Renaissance Nile Cruise

The short answer

Renaissance Nile Cruise is an 8-day river cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and major Nile sites in Upper Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Nile cruise vessel

Destinations

Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cabin accommodation aboard Renaissance · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings

Best for

Nile cruise travellers · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin

What lingers

• 01Sail on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly departures in both directions.
• 02Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the shore-excursion programme.
• 03Stop at Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo during the river journey.
• 04Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings on shore excursions.
• 05Full Board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most Nile cruise listings focus on a single Luxor-to-Aswan sailing; the Renaissance is a vessel with weekly departures in both directions. Unlike a land-only sightseeing programme, its shore excursions are interspersed with sailing on the Nile.

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.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Ask which side of the cabin has the preferred river view for your sailing direction; the view changes as the vessel turns or docks.

2. 02

   Carry small Egyptian pound notes for public conveniences at excursion stops; payment arrangements can differ by site.

3. 03

   Keep a light layer in your cabin for air-conditioned dining and lounge areas, even during warm-weather sailings.

4. 04

   Take a torch on evening excursions if you expect to read signs or steps in dimly lit areas.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask us about private shore excursions, subject to availability, or adding sites such as Abu Simbel to your wider Egypt itinerary. We can also discuss cabin class and extending your stay in Luxor or Aswan. Renaissance is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

The Nile cruiser and its shore-excursion programme involve steps and uneven surfaces, so a moderate level of mobility is needed. Expect steps when boarding or leaving the vessel, cabin thresholds and narrow gangways at some docks. On board, wheelchair access may be possible in some public areas, but access to cabins and other facilities varies by vessel and should be confirmed before booking. At Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, paths can be uneven, with stairs, steep ramps and limited handrails. Many landing points and temple approaches are not wheelchair-friendly. We can request assistance at embarkation and disembarkation; tell us about mobility needs before booking. A companion may be needed for physical support.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The cruise vessel uses a diesel engine, a common propulsion type on the Nile, and transfers to and from the ports are generally by air-conditioned vehicle. The specific vehicle and vessel are assigned through suppliers, so we cannot promise a particular engine standard or emissions level. We arrange the cruise with a local cruise supplier and use licensed Egyptologists and local guides for shore excursions where available. This directs work to people based in Egypt, though the exact local employment arrangements depend on the supplier. On board, guests can reduce waste by reusing towels and bringing a refillable bottle. Waste sorting and recycling depend on facilities at each port; we cannot guarantee that all materials are recycled.

• 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

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

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• The Valley of the KingsRight here
• Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
• Kom Ombo TempleRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

   The Renaissance Nile Cruise is an 8-day Nile cruise. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The exact sailing dates and embarkation and disembarkation arrangements depend on the booking selected, so check the details shown for your departure before travelling.
2. 02Where does the Renaissance Nile Cruise sail, and which sites are visited?

   The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major sites along the Nile. The programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The order of visits can vary with the sailing.
3. 03What is included in the Renaissance Nile Cruise fare?

   Full Board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The shore-excursion programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae, with our Egyptologists alongside you at each site. Check your booking details for the specific arrangements attached to your selected sailing.
4. 04What is not included on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

   Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately. Gratuities and any other exclusions depend on the final arrangement, so review the inclusions and terms on the page before confirming. Cabin pricing is per person sharing; a single supplement typically applies if you are travelling without someone sharing your cabin.
5. 05Are Renaissance Nile Cruise cabins suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   Accessibility depends on the cabin and the vessel’s layout. Shore visits involve ancient sites where surfaces can be uneven and access may include steps. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can confirm the arrangements for the vessel and the planned excursions.
6. 06Can children travel on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

   Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

   Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, high-factor sun cream and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at ancient sites. Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting temples and mosques: cover shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful after sunset. Check the forecast for your sailing dates before packing.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the Renaissance Nile Cruise excursions?

   Photography rules vary between sites, and some areas may restrict cameras or charge separately for photography. Check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures, particularly inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Keep your camera secure while moving across uneven stone and crowded areas.
9. 09When is the best time to take the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

   The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, especially during open-air site visits, so plan for sun protection and follow your Egyptologist’s advice. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, but availability depends on the selected departure.
10. 10What is the difference between sailing days and shore-excursion days on the Renaissance Nile Cruise?

    The programme alternates time sailing on the Nile with shore excursions at named sites. While the vessel is under way, you can spend time in the cabin, lounge bar, dining room or on the sun deck, with river views through panoramic windows. Unlike a land-based circuit, travel between Luxor and Aswan happens on the river.