Egypt Discovery
Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeLuxor → Aswan

Nile Capital Nile Cruise

Panoramic cabin windows frame the Nile, with a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining; weekly sailings link Luxor and Aswan.

At a glance

Length
5 days · 4 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board

The short answer

Nile Capital Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and archaeological sites between them, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Nile Capital sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at six major archaeological sites. The river route spans roughly 200 kilometres, connecting ancient Thebes with temples and monuments farther south.

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Nile Cruise
Destinations
Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Cabin aboard Nile Capital · Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion at Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
Best for
Nile cruise travellers · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · Couples · Families
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.

What lingers

  • 01Sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction.
  • 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
  • 03The programme also includes Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae.
  • 04Visits include the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
  • 05Weekly sailings are scheduled in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.

02Overview

A first look

Nile Capital is a five-star cruiser on the Luxor–Aswan run, offering full-board dining, a sun deck with pool and an Egyptologist-guided excursion programme at the riverside temples. Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the operator.

Background

The facts

Nile Capital is a Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. It sails between Luxor and Aswan, with an excursion programme linking major archaeological sites along the river. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line, not by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on sailing direction. The route covers roughly 200 kilometres along the Nile and includes shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Nile Capital sails weekly in both directions; the sequence of sailing and excursion days can vary by departure.

Karnak and Luxor Temple formed part of ancient Thebes, Egypt’s religious and royal centre during the New Kingdom, especially from around 1550 to 1070 BCE. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom. The monuments of ancient Thebes and its necropolis are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Philae’s temple complex was moved to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO-led campaign to save Nubian monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Site opening hours vary by season and individual monument, so check the current schedule before visiting. The Valley of the Kings and temple sites involve walking on uneven stone and may have limited shade. The vessel’s cabin classes are Standard, Deluxe and Suite; cabin dimensions and views depend on the class and cabin assigned.

Named in this entry

Nile Capital·Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Kings' Valley·Ancient Thebes·Agilkia Island

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits adults and older teenagers who want to combine time aboard the Nile Capital with visits to ancient sites between Luxor and Aswan. Couples, solo travellers comfortable with a single supplement and families with children able to manage uneven temple and tomb surfaces should consider it.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout, dislike fixed shore-excursion schedules or want a quiet river stay with few site visits. The programme involves walking on uneven stone and may include steps.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Things to Consider

  • Temple and tomb visits involve uneven surfaces and steps.
  • Excursion times follow the vessel's sailing programme.
  • Drinks (including water) are typically extra.
  • Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Nile cruise offers are presented as a fixed departure itinerary; Nile Capital is a vessel with weekly sailings in both directions and an excursion programme that can vary by departure. Unlike a shore-based sightseeing holiday, visits are organised around sailing and embarkation or disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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 round-trip embarkation from Luxor. On 7-night round-trips each site is visited once.

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Standard entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing sites

Not included

  • Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre
  • Entry to premium tombs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    For temple photographs, ask your Egyptologist about the sun’s direction at each stop before choosing where to stand.

  2. 02

    Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for local purchases; confirm the price before accepting goods or services.

  3. 03

    Bring a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cool after sunset.

  4. 04

    At the Valley of the Kings, wear closed, comfortable shoes for uneven paths and steps.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask us whether private guiding or additional sites can be arranged around the vessel's shore-excursion programme. Cabin class options are Standard, Deluxe and Suite; cabin sizes and views were not supplied, so confirm those details before choosing. You can also enquire about extending your holiday in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Nile Capital fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at sites including Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Philae. It can sit between a Cairo visit and further time in Upper Egypt.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile cruise requires moderate mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway, which may be steep or move with the river level, and some quays have uneven stone surfaces. On board, stairs connect public decks and may be the only route between levels; cabin doorways can have a step. Shore excursions involve walking over uneven ancient stone, sandy ground and, at some temples, steep ramps. Wheelchair access is limited because gangway lifts are uncommon and passageways may be narrow. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty with stairs, contact us before booking. We can check the assigned vessel and discuss which excursions and assistance may be possible.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The cruise vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line, and most Nile cruisers use marine diesel engines. We arrange the booking with local cruise and excursion suppliers; we cannot verify a specific vessel’s fuel use or environmental performance before it is assigned. Shore transfers, where required, are generally by air-conditioned coach, often Toyota or Mercedes models, supplied by local companies. Local crew, Egyptologists and hospitality staff benefit from the work generated by cruise bookings and shore excursions in Luxor and Aswan. Refillable water stations and waste practices vary by vessel. Bring a reusable bottle and ask us before booking if you need current details about the assigned supplier’s practices.

  • 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
  • Grippy, comfortable shoes for walking
  • Broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light layers for cool mornings and evenings on deck
  • Small rucksack for shore trips
  • Personal medicines in their original packaging

What to wear

  • Light, loose-fitting clothes for the day
  • A light jacket or jumper for evenings on deck
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
  • Closed-toe shoes with a good grip for archaeological sites
  • Swimwear and a cover-up for the sun deck

Children & families

Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 and over 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 can be awkward on gangways and uneven quays. Family cabins are limited, so request one when booking. High-chair availability is not confirmed and should be checked before travel.

Cabin pricing

Rates on request

There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin 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.

How an extension is arranged

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

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Karnak TempleRight here
  • Luxor TempleRight here
  • The Kings' ValleyRight here
  • Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
  • Philae TempleRight here

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Nile Capital Nile Cruise?
    The Nile Capital Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day programme, alternating between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the key ancient sites along the Nile, with a balance of sailing and shore excursions.
  2. 02What is included in the Nile Capital Nile Cruise price?
    Your Nile Capital Nile Cruise includes full board accommodation, from lunch on your embarkation day through to breakfast on your disembarkation day. Shore excursions to sites such as Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings are also part of the package.
  3. 03What is the cabin arrangement for children on the Nile Capital Nile Cruise?
    Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. If you are travelling with two or more children, they will require their own separate cabin.
  4. 04What should I wear for shore excursions from the Nile Capital?
    For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress is advised, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
  5. 05What is the best time of year to take a Nile Capital Nile Cruise?
    The best time for a Nile Capital Nile Cruise is during the cooler winter months, from November to March. Temperatures are more pleasant for sightseeing, making your shore excursions more comfortable. Summer months can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.
  6. 06Are drinks included on the Nile Capital Nile Cruise?
    The Nile Capital Nile Cruise includes full board. Drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and water, are usually available for an additional charge. Afternoon tea is generally included on 5-star vessels.
  7. 07What is the accessibility like on the Nile Capital Nile Cruise and its excursions?
    The Nile Capital vessel has stairs between decks, which may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, including sand and stone. Guests requiring assistance should discuss their needs with us before booking.
  8. 08What kind of activities are available on board the Nile Capital?
    On board the Nile Capital, you can relax on the sun deck, enjoy the lounge bar, or read in quiet areas as the scenery passes. The vessel also features a dining room for meals and often includes evening entertainment or cultural performances. A small pool is usually available on the sun deck.
  9. 09What is the photography policy at the sites visited during the cruise?
    Photography is generally permitted at most ancient sites, though some areas, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit flash photography or require a special ticket for cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location to ensure compliance.
  10. 10How are transfers handled for the Nile Capital Nile Cruise?
    We arrange all necessary transfers for your Nile Capital Nile Cruise, including your arrival to the embarkation port in Luxor or Aswan, and your departure from the disembarkation port. These logistics are settled for you before you sail, ensuring a smooth start and end to your holiday.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-762088

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