Semiramis III Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining, sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Semiramis III Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Semiramis III’s excursion programme names six major sites: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast.
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin in the class booked, based on two sharing · Full-board meals from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Use of the public lounge and sun deck · Shore excursions listed in the vessel's programme · Onboard entertainment where provided · Afternoon tea where provided
- Best for
- Couples · First-time Nile cruisers · History enthusiasts · Travellers who prefer full-board accommodation
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the cruise.
- Cabin categories are stated as Standard, Deluxe and Suite.
- Pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
What lingers
- 01See Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on shore excursions from Luxor.
- 02Visit Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo on the Nile route.
- 03Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings as part of the vessel’s excursion programme.
- 04Spend sailing time on the sun deck or in the public lounge.
- 05Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- 06Use the onboard restaurant, gym, Wi-Fi and concierge service.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light on the Nile picks out the blue of the river and the pale stone of Luxor as the Semiramis III rides slowly downstream; from the sun deck you will see temple pylons and village life pass by, while the lounge bar offers a place to sit with a book or a cup of tea. Our Egyptologists join shore excursions and the vessel's programme alternates sailing days with visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
We arrange this carefully selected five-star cruiser for weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan, and we handle your embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. If you have mobility needs, dietary requests or want a quieter cabin, tell us when you enquire and we will request those arrangements with the cruise line on your behalf.
Background
The facts
Semiramis III is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt for sailings between Luxor and Aswan. It offers Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a dining room, public lounge and sun deck. Some cabins have Nile-facing windows or balconies.
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, as well as the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. The programme combines sailing on the Nile with visits to monuments in Upper Egypt.
Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are on the east bank of the Nile at Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank. Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are further south towards Aswan. The sites represent the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) and gratuities are not included by default; flights and port transfers are not included unless separately arranged.
Named in this entry
Semiramis III·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·The Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to visit Upper Egypt’s main temples without changing hotels each night. It works well for history-minded first-time visitors who prefer organised shore excursions and time to relax in the lounge or on the sun deck between visits.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another holiday if you need step-free access throughout: gangways, stairs and uneven ground at archaeological sites can be difficult. Summer visits also require a tolerance for strong heat, particularly around midday.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The sun deck and lounge provide downtime while sailing on the Nile.
- Three cabin grades offer a choice of Standard, Deluxe or Suite.
- A more settled base than changing hotels during overland sightseeing.
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone and steps feature at several shore-excursion sites.
- Summer temperatures in Luxor and Aswan can exceed 35°C.
- Drinks (including water) and staff gratuities cost extra.
- Cabins are priced per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applying.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many cruise listings describe one directional journey; Semiramis III has weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a sightseeing-only product, its programme combines river sailing with excursions to named sites in Upper Egypt.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the full-board meals served on board
- Use of the public lounge and sun deck while sailing
- Shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme
- On-board entertainment and afternoon tea where provided by the vessel
- Accommodation in the booked cabin class, priced per person sharing
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for on-board staff and local guides
- Domestic and international flights, including airport taxes
- Transfers to and from the embarkation or disembarkation ports, unless arranged separately
- Premium or optional excursions ashore and personal spending
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the booked cabin’s exact window or balcony position; views vary by cabin category.
- 02
Check whether your chosen sailing’s afternoon tea is provided, as the vessel programme may vary.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and gratuities for onboard staff and local guides.
- 04
Confirm port transfers before travel, since they are not included unless separately arranged.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Choose among Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, subject to availability; pricing is per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies. Transfers to and from Luxor or Aswan ports can be arranged separately, and premium or optional shore excursions may be available at extra cost.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Semiramis III fits a Luxor-to-Aswan Nile itinerary between time in Cairo and a stay in Aswan. We can arrange the cruise alongside your hotels and transfers, with the vessel sailing weekly in both directions.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Semiramis III Nile Cruise requires moderate mobility for embarkation, disembarkation and shore excursions. Guests should expect one or two short staircases between the gangway and main deck, cabin doorways narrower than modern hotel rooms, and some steps within public areas such as the dining room and lounge. Shore excursions often include uneven stone, cobbles and carved tomb steps, and several sites have no ramps. Wheelchair access on board is limited to ambulant wheelchair users who can transfer independently; full electric wheelchair boarding is not possible without prior arrangement. If you use a mobility aid, require step-free cabins, or need assistance at the airport, please contact us before booking. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate meet-and-assist and can confirm which cabins and embarkation arrangements best match your needs.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses conventional marine diesel engines typical of Nile cruisers; fuel and emissions are managed through routine maintenance and engine tuning. Onboard practices we encourage include linen reuse programmes, reduced plastic where the vessel permits refillable water stations instead of single-use bottles, and electricity conservation measures in public areas and cabins. We book local guides, Egyptologists and suppliers directly to ensure payments remain in the local economy; shore-excursion fees support temple site management through the official ticketing system. Where available we prioritise locally produced food for the galley and hire Egyptian crew and suppliers to create jobs in Luxor and Aswan. If you would like specific sustainability details for a particular departure, tell us and we will request the vessel's latest environmental practices from the cruise line.
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
- Valid passport and visa (if required)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Lightweight refillable water bottle
- Copies of medical prescriptions and basic first-aid items
- Camera with extra batteries or charger
- A small daypack for excursions ashore
- Any required mobility aids; measure cabin doorway widths with us if your aid is bulky
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting layers for daytime heat
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for visits to temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- Smart-casual clothing for evenings in the dining room
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children aged 12 years and 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 are generally impractical during shore excursions because of uneven surfaces and steps; please request portable baby equipment well before travel if you need high chairs or cots, as availability onboard is limited and subject to the cruise line's confirmation.
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 Mondays | October – April: from £566single cabin £767triple cabin £560 | May – September: from £537single cabin £724triple cabin £531 | Peak dates: from £681single cabin £969triple cabin £675 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £659single cabin £928triple cabin £651 | May – September: from £621single cabin £870triple cabin £613 | Peak dates: from £813single cabin £1,197triple cabin £805 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £938single cabin £1,409triple cabin £925 | May – September: from £871single cabin £1,308triple cabin £857 | Peak dates: from £1,207single cabin £1,880triple cabin £1,194 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £954single cabin £1,424triple cabin £940 | May – September: from £886single cabin £1,324triple cabin £873 | Peak dates: from £1,223single cabin £1,895triple cabin £1,209 |
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
- Luxor Temple7 min walk
- Karnak Temple3 km
- The Valley of the Kings7 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare shore excursions at six named sites along the route
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
This Semiramis III Nile Cruise product is listed as five days. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on your selected sailing. Check the dates shown for your booking before arranging flights or other travel.02Which meals and services are included on the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
The booking includes your chosen cabin class, full-board meals and the shore excursions listed in the vessel’s programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Use of the public lounge and sun deck is included; onboard entertainment and afternoon tea are provided where available.03Are transfers included for the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
Transfers to and from the Luxor or Aswan embarkation and disembarkation ports are not included unless separately arranged. Flights and airport taxes are also excluded. Confirm your port transfer arrangements before travel, particularly if your flight arrives on the day the vessel is due to sail.04What costs are not included in the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities, flights and airport taxes are excluded unless your booking states otherwise. Optional premium shore excursions and personal expenses are also extra. Check the cancellation terms displayed on the page for the rules that apply to your booking.05Is the Semiramis III Nile Cruise suitable for children?
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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family before booking.06Are the cabins on the Semiramis III Nile Cruise accessible?
Shore visits involve historic sites, where surfaces and access conditions can vary. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can confirm what is possible for your sailing.07What should I wear and bring on the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream for time on the sun deck and at archaeological sites. Comfortable shoes help on uneven ancient stone. Wear modest clothing at temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered; a light layer is useful for cooler evenings.08Can I take photographs during Semiramis III Nile Cruise shore excursions?
Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited, so check signs and your Egyptologist’s advice before taking pictures. Some locations may restrict photography or charge separately for permission, and flash may not be allowed in tombs. Keep your camera ready for outdoor views along the Nile.09When is the best time to take the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for shore visits in Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings greater heat, particularly around midday, so carry water, sun protection and light clothing. Conditions vary by date; ask us about the expected temperatures for your planned sailing.10Which sites are visited on the Semiramis III Nile Cruise?
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme normally includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. The programme follows the sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with visits alternating with time aboard. Unlike a road-only route, it links these sites by river.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-589958
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