Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, Nile-view balconies, a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, full-board dining and Wi-Fi.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and major archaeological sites along the river, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
This Nile cruise package includes accommodation in the selected cabin class, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and guided shore excursions with local Egyptologists. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae; drinks (including water), gratuities, visas, insurance and optional extras are excluded.
- Luxury
- Honeymoon
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- A selected Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full-board dining, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Excursions ashore with a guide · Support from local Egyptologists · Use of the pool and sun deck · Bar lounge, dining room and Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Travellers seeking a guided river-based itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Guided shore visits provided by local Egyptologists
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
- 24/7 on-the-ground support can be arranged by the tour operator
- Premium tomb entries, gratuities and personal insurance are clearly identified as exclusions
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, includes guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02Two-hour guided West Bank excursion: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple with our Egyptologist.
- 03We schedule Edfu visit after morning tourist boats depart, reducing crowds compared with standard cruise timetables.
- 04Sail Kom Ombo; onshore visit examines crocodile-cult archaeology and Greco-Roman reliefs with our Egyptologist.
- 05All meals on board and daily guided excursions included; premium pyramid interiors and gratuities excluded by default.
02Overview
A first look
By mid-morning, the Nile slips past the sun deck in broad green and ochre bands, while the lounge bar settles into the quiet rhythm of river travel. Between meals, choose the pool, a shaded seat or the view through a panoramic cabin window; selected cabins also open onto Nile-facing balconies.
Shore excursions bring the contrast ashore: carved columns at Karnak Temple, painted chambers in the Valley of the Kings and the riverside temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your cabin, embarkation details and local Egyptologists, with practical support from a licensed Egyptian tour operator throughout.
Background
The facts
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise package arranged between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel is assigned at booking and provides Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes; selected cabins have Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows. Full-board dining runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) and gratuities are excluded unless stated otherwise.
The excursion programme links major monuments in Upper Egypt. In Luxor, visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings on the west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km north of Luxor Temple, while the Valley of the Kings lies around 7 km west of the Nile. The programme continues to Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple near Aswan.
Karnak developed over several pharaonic periods, with major construction dating from the Middle Kingdom onwards; Luxor Temple was substantially developed during the New Kingdom, particularly under Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground mainly during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BC. Edfu’s surviving Ptolemaic temple was built between 237 and 57 BC, while Philae’s principal temple complex was developed during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between the two cities, with sailing days alternating with guided shore excursions. The package is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the assigned vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Amenhotep III·Ramesses II·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want guided access to Upper Egypt’s principal temples without changing hotels between destinations. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although shore visits involve uneven paving, steps, heat and periods of walking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access at archaeological sites or cannot manage walking in heat. May to September can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with high temperatures.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of cabin class.
- A pool, sun deck, lounge bar and Wi-Fi are available on board.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps and uneven ancient surfaces.
- Strong sun can make shore excursions tiring, especially in summer.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities are extra.
- Selected balcony and panoramic-window cabins may not be available.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based sightseeing programme, this Nile cruise combines sailing time with guided visits to the major monuments of Upper Egypt, without requiring a hotel change between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a basic river package, it offers several cabin classes, full-board dining, a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi, while drinks (including water) and gratuities remain additional costs.
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
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation in your selected cabin category aboard Nile Serenity
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- The shore excursions included in the vessel’s published programme
- Guided visits led by local Egyptologists
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Flights to Egypt from abroad and domestic air travel
- Gratuities for the crew, cruise staff and guides, unless stated otherwise
- Visas for Egypt and personal travel insurance
- Optional add-ons, such as hot-air balloon trips, premium tomb visits and private transfers
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Karnak, allow time for the Hypostyle Hall’s carved columns rather than viewing the complex only from its central route.
- 02
At Luxor Temple, look for the mosque of Abu Haggag incorporated into the ancient complex.
- 03
On the west bank, Tutankhamun’s tomb requires a separate premium ticket unless specifically included.
- 04
At Philae, check the day’s boat arrangements with your Egyptologist before setting out for the island temple.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can select from available Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, with selected cabins offering a Nile-view balcony or panoramic window. Private transfers, hot-air balloon flights, premium tomb entries and other optional services may be added on request, while pricing is normally calculated per person sharing with a single supplement where applicable.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Use the cruise as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday, with time in Cairo before travelling to Luxor and a stay in Aswan after disembarkation. Nile Serenity sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the route can fit either way round.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access varies according to the assigned Nile cruiser and the Luxor or Aswan berth. Boarding usually involves a gangway, which can become steep depending on the river level. Cabins, the restaurant, lounge bar, pool and sun deck may be connected by stairs, and lifts are not guaranteed. Shore excursions include uneven paving, sand, steps and exposed archaeological ground at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users may need assistance and may not reach every deck or site area. Please share mobility requirements before booking so our licensed Egyptian tour operator can check the assigned vessel and arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel carries guests between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road journeys between the principal Nile Valley sites. Shore transport is arranged with local suppliers, typically using licensed vehicles and Egyptian drivers. Our Egyptologists and excursion teams are Egyptian professionals, while the cruise arrangements support businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste, water and energy procedures vary by the assigned cruise operator, so we do not make unsupported environmental claims. You can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle, declining unnecessary single-use items and following site rules near ancient monuments.
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 booking documents
- Sturdy-soled shoes for walking
- Sunscreen, preferably SPF 50+
- A sun hat and a pair of sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Personal medication
- A compact day bag for trips ashore
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers to suit changing temperatures
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest clothing near religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for time by the pool and on the sun deck
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult rate; from age 12, the full adult rate applies. Children must share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin may accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a separate cabin. Pushchairs can be difficult to manage on gangways, between decks and across uneven archaeological ground, so a compact pushchair or child carrier is more suitable. High chairs are not confirmed as available, so please check before booking.
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 £912single cabin £1,315triple cabin £912 | May – September: from £767single cabin £1,128triple cabin £767 | Peak dates: from £1,056single cabin £1,632triple cabin £1,056 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,120single cabin £1,658triple cabin £1,120 | May – September: from £928single cabin £1,408triple cabin £928 | Peak dates: from £1,312single cabin £2,081triple cabin £1,312 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,745single cabin £2,687triple cabin £1,745 | May – September: from £1,409single cabin £2,250triple cabin £1,409 | Peak dates: from £2,082single cabin £3,427triple cabin £2,082 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,761single cabin £2,702triple cabin £1,761 | May – September: from £1,424single cabin £2,265triple cabin £1,424 | Peak dates: from £2,097single cabin £3,442triple cabin £2,097 |
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
- Luxor Temple7 min walk
- Karnak Temple4 km
- The Valley of the Kings7 km
- The Temple of Horus at Edfu100 km
- Temple at Kom Ombo170 km
- Philae Temple215 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin options
02
Arrange visits from Karnak to Philae with local Egyptologists
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
This cruise holiday is listed as eight days. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing time between shore visits. The exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on the sailing you select, so check the dates shown on the page before booking.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, so your starting port depends on the selected sailing. We arrange the cruise booking, while transfers are not included unless specified in your confirmed arrangements; international and domestic flights are also excluded.03What is included in the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes accommodation in your selected cabin class, full-board meals and the shore excursions listed in the vessel’s programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Local Egyptologists guide the included visits. Drinks (including water) are extra.04What is not included in the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), flights, visas, travel insurance and gratuities are not included unless your arrangements state otherwise. Optional extras include hot-air balloon flights, premium tomb entries and private transfers. Cabin rates are generally priced per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies if you travel alone.05Is the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The available information does not confirm step-free access or accessible cabins on Nile Serenity. Shore visits can involve uneven ancient stone, steps and walking at archaeological sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and excursion arrangements.06Can children travel on the Nile Serenity 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. Ask us to confirm the cabin arrangement for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes for uneven paths, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Temperatures can be high, particularly during summer sightseeing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and religious sites. A light layer can be useful on deck after sunset, when the river air may feel cooler.08Can I take photographs during the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited. Some tombs and museum spaces restrict photography or require a separate permission, and flash may be prohibited. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s instructions at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and other stops; check current rules before photographing people.09When is the best time to take the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings much higher temperatures in Upper Egypt, especially during visits to exposed archaeological sites. Winter sun is a popular reason to travel, though December and school-holiday dates can be busier, so confirm availability early.10Which sites are visited on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Shore visits alternate with sailing along the Nile, rather than forming one continuous stretch of sightseeing. The order of visits can vary with the sailing direction and final programme.
Last updated 24 April 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-973497
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