Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic cabins, a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, full-board dining, and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Selected Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Guided shore excursions · Local Egyptologist services · Pool and sun deck access · Lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking guided sightseeing with river sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Local Egyptologist-guided shore excursions
- On-the-ground assistance for cruise arrangements and transfers
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile beside Luxor turns silver beneath the sun deck, while the riverbank stays quiet beyond the rail. Time aboard Nile Serenity moves between open-air sailing, a swim or coffee in the lounge bar, and the changing view from your cabin’s panoramic window or Nile-view balcony.
Our Egyptologists bring the ancient sites into focus during shore excursions, from the carved columns of Karnak Temple to the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and we arrange the cabin, embarkation details, guided visits, and local support through a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Background
The facts
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river cruise arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. The cruise programme combines sailing on the Nile with guided shore excursions to major ancient sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
In Luxor, Karnak Temple developed over many centuries, beginning during the Middle Kingdom and expanding significantly during the New Kingdom. Luxor Temple lies approximately 3 kilometres south of Karnak along the Nile, while the Valley of the Kings is on the west bank, roughly 7 kilometres from central Luxor by road. The Valley contains royal tombs mainly dating from Egypt’s New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun, whose premium entry is generally excluded unless requested.
The vessel provides Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, with selected cabins featuring Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows. Full-board dining runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Onboard facilities include a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi; drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities are extra. Standard entrance fees for the listed shore excursions are included, while premium tomb entries, optional hot-air balloon flights and private transfers are additional.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Tutankhamun·New Kingdom of Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples and families who want to combine guided archaeology with relaxed river travel. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian history who can manage uneven temple surfaces, steps and moderate walking during shore excursions.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank.
- 02We moor overnight at Edfu, giving two hours at Edfu Temple after larger boats depart.
- 03Overnight mooring at Kom Ombo enables a dawn visit to Kom Ombo Temple before day-boat crowds.
- 04Our Egyptologist briefs you at the Valley of the Kings; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun excluded.
- 05All transfers, onboard full-board meals, and cabin portage included; premium site extras and gratuities are excluded.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based Egypt sightseeing programme, this cruise places sailing time between guided visits to temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. Unlike a basic river package, it offers several cabin classes, full-board dining and onboard facilities, while drinks beyond water, gratuities and optional premium experiences remain extra.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in USD. 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
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $3,022 | $3,796 | $4,615 |
| Double cabin | $1,885 | $2,340 | $2,795 |
| Triple cabin | $1,885 | $2,340 | $2,795 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,880 | $2,322 | $2,790 |
| Double cabin | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,750 |
| Triple cabin | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,750 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,501 | $1,832 | $2,183 |
| Double cabin | $1,013 | $1,208 | $1,403 |
| Triple cabin | $1,013 | $1,208 | $1,403 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $3,031 | $3,804 | $4,623 |
| Double cabin | $1,893 | $2,348 | $2,803 |
| Triple cabin | $1,893 | $2,348 | $2,803 |
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
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in the selected cabin class aboard Nile Serenity
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursions listed in Nile Serenity's program
- Services of local Egyptologists for guided visits
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- International flights to Egypt and domestic flights
- Gratuities for the crew, cruise staff, and guides unless otherwise stated
- Egyptian visas and personal travel insurance
- Optional extras, including hot-air balloon flights, premium tomb entries, and private transfers
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can select from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, subject to availability, with selected cabins offering balconies or panoramic windows. The cruise may be combined with private pre- or post-cruise transfers, additional hotel nights, premium tomb visits or a hot-air balloon flight in Luxor. Pricing is normally per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies to solo travellers.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Nile cruise access varies by the assigned vessel and embarkation berth. Guests usually board via a gangway, which may be steep at low or high water, and some vessels have stairs between the cabin decks, restaurant, lounge bar, and sun deck. Shore excursions involve uneven paving, sand, steps, and exposed archaeological areas at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair users may need assistance boarding and may not reach every deck or site area. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can confirm the assigned vessel and practical arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Booking confirmation and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Personal medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Modest clothing for visits near religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older 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. Strollers can be difficult to use on gangways, decks, steps, and uneven archaeological ground, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel for travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road journeys between the main Nile Valley sites. Shore transport is arranged locally for the excursion program, typically using licensed vehicles and local drivers. Our Egyptologists and excursion teams are Egyptian professionals, and the cruise arrangements support local suppliers in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Waste, water, and energy practices vary by the assigned cruise operator, so we do not make unsupported environmental claims. Guests can help by carrying a refillable bottle, avoiding single-use plastics, and following site rules around ancient monuments.
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
The cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin class, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, and guided shore excursions with local Egyptologists. The programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, with access to onboard facilities including a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise typically operates as a 4-day, 3-night sailing between Luxor and Aswan, or a 5-day, 4-night sailing in the reverse direction. These weekly sailings allow for comprehensive visits to major ancient sites along the Nile River.02What is included in the full-board dining on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Full-board dining on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the onboard restaurant. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise program?
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise program includes guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae. These visits are led by local Egyptologists who provide historical context.04What cabin options are available on the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard and Suite options. Selected cabins feature Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows, providing different perspectives of the river scenery. Pricing is typically per person sharing a cabin.05What amenities are available on board the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
On board the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise, guests have access to a pool, a sun deck, a lounge bar, a restaurant, and Wi-Fi. These amenities are designed to enhance your comfort and relaxation while sailing on the Nile.06Is the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions during the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and walking on uneven surfaces. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visits to temples and religious sites. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.08Are gratuities included in the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for the crew, cruise staff, and guides are not included in the standard Nile Serenity Nile Cruise price unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is customary to tip for good service, and guidelines are usually provided onboard.09What is the best time of year to take the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
The best time to experience the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.10Can I arrange optional activities, such as a hot-air balloon ride, through the Nile Serenity Nile Cruise?
Optional extras, such as hot-air balloon flights over Luxor or premium tomb entries in the Valley of the Kings, are not included in the standard cruise package. These can often be arranged through the cruise staff or your Discovery Tours Egypt specialist.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-973497
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