Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
A 5-star river vessel with comfortable cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, full-board meals and guided visits ashore.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise is an eight-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Valley of the Kings is approximately 7 km by road from central Luxor, while Edfu is about 105 km south of Luxor. Sonesta St. George I’s excursion programme includes sites from Luxor to Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Cabin aboard a 5-star Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the category selected at booking · Full-board dining, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Trips to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Visit to Philae Temple · Excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Standard admission fees for the sightseeing included
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a structured Upper Egypt itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The cruise is selected, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the owning cruise line.
- Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are stated clearly in the inclusions.
- A licensed Egyptian tour operator can arrange guided sightseeing, transfers and on-the-ground support as part of the wider programme.
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the shore-excursion programme.
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 03Visit Philae Temple near Aswan.
- 04Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
- 05Weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan in both directions.
02Overview
A first look
Late-afternoon light slides across the Nile as Sonesta St. George I leaves Luxor or Aswan, with palms, village roofs and desert edges passing beyond the panoramic windows. On sailing days, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room give the river a steady rhythm, while shore excursions bring the temples and tombs of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan into focus.
We arrange this 5-star vessel’s weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at either port. Our Egyptologists provide context ashore, while we confirm your cabin category, sailing details and full-board arrangements before departure. Drinks (including water) are usually extra, so the final booking information matters.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise programme connects Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. Sailing takes place on the River Nile, and the shore-excursion programme covers major ancient sites in Upper Egypt, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Sailing days alternate with shore excursions, allowing passengers to view the Nile landscape from the sun deck or lounge areas while travelling between archaeological sites. The exact cabin allocation and sailing details are confirmed at booking because Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the owning and operating cruise line.
Full board begins with lunch on the embarkation day and ends with breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally charged separately. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing programme are included; gratuities, personal expenses and optional premium visits are not included unless specifically added.
Named in this entry
Sonesta St. George I·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus, Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Nubian Monuments
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine accommodation, river travel and guided visits to the principal temples and tombs of Upper Egypt. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although temple precincts, quays and the Valley of the Kings involve walking over uneven surfaces and steps.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another holiday if you need step-free access or cannot manage walking on uneven ground and stairs. Summer heat and repeated shore excursions may also be difficult for travellers who prefer a slower, mostly indoor trip.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- The programme links Luxor and Aswan with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Philae Temple adds an Aswan-area excursion to the route.
- Cabin choices include Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, subject to availability.
Things to Consider
- Temple visits involve steps, uneven ancient stone and limited shade.
- Summer sightseeing can be tiring in high temperatures.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Gratuities and the single supplement are not included.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines cabin accommodation, sailing between Upper Egyptian destinations and a planned shore-excursion programme. Unlike a fixed single-direction product, embarkation and disembarkation are available at either Luxor or Aswan, subject to the confirmed sailing schedule.
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
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Nile cruise cabin accommodation in the category confirmed at booking
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Standard entry charges for the sightseeing included in the programme
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Optional premium visits or pyramid interiors not included in the confirmed programme
- Personal costs and services not listed in the booking
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Philae, allow time for the boat transfer to Agilkia Island as well as the temple visit.
- 02
The Valley of the Kings involves walking on uneven ground; wear shoes with a firm grip.
- 03
Premium tombs, including any optional tomb visits, are separate from the listed sightseeing programme.
- 04
Compare cabin categories at booking, since the selected class determines your accommodation.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request private or shared shore-excursion arrangements where available, select from the cabin categories offered at booking and add optional premium sightseeing subject to availability. Embarkation and disembarkation can be arranged in Luxor or Aswan, and private transfers or extended pre- and post-cruise stays can be added to the wider travel programme.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Sonesta St. George I fits between time in Cairo and a stay in Luxor or Aswan, linking the two Nile cities through a programme of riverside temple and tomb visits.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access on board with visits to ancient sites where paths can be uneven. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings may involve stone paving, sand, steps, narrow paths and steep ramps. Gangways can be narrow or steep, and access between decks may involve stairs; lift coverage varies by vessel. Wheelchair access and cabin arrangements cannot be confirmed without details of the assigned vessel. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact us before booking so we can check the ship and excursion arrangements. Some areas may remain inaccessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges this cruise with an established Egyptian cruise supplier and local partners for shore excursions. Travelling by river concentrates accommodation, dining and transport on one vessel, reducing the need for repeated road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff and site teams support employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Environmental practices vary by vessel and supplier, so please follow onboard water and energy guidance, avoid unnecessary single-use plastic and place waste in designated bins. We do not claim that every vessel uses the same environmental systems.
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 booking documents
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- A reusable bottle for water
- A small bag for shore excursions
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication you need
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers for cooler mornings
- Shoes with a secure grip
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool or sun deck, if available
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, while 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. Compact strollers or carriers are more practical on gangways and uneven archaeological sites. Request high-chair availability before booking.
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 |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,603single cabin £2,367triple cabin £1,488 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,043single cabin £3,061triple cabin £1,889 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £3,360single cabin £5,142triple cabin £3,091 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £3,375single cabin £5,157triple cabin £3,106 |
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
- Temple of Horus, EdfuRight here
- Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Choose a cabin category before booking
02
See six named Nile sites in one shore-excursion programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise is an eight-day programme between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. Your confirmed booking sets out the sailing dates and cabin allocation. The programme combines time on the Nile with visits to temples and archaeological sites along its banks.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
You can embark or disembark in either Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between the two cities, so check the confirmed sailing details when planning your onward travel. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning cruise line; we do not operate the vessel.03What is included in the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
The booking includes accommodation in the cabin category selected, full board and the listed shore-excursion programme. Standard entrance fees for the included sightseeing are covered. Full board begins with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.04Which items are not included on the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and the single supplement are not included. Nor are personal expenses or optional premium visits that are not named in your confirmed programme. Pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically listed in the booking. Check the final arrangements for any service not itemised as included.05Is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
The vessel has lifts between decks, but shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, stairs and sand. These conditions may make some visits difficult for travellers with limited mobility. Tell us about your specific requirements before booking so we can check what can be arranged; access varies by site and excursion.06What is the child policy on the Sonesta St. George I 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. Ask us to confirm how the applicable child rate will be reflected in your booking.07What clothing and belongings should I pack for the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
Wear light clothing, a hat and comfortable shoes for excursions, and bring sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Daytime heat can be strong, particularly during summer. Choose modest clothing for visits to temples and other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Evenings aboard can feel cooler, so a light layer is useful.08Can I take photographs during the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance, particularly inside tombs and temple buildings, where restrictions may apply. Ask before photographing people. We'll confirm whether camera or photography charges apply at particular sites and whether they are included in the cruise arrangements.09When is the best time to take the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for shore excursions in Luxor and Aswan. Summer sailings are possible, but sightseeing can be demanding in the heat, especially around midday. In winter, bring a light layer for evenings. The season does not change the listed shore-excursion programme, though sailing details are confirmed at booking.10Which sites does the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise visit?
The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a visit limited to Luxor’s monuments, the cruise programme also reaches sites along the river towards Aswan. The exact excursion arrangements are confirmed with your booking.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-372615
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