Miriam Nile Cruise
Choose from three cabin classes, with Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows, plus a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Miriam Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Luxor and Aswan are approximately 200 km apart by river, and Miriam sails between them weekly in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings; drinks (including water) are usually extra.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes · Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows · Sun deck and lounge bar · Shore-excursion programme to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore-excursion programme to Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Couples · Families · First-time Nile cruisers · Travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The stated shore-excursion programme names six archaeological sites.
- The cruise line, not Discovery Tours Egypt, owns and operates the vessel.
What lingers
- 01Choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- 02Cabin views include Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows.
- 03Spend sailing time on the sun deck or in the lounge bar.
- 04Shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Before first light the palm-lined Corniche softens into shadow and the Miriam's gangway becomes the day's first crossing, the river air carrying the scent of frying dough from a wake-up stall. Mornings are for stepping ashore at temples while the light is low and queues are short, afternoons for watching the Nile change colour from the sun deck, and evenings for full-board meals in the dining room as the vessel slips between Luxor and Aswan.
We hand-pick the Miriam because its cabin grades and shore-excursion rhythm allow longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, rather than the brief stops common on larger cruisers. One of our Egyptologists joins the shore programme, and we arrange your embarkation and cabin allocation before you travel.
Background
The facts
Miriam Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. Its cabin classes are Standard, Deluxe and Suite; accommodation options include Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. On board are a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, with full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, approximately 200 km apart by river. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Weekly sailings run in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan.
These sites represent Pharaonic and Greco-Roman history, including New Kingdom monuments. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings form part of the Ancient Thebes UNESCO World Heritage property; Philae is part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO property.
Sightseeing takes place during shore excursions, while cabins provide accommodation during sailing. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are usually extra.
Named in this entry
Miriam·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes·Nubian Monuments
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Miriam suits adults and families with school-age children or teenagers who want a structured Nile cruise with sightseeing at major ancient sites. It is a good match for first-time visitors to Egypt and history-minded travellers who prefer a private cabin and an organised onboard setting.
Maybe not, if
- It may not suit travellers who need step-free access or prefer independent visits without a set shore-excursion programme. Choose a shorter land-based stay if several hours of sightseeing and time aboard do not appeal.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits also cover Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes provide a choice of comfort
Things to Consider
- Archaeological sites involve steps and uneven ground
- May to September brings intense heat in Upper Egypt
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra
- Solo travellers usually pay a single supplement
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe one fixed sailing direction; Miriam is a vessel with weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We select and arrange the cruise, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
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
- Breakfast each day
- Lunch each day
- Dinner each day
- Full board (all main meals)
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional premium site tickets, such as entry to pyramid interiors or premium tombs
- Crew and guide gratuities, unless requested
- International air travel, visas and travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose a Nile-view balcony or panoramic-window cabin if seeing the river from your room matters to you.
- 02
Ask which cabin class is being quoted, as Standard, Deluxe and Suite are distinct options.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for crew and guide gratuities.
- 04
For sole occupancy, ask for the single supplement before confirming your booking.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Miriam sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the shore-excursion programme covers the main sites along that route. Ask us whether a private Egyptologist, extra site visits or additional time in Luxor or Aswan can be arranged for your dates; these options depend on availability and may cost extra.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Miriam fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, or as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday that also includes Cairo. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so you can plan the route around your arrival and departure cities.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Miriam Nile Cruise involves steps, uneven surfaces and short gangway transfers at embarkation, disembarkation and some landing stages. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, soft sand and stairs at temples and tombs, often with limited or no handrails. The vessel has a sun deck accessed by stairs; some cabin grades require a short flight of steps to reach the corridor and dining areas. Wheelchair users should note there is limited wheelchair access between decks and most shore landings are not ramped. If you require assistance we arrange a meet-and-assist at Luxor or Aswan airports and can provide a collapsible wheelchair on request, but full independent wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed for all excursions. Please contact us before booking so we can assess specific mobility needs and confirm which cabins and shore visits are practicable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Miriam Nile Cruise uses a diesel-powered river cruiser for sailing days between Luxor and Aswan and smaller motorboats for some shore landings. We work with the cruise line to reduce single-use plastics onboard, maintain a linen-reuse programme and segregate basic waste for recycling where local facilities permit. Excursions are run by locally based Egyptologists and suppliers; fees and tips paid locally support hotel porters, boat crews and temple guides in the communities visited. Fuel consumption and river emissions remain material impacts for Nile cruisers; for that reason we favour vessels with modern engines and efficient generators where available and encourage guests to limit laundry requests and single-use plastics during their time aboard. We publish these measures so you can compare environmental trade-offs when choosing a cruise.
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 held separately
- Sun cream SPF30 or higher and a hat
- Prescription medication plus a basic first-aid kit
- Lightweight daypack for excursions and water bottle
- Plug adapter (Type C or F) and phone charger
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Cash in Egyptian pounds for small purchases and tips
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
- Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for uneven surfaces
- A light fleece or jacket for evenings on the Nile
- A sun hat and a neck scarf for wind and sun protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12 years and older 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. Cots or baby equipment are limited on most cabins; strollers are practical on the vessel but can be cumbersome on shore landings with steps or soft sand. Please tell us ages at booking so we can confirm bedding and any safety arrangements for younger children.
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 £926single cabin £1,340 | Peak dates: from £1,070single cabin £1,511 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,139single cabin £1,691 | Peak dates: from £1,332single cabin £1,920 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,779single cabin £2,744 | Peak dates: from £2,115single cabin £3,144 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,794single cabin £2,760 | Peak dates: from £2,131single cabin £3,160 |
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
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- The Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Excursion programme covers six named Nile sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is a Miriam Nile Cruise sailing?
Miriam Nile Cruise sailings typically last 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The product page lists an 8-day duration, so check your selected dates and final arrangements to confirm the number of nights aboard and the full travel schedule.02Where do I embark and disembark on Miriam Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between these ports. We arrange the booking and share the relevant port and boarding details for your sailing; specific times depend on the final arrangement.03What is included in the full board on Miriam Nile Cruise?
Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during that period. Drinks (including water) are typically extra, and gratuities for the crew and guides are not included unless requested.04Which shore excursions are included on Miriam Nile Cruise?
The excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The order and timing depend on the sailing. Premium site extras, such as selected tombs or pyramid interiors, are not included unless arranged separately.05What cabin types are available on Miriam Nile Cruise?
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows among the available features. Cabin details and views vary by class and allocation. Prices are per person sharing, and a supplement typically applies if you want sole occupancy.06Is Miriam Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while children aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price; those aged 12 or over 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.07Is Miriam Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the cabin, vessel layout and shore excursions. Temple areas and archaeological sites can involve uneven stone, steps and exposed ground. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can confirm the arrangements for your sailing and planned visits.08What should I wear and bring for Miriam Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, bring comfortable shoes for uneven ancient stone, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. Casual clothes suit the vessel; pack any personal medication and a light layer for cooler evenings in winter.09Can I take photographs on Miriam Nile Cruise and at the sites?
The available information does not specify photography rules for the vessel or each site. Rules can differ between temples, tombs and museum spaces, and some areas may restrict photography or require a separate ticket. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside a monument.10What is the best season for a Miriam Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan than the hotter months from May to September. Winter sun brings cooler conditions, though daytime sun remains strong. Shore excursions can involve open, unshaded areas, so bring sun protection in every season.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-596379
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Concerto II Nile Cruise
Concerto II is a river cruise vessel on the Nile, with sailing and shore excursions forming part of the cruise programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Excursions may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Concerto II is a vessel rather than a single fixed sailing; the exact sailing and programme depend on your booking.
Nile7 Nights
Amwaj Nile Cruise
Amwaj Living Stone is a five-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view options varying by cabin. On board, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide space to relax between shore excursions. The excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing days between visits. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are excluded unless the vessel states otherwise. We arrange the cruise, while the vessel and its crew are operated by the cruise provider. Premium site extras and gratuities are not bundled.
From £883
Luxor7 Nights
Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
Spend a full day aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess from Aswan, with guided visits to Philae Temple (Agilkia Island), the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. We arrange hotel transfers in Aswan, an English-speaking Egyptologist, all on-board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and standard site entrance fees for the included visits. We are licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA); itineraries and times are subject to seasonal river conditions and port schedules.
From £984