Salacia Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a sun deck, shaded lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise is a river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin accommodation · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Sun deck, shaded lounge bar and dining room · Scheduled shore excursions · English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff · Onboard service charges and local taxes
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Mature families · Travelers seeking a river-based itinerary
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff are included according to the vessel programme.
- Onboard service charges and local taxes are included.
- DTE can provide on-the-ground trip coordination and support for arranged services.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile reflects the colour of the sky from Salacia’s sun deck, with palms, village roofs and feluccas sliding past beyond the rail. The pace is deliberately unhurried: a quiet drink in the shaded lounge bar, dinner in the dining room, then a shore excursion that brings the river into focus at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings or the Temple of Horus at Edfu.
Between Luxor and Aswan, sailing days leave room to watch the landscape change rather than rush from one sight to the next. Salacia sails weekly in both directions. We arrange your cabin and shore-excursion programme in advance, with a licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinating the practical details on the ground.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise connects the embarkation ports of Luxor and Aswan, with sailings available weekly in both directions. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme covers major ancient sites including Karnak Temple, the Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, as well as Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae in the Aswan area.
In Luxor, Karnak Temple developed over several centuries, with major construction dating from the New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE. The Luxor West Bank includes the Valley of the Kings, where royal tombs were cut into the Theban hills during Egypt’s New Kingdom; standard entrance fees generally cover selected tombs, while premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I require separate arrangements.
Edfu Temple of Horus is a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple built between 237 and 57 BCE. Kom Ombo is a distinctive dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, while Philae Temple, principally dedicated to Isis, was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Excursion timing varies according to the assigned vessel’s operating programme.
Cabin categories include Standard, Deluxe and Suite options. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; beverages beyond bottled water with meals are generally charged separately. The vessel includes a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, dining room and public areas for viewing the Nile landscape between shore excursions.
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·Theban Necropolis·Aswan High Dam·Isis·Horus·Sobek
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples and mature families interested in ancient history while preferring an organized river journey. Travelers should be comfortable boarding a vessel, using gangways and walking over uneven temple and archaeological-site surfaces.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers requiring full wheelchair accessibility without prior arrangements
- Guests who need a fast-paced, nightlife-focused experience
- Those unwilling to walk on uneven temple stone and steps
What lingers
- 01Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- 02Sun deck with seating for Nile views and a shaded lounge bar area
- 03Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Calls at Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae during the sailing programme
- 06Weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt tour, this cruise combines scheduled archaeological visits with sailing time along the Nile, allowing travelers to observe riverside landscapes between excursions. Unlike a fixed single-site day tour, the cruise programme links Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan-area attractions with accommodation aboard the vessel.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below 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.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,323 | £2,491 | £2,827 |
| Double cabin | £1,483 | £1,550 | £1,752 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,447 | £1,543 | £1,735 |
| Double cabin | £967 | £1,006 | £1,121 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,157 | £1,229 | £1,373 |
| Double cabin | £797 | £826 | £912 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,329 | £2,497 | £2,833 |
| Double cabin | £1,489 | £1,557 | £1,758 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel programme
- English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff
- Onboard service charges and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Beverages other than bottled water served with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Premium site entrances, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs, unless specifically requested
- Crew and guide gratuities
- Personal purchases and optional extras, including hot-air balloon flights and spa treatments
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book an early-morning visit to Karnak for cooler temperatures and softer photography light.
- 02
Choose a mid-ship lower-deck cabin for quieter nights and easier shore disembarkation.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for local sellers, tips, and small museum purchases.
- 04
Take sunscreen and a wide-brim hat; sun is strong, even on the river.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin categories, subject to availability, with pricing calculated per person sharing and a single supplement typically applied. Private transfers, additional sightseeing in Luxor or Aswan, premium tomb entrances, hot-air balloon flights and other optional services may be added on request.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise includes uneven surfaces, steps and changing access conditions. Boarding may use a gangway whose slope varies with the river level, and the assigned vessel may not have a lift serving every deck. Cabins, dining areas and the sun deck may require stair access. Shore excursions involve uneven paving, sand, cobblestones, steps and steep ramps at Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Wheelchair access may be possible with advance planning, but independent wheelchair use cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can confirm the assigned vessel and arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Light daypack for shore excursions
- Any required medication
- Small amount of Egyptian cash for personal expenses
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned areas and evening sailing
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% and guests 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 inconvenient on gangways, decks and shore excursions. Request a high chair before booking, as availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise is arranged through Egyptian cruise, transport and excursion suppliers. Shore visits use locally contracted vehicles and English-speaking cruise staff or guides listed in the vessel programme. Egyptian crews, drivers, catering teams and site suppliers support employment and tourism income in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Waste, water and energy practices vary between assigned vessels, so we do not make broad environmental claims. You can reduce avoidable waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, declining unnecessary single-use plastics and following onboard instructions for water, laundry and waste. Please use designated bins and leave archaeological sites free of litter.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes accommodation in an assigned cruiser, full-board catering from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, and scheduled shore excursions. The programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor’s West Bank and Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise typically operates as an eight-day sailing. This duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of key sites between Luxor and Aswan, with a balance of sailing time and shore excursions. Full board service begins with lunch on embarkation day and concludes with breakfast on disembarkation day.02What shore excursions are included with the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise includes a programme of shore excursions to major sites between Luxor and Aswan. These typically feature visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. An English-speaking cruise host or onboard staff provide commentary.03What is the meal plan on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This includes all meals, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and ending with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Beverages beyond bottled water served with meals are generally charged separately.04What types of cabins are available on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise offers a range of cabins to suit different preferences. These typically include Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories. While specific sizes vary, all cabins provide comfortable accommodation for your journey on the Nile with panoramic windows.05What should I wear on the Salacia Nile Cruise and for shore excursions?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees. Casual wear is appropriate onboard the vessel.06Is the Salacia Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the Salacia Nile Cruise accommodates families with children. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What is excluded from the Salacia Nile Cruise price?
The cruise price excludes international flights, Egypt entry visas, travel insurance, and most beverages beyond bottled water with meals. Premium site entrances, such as pyramid interiors or specific premium tombs, are also excluded unless explicitly requested. Crew and guide gratuities are not included.08What is the best time of year to take a Salacia Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the most comfortable for a Nile cruise, with pleasant temperatures for shore excursions. However, sailings operate weekly year-round. Summer months, from May to September, are hotter but can offer fewer crowds at sites.09What facilities are available onboard the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star vessel featuring a sun deck, a shaded lounge bar, and a dining room. These public areas are available for guests to relax and enjoy the views while sailing on the Nile. The vessel is designed for comfort and enjoyment during your journey.10How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange my Salacia Nile Cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, carefully selects and books your Salacia Nile Cruise. We arrange your accommodation aboard the vessel and coordinate the included shore excursions. The vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line, ensuring a seamless holiday.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-LUX-194865
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