Tulip Nile Cruise
Tulip is a five-star Nile vessel with three cabin classes, shaded sun-deck seating, full-board dining and an indoor lounge bar.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Tulip Nile Cruise is a four-day Nile cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Tulip sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at six major sites along the Nile. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are extra.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Voyage
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation in the selected class · Full board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore excursions on the schedule · Access to the sun deck · Access to the lounge bar and indoor saloon
- Best for
- Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers seeking a relaxed cultural cruise · Guests who prefer sailing between sightseeing visits
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the Tulip cruise; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
- The cruise has Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- The shore-excursion programme names six sites across the Luxor to Aswan corridor.
What lingers
- 01Cabin options include Standard, Deluxe and Suite; many feature panoramic windows or balconies overlooking the Nile
- 02View the Nile from the sun deck, which has shaded seating and loungers
- 03Use the lounge bar and indoor saloon during time on board
- 04Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple through the vessel’s shore-excursion programme
- 05The programme also includes Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 06Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan
02Overview
A first look
From the sun deck, the Nile slips past in bands of green, with palms and riverside villages breaking the wide, quiet view. A shaded lounger gives you time to watch the banks change; indoors, the saloon and lounge bar offer a cooler place to read or listen to an evening lecture. Meals are served in the dining room, while cabins range from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies in many rooms.
Tulip sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with visits to temples and tombs along the river. Unlike bus-centred group touring, much of the journey unfolds at river level. We arrange your cabin and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme, so embarkation details are settled before you travel.
Background
The facts
Tulip is a Nile river cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Its cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite; many have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. Onboard spaces include a sun deck, indoor saloon, lounge bar and dining room.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Embarkation and disembarkation take place at Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing.
These sites span several periods of ancient Egyptian history. Karnak and Luxor formed part of ancient Thebes, whose surviving monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage property Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including tombs of rulers such as Tutankhamun and Seti I. Philae’s temple complex is associated chiefly with the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) and optional premium tomb entrances, including Tutankhamun and Seti I where available, are extra. Opening hours and access conditions at archaeological sites vary by season and local arrangements; check current site notices before visiting.
Named in this entry
Tulip·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus visit·Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·The Valley of the Kings·Thebes·Tutankhamun·Seti I
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Tulip suits adults and families with school-age children or teenagers who want guided visits to major Nile sites alongside time to relax on board. It is a good match for travellers who prefer a set shore-excursion programme to arranging each visit independently.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own pace at every site. Luxor and Aswan are very hot in summer, and temple visits involve walking over uneven ground and steps.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sun-deck seating offers shaded spots to watch the Nile while sailing.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of class.
Things to Consider
- Walking over uneven stone and steps at archaeological sites.
- Limited shade at some temple sites during midday visits.
- Drinks (including water) and bar bills cost extra.
- Sailing dates and shore visits follow the vessel's programme.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise products are presented as a fixed sailing itinerary. Tulip’s weekly sailings run in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan according to the sailing. Unlike separate day tours, its shore visits form part of the vessel’s excursion programme.
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
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard Tulip in your selected cabin class
- Full-board dining, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to facilities on board, such as the lounge bar, saloon and sun deck
- Shore excursions covered by the vessel’s programme
Not included
- International air travel, airport taxes and visas
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Tips for the ship’s crew and guides, unless requested
- Optional archaeological site extras, including Tutankhamun and Seti I tomb entrances where available
- Travel cover and personal spending
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin side faces the Nile on your chosen sailing before selecting a balcony cabin.
- 02
Bring a light layer for the sun deck after sunset, when the river breeze can feel cool.
- 03
Keep small notes for onboard purchases and crew gratuities, which are not included.
- 04
Check availability and extra charges for Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s tomb before your visit.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Ask us about arranging extra site visits, private guiding or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan, subject to availability. Cabin class can be selected when enquiring; single travellers should expect a single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Tulip Nile Cruise fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major sites along the river. Add time in Cairo before or after the sailing for the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Access aboard the Nile cruiser is via a gangway, which may be steep or move with the river level. Steps can also be present between the gangway, decks and cabins. The ship has cabins with en-suite facilities, but cabin layouts and access features have not been confirmed for this booking. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven stone, steps and exposed archaeological ground at sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access cannot be assumed at the vessel or sites. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin placement and which excursions may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the sailing rather than operate the vessel. The transport used between Luxor and Aswan is the river vessel, while local road transport may be required for some shore excursions; vehicle type and fuel details are not confirmed for this product. We work with local suppliers to source produce where available, which can reduce the distance food travels, though the proportion and sourcing vary. Guides receive training in cultural respect and low-impact conduct at archaeological sites. We do not have verified figures for vessel emissions, waste handling or community contributions, so we cannot make claims about those.
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 travel documents
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Polarised sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven temple surfaces
- Light layers for chilly mornings and evenings
- Compact day bag for trips ashore
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
What to wear
- Breathable, lightweight clothes
- Attire that covers shoulders and knees at temples
- Closed-toe shoes with a firm grip for uneven ground
- A light layer for cooler mornings and evenings
- Smart-casual clothing for evening dining
Children & families
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. Child fares depend on sharing arrangements. Strollers may be difficult to use on gangways, steps and uneven archaeological paths. High-chair availability has not been confirmed, so please ask 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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,402single cabin £2,324 | May – September: from £1,142single cabin £1,805 | Peak dates: from £1,632single cabin £2,670 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,774single cabin £3,004 | May – September: from £1,428single cabin £2,312 | Peak dates: from £2,081single cabin £3,465 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,889single cabin £5,041 | May – September: from £2,283single cabin £3,830 | Peak dates: from £3,427single cabin £5,848 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £2,904single cabin £5,056 | May – September: from £2,299single cabin £3,846 | Peak dates: from £3,442single cabin £5,864 |
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 Temple4 km
- Kings’ ValleyRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
A shore-excursion programme covering six named Nile sites
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing direction. We arrange the cruise booking and confirm the relevant port details for your departure. Airport or hotel transfers are not listed as included, so check your arrangements separately before travelling.02What is included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The booking includes a cabin in your selected class, full board meals, vessel facilities and shore excursions on the scheduled programme. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; optional premium tomb tickets are not.03What is not included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
International flights, airport taxes, visas, travel insurance and personal spending are excluded. Drinks (including water) and onboard bar bills are extra. Crew and guide gratuities are not included unless requested, and optional premium tomb entries, including Tutankhamun or Seti I where available, cost extra.04Can travellers with limited mobility access the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The vessel and shore visits may involve narrow gangways, steps and uneven ancient stone, so wheelchair access cannot be assumed. Gangway ramps can be steep and quays may lack lifts or ramps. Discuss your mobility needs before booking; an able companion may be helpful, but access at each site depends on conditions.05Can children travel on the Tulip 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. The vessel’s shore visits include walking over uneven historic surfaces, so consider this when planning with younger children.06What should I wear and bring on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Pack sun protection, a hat, water and sturdy shoes for uneven stone at archaeological sites. Choose light clothing for warm days and bring a layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing at temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. Carry any personal medicines you need, as these are not included.07Can I take photographs during the Tulip Nile Cruise excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance during each shore excursion. Some tombs restrict photography or require a separate photography ticket. Keep your camera or phone secure while walking on uneven ground, and ask before photographing local people.08When is the best time to take the Tulip Nile Cruise?
Winter, from November to March, generally brings cooler conditions for visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Summer heat can make outdoor site visits demanding, particularly around midday. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan; confirm departure dates and excursion timing for your chosen sailing.09What destinations are included on the Tulip Nile Cruise?
The vessel’s shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing days alternate with shore visits, but the sequence and timing depend on the departure. Optional premium tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, are not included.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-LUX-343799
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