Included
Karnak & Luxor Temple
The largest religious complex ever built — 134 columns in the hypostyle hall — and its riverside twin, best seen lit up after dark.
3–4 h
Nile Cruise Itineraries
7 routes
Departures 4 days a week
Quote within 2 hours
Routes · day by day
Follow each itinerary on the map
Pick a route, then scroll the days or press play — the boat sails to each stop as you go. Every ship follows these temples; what changes is the direction, the pace and the departure day.
Side by side
Which route is right for you?
Same temples, same Egyptologist. The differences are pace, direction and which day you can sail.
| 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor | 3 Nights Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna | 4 Nights from Luxor to Aswan | 4 Nights Dahabiya from Esna to Aswan | 5 Nights Dahabiya from Esna to Aswan | 6 Nights Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan | 7 Nights Luxor Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Aswan → Luxor | Aswan → Esna | Luxor → Aswan | Esna → Aswan | Esna → Aswan | Luxor → Aswan | Luxor round trip |
| Nights | 3 nights | 3 nights | 4 nights | 4 nights | 5 nights | 6 nights | 7 nights |
| Departure days | Monday · Friday | Friday | Tuesday · Saturday | Monday | — | — | Saturday |
| Ships on this route | 68 | 8 | 68 | 8 | 1 | 4 | — |
| From, per person | $650 | $770 | $790 | $1,020 | — | — | $1,180 |
| In short | Sail downstream past Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna's riverside temples — Egypt's most rewarding short cruise. | Three nights sailing north from Aswan to Esna, with Kom Ombo, Gebel el-Silsila, Edfu and El Kab on the way. | Begin among Luxor's grand temples, then sail upstream through the Nile's timeless heartland, with the option to add Abu Simbel. | Four nights under sail from Esna to Aswan, stopping at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila and Kom Ombo. | Five nights under sail from Esna to Aswan, with an extra day on the river and an island mooring between the temples. | Luxor's East and West Banks, then five days under sail from Esna to Aswan with Philae at the end. | The unhurried way to do it — every temple, every sunset, and the slow river days the short cruises don't have room… |
The stops
What you'll see between Luxor and Aswan
The 14 sites every classic itinerary visits — in the order a Luxor → Aswan cruise reaches them.
Included
Go early
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut
Three royal tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I and Nefertari extra), the terraced temple of Egypt's female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Half day
Often at night
The Esna lock
Ships line up to pass the barrage — a surprisingly good hour on deck as vendors throw galabeyas up to the balconies. Temple of Khnum optional.
On board
Carriage included
Temple of Horus, Edfu
The best-preserved temple in Egypt, reached by horse-carriage from the dock. The falcon statue and the roof-high pylons are the photographs everyone takes.
2 h
Sunset
Kom Ombo & the crocodile museum
A double temple to Sobek and Horus right on the riverbank — ships dock beside it, so most visits are at sunset. Mummified crocodiles next door.
1.5 h
Abu Simbel optional
Philae, the High Dam & a felucca
The temple of Isis on its island (moved stone by stone from the flooding), the dam that created Lake Nasser, and a sail around Elephantine at sunset.
Half day
Boarding
Aswan
Board after lunch and sail north.
Day 1
Included visit
Kom Ombo
The double temple, visited at first light.
Day 2
Dahabiya stop
Gebel el-Silsila
Ancient sandstone quarries and rock shrines.
Day 2
Included visit
Temple of Horus
The best-preserved temple on the Nile.
Day 3
Dahabiya stop
El Kab rock tombs
Painted tombs visited by small boats only.
Day 3
Disembark
Esna
Disembark after breakfast; the Temple of Khnum is nearby.
Day 4
Included visit
Kom Ombo and Daraw
The double temple at first light, then the camel market at Daraw.
Day 4
Included visits
El Kab and Edfu
Rock tombs in the morning, the Temple of Horus after.
Day 2
Inquiry, not checkout
How booking through us works
There's no shopping cart because a Nile cruise shouldn't be bought like a pair of shoes. A specialist handles it end to end.
2 min
1
Send your inquiry
Dates, route, style, budget — or just "help". Use the finder above, the form below or WhatsApp.
< 2 hours
2
Get tailored options
A specialist replies with ships that fit, live availability, exact inclusions and a written price.
You decide
3
Refine & hold your cabin
Swap ships, add Cairo or Abu Simbel, ask anything. We hold your cabin free while you decide.
Secure
4
Confirm with a deposit
Deposit by card link or bank transfer, balance before sailing. Vouchers and a WhatsApp line for the trip.
We never take payment on this website. Every booking is confirmed by a named specialist in writing first — so you know exactly which ship, cabin and dates you are paying for.
Plan your trip
When to sail & what to know before you go
Temperature drives both comfort and price — and a few small things (tipping, tickets, what to pack) make the difference between a good cruise and a great one.
Ideal weather 68–86°F (20–30 °C)
Warm, quieter, lower prices
104°F (40 °C)+ — early temples, pool afternoons, lowest prices
Hover or tap a month for temperatures and crowd levels.
Read the full guide: Best time for a Nile cruise, month by month
Light, covering clothes for temples
Linen or cotton that covers shoulders and knees — you'll be walking in full sun at Karnak and Edfu. A scarf doubles as sun cover and mosque-visit modesty.
Walking shoes with grip
Tomb floors in the Valley of the Kings are ramps and steps. Sandals for the deck, closed shoes for the sites.
A light jacket, even in March
Deck evenings and air-conditioned lounges are cooler than you expect. November–February nights drop to 46–54°F (8–12 °C).
Swimwear, hat, SPF 50, sunglasses
The pool is the afternoon plan. Sunscreen on board costs three times the price at home.
Small flashlight & power bank
Tomb interiors are dim and phones die fast in the heat. Plug type C/F (European two-pin), 220 V.
One smart-casual outfit
For the Galabeya night and the captain's dinner — or buy a galabeya at the Esna market for $10 like everyone else.
Anything specific — dietary needs, a birthday on board, an early flight? Put it in your inquiry and the specialist builds it into the quote.
Read the full guide: What to pack for Egypt · What to wear on a Nile cruise
Tipping: budget $8–10 per person per day
Roughly $3–5 for the crew (pooled envelope at the end of the cruise), $5 for your Egyptologist and $2 for drivers. We put this in writing so nothing feels awkward.
Cash in Egyptian pounds and small US dollars
ATMs in Luxor and Aswan work fine; on board only cash is accepted for tips. $1 and $5 notes are gold for bathroom attendants and carriage drivers.
What's not included on the ship
Drinks (packages from $35/day), laundry, spa, and optional excursions like Abu Simbel or the balloon. The bar takes cards on most deluxe and luxury ships.
Premium tickets worth paying for
Tutankhamun's tomb (~$20), Seti I (~$60) and Nefertari (~$60) are extra at the sites. Nefertari is the best-preserved tomb in Egypt — say yes.
Anything specific — dietary needs, a birthday on board, an early flight? Put it in your inquiry and the specialist builds it into the quote.
Read the full guide: How much to tip on a Nile cruise · What is included in a Nile cruise
Visa on arrival for most nationalities
EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many more: $30 sticker at the airport bank counter, or an e-visa online in advance. Passport valid 6+ months.
Fly into Luxor or Aswan, not just Cairo
Both have daily flights from Cairo (1 h) and some direct European charters. We match your arrival day to a departure day so you don't lose a night.
Boarding from 12:00 PM, disembark after breakfast
First excursion is the same afternoon; last day ends around 8:00–9:00 AM. Book flights after 12:00 PM on disembarkation day.
Travel insurance
Not included and strongly advised. Egypt's private hospitals in Luxor and Aswan are good; the ship's doctor is on call 24 h.
Anything specific — dietary needs, a birthday on board, an early flight? Put it in your inquiry and the specialist builds it into the quote.
Read the full guide: Egypt visa, money and arrival · Is Egypt safe?
Ships sail mostly at night and early afternoon
You're at a temple in the morning, on deck for lunch as the banks slide past, and docked by evening. Ships often moor side by side — you may walk through another ship to reach the shore.
Excursion groups of 8–20 with an Egyptologist
Grouped by language. Private guide upgrades are available on every ship for about $40–60 per day.
Evenings: Galabeya night, belly dance, Nubian show
Optional, fun and slightly cheesy. The sun deck under the stars is the alternative.
Food: buffets on deluxe, menus on luxury
Vegetarian, gluten-free and halal handled easily; tell us about allergies when you book and the kitchen is briefed in writing.
Anything specific — dietary needs, a birthday on board, an early flight? Put it in your inquiry and the specialist builds it into the quote.
Read the full guide: A Nile cruise day by day · Nile cruise food
Kids from about 6 love it
No age limit on motor ships. Connecting or triple cabins on request — we only quote ships that have them free on your dates. Children under 6 travel free and ages 6–11 pay 50%, sharing with two adults.
Solo travelers: ask us to hunt the waived supplement
Single supplements run 50–75% of the double rate, but several ships halve or waive it in low season.
Honeymoons: go luxury or dahabiya
Under-80-guest ships and private sail boats are the quiet ones. Tell us — cabins get a welcome upgrade where we can.
Mobility
Elevators on most deluxe and luxury ships; temples involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us and we'll pick a ship with an elevator and lower-deck cabins.
Anything specific — dietary needs, a birthday on board, an early flight? Put it in your inquiry and the specialist builds it into the quote.
Our guides to a Nile cruise: who a Nile cruise suits · with kids · for solo travelers · on a honeymoon · for seniors
Before you ask
Itinerary questions, answered honestly
When is the best time to take a Nile cruise?
The Nile cruise season runs year-round, but each period offers a distinct experience:
- October to April — Most pleasant weather. Warm days (68–86°F / 20–30°C), cool evenings; perfect for temple sightseeing.
- December and January — Peak months, especially around Christmas and New Year. Festive atmosphere, fully-booked ships.
- March and April — Excellent weather, fewer crowds than December.
- May to September — Hot summer months (95–108°F / 35–42°C). Lower prices, quieter ships.
Most travelers prefer the November–March window for the ideal balance of weather, atmosphere and value.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival ($30 USD) or apply for an e-Visa online before traveling. Always check the latest requirements for your country at your nearest Egyptian embassy.
How do I book a cruise?
Send us your dates and preferences via the inquiry form or WhatsApp. We respond within 2 hours with a personalized proposal. Once you confirm, a 40% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. Cancellation is free up to 45 days before arrival (60 days at Christmas, New Year and Easter).
Are Nile cruises suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Most ships offer dedicated solo rates. The atmosphere onboard is welcoming with shared dining tables and onboard activities — many solo travelers tell us they made lifelong friends.
Can you arrange airport transfers?
Yes — every booking includes meet-and-greet at the airport plus private transfers to your hotel or cruise ship. Free of charge.
Is Wi-Fi available on Nile cruises?
Most modern ships offer free Wi-Fi in public areas and cabins. Connection speed varies by location along the Nile (better near major cities, weaker between). Most guests use it for messaging rather than streaming.
Can I modify my booking after confirmation?
Yes. Changes of date, ship or hotel level are free of charge if you ask 45 days or more before arrival (60 days for Christmas, New Year and Easter dates), subject to availability; any difference in price is charged or refunded. Later changes are treated as a cancellation and a new booking — see our Cancellation Policy.
How do seasonal prices work?
We use 5 transparent seasons: Low (May–Aug), High (Sept–Apr), Easter Week, Christmas (Dec 21–Jan 5), and Peak Christmas (Dec 27–Jan 1). The same cabin can vary 2–3× in price depending on season.
Are alcoholic drinks available?
Yes — onboard bars serve beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Drinks are typically charged separately ($5–15 each). Some all-inclusive packages include drinks; ask at booking.
Get your options
Tell us your dates — we match the route, the day and the ship
No account, no payment, no obligation. Tell us the basics and a named specialist does the rest.
1Send the form
2Get ships that fit
3Confirm when ready
Operated by Egypt Planners · licensed Egyptian operator · local team in Aswan & Luxor, 7 days a week