Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi between shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This product is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Nile Dolphin’s shore-excursion programme includes six major sites between Luxor and Aswan, from Karnak Temple to Philae. The Valley of the Kings lies about 7 km by road from central Luxor, while Edfu is approximately 105 km south of the city.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Culinary
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise ship
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation aboard Nile Dolphin · All meals included, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Guided visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Use of the swimming pool and sun deck · Use of the restaurant, bar and lounge · Onboard Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a full-board river journey
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt holds a licence as an Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the Nile Dolphin cruise; a third-party cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard a 5-star river cruise vessel
- 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor
- 03Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temple complex at Kom Ombo
- 04See Philae and the Valley of the Kings as part of the shore-excursion programme
- 05Relax between excursions on the sun deck or by the swimming pool
- 06Use the onboard restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, fields and palms slide past the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise as the river catches the copper light. The sun deck gives you a clear view of village life along the banks, while the pool and lounge bar offer an easy pause before the next shore excursion. Inside, the dining room keeps the rhythm unhurried, with full board covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Sailing days are balanced with time ashore at Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, then the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple. Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing us to fit the vessel around your wider Egypt plans. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator team selects the sailing, arranges your cabin and coordinates Egyptologists who explain each site clearly.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise links Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. The cruise programme combines sailing days on the Nile with shore excursions to major ancient Egyptian sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings operate weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
In Luxor, excursions cover the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor on the east bank, together with the Valley of the Kings on the west bank. Edfu is associated with the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, while Kom Ombo is known for its distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Philae Temple, dedicated principally to Isis, stands on Agilkia Island near Aswan after being relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Accommodation is arranged in cabins aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser. Facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and onboard Wi-Fi. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are normally charged separately. The cruise is selected, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Nile Dolphin·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Kings’ Valley·Edfu’s Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo’s temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Lake Nasser
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine hotel-style cabin accommodation with guided access to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a trip with little walking. Temple visits have limited shade, and summer sightseeing in Upper Egypt can be very hot.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Things to Consider
- Temple surfaces are uneven, with steps at some sites.
- Shore visits can have limited shade, especially around midday.
- Drinks (including water) are normally charged separately.
- Premium tombs and gratuities are not included.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, meals and river transport with guided shore excursions at the principal temples and necropolises along the Nile. Unlike a private charter, the cruise uses a third-party vessel assigned at booking, with cabin accommodation and shared onboard facilities such as the pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge.
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
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- All meals
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Stay in a cabin aboard the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, bar and lounge
- On-board Wi-Fi
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional premium entry tickets, including pyramid interiors and selected premium tombs
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not specified in the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm the assigned vessel at booking, as the cruise arrangement may depend on availability.
- 02
Ask for excursion timings once the sailing schedule is confirmed; local operating conditions can change them.
- 03
Keep small change available for gratuities, which are excluded from the listed inclusions.
- 04
Budget separately for drinks (including water), as these are normally charged separately.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can advise on private or shared shore-excursion arrangements, pre- or post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan, airport or railway transfers and additional sightseeing. Cabin categories may include Standard, Deluxe and Suite options where available, with pricing normally calculated per person sharing and a single supplement applied for solo occupancy.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Nile Dolphin fits the river-cruise section of a wider Egypt holiday, linking Luxor and Aswan. Pair it with time in Cairo to add the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum; the cruise’s shore excursions focus on Upper Egypt.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access on board with shore excursions across uneven historic terrain. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include stone surfaces, steps, ramps, sand and areas with limited shade. Boarding may involve a gangway and steps, depending on the dock and river level. Cabins and public areas may not provide wheelchair turning space. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. Accessibility depends on the assigned vessel and the conditions at each site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel, with local road transport for transfers between the embarkation port, docks and shore excursions. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges services with Egyptian transport providers, licensed Egyptologists, port agents and locally owned businesses. Shore visits support guides, drivers, site staff and businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Environmental facilities vary by the assigned vessel, so we do not claim specific fuel, waste, water or energy certifications. Please avoid single-use plastics and follow onboard waste instructions.
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
- Details of your travel insurance
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and offer good grip
- High-protection sunscreen (SPF 50 or above)
- A sun hat and a pair of sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Required medication
- A small bag for trips ashore
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable layers for warm weather and cooler evenings
- Closed-toe shoes for comfortable walks
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Clothing that covers you for mosque visits
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child per cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are impractical at many shore sites owing to steps, uneven stone and sand, and on board gangways. Ask for a high chair before booking; availability depends on the vessel assigned.
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 Fridays | October – April: from £739single cabin £1,021triple cabin £739 | May – September: from £465single cabin £551triple cabin £465 | Peak dates: from £796single cabin £1,142triple cabin £796 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £890single cabin £1,266triple cabin £890 | May – September: from £524single cabin £640triple cabin £524 | Peak dates: from £966single cabin £1,428triple cabin £966 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,342single cabin £2,001triple cabin £1,342 | May – September: from £703single cabin £905triple cabin £703 | Peak dates: from £1,476single cabin £2,283triple cabin £1,476 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,357single cabin £2,016triple cabin £1,357 | May – September: from £718single cabin £920triple cabin £718 | Peak dates: from £1,492single cabin £2,299triple cabin £1,492 |
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
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Edfu's Temple of HorusRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Balance shore visits with time on the sun deck
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
The Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise is an eight-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available in either city. This river journey combines sailing days with visits to temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. Confirm the available departure dates and direction when arranging your booking.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the sailing you choose. We arrange the cruise booking and can discuss how it fits with your wider Egypt plans; transfers are not listed among the cruise inclusions. Unlike a land-based itinerary, this cruise moves between the two cities on the Nile, with shore excursions along the route.03What is included on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The included shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Use of the pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar and lounge is included, as is onboard Wi-Fi.04What costs extra on the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Optional premium entrance tickets, such as entry to pyramid interiors or selected premium tombs, also cost extra. A single supplement applies when booking a cabin alone. Check the page’s cancellation terms before booking, as cancellation conditions depend on the terms shown there.05Can I take the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise if I have limited mobility?
The available information does not confirm step-free access, lift facilities or the dimensions of gangways on Nile Dolphin. River levels can affect access between the vessel and shore, while temple visits may involve uneven stone, steps and exposed ground. If stairs or walking are difficult for you, ask us to check the vessel and excursion arrangements before booking.06What is the child policy on the Nile Dolphin 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. Share the children’s ages when enquiring so the cabin arrangements and fare can be checked.07What should I pack for the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
Pack light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and comfortable shoes for shore excursions. Upper Egypt can be very hot, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun. Evenings may feel cooler, particularly in winter. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and bring a light layer for religious sites.08Can I take photographs during the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some interiors or individual objects may have restrictions, and photography permissions can change. Keep your camera or phone ready for outdoor views along the Nile, but do not assume photography is allowed inside every tomb or temple.09When is the best time to take the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan than the hotter summer months. Summer temperatures in Upper Egypt can be high, especially during exposed visits at midday. For a winter-sun holiday, plan around November to March and bring sun protection even in cooler months. Weekly sailings operate in both directions.10Which sites does the Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise visit?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then sites along the Nile such as Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, as well as the Valley of the Kings. The order and timing can vary with the sailing. Edfu’s temple is dedicated to Horus, while Philae is an island temple complex near Aswan.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-672096
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