Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
A Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a swimming pool on the sun deck, and a lounge bar and restaurant.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise operates weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the vessel selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, Wi-Fi and use of the sun deck and swimming pool. Its shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, subject to the sailing schedule.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Budget
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile cruiser, Deluxe 5-star, featuring Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan · Valley of the Kings · The Nile
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Selected cabin accommodation · Shore-excursion programme · Sun deck and swimming pool access · Wi-Fi on board
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking a full-board river cruise
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the third-party Nile cruise supplier
- Egyptologist-guided shore excursions can be arranged through the tour programme
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- On-the-ground assistance and travel coordination in Egypt
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the shore-excursion programme
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 03Excursion programme includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Spend sailing time on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 05On-board sun deck, swimming pool, lounge, bar and restaurant
- 06Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile slips past Princess Sarah’s sun deck in a ribbon of palms, cultivated fields and ochre desert, with the riverbank close enough to follow from the lounge bar. Sailing days leave room for a quiet coffee, a swim or a view through the cabin window, while shore excursions bring you to places such as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The atmosphere is sociable but unhurried, with full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation. Princess Sarah sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. We arrange the selected cabin, Egyptologists and shore programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at the two principal Upper Egyptian ports. Sailing takes place on the River Nile, and the excursion programme alternates sailing days with visits to major archaeological sites, subject to the selected sailing schedule. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km from central Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings is around 7 km from Luxor’s east-bank centre. Edfu lies roughly 100 km north of Aswan, and Kom Ombo is approximately 45 km north of Aswan.
Cabin accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades. Facilities include a sun deck with swimming pool, lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi access. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally charged separately. Pricing is normally based on two people sharing, with a single supplement usually applying.
Karnak and Luxor Temple represent different phases of ancient Thebes, while the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo were largely built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Named in this entry
River Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes·New Kingdom Egypt·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts and travellers who want to combine accommodation, river transport and organised archaeological visits. It is appropriate for adults and older children who can manage boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces, stairs and walking in warm conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access or want to explore at your own pace without a scheduled excursion programme. The heat and walking at exposed sites can also be demanding, particularly from May to September.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck and swimming pool overlook the Nile.
Things to Consider
- Excursions involve uneven ground and exposed archaeological paths.
- Daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C from May to September.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- A single supplement normally applies to solo travellers.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this Nile cruise combines cabin accommodation and river travel with an organised programme of Upper Egyptian temples and tombs. Unlike a day excursion, it includes full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, although drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are generally excluded.
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
- Wi-Fi
- Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Sun Deck
- Pool
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Cabin accommodation in your chosen grade
- Shore-excursion programme visiting the listed Nile sites
- Access to the sun deck and swimming pool
- Wi-Fi access on board
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Optional premium services or purchases not included in the booking terms
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At the Valley of the Kings, ask which tombs are open that day; access can change, and premium tomb tickets may cost extra.
- 02
Take a light layer for the sun deck after sunset, when the river breeze can feel cool even in warm weather.
- 03
At Philae, keep some time for the boat crossing to Agilkia Island, where the temple complex now stands.
- 04
Bring sun protection for the open deck and modest clothing for visits to temples and other religious sites.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request private or shared shore excursions, different cabin grades and a single cabin subject to availability and supplement. Additional sightseeing, private transfers, premium services and other personal arrangements can be added where available, while the standard programme covers the listed Nile sites.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Princess Sarah fits the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday, linking Luxor’s temples and West Bank tombs with the monuments of Aswan. Pair it with time in Cairo before or after the sailing.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, loose sand, steps, ramps and exposed paths with limited shade. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings each have different access conditions. Boarding the vessel may require crossing a gangway, and stairs may be needed to reach some cabins or decks, depending on the berth and vessel layout. Wheelchair assistance may be possible with advance notice, but access cannot be guaranteed throughout the vessel or every excursion. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the arrangements for your sailing.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is arranged through Egyptian cruise and tourism suppliers, with shore transport and Egyptologist-led visits coordinated locally. River travel combines accommodation, dining and transport on one vessel, which can reduce separate road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Your holiday spending supports Egyptian guides, drivers, port staff and heritage-site services in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Fuel systems, waste procedures and environmental certifications vary by the assigned vessel, so we make no unverified claims. A refillable water bottle is useful where permitted, and guests should follow the crew’s 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
- Your booking confirmation and flight information
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Any prescribed medication and essential toiletries
- A compact bag for daytime shore trips
- Cash for refreshments, tips and your own purchases
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot daytime conditions
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Hat and sunglasses for exposed sites
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Swimwear and a light cover-up for the sun deck
Children & families
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult on gangways, stairs, uneven ancient surfaces and narrow cabin corridors, so a compact foldable model is more practical. Request a high chair before booking and await confirmation from the assigned vessel.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £623single cabin £825triple cabin £618 | May – September: from £508single cabin £638triple cabin £502 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £736single cabin £1,005triple cabin £728 | May – September: from £582single cabin £755triple cabin £574 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,073single cabin £1,544triple cabin £1,059 | May – September: from £804single cabin £1,106triple cabin £790 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,088single cabin £1,559triple cabin £1,075 | May – September: from £819single cabin £1,122triple cabin £806 |
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
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
See major temples and tombs through one excursion programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
The Princess Sarah Nile Cruise is an eight-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, subject to the schedule for your chosen departure. The order and timing of shore excursions depend on that sailing schedule, so check the confirmed arrangements before making plans around a particular site.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan. Which city comes first depends on the selected sailing direction. We arrange the cruise and related land arrangements, but transfers and their details depend on the booking confirmed for your trip.03What is included on the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Cabin accommodation in your selected grade, the listed shore-excursion programme, use of the sun deck and swimming pool, and onboard Wi-Fi are also included. Drinks (including water) are generally extra.04What is not included on the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Optional premium services or purchases may also cost extra, and a single supplement normally applies when one person occupies a cabin. Check the booking terms for the exact inclusions and any charges for your selected sailing.05Is the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The available information does not confirm step-free access or mobility facilities aboard the Princess Sarah. Shore excursions involve visits to ancient sites, where uneven stone and steps may be present. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the cabin, vessel and excursion arrangements for your sailing.06What is the child policy on the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 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.07What should I wear and bring for the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
Pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream for time on deck and at the sites. For temple visits, choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful in cooler weather, particularly on the sun deck.08Can I take photographs during the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may differ between outdoor areas and interiors. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs, especially inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings.09When is the best time to take the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor, Aswan and the temples. Egypt can be very hot in summer, particularly during midday excursions, so carry water and sun protection. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, subject to the selected sailing schedule.10Which sites are visited on the Princess Sarah Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days alternate with site visits, but the precise order depends on the direction and schedule. Premium tomb access, such as entry to particular tombs, is not confirmed as included.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-501234
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