Monica Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board dining, comfortable cabins and guided shore excursions from Luxor to Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Monica is an eight-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme at riverside archaeological sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The cruise includes a 5-star cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme. Excursions cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Budget
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star cabin aboard the Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- A cabin aboard a five-star Nile cruise · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Visits ashore to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Visits ashore to Edfu and Kom Ombo · A visit ashore to Philae Temple · Excursion ashore to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers seeking a combined sailing and sightseeing programme
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise with the owning third-party cruise line.
- The cruise programme includes arranged shore excursions at the listed archaeological sites.
- Travel support and itinerary coordination are provided by the Egyptian operator.
- Standard site entrance fees for the included excursion programme are included unless stated otherwise in the booking details.
What lingers
- 01Cruise between Luxor and Aswan in either direction
- 02Excursions ashore to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit Horus Temple at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae near Aswan
- 05Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the Nile slips past Monica Nile Cruise with palms, fields and village rooftops moving quietly beyond the cabin windows. Sailing days give you time on the sun deck or in the lounge bar, while the changing river light makes each shore excursion feel distinct rather than rushed.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, alternating time aboard with visits to temples and tombs along the river. Shore groups are limited to eight, unlike the larger coach parties used on many land-based programmes. We arrange your cabin, embarkation and disembarkation details with the cruise line, while our Egyptologists provide context ashore. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions at major riverside sites. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history-focused travellers who want accommodation, sailing and guided shore excursions combined in one programme. Travellers should be comfortable boarding a river vessel, using gangways and walking across archaeological sites, including uneven ground and steps.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access or cannot manage boarding gangways and uneven ground. May to September can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with temperatures above 35°C.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- The programme includes Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Choose sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan, subject to availability.
Things to Consider
- Archaeological sites have uneven surfaces and limited stroller access.
- Gangways can be difficult for travellers with limited mobility.
- Drinks (including water) are extra.
- A single supplement typically applies to solo cabin occupancy.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines river sailing, cabin accommodation and scheduled shore excursions at the principal temples and archaeological sites between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a private charter, the vessel and its onboard services are provided by a third-party cruise line, while Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise.
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
- Sun Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Main Lounge Bar
- Spa Centre
- Massage Room
- Boutique
- Jewellery Shop
- Laundry Service
- Dry Cleaning Service
- Internet Corner
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas
- Library
- Reception Area
- Soundproofing
- Ultra Violet Water Treatment
- Credit Card Payments
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard the 5-star Nile cruise vessel
- Full board, covering lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions arranged by the vessel cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Personal spending and gratuities
- Entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other sites is optional and charged separately, unless specified in the booking details
- Cancellation conditions, as listed on the product page
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Cabin prices are generally per person sharing, so check the single supplement before confirming a solo booking.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water), personal expenses and gratuities.
- 03
Check the booking details for any separately charged entrance before deciding whether to enter a premium tomb.
- 04
Confirm the embarkation direction before travel, as Luxor and Aswan serve as ports at opposite ends of the route.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction and help coordinate it with private touring, hotel stays, airport transfers or additional days in Luxor and Aswan. Cabin pricing is based on two people sharing, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes subject to availability; a single supplement typically applies.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Monica Nile Cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with Cairo added before or after for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau. Its weekly sailings run in both directions, so the route can be arranged around your wider itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires boarding via a gangway, which can be steep at some quays, followed by steps and narrow corridors between the cabin deck, dining room, lounge bar and sun deck. Shore excursions may involve uneven ancient stone, sand, cobbles, stairs and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access varies by assigned vessel and quay. A mobility aid may be manageable on board but difficult at archaeological sites. Contact us before booking so we can check the cabin location, gangway access, assistance needs and practical excursion alternatives.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your cruise travels by river between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road journeys between the main Nile Valley stops. Shore excursions use local transport and licensed Egyptologists arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Cabin service, dining, navigation and site access are supplied by Egyptian cruise and tourism businesses. Fuel use, freshwater consumption, laundry, food waste and shore transport remain relevant environmental considerations. You can help by reusing towels, carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, limiting single-use plastics and following instructions that protect ancient stone and painted surfaces. We do not claim that river travel has no environmental impact.
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
- Confirmation of your cruise booking
- Sturdy walking footwear with a good grip
- SPF50+ suncream and lip balm
- Pack a sun hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Medication and personal toiletries
- A compact bag for shore trips
What to wear
- Choose light, loose-fitting clothes suited to warm weather
- Wear comfortable footwear for sandy, uneven stone surfaces
- At temples and religious sites, keep shoulders and knees covered
- Light sweater or shawl for air-conditioned rooms and cooler evenings
- Bring swimwear and a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- Pack a sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (no more than one child per cabin); two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be awkward on gangways, stairs, quays and at archaeological sites, so a compact, foldable model is more practical. Ask for a high chair before booking and check its availability with the vessel assigned to you.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £739single cabin £1,021triple cabin £739 | May – September: from £623single cabin £825triple cabin £623 | Peak dates: from £825single cabin £1,171triple cabin £825 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £890single cabin £1,266triple cabin £890 | May – September: from £736single cabin £1,005triple cabin £736 | Peak dates: from £1,005single cabin £1,466triple cabin £1,005 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,342single cabin £2,001triple cabin £1,342 | May – September: from £1,073single cabin £1,544triple cabin £1,073 | Peak dates: from £1,544single cabin £2,351triple cabin £1,544 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,357single cabin £2,016triple cabin £1,357 | May – September: from £1,088single cabin £1,559triple cabin £1,088 | Peak dates: from £1,559single cabin £2,366triple cabin £1,559 |
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
- A visit to the Valley of the KingsRight here
- Edfu’s Temple of HorusRight here
- Kom Ombo’s TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Excursion programme covers six major Nile Valley sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does a typical Monica Nile Cruise sailing last?
Sailings on the Monica Nile Cruise are usually 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel operates weekly in each direction, alternating days under sail with excursions ashore at key riverside sites.02Which shore excursions come with the Monica Nile Cruise?
The Monica Nile Cruise provides shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Our Egyptologists lead these visits.03Which meals are included during the Monica Nile Cruise?
The Monica Nile Cruise is full board, covering every meal from lunch on the day you embark until breakfast on the day you disembark. Drinks (including water) are generally charged extra.04What are the cabin layout and views like aboard the Monica Nile Cruise?
Cabins aboard the Monica Nile Cruise have panoramic windows with views of the Nile. Cabin dimensions and the availability of balconies depend on the cabin class; details are provided when you book.05What arrangements apply to children on the Monica Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50% of the adult price. From age 12, children pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a cabin of their own.06What clothing and essentials should I pack for a Nile cruise?
For shore trips, we suggest comfortable outfits and walking footwear. Take a hat, sunglasses and sun cream to guard against the sun. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples. A lightweight jacket is useful for cooler evenings on deck.07Can guests with mobility needs access the Monica Nile Cruise?
Nile cruise boats, Monica Nile Cruise among them, have stairs linking the decks and might not be fully accessible to guests with considerable mobility difficulties. Shore trips frequently require walking over uneven ancient stone and sand.08When is the ideal season for a Monica Nile Cruise?
Nile cruises are usually best between October and April, when the weather is milder and sightseeing more comfortable. From May to September, summer temperatures can be very high.09Does the Monica Nile Cruise fare include gratuities?
No. The Monica Nile Cruise fare excludes personal spending and tips for cruise staff and Egyptologists. We suggest making a separate allowance for these.10How are Monica Nile Cruises organised by Discovery Tours Egypt?
Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects and arranges your Monica Nile Cruise with the cruise line that owns the vessel. We manage your cabin reservation and the shore excursion programme included in your cruise.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-199589
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