Salacia Nile Cruise
A 5-star river vessel with three cabin classes, a sun deck for Nile views, a shaded lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Salacia Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Salacia programme links Luxor and Aswan with shore excursions that may include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Edfu lies about 110 kilometres south of Luxor, and Kom Ombo about 170 kilometres north of Aswan.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Photography
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Luxury Five-Star Nile Cruise Ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin on the allocated Nile cruiser · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Cabin choices: Standard, Deluxe and Suite · Access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · The scheduled shore trips shown in the vessel's programme · English-speaking cruise host or member of the onboard team · Onboard service fees and local taxes
- Best for
- Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for a well-organised Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a Class-A licensed Egyptian tour operator by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Scheduled sightseeing is arranged with local logistical support and English-speaking cruise or onboard staff as specified in the inclusions.
- Cruise service charges and local taxes are included; gratuities, insurance and personal expenses remain separate.
What lingers
- 01Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes
- 02Spend time on the sun deck, or in the lounge bar and dining room
- 03Full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04The excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Possible calls include Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 06Weekly sailings connect Luxor and Aswan in both directions
02Overview
A first look
At the Luxor pier, the Nile moves quietly beyond the railings while luggage is taken to your cabin and the first lunch is served aboard Salacia. The pace changes between open water and shore excursions, from the vast columns of Karnak Temple to the tomb-lined slopes of Luxor West Bank, with Edfu Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo reached directly from the river.
Between visits, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room give you room to read, watch villages pass and escape the midday heat. Salacia sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange the cabin, embarkation details and excursion programme through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our English-speaking Egyptologists guiding the ancient sites ashore.
Background
The facts
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise links Luxor and Aswan through a scheduled programme of sailing and shore excursions. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan, and weekly sailings operate in both directions. The exact sequence and timing of visits are confirmed for the assigned sailing at booking.
The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, in the Luxor area. Further south, scheduled calls may include Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae in Aswan. Karnak Temple developed over many centuries, while the Valley of the Kings was used mainly for royal burials during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BC.
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser. Shared facilities include a sun deck, shaded lounge bar and dining room. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally excluded unless stated otherwise. Standard site entrance fees for the scheduled programme are included, while premium entrances such as selected royal tombs are excluded unless specifically requested.
Named in this entry
The Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Luxor West Bank·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·New Kingdom Egypt·Nile Valley
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and adults interested in ancient history who prefer to combine accommodation, river travel and scheduled sightseeing. Travellers should be comfortable boarding a vessel, using gangways and walking across uneven temple grounds
- excursions are less suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations unless arrangements are confirmed in advance.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout, as boarding and ancient sites can involve stairs, ramps and uneven surfaces. Summer heat and shared excursions may also be a poor fit if you need a private, flexible pace.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Excursion order and timing depend on the confirmed sailing programme
- Monument visits involve uneven stone, stairs and limited stroller access
- Drinks (including water) are usually extra
- Hot-air balloon flights and premium tomb entrances cost extra
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt tour, this cruise combines accommodation and river transport with scheduled visits to major Nile Valley monuments. Unlike a fixed private sightseeing itinerary, excursion timing follows the vessel’s sailing programme, with the exact sites and sequence confirmed for the assigned sailing.
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
Bundled in
- Full board
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the assigned Nile cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Access to the vessel’s shared areas, including 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
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Premium site entry, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs, unless requested in advance
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- Personal purchases and optional extras, including hot-air balloon flights and spa treatments
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Keep a light layer handy for breezy sailing periods on the open sun deck, especially outside the warmest months.
- 02
Wear shoes with a firm grip for uneven stone paths at the Valley of the Kings and other archaeological sites.
- 03
Carry small notes for personal purchases and gratuities, which are not included in the cruise price.
- 04
Ask which shore excursions are confirmed for your sailing before making plans around a particular site.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise privately or as part of a wider Egypt programme, subject to availability and the assigned sailing schedule. Travellers may request cabin upgrades from Standard to Deluxe or Suite, a single cabin with the applicable supplement, additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, premium tomb entrances, hot-air balloon flights or private sightseeing before or after the cruise.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Salacia can sit between a Cairo visit and time in southern Egypt, with Luxor and Aswan as the embarkation and disembarkation points. Weekly sailings run in both directions; check the confirmed shore-excursion programme for your sailing before planning other stays.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility varies by the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking and the ancient sites in the shore-excursion programme. Embarkation can involve a gangway, uneven riverfront ground and steps between the quay and vessel. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be linked by stairs, and lift access is not guaranteed. Excursions involve uneven stone, sand, cobbles, steps and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, the Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. A collapsible wheelchair may be possible, subject to the assigned vessel and port access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel is selected and booked through our licensed Egyptian tour operator network, while shore transport and local services are arranged with Egyptian suppliers. Vehicle type and supplier can vary by sailing programme, so we confirm the operational details in your booking documents rather than making a blanket environmental claim. Using Egyptian guides, drivers, catering teams and port services keeps part of your holiday spending within the local tourism economy. You can help reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, declining unnecessary single-use items and following visitor rules at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
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
- Passport and required travel documents
- Booking confirmation, printed or digital
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have sturdy soles
- Sun cream, SPF 50+, and lip balm
- Hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Personal medication
- A compact day bag for excursions ashore
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for the daytime heat
- Firm, comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for permitted onboard facilities
Children & families
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 a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult to use on gangways, stairs, quays and uneven archaeological paths. Ask us to check cot and high-chair availability, as this depends on 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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,142single cabin £1,618triple cabin £1,142 | May – September: from £825single cabin £1,142triple cabin £825 | Peak dates: from £1,301single cabin £1,488triple cabin £1,301 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,428single cabin £2,062triple cabin £1,428 | May – September: from £1,005single cabin £1,428triple cabin £1,005 | Peak dates: from £1,639single cabin £1,889triple cabin £1,639 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £2,283single cabin £3,393triple cabin £2,283 | May – September: from £1,544single cabin £2,283triple cabin £1,544 | Peak dates: from £2,653single cabin £3,091triple cabin £2,653 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £2,299single cabin £3,409triple cabin £2,299 | May – September: from £1,559single cabin £2,299triple cabin £1,559 | Peak dates: from £2,669single cabin £3,106triple cabin £2,669 |
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
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor West BankRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
- Edfu Temple of HorusRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare cabin classes before confirming your sailing
02
Arrange shore excursions at six major Nile Valley sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The Salacia Nile Cruise is an eight-day programme between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing days and shore excursions across the route. Your exact sequence of visits depends on the programme confirmed for your sailing, so check the final arrangements before travel.02How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Salacia Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the direction of your sailing. We arrange the cabin and share the relevant embarkation details with you before departure. This product does not specify a pickup service, so confirm any separate transfer arrangements with us rather than assuming they are included.03What does the Salacia Nile Cruise fare include?
The fare includes a cabin aboard the assigned Nile cruiser, full board and scheduled shore excursions listed in the vessel programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, onboard staff, service charges and local taxes are also included.04Which items are excluded from the Salacia Nile Cruise fare?
International flights, an Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included. Drinks (including water), gratuities, personal purchases and optional activities such as a hot-air balloon flight or spa treatment are also extra. Premium entrances, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs, are excluded unless requested and confirmed.05Is the Salacia Nile Cruise suitable for guests with mobility concerns?
Accessibility depends on the vessel and the shore excursion, and specific facilities have not been confirmed. Temple visits can involve uneven ancient stone, steps and sandy paths. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking, and we can check what is possible for your chosen sailing and the excursions in its programme.06What is the children’s policy on the Salacia 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. The fare is priced per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies when a cabin is occupied alone.07What should I wear and bring on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes for temple grounds, plus a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream for Egypt’s strong sun. Choose modest clothing for visits to temples and mosques. Casual clothing is suitable aboard; pack a light layer for cooler evenings, particularly in winter, and bring any regular medication.08Can I take photographs during the Salacia Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures. Some interior spaces may restrict photography or require separate permission or a ticket. Keep cameras away where photography is prohibited, and ask before photographing local people.09When is the best time to take the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for visiting temples in Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. Summer brings higher temperatures, especially during outdoor excursions, so expect to plan around the heat. Sailing dates operate weekly, but availability and the exact excursion programme depend on the selected departure.10Which sites can I visit on the Salacia Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, followed by Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Not every sailing necessarily follows the same sequence. Premium tomb entrances, such as Tutankhamun’s, are not included unless specifically requested.
Last updated 9 November 2026Product ID: CRU-LUX-194865
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