Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise

The short answer

Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury is a Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to ancient sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Luxury Nile cruise cabin

Destinations

Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cabin accommodation aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore-excursion programme at Karnak Temple · Shore-excursion programme at Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to Edfu Temple of Horus · Shore excursion to Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings

Best for

Luxury cruise travellers · Couples · Solo travellers · Egypt history enthusiasts

What lingers

• 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with departures in both directions each week.
• 02Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
• 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo.
• 04The excursion programme also includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
• 05Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Nile cruise listings describe one fixed sailing; this product describes the vessel and its weekly sailings in both directions. Unlike a sightseeing tour without accommodation, a cruise combines nights aboard with shore excursions at scheduled stops.

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

   Confirm the sailing direction before choosing flights, as embarkation and disembarkation are in different cities.

2. 02

   Ask which cabin class is available and whether its windows face the Nile before confirming the booking.

3. 03

   Budget separately for drinks (including water), as these are typically extra.

4. 04

   Allow time ashore for uneven ancient paving and exposed areas, particularly during warmer months.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide the stated cabin-class choices, subject to availability. The shore-excursion programme covers the listed temples and archaeological sites; ask us whether a visit or extra time at a particular site can be arranged. You can also enquire about extending your stay in Luxor or Aswan.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Boarding a Nile cruiser usually involves steps from the embarkation pontoon, narrow gangways and uneven surfaces at landing stages. Cabins and public areas are commonly linked by fixed staircases, and a lift may not be available. Shore excursions can include uneven stone, sand, steps and short climbs, including at the Valley of the Kings and Philae. Wheelchair access on board is limited, and a folding wheelchair may only be practical on a vessel that can accommodate it with advance notice and assistance. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss which visits may be manageable. Handrails and seating are available in many public areas, but step-free access cannot be assumed.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The cruise vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the booking with local suppliers. Transfers associated with the cruise may use air-conditioned coaches, with Euro 4 or better emissions standards where available. In Luxor and Aswan, we ask suppliers to reduce unnecessary vehicle journeys where practical. The reference information for this cruise states that most vessels use central waste separation and water-saving fixtures, and that linen reuse is offered only with guests' agreement; arrangements can vary by assigned vessel, so please check before booking. On-board meals may include locally sourced produce and Nile-caught fish when seasonally available. Egyptian crew, Egyptologists and shore guides provide local employment. Buying crafts directly from workshops in Luxor or Aswan can also direct spending to local makers.

• 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
• Kings’ ValleyRight here
• Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
• Temple of Kom OmboRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Compare cabin classes before choosing how to sail

2. 02

   Plan around weekly sailings in either direction

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   The Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise is an eight-day holiday. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on the sailing you book, so check the dates shown on the page before making travel plans.
2. 02Where do I embark and disembark on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor and Aswan. The sailing may run in either direction, so check your booking details to confirm which city begins your cruise and which ends it. We arrange the cruise booking and coordinate the arrangements around your embarkation and disembarkation.
3. 03What is included on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   Full Board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The vessel has a sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room, with panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies available in some cabins. Shore excursions form part of the cruise programme; confirm the precise arrangements for your sailing before departure.
4. 04What is not included on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   Drinks (including water) are typically extra, and gratuities are not included unless requested. Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying when you travel alone. Cancellation and refund terms vary, so refer to the terms shown on this product page before booking.
5. 05Is the Sanctuary Sun Boat III suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   Accessibility depends on your mobility needs and the cabin and excursion arrangements for your sailing. Boarding, moving around the vessel and visiting ancient sites can involve steps, uneven stone and outdoor walking. Tell us about any access requirements before booking so we can check what can be arranged with the cruise line.
6. 06Can children travel on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the adult price. Children 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 Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing for warm hours, with a layer for cooler evenings in winter. Shore visits can involve uneven stone and limited shade. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees; carry water for excursions.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the Sanctuary Sun Boat III shore excursions?

   Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited, so follow signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance. Some tombs and interiors may restrict photography or require a separate permission or ticket. Ask before taking photographs of people, and do not assume flash or tripods are allowed.
9. 09When is the best time to take the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

   November to March is generally the cooler season for visiting Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Temperatures rise in summer, particularly around midday at exposed archaeological sites. Winter is also a busy travel period, so check sailing availability for your preferred dates before arranging flights.
10. 10Which sites are visited on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise?

    The shore-excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Days alternate between sailing on the Nile and visits ashore. The exact sequence can vary with the sailing direction and cruise arrangements.