the seven-day dahabiya gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stopovers. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on larger Nile cruisers, sailing relies on wind, and some excursions require early starts to avoid midday heat. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all practical arrangements.
From · 5 nights£967/ pp
Five things to know
Before you book Luxury.
01Should I book a luxury river cruiser or a luxury dahabiya?
If you want a packed temple itinerary, sun-deck pool, and social atmosphere – Cat-A cruiser. If you want intimacy, slow river days, river-bank moorings, no nightclub, and you accept a lighter shore-excursion schedule – dahabiya. They sit at similar price points; the choice is style, not budget. Our reservations team has done both and will tell you which you'd actually prefer.
02What's actually included in 'butler service'?
On the suites where it applies: unpacking on arrival, pressing during the holiday, in-suite breakfast on request, drinks restocked to preference, and a single point of contact for any on-board request. It's not theatre – the butler genuinely makes the suite feel like a small hotel rather than a cabin.
03Are luxury Nile cruises worth the step up from Ultra-Deluxe?
Honest answer: for a 3-night cruise on a wider holiday, often not – Ultra-Deluxe delivers the finish at a materially lower price. For a 7-night Luxor → Aswan → Luxor round-trip, or a honeymoon, or a once-in-a-decade landmark holiday, yes – the cabin time and the dining matter when there's more of it. The dahabiya is the exception: there's no Ultra-Deluxe equivalent.
04Which Luxury cruisers are 'category A' and what does that mean?
Category A is an internal Egyptian Chamber of Tourism classification covering the newest, largest-cabin, lowest-density 5-star vessels on the Nile. Roughly 8–12 vessels qualify at any one time. Egypt Discovery's reservations team maintains the current list – categorisation can shift after refurbishments, so we update it quarterly.
05Is there a chef-grade dining experience on board?
On dahabiyas yes – small enough that the chef cooks for your trip specifically. On Cat-A cruisers, the two à la carte restaurants run set menus that rotate across the cruise but the kitchen is genuinely strong. If you want to send dietary notes ahead (allergies, vegan, halal, kosher prep) the chef receives them before sailing – our reservations team handles the hand-off.
Different budget?
The other three tiers.
5-Star Standard
Honest entry tier – same temples, smaller cabin, lower price.
5-Star Deluxe
The most-booked tier. The sweet-spot middle.
5-Star Ultra Deluxe
One step below Luxury. The polish, without the Cat-A surcharge.
Then pick a route
Which way to sail.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery