Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a shaded pool deck, panoramic dining room and full-board meals.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This five-star-standard Nile cruise is a weekly river sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
This five-star-standard Nile cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin grade, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, use of the sun deck and onboard public facilities, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Drinks (including water), gratuities, flights, visas, insurance and premium site charges are excluded.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Family
- Solo travel
- Adventure
- Photography
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups·
- Families with teens·
- Families with kids·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star-Standard Nile Cruise with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation in the chosen cabin · All meals, from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day · Sun deck featuring shaded seating · Freshwater pool · Bar lounge and restaurant · Planned visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Planned visits to the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples seeking a river-based journey · Families with children · Travellers wanting full-board cruising
- Guide languages
- English
- DTE is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- DTE is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Egyptologist guiding and transport arrangements can be provided for the scheduled shore excursions.
- Gratuities can be requested for pre-payment rather than being assumed as included.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Aswan and Luxor calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna lock, Karnak and Luxor West Bank.
- 02Shore excursions led by our Egyptologists; we arrange timed entries to avoid long queues at major sites.
- 03Sailings include breakfast and dinner onboard; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
- 04We operate this cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our local office handles transfers and local permits.
- 05Unlike cruise-ship day trips, we time Aswan departures to visit Philae before the boat traffic arrives.
02Overview
A first look
From the sun deck, the Nile moves past in broad green and ochre bands: palms, village roofs and desert beyond the riverbank. Sailing days invite a quiet swim, a drink in the lounge bar or a meal beside panoramic windows, while shore excursions bring you to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, then south to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Cabins range from Standard to Suite, with selected Nile-view balconies. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the booking and excursion details, while the cruise line’s crew manages life aboard Royal Beau Rivage. Weekly sailings run between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, with early starts and uneven ancient stone part of the practical picture.
Background
The facts
This five-star-standard Nile cruise package uses a vessel assigned at booking rather than a named ship. Cabin categories include Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with selected cabins offering Nile-view balconies. Public facilities include a shaded sun deck, freshwater pool, lounge bar, dining room with panoramic windows, gym, spa and boutique. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; a third-party cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
The vessel’s scheduled shore-excursion programme links major sites between Luxor and Aswan. Excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo and Philae near Aswan. The sailing programme operates weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and shore excursions.
Full board begins with lunch on the embarkation day and ends with breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) and speciality beverages are charged separately. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium tombs, pyramid interiors and site-specific charges are excluded unless requested.
Karnak Temple lies on Luxor’s east bank, while Luxor Temple is situated closer to the modern city centre. The Valley of the Kings is on Luxor’s west bank, across the Nile from the main city. Edfu and Kom Ombo are located along the river between Luxor and Aswan, while Philae is on Agilkia Island near Aswan and is reached by boat transfer from the landing area.
Named in this entry
The Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·Agilkia Island·Ancient Egypt·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travellers aged approximately 12 and above who want organised access to ancient temples without arranging daily transport themselves. It is also suitable for travellers seeking a slower river-based journey with full-board meals, leisure facilities and a choice of cabin grades.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace at every site. The scheduled shore-excursion programme and heat at archaeological sites may not suit travellers who prefer minimal walking or a very flexible schedule.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sun deck, shaded seating and freshwater pool for sailing days
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites involve uneven ground, steps and limited stroller access
- Upper Egypt can exceed 35°C from May through September
- Drinks (including water) are charged separately
- Sole occupancy may incur a single supplement
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines river sailing with scheduled visits to the principal temples and archaeological sites between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a fixed named-ship product, the cruise vessel is assigned at booking, while cabin grade, full-board service and the published excursion programme define the core arrangement.
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
- Gym
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Boutique
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on the vessel in your selected cabin grade.
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Access to the sun deck, swimming pool, lounge bar and dining room.
- The vessel’s scheduled shore-excursion programme to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Entry to premium tombs and pyramid interiors, together with any site-specific charges.
- Gratuities for the crew, Egyptologists and drivers, unless you request pre-payment.
- The single-occupancy supplement for a double cabin, if applicable.
- International and domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin grades have Nile-view balconies before confirming your selection.
- 02
Pack a light layer for shaded seating on the sun deck during sailing.
- 03
Keep small notes for optional gratuities, which are not included unless arranged in advance.
- 04
Check the daily excursion schedule aboard the vessel, as sailing and shore visits alternate.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request private or shared arrangements for the land excursions, subject to availability, and select Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation. Private Egyptologist guiding, pre-paid gratuities, premium tomb visits and additional hotel nights or flights can be added or arranged separately where available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Royal Beau Rivage sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so it can sit between a Cairo visit and time in either city. Pair it with extra nights in Luxor or Aswan to see their temples at a slower pace.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Nile cruising reduces hotel changes, but the vessel and shore excursions still involve physical demands. Moving between decks may require stairs, and cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may not be step-free. Boarding can involve a sloped gangway, with the angle changing according to river level. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae include uneven stone, sand, steps and exposed walking routes. Guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility should request an accessibility review before booking. A collapsible wheelchair may be more practical than a powered model, subject to cabin and gangway dimensions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Travel between Luxor and Aswan is by river vessel, rather than by separate road transfers between those destinations. The cruise line owns and operates the vessel; we select and arrange the cruise and its shore-excursion programme. Excursions use local guides, drivers and site services where required. We do not have verified information about this vessel’s fuel use, waste handling, water use or air-conditioning, so we cannot make claims about its environmental performance. You can reduce disposable packaging by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted. Buying refreshments or crafts from established local businesses can also direct some spending to businesses in the places you visit.
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
- A current passport and any necessary visa paperwork
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher, and lip balm
- Hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Lightweight layers for chilly evenings and air-conditioned spaces
- Your own medication and a compact day bag
- Cash and a card for drinks, tips and personal spending
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for warm days on the river
- A light jumper or jacket for evenings and air-conditioned indoor spaces
- Sturdy shoes with covered toes for temple ground that is uneven
- A hat and sunglasses for time on the sun deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up to wear around the pool
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or 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, stairs and uneven temple surfaces. Request a high chair before booking; availability depends on the vessel’s onboard equipment.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £623single cabin £825triple cabin £623 | May – September: from £522single cabin £667triple cabin £522 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £736single cabin £1,005triple cabin £736 | May – September: from £601single cabin £794triple cabin £601 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,073single cabin £1,544triple cabin £1,073 | May – September: from £837single cabin £1,174triple cabin £837 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,088single cabin £1,559triple cabin £1,088 | May – September: from £853single cabin £1,189triple cabin £853 |
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
- The Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Choose Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin grades
02
Compare Nile-view balcony cabins before selecting
03
Visit six named sites through the scheduled excursion programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
The Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise is an 8-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction. Weekly departures operate on both routes. The exact embarkation and disembarkation arrangements depend on the sailing you select, so check the details shown for your chosen date before making travel plans.02Where do I embark for the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan, depending on the direction of your sailing. International and domestic flights are not included. We can arrange the cruise and related ground services for you, but the vessel's boarding arrangements are made by its operator and may vary by departure.03What is included in the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
Your booking includes a cabin in the selected grade, full-board meals and access to the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room. The vessel's shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04Which costs are not included on the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, flights, visas and travel insurance are not included. Fees for premium tombs and pyramid interiors, as well as other site-specific charges, are also extra. A single supplement may apply if you occupy a double cabin alone; ask us to confirm the terms for your selected sailing.05Can travellers with limited mobility travel on the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
The available information does not confirm step-free access or accessible cabin facilities on the vessel. Shore excursions involve visits to ancient sites, where surfaces, steps and distances can vary. If you have mobility or access requirements, tell us before booking so we can check the arrangements for your chosen sailing and excursions.06What is the child policy on the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or 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 on the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
Pack comfortable shoes, light clothing, a hat and sun protection for shore excursions in Upper Egypt. Temperatures can be high, particularly in summer, and some ancient sites have uneven ground. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees; bring a light layer for cooler evenings in winter.08Can I take photographs during the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some tombs and restricted spaces may have separate rules or charges. Keep your camera secure while moving over uneven stone, and avoid photographing people without their permission.09When is the best time to take the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for shore visits in Luxor, Aswan and along the Nile. Summer brings very high temperatures in Upper Egypt, so plan for heat and take water and sun protection. The vessel sails weekly in both directions throughout its operating schedule.10Which sites does the Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise visit?
The vessel's scheduled shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing and site visits alternate across the programme. The sequence can vary with the direction of travel and the vessel's schedule.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-474841
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