Cruising the Nile (6 Days)
From $3105 (Both Private Group Tours & Small Groups Tours)
Overview
Discovering Upper Egypt
A Nile Cruise is one of the most comfortable and memorable ways to discover Upper Egypt, combining world-famous ancient sites with the ease of travelling gently along the river. For many travellers, it is the ideal way to experience the temples, tombs, and landscapes of the Nile while enjoying a well-paced and beautifully scenic journey.
Modern Nile cruise vessels are designed for smooth, relaxed sailing and typically feature well-appointed cabins, sun decks, restaurant dining, and panoramic views between each stop. The result is a travel experience that feels both effortless and immersive, particularly for travellers who want to explore in comfort without repeatedly changing hotels.
Choosing the Right Nile Cruise
Travellers can usually choose between three main categories of vessel, depending on the level of comfort, style, and service they are looking for:
- 5-Star Luxury – a comfortable and well-balanced choice for most travellers
- 5-Star Deluxe – enhanced comfort, upgraded interiors, and a more refined onboard feel
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe – the most premium option, with the highest level of style, space, and service
Getting to Your Cruise
Most Nile cruises operate between Aswan and Luxor, with onward travel arranged before or after the sailing. Travellers typically choose between flying, rail travel, or a private road transfer, depending on how they wish to balance time, comfort, and cost.
Flying is usually the fastest and most convenient option, especially for travellers who want to maximise their time in Egypt. Rail journeys can appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional overland experience, while private road transfers offer added flexibility and privacy.
How Excursions Work
Each day usually combines time on the river with guided visits to some of Upper Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. At each stop, travellers leave the vessel for planned excursions and return afterwards, making the experience both enriching and easy to enjoy.
What You Can See on a Nile Cruise
The exact sightseeing programme will vary by itinerary and cruise length, but many Nile cruises include some of Egypt’s most celebrated temples, tombs, and riverside landmarks, including:
- Aswan High Dam, Elephantine Island, and Philae Temple Complex
- Abu Simbel
- Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple
- The great Temples of Karnak and Luxor Temple
- The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Nobles
- The Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
Choosing the Best Cruise Length
The most popular option is a 4-day, 3-night cruise, offering a well-balanced introduction to the Nile and its most important highlights. Shorter cruises can suit families or travellers with limited time, while longer itineraries are ideal for those who prefer a more unhurried pace and a broader sightseeing programme.
Whether you are looking for the best value, a more refined onboard experience, or the most convenient way to include Upper Egypt in your itinerary, a Nile Cruise offers a memorable and rewarding way to travel. We can help you choose the right vessel, duration, and route to suit your plans.
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA. For additional information please click the button below.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
On arrival at Cairo Airport, our representative will welcome you and assist you smoothly through Customs and Immigration before accompanying you to your hotel.
Your first night is at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent, giving you time to settle in and enjoy your first evening in Egypt. Dinner at own expense.
Depending on your arrival time in Cairo, you may choose an optional visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a colourful introduction to Cairo’s markets, cafés, and historic lanes.
The Soothing Gardens Of The Marriott
Cairo Marriott A Place To Relax And Be Pampered
Khan El Kahlili Offers Shopping And Restaurants
Day 2: Fly to Aswan and Board Your Nile Cruise
After breakfast, you will transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, where your Nile journey begins with classic river views and some of Upper Egypt’s most graceful monuments.
Aswan Dam and Elephantine Island introduce you to modern and ancient Aswan. You will also enjoy a gentle one-hour felucca sail, a wonderfully atmospheric way to see the river before continuing to the island sanctuary of Philae.
Philae Temple Complex is one of Egypt’s most romantic temple settings, reached by boat and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Its waterside location, elegant colonnades, and sacred stories make it a beautiful first highlight before boarding your cruise vessel.
Overnight: Nile cruise vessel — first of 3 nights. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Cruising The Nile In Luxury
Elephantine Island
Day 3: Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo
Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sights. Built by Ramses II and later relocated to protect it from the waters of Lake Nasser, the temple remains a breathtaking statement of royal power, engineering skill, and devotion.
Kom Ombo Temple stands dramatically on the banks of the Nile and is unique as a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Its riverside setting makes the visit especially memorable as you continue sailing north.
Overnight: Nile cruise vessel — second of 3 nights. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Cruising The Nile In Luxury
Abu Simbel Temple
Day 4: Karnak and Luxor Temples
The Great Temples of Karnak and Luxor reveal the scale and splendour of ancient Thebes. Karnak’s vast courts, pylons, sanctuaries, and obelisks make this one of Egypt’s most powerful experiences, while Luxor Temple brings the grandeur of the ancient city beautifully to life.
Cruising The Nile In Luxury
The Great Temples Of Luxor And Karnak
Day 5: Luxor’s West Bank and Return to Cairo
The Valley of the Kings is a highlight of any visit to Luxor, with royal tombs carved deep into the desert hills and decorated for the pharaohs’ journey into the afterlife.
The Valley of the Workers offers a more intimate perspective, revealing the lives of the skilled artisans who created the royal tombs.
The Temple of Hatshepsut rises dramatically from the cliffs of the west bank and tells the story of one of Egypt’s most remarkable rulers.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner at own expense.
Overnight: Cairo Marriott Hotel, or similar. Transfers: Flight from Luxor to Cairo included.
The Valley Of The Kings
Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple In Luxor
Relaxing At The Marriott
Day 6: Cairo at Leisure and Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, your final day is arranged around your departure time.
Checkout times can be discussed with the hotel and are typically between 11 am and noon. If time allows, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy a final visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar before your onward journey.
Transfers: Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward journey.
Some Last Minute Shopping At The Khan
Inclusions
- 2 x nights’ accommodation at Hotel Cairo with daily breakfast
- Return domestic flights Cairo /Aswan –Luxor /Cairo
- 3 x nights’ accommodation at 5 Star Nile Cruise with daily full board meals
- Over day Abu Simple Temple excursion
- All ground transfers in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as per itinerary in private modern A/C coach
- All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat. A meet and assist by our local representative.
- Services of English-speaking guide
- One year membership (to the value of $150) of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- International Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Optional tours
- Dinners Day 1 and 5
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Entrance to enter inside the pyramids.
- Tips
- Drinks, extra meals, and any personal expenses
videos
We would like to acknowledge Nile River Cruise Ships for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
One Horizon Egypt
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