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Nile CruiseLuxor → Aswan

Star of Luxor Nile Cruise

This 5-star vessel has a sun deck, pool, lounge bar and full-board dining, with panoramic windows framing the Nile.

At a glance

Length
5 days · 4 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

The short answer

Star of Luxor is a four-day Nile cruise vessel serving Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Star of Luxor sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, a river route of about 200 km. Its excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Philae.

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Nile cruise cabin
Destinations
Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Cabin accommodation aboard Star of Luxor · Shore excursions at Karnak and Luxor temples · Shore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples · Shore excursions at Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Best for
Nile cruise travellers · Temple and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families sharing a cabin
  • The shore-excursion programme names Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan sites.
  • Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, children aged 6–11.99 pay 50%, and children aged 12 or over pay the adult price.
  • Children share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple as part of the shore-excursion programme.
  • 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the temples at Kom Ombo.
  • 03Explore Philae and the Valley of the Kings on programme excursions.
  • 04Use the on-board pool, restaurant and bar between excursions.
  • 05Sail weekly between Luxor and Aswan in either direction.

02Overview

A first look

Star of Luxor is a five-star Nile cruiser on the Luxor–Aswan route, pairing full-board dining and a pool deck with a guided temple programme along the river. Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the operator.

Background

The facts

Star of Luxor is a Nile River cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Its shore-excursion programme links visits in Luxor and Aswan with sailing between the two cities.

Excursions may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor and Aswan are the embarkation and disembarkation ports; the Nile route between them is about 200 km, with stops along the river.

Karnak and Luxor Temple were major religious centres in ancient Thebes. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, around 1550–1070 BCE. The ancient city of Thebes, including its necropolis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Philae’s temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island after construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Named in this entry

Star of Luxor·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·Agilkia Island·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·UNESCO World Heritage Site

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This Nile cruise suits adults and older children interested in ancient Egyptian sites, with time to see temples along the river between Luxor and Aswan. It is a good fit for couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with shared cabin arrangements and scheduled shore excursions
  • Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the vessel.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a land-based stay if you need step-free access, flexible sightseeing times or more time at each site. The fixed sailing schedule and walking over uneven ancient stone may not suit travellers with limited mobility or very young children.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • The programme also visits Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
  • A river cruise combines sightseeing with time aboard the vessel.

Things to Consider

  • Ancient temples have uneven stone paths and steps.
  • Midday heat can make outdoor site visits tiring.
  • The sailing schedule leaves limited scope to linger.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most Nile cruise vessels follow a set sailing schedule with shore excursions at major river sites. Star of Luxor’s programme includes stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo as well as visits in Luxor and Aswan; cabin sizes and on-board facilities should be checked against the specific booking details.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

On property

What's here

  • Parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Swimming pool
  • Restaurant
  • Family rooms
  • Laundry
  • Spa
  • Airport shuttle
  • Concierge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bar
  • Beach access
  • Garden
  • Rooftop terrace

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Standard site entrance fees are typically included.

Not included

  • Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre
  • Entry to premium tombs, including those of Tutankhamun and Seti I
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask which side of the cabin faces the river at each point in the sailing; views can change with the vessel’s direction.

  2. 02

    Carry small Egyptian pound notes for toilets and local purchases during shore excursions.

  3. 03

    Bring a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cool after sunset.

  4. 04

    Take sturdy shoes for uneven stone paths and steps at ancient sites.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask us whether private shore excursions, extra time at individual sites or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan can be arranged. Cabin class options are Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Drinks (including water) are typically extra, and pricing is per person sharing with a single supplement usually applying.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

The Star of Luxor Nile Cruise fits between a Cairo stay and time in Aswan, with shore excursions along the river including Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae.

Accessibility

Who can join this

A Nile cruise combines gangway boarding with shore visits over uneven ancient stone, steps and short ramps. Embarkation commonly involves a gangway with 6 to 10 steps and handrails; a portable ramp may be available by request, but this depends on the vessel. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings have steps and uneven paths. Some tombs require visitors to descend steep stairs and stoop in narrow passages. Wheelchair access at archaeological sites is limited, and moving between the quay and cabin may need staff assistance. We can discuss mobility needs and possible arrangements before booking, but cannot guarantee step-free access.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The cruise is arranged on a Nile vessel that is owned and operated by its cruise line. Nile cruisers are generally diesel-powered; engine efficiency and waste systems vary by vessel, and we cannot confirm specifications until the ship is assigned. Shore excursions may use air-conditioned coaches, while short river transfers can use locally operated boats where available. We arrange services with Egyptologists, local guides and suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, directing some visitor spending to businesses in those communities. Local sourcing of food and filtered-water stations depend on the cruise line and vessel. Please follow site rules and local guidance during visits, and avoid touching or climbing on ancient stone.

  • 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 any required visa
  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen of SPF30 or above and lip balm
  • Refillable water bottle
  • A compact daypack for trips ashore
  • Regular prescription medication

What to wear

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm afternoons
  • Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection and temple visits
  • A light jacket or jumper for cooler mornings and evenings
  • Closed-toe walking shoes for uneven paths and tombs
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits

Children & families

Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price, and children 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 need their own cabin. Strollers can be used on board but are impractical at archaeological sites with steps and uneven ground. Ask us to confirm cabin bedding arrangements and any child-specific equipment before booking.

Cabin pricing

Rates on request

There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin 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.

How an extension is arranged

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

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Karnak TempleRight here
  • Luxor TempleRight here
  • Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
  • The temple at Kom OmboRight here
  • Philae TempleRight here
  • The Valley of the KingsRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Compare cabin classes before selecting your Nile cruise

  2. 02

    We arrange access to named Nile shore excursions

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    The Star of Luxor Nile Cruise is listed as a four-day product. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the sailing direction can be arranged to fit your Egypt plans. Confirm the specific embarkation and disembarkation dates before booking, as the sailing schedule determines which days you visit each site.
  2. 02Where do I embark and disembark on the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    Embarkation and disembarkation are arranged in Luxor and Aswan. We coordinate your cabin and the arrangements with the cruise line before you travel; exact port details and timings depend on your sailing. This is a cruise booking, not a vehicle pick-up service, so ask us to confirm how your transfers connect with the vessel.
  3. 03What is included in the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    Full Board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with our Egyptologists handling the visits. Standard site entrance fees are included unless the page states otherwise.
  4. 04What is not included on the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    Drinks (including water) are typically extra, and gratuities are not included unless requested. Full Board does not cover meals outside its stated window, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Check the page’s inclusions and exclusions for the final arrangement, including any optional services or premium site tickets.
  5. 05Is the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
    Accessibility depends on the vessel’s stairs, cabin location and the surfaces at each shore-excursion site. Ancient temples and tomb areas can involve uneven stone, steps and walking in heat. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the cabin arrangements and discuss which visits may be difficult or need to be adapted.
  6. 06What is the child policy on the Star of Luxor 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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Prices are per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    Bring sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes for uneven ground at shore-excursion sites. Light clothing suits warm weather, with a layer for cooler evenings in winter. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. A small day bag is useful for essentials during visits away from the vessel.
  8. 08Can I take photographs on the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise and during excursions?
    Photography is part of the experience on the Nile and at many outdoor sites, but rules vary by location. Some interiors, tombs or museum areas may restrict photography or require a separate ticket. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance, and ask before photographing people. Bring a camera or phone and keep it secure during shore visits.
  9. 09When is the best time to take the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise?
    November to March is generally cooler for visiting temples and walking around the shore-excursion sites. Summer brings stronger heat, particularly around midday, so plan for sun protection and follow your Egyptologist’s advice on time outdoors. Sailing dates run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the season and direction can shape your preferred dates.
  10. 10Which sites does the Star of Luxor Nile Cruise visit?
    The vessel’s excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu and its Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing and visits alternate along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The order depends on the sailing direction and schedule, so confirm the planned sequence for your dates before travel.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-603137

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