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From per person£624
Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeLuxor → Aswan

Nile Story Nile Cruise

5-star cruiser with sun-deck pool, panoramic windows, full-board dining, Nile-view cabins and a lounge bar; guided shore excursions, small-group weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.

At a glance

Length
8 days · 7 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

The short answer

Nile Story Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
5-Star Cruise Vessel
Destinations
Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
Includes
Accommodation in selected cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits · Use of pool, spa, gym, and lounge areas · Port and embarkation taxes where applicable
Best for
History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a comfortable river cruise
Guide languages
English
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the cruise and ground services
  • Scheduled shore excursions are included as part of the vessel program
  • Guided visits are conducted by Egyptologist guides
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support is available during travel arrangements
  • Use of a selected third-party cruise vessel with published cabin grades and inclusions

02Overview

A first look

By early morning the Nile is a muted ribbon of light, the sun deck empty except for the boat’s wake and the silhouette of Luxor’s temple roofs on the horizon. The lounge fills with the smell of strong coffee while crew prepare the dining room, and you step out to a panoramic view of the riverbanks and palm-lined farmland.

We arrange this five-star vessel and its shore-excursion programme as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and unlike larger group boats the vessel allows unhurried temple visits and longer stretches on the river; it sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. One of our Egyptologists joins the guided visits, and our team provides private meet-and-assist at embarkation.

Background

The facts

Nile Story Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s main archaeological sites and typically includes scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled in Luxor and Aswan, depending on the sailing direction, with the cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise line.

The excursion program links monuments from Egypt’s New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods. Karnak Temple was developed over many centuries and is located on the east bank of Luxor, while the Valley of the Kings on the west bank contains royal tombs cut into the limestone cliffs. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and Kom Ombo is notable for its symmetrical double temple plan. Philae Temple was moved to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam to protect it from rising waters.

Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, and most include Nile-view windows or balconies. On board, the vessel includes a sun deck with pool, a restaurant, a lounge bar, a spa, a small gym, Wi-Fi, and room service. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, while drinks beyond bottled water, gratuities, and optional premium site fees are normally excluded unless stated in the booking.

The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so it functions as a river cruise product rather than a fixed one-way tour. As with most Nile cruises, sightseeing is built around docking times, guided visits, and sailing periods on the river rather than long road transfers.

Named in this entry

Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple·Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·High Dam·Agilkia Island·Nile River

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits travelers who want a guided Upper Egypt itinerary with overnight sailing, typically adults and older teens interested in temples, tombs, and river travel. It is also appropriate for couples, small groups, and first-time visitors who prefer a structured route with full-board dining and cabin-based accommodation.

What lingers

  • 01Sun deck with pool and panoramic Nile views
  • 02Full-board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
  • 03Shore-excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
  • 04Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, most with Nile-view windows or balconies
  • 05On-board spa, gym and a lounge bar for evening relaxation
  • 06Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a day tour, this is an overnight river cruise with cabin accommodation, full board, and a built-in program of shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with larger group boats, it emphasizes a more relaxed onboard atmosphere, time on the Nile, and use of the sun deck and lounge areas. It also differs from hotel-based touring because the itinerary is organized around embarkation and disembarkation in river ports, with guided visits scheduled during the cruise rather than requiring separate daily transport from one city to another.

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.

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.

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Cabin pricing

Pricing & seasonal rates

Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below 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.

7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor

CabinLow seasonMay – September
Single cabin£1,617
Double cabin£1,080
Triple cabin£1,080

4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan

CabinLow seasonMay – September
Single cabin£1,044
Double cabin£737
Triple cabin£737

3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor

CabinLow seasonMay – September
Single cabin£854
Double cabin£624
Triple cabin£624

7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan

CabinLow seasonMay – September
Single cabin£1,624
Double cabin£1,086
Triple cabin£1,086

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.

Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

On property

What's here

  • spa
  • gym
  • non-smoking
  • air-conditioning
  • restaurant
  • room-service
  • laundry
  • pool
  • wifi
  • beach-access
  • bar
  • garden
  • rooftop-terrace

Bundled in

  • Swimming pool
  • Barbecue deck
  • Sundeck (panoramic views)
  • Bar & lounge with entertainment
  • Spa services and massage
  • Gift shop
  • 24/7 medical assistance
  • Onboard restaurant / dining
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry service
  • WiFi (subject to availability)
  • Mini-bar
  • Private bathroom with full-size bathtub
  • Full board

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Accommodation on board in the chosen cabin grade
  • Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Scheduled shore excursions and guided visits included in the vessel's programme
  • Use of on-board facilities: pool, spa, gym and lounge areas
  • Port and embarkation taxes, where applicable

Not included

  • Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless stated otherwise
  • Gratuities and tipping for on-board staff and Egyptologists
  • International and domestic flights, visas and travel insurance
  • Entrance fees for optional premium sites, for example pyramid interiors or premium tombs, unless explicitly included in your booking
  • Personal items
  • Laundry beyond standard service if charged separately

Tailor it

Make it yours

This cruise can usually be arranged as a private booking or combined with pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, or the Red Sea. Travelers may also request cabin upgrades, extra sightseeing where available, airport transfers, or a longer Egypt itinerary that adds Cairo, Abu Simbel, or other destinations.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

The vessel has multiple passenger decks connected by fixed stairways and short gangways with handrails. Embarkation uses a ship gangway onto local quays that can be uneven; some quays have concrete ramps while others have stone or sand approaches, so luggage transfer may require extra care. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, temple steps, and short stretches of loose sand; many archaeological sites have staircases and no elevators. Most cabins and public areas are not fully wheelchair-accessible and transferring from a wheelchair to a berth may be required. We can arrange assistance from port staff and the cruise crew where feasible, and we ask guests with reduced mobility to contact us before booking so we can discuss specific needs, confirm what the cruise line can provide, and plan the smoothest embarkation and shore visits possible.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport plus photocopy for embarkation
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • High-SPF sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) and a brimmed hat
  • Lightweight layers for hot days and cooler evenings on deck
  • Small daypack with refillable water bottle
  • Any regular medications and a small personal first-aid kit
  • Power adapter for Egyptian 220V outlets (type C/F)

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
  • Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
  • Non-slip sandals or trainers for sun deck and pool areas
  • A light jumper or wrap for cooler nights on deck
  • Smart-casual outfit for evening dining if you prefer

Children & families

Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Cabins are compact and strollers may be impractical inside; request a berth, cot or high chair at the time of booking and we will confirm availability with the cruise line.

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.

Responsible travel

How we travel here

The vessel uses diesel propulsion, the standard fuel type for Nile river cruisers, with fuel sourced locally through the cruise line. On-board waste is segregated where the vessel provides facilities and then transferred to licensed local disposal services at port, in line with Egyptian port regulations. We contract licensed Egyptologists who live in Luxor and Aswan for guided shore excursions, and we use local cafés, markets and craftspeople for provisioning where practical, which keeps tourist spend in the local economy. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we ask guests to minimise single-use plastics, to use on-board water-refill points when available, and to follow crew instructions for waste and recycling. If you want details about supplier practices or options to support a local community project, contact us before booking and we will share current possibilities.

  • Licensed local Egyptologists

    ETAA-credentialed, on payroll

  • Fair wages on the ground

    Drivers + guides paid above market

  • Site preservation

    We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols

  • Carbon-aware itineraries

    Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

·In summary

Nile Story Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin grade, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled guided shore excursions. The program typically visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with use of the pool, spa, gym, and lounge areas.

Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, and the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise line. Drinks beyond bottled water, gratuities, and optional premium site fees are normally excluded unless stated in the booking.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the typical duration of the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
    The Nile Story Nile Cruise typically operates as an 8-day journey, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers weekly departures in both directions, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans.
  2. 02What is included in the Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
    Your cruise fare includes accommodation in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist, and access to on-board facilities like the pool, spa, and lounge areas. Port and embarkation taxes are also covered.
  3. 03What is not included in the Nile Story Nile Cruise fare?
    Exclusions typically include drinks beyond bottled water with meals, gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists, international and domestic flights, visas, and travel insurance. Entrance fees for optional premium sites, such as specific pyramid interiors or tombs, are also not included unless explicitly stated in your booking.
  4. 04What is the dining experience like on board the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
    The Nile Story Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis, meaning all your main meals, from lunch on your embarkation day to breakfast on your disembarkation day, are included. Dining is typically served in the main restaurant, offering a variety of international and local cuisine.
  5. 05What shore excursions are part of the Nile Story Nile Cruise programme?
    The vessel's excursion programme includes guided visits to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are scheduled as part of your sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
  6. 06What is the accessibility like on the Nile Story Nile Cruise for guests with mobility concerns?
    While the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel offers amenities, accessibility can vary. Some areas, like the sun deck, may involve stairs. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain and steps at archaeological sites. We recommend discussing specific concerns with us when making an enquiry.
  7. 07What is the policy for children on the Nile Story Nile Cruise?
    Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children will require their own separate cabin.
  8. 08What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
    On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. When visiting temples and mosques, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.
  9. 09What facilities are available on the Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel?
    The Nile Story Nile Cruise vessel features a sun deck with a swimming pool, a lounge bar, a main restaurant, a spa, and a small gym. Wi-Fi access and room service are also available for guests' convenience during their journey on the Nile.
  10. 10How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange this cruise for guests?
    As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your booking on the Nile Story Nile Cruise. We hand-pick vessels like this for their quality and excursion programmes, ensuring your included cruise between Luxor and Aswan is well-coordinated on the ground.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Editorial review

Khaled Mansour

Product ID: CRU-NIL-343537

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