Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun-deck pool, lounge bar, panoramic windows and full-board dining, sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise is a four-day river cruise covering Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egyptian sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Steigenberger Legacy sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at six named sites, including Karnak Temple and Philae Temple. Its full-board meal period runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Cabin in the booked grade: Standard, Deluxe or Suite · Shore-excursion programme between Luxor and Aswan · Use of the sun deck pool and rooftop terrace · Use of the restaurant, lounge bar and gym · Onboard WiFi and concierge service
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Nile cruise travellers · Travellers visiting Luxor and Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
What lingers
- 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor as part of the shore-excursion programme.
- 02See the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae during shore visits.
- 03Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
- 04Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades, with some cabins offering Nile views through balconies or panoramic windows.
- 05Use the sun deck pool, rooftop terrace, restaurant, lounge bar and gym while on board.
- 06Sail weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Steigenberger Legacy is a five-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise line.
Embarkation in Luxor is at Travco Dock on Cornish El Nile, in front of the Winter Palace Hotel. Sailings run weekly in both directions. The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then sites on the route to Aswan: the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple.
These sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple formed part of ancient Thebes, whose monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage property Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground during the New Kingdom. Edfu Temple was dedicated to Horus, while Philae is associated with the worship of Isis.
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite; many have Nile-view windows, and some offer balconies or larger panoramic windows. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
Named in this entry
Steigenberger Legacy·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Travco Dock·Winter Palace Hotel·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Horus
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, mature solo travellers and small groups who want to see Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan without changing hotels each night. It works well for travellers interested in ancient sites who are comfortable with guided visits, steps and uneven ground, and who value a private cabin and full board over a fast-paced overland holiday.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout, or if you want a flexible, land-based itinerary with no fixed sailing schedule. Shore visits involve walking on uneven ground and some steps.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Shore visits can involve steps and uneven ancient stone.
- Strong sun and limited shade affect visits to temple sites.
- Drinks (including water) are extra.
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists are paid locally.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruise bookings are considered as a sailing and cabin choice; we arrange Steigenberger Legacy with its shore-excursion programme. Unlike a hotel stay based in one city, this cruise travels between Luxor and Aswan, with visits arranged around sailing days.
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
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation in the cabin grade booked: Standard, Deluxe or Suite
- The shore-excursion programme offered during the vessel’s sailings between Luxor and Aswan
- Use of the sun deck pool, lounge bar, restaurant, gym and rooftop terrace
- On-board WiFi and concierge service
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, usually paid locally
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
- Optional extras, including private transfers, cabin upgrades and private shore excursions
- Any applicable single supplement
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Travco Dock, use the Winter Palace Hotel as the landmark when confirming your embarkation arrangements.
- 02
Some cabins have balconies.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water), crew gratuities and Egyptologist gratuities.
- 04
Check whether you need a single supplement before confirming a cabin priced per person sharing.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Cabin upgrades, private transfers and private shore excursions are available as optional extras. Ask us to check which options fit your sailing dates and preferred cabin grade.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Steigenberger Legacy fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, with the vessel sailing weekly in both directions. Pair it with extra nights in Luxor to visit sites on the West Bank at a slower pace.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding at Travco Dock may involve a steep gangway, and its gradient can vary with the river level. Ask us before booking about your mobility needs so we can check the cabin arrangement and whether boarding assistance can be arranged. Wheelchair access is limited in many cabins, and the vessel’s facilities may not be step-free throughout. Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, steps and sandy paths. At Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, step-free routes are uncommon. Some visitors may be able to take part in selected visits with support, but access depends on the site and current conditions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we arrange the booking and work with local suppliers. The information provided does not identify the vessel’s fuel use, waste-treatment systems or recycling arrangements, so we cannot make specific environmental claims about its operations. Discovery Tours Egypt says it works with local suppliers to source produce and support nearby communities, and provides staff training in cultural respect. It also reports reducing single-use plastics and recycling where feasible on board. These practices may vary by supplier. Ask us before booking if you need details about a particular sailing or supplier.
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, plus a photocopy stored separately
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone and sand
- Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Lightweight scarf or shawl for temple visits
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for tips and purchases
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing, with a layer for cooler mornings
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for sandy paths and uneven stone
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Scarf or shawl for additional modest coverage
- Smart-casual clothing for the dining area
Children & families
Children are welcome. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; travellers aged 12 and 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. Check the cabin configuration with us before booking. Strollers can be difficult to use on gangways and at sites with steps, uneven stone or sand. High-chair availability is not confirmed, so ask us to check with the cruise supplier.
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 Fridays | October – April: from £1,113single cabin £1,658 | May – September: from £681single cabin £969 | Peak dates: from £1,113single cabin £1,747 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,389single cabin £2,116 | May – September: from £813single cabin £1,197 | Peak dates: from £1,389single cabin £2,235 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,216single cabin £3,487 | May – September: from £1,207single cabin £1,880 | Peak dates: from £2,216single cabin £3,696 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £2,232single cabin £3,503 | May – September: from £1,223single cabin £1,895 | Peak dates: from £2,232single cabin £3,711 |
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 Temple15 min walk
- Luxor Museum12 min walk
- Karnak Temple4 km
- Valley of the Kings27 km
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included in the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise fare?
Your fare includes full board accommodation, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. It also covers the shore-excursion programme with an English-speaking Egyptologist and use of onboard facilities like the sun deck pool.02What is not included in the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise fare?
The fare does not include alcoholic or premium beverages, gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, international flights, visas, or travel insurance. Optional extras such as cabin upgrades or private transfers are also excluded.03What is the typical duration and route for the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Legacy typically offers 3, 4, or 7-night sailings weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The shore-excursion programme visits key sites like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.04What facilities are available on board the Steigenberger Legacy?
Onboard facilities include a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a main restaurant, a gym, and a rooftop terrace for panoramic Nile views. Complimentary WiFi and concierge service are also provided for guests.05What is the policy for children travelling on the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream are essential. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits. Onboard, smart casual attire is suitable for evenings.07Is the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
While the vessel has lifts, some areas may present challenges, and shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and stairs. Travellers with significant mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific requirements before booking.08What are the cabin options on the Steigenberger Legacy?
Cabins are available in various grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Many cabins feature Nile-view windows or balconies, offering different levels of comfort and scenic views while sailing.09When is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is during the winter sun season, from November to March, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from June to August, can be very hot.10How do I arrange transfers to and from the Steigenberger Legacy?
We arrange all airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as part of your booking. Our meet and assist service ensures a smooth arrival and departure at the Travco Dock in Luxor or Aswan.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-LUX-766543
You Might Also Like
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
The Steigenberger Regency is a five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, pool and rooftop terrace. Many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. Its shore-excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise and embarkation formalities. Shore excursions and their fees should be checked against the booking details.
From £1,113
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
The Steigenberger Royale is a five-star Nile cruise vessel with cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories. Some cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies, subject to availability. On board, facilities include a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant, gym, spa and air-conditioned public areas. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are extra. Its shore-excursion programme may include Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges bookings for the vessel, which is owned and operated by its supplier.
From £1,113
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes; the shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. On board, guests can use the sun deck, pool, lounge areas and restaurant, with air-conditioning and WiFi available. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. This is a river cruise with visits ashore, not a fixed stay in one city; the programme and sailing direction vary by departure.
From £1,113