top rated nile river cruises

The 15 Best Nile Cruises in Egypt: Luxury Sailing from Luxor to Aswan

If you’re planning a trip to visit Egypt , of course, you’ll have to visit the Nile River! It’s the longest river in the world, spanning 11 different countries, and is incredibly important to Egyptians for both sustenance and transportation. And the best way to see the Nile is from aboard a luxury cruise sailing between the ancient cities of Luxor and Aswan.

But finding the best cruise to fit your travel plans can be difficult. They travel on specific weekly schedules and have a set itinerary – usually 3, 4, or 7 nights. Information and reviews on Booking.com are limited and since most cruises are fairly pricey, it’s important to understand what you’ll be getting for your money.

So we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 Nile River cruises to make planning your vacation in Egypt a breeze. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt

1. alexander the great nile cruise.

The Alexander the Great Cruise is a gorgeous cruise ship offering a 4-night Nile River cruise that departs every Monday from Luxor, and a 3-night Nile cruise that departs every Friday from Aswan. This Nile cruise even offers a free airport shuttle service!

Everyone on staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. If you’d like to pamper yourself during your Nile cruise you can take advantage of the spa services, including a hot spring bath and various massage treatments. And meals are fabulous, with both traditional and international cuisine options. And you’ll love the various evening entertainment that is fun for the whole family!

This luxury Nile cruise ship has an outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs for spending warm days relaxing in the sun. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed with a tv, premium bedding, a private bathroom, and a mini-bar. It’s definitely worth upgrading to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the views from the privacy of your own room.

Guests especially love the guided tours along the banks of the Nile River. They will take you to the sites and explain the history in a way that is interesting and easy to digest.

Check Prices on Hotels.com

2. Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruise is an ultra-luxurious cruise sailing the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for 4 or 7 nights leaving each Monday. The ship features plenty of activities for guests onboard, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. And with 24-hour room service, you’ll have every amenity available during your cruise.

Bedroom suites are large and comfortable with nice bedding, satellite televisions, bathtubs, and large windows to keep them bright and airy. You can enjoy a glass of wine at sunset on your private balcony overlooking the banks of the Nile.

You’ll love to indulge in a massage, body wrap, or a pedicure during your cruise. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a spa while gazing out over the Nile!

Take advantage of the onboard shopping to pick up a few Egyptian gifts for your friends back home. The ship has a main dining area, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor for the evening entertainment. They can also arrange your daily tours of the various sites along the Nile.

3. M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Cruise is a chic, lavish ship offering 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises each Monday from Luxor, and 3 or 7-night Nile cruises from Aswan each Friday.

The most impressive feature of this Nile River cruise in Egypt is the beautiful outdoor pool which is surrounded by comfortable loungers and day beds. It looks so pristine and inviting and is the perfect place to cool off after a long, hot morning exploring the Egyptian ruins.

The spacious rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, coffee and tea-making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many amenities you may need during your cruise. Your stay on this luxurious cruise ship also includes 2 bars, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace.

All of the public seating areas are decorated with a creative flair and are a great place to hang out and meet new friends from all over the world!

4. Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise offers either a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or you can choose to make the trip a 7-day round trip affair! Of course the more nights you can spend on this luxury Nile River cruise line, the better!

The deluxe cabins are about 22 square meters and have two twin beds, large windows and bright, cheery decor. Of course, your room will also be appointed with air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, a minibar, and other amenities you’ll need during your stay. A telephone enabled with international calling is also available in your room.

You’ll appreciate the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the spacious sun deck, the fitness center, and the sauna and spa facilities. The food is divine and you’ll be treated like royalty by the lovely staff at the Mövenpick. They’ll make your Nile cruise unforgettable!

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise sets sail each Saturday for 3 or 7 nights from Luxor to Aswan. This modern, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home as you sail down the Nile River, enjoying the sites and sounds from the comfort of your private room.

The cruise ship is outfitted with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a large sun terrace, a fitness center, a relaxing spa, and a bar serving up refreshing cocktails. Enjoy a massage, a facial, or a body scrub while you sip champagne and cruise down the Nile.

The food is delicious and super fresh. The helpful staff can help you in arranging a transfer to and from the airport, as well as any local excursions.

Rooms are simple and classic with comfortable beds, large private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios. Free toiletries, a tv, a minibar, a private bathroom, and turndown service are just a few of the amenities that you can enjoy. You’ll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise from the comfort of your own room!

6. Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

The 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise offers 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. The friendly staff at the ship tour desk can assist in booking your airport transfer, any daily excursions, and anything else you may need during your stay onboard.

During your Nile cruise, you can take advantage of the fitness center, the terrace with beautiful views of the banks of the Nile, and the lovely spa services which include Thai massage, facials, and body scrubs.

The large rooms have modern decor and come outfitted with a television set, a minibar (stocked with some free items!), coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. The beds are so comfortable that you won’t want to get up in the morning!

Be sure to book your stay on the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance because this one books up fast!

7. MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

The MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Monday for four nights and from Aswan each Friday for three nights. The staff is exceptional and provides you with a 24-hour help desk and room service. 

The cruise also offers multiple packages to make your cruise experience exceptional. The cruise offers Sightseeing, Happiness, Felucca Breakfast, and Honeymoon/Anniversary packages.

The Sightseeing Package includes transfers to sights, such as the High Dam, Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Luxor Temple in an air-conditioned bus and includes the entrance fee.  

The cruise provides different spacious room types, including standard twin rooms and deluxe king suites. The rooms are nicely furnished and clean, and each morning, you’ll be able to enjoy the yummy breakfast buffet. The cruise is also outfitted with a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant that you can enjoy during your cruise time.

8. Nile Goddess Cruise

The Nile Goddess Cruise offers 4 or 7-night Nile cruises beginning every Monday between Luxor and Aswan. This beautiful ship has classic decor with dark wooden furniture and traditional touches throughout. You’ll forget that you’re on a ship cruising down the Nile River and not in a 5-star resort!

The Nile Goddess features a rooftop pool with plenty of room for lounging in the sun. Also a fitness center, a peaceful spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and you’ll love the delicious dishes served for onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The air-conditioned rooms have simple but comfortable decor, a minibar, and a satellite television set. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a separate seating area and a private balcony.

9. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra offers luxury 5 or 7-day Nile cruises departing from either Luxor or Aswan. You’ll want to check the sailing calendar on their website for specific dates of embarkation. The service that you’ll receive onboard is absolutely impeccable from the moment that you’re greeted until the time that you leave. Take advantage of the free airport shuttle!

The daily excursions are both fun and informational. And you’ll appreciate that they try to time your arrival to avoid the crowds.

The ship has a large and refreshing outdoor pool and a spa where you can indulge in a relaxing spa. You’ll love the evening entertainment after enjoying a delectable meal in the onboard restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed with a minibar, an electric kettle, a large bathroom, and bathrobes. If you want to really treat yourself, opt for a suite with a private deck and hot tub!

10. Nile Carnival Cruise

The Nile Carnival Cruise departs from Luxor every Thursday and from Aswan every Monday. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, and the rooms are clean and spacious, with nice views of the river. 

The Nile Carnival Cruise features a restaurant and a bar, packed lunches, snack bar, and it offers both a continental and buffet breakfast. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and air-conditioning, and there are room, laundry, and ironing services available.

You’ll also be able to relax during your time on board as the cruise has a spa and wellness center that offers massages, beauty services, manicures, and hair treatments. Once you’re done getting pampered, you can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, sun terrace, and game room!

11. Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

The Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Saturday for 4-7 nights and every Wednesday from Aswan for three nights. The cruise has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace so you can relax and admire the river views from the deck.

The rooms include standard twin and single cabins with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar. The cruise also offers an optional Sightseeing Package for an additional price that includes a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, the Botanical Garden, and the Abu Simbel Temple, among other sites.

Each morning you can enjoy the breakfast buffet, and every evening, you’ll love having tea time on the sun deck. After dinner at one of the restaurants, you can attend one of the shows or parties, including a belly dance show, a Nubian show, a cocktail party, or the Galabya party, depending on the itinerary. 

12. M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Monday for 4-7 nights, and it departs each Friday from Aswan. The cruise features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and sun deck. In the evenings, you can attend one of the shows, including belly dancing, Tanoura, and Oriental and Heritage music entertainment.

The rooms on the M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise include twin cabins, king-sized beds, and presidential suites equipped with an LED TV, a mini bar, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a safety box. Plus, you can even enjoy a private jacuzzi in the presidential suites!

The Garnet restaurant offers a great breakfast buffet with a good selection, and in the evenings, you can enjoy some delicious International dishes, including Chinese, Italian, Oriental Egyptian, and more. The restaurant is beautiful, and you’ll be able to enjoy your meals with a view of the Nile. 

The cruise’s itinerary will take you to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the unfinished Obelisk.

13. Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise departs on Mondays from Luxor for 4-7 nights and from Aswan on Fridays for three nights. You’ll immediately enjoy the old-time decor throughout the cruise ship as it was built in 1918 by the British Royal Navy. It was turned into a luxury steamer for King Farouk.

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer offers four cabin options, including the standard, superior, senior suite, and panorama suite. No matter which cabin you choose for your Nile cruise adventure, you’ll enjoy large and panoramic balconies, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box.

You can also savor great quality drinks and cocktails at the Dhabiyyat Bar, and the Marasem Restaurant offers gourmet dishes, so you’ll feel like royalty! After you’re done exploring, you can relax on the large sun deck while sipping your favorite drink next to the swimming pool. 

Check prices on Booking.com

14. Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise

The Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Thursday for 4-7 nights, and it departs from Aswan each Monday for three nights. The cruise features elegant and traditional designs, and it is equipped with a swimming pool, a sundeck with a recreational area, and reading and playroom.

You can choose between the standard, superior, and junior or senior suites with panoramic windows for you to see the Nile. All cabins have air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer, a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. 

You can enjoy your international meals and breakfast buffet at the main restaurants, and the lounge bar offers afternoon tea and cocktails. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks on the sun deck while you take in all the monument views as you cruise down the Nile. 

15. Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise

The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise departs from Luxor on Mondays for 4-7 nights and from Aswan every Friday for three nights. You’ll love the luxurious and modern decor across the cabins and the cruise boat!

The surprisingly stylish rooms are equipped with controllable air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a private bathroom, and a balcony with sliding doors that open up to the main and upper decks.

Explore the ship, and you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and lounge, where you can enjoy meals and drinks. The restaurant also offers options for vegetarians, and the staff is very friendly and kind. 

When you’re not taking in the Nile views, you can soak up the sun on the sun deck, splash around in the pool, and sip poolside drinks at the bar. There’s also a souvenir shop, a fitness center, and a beauty salon onboard, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay!

We hope you have a wonderful cruise down the Nile River!

Want more help planning your trip to Egypt? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the 15 best nile cruises in egypt: luxury sailing from luxor to aswan”.

Many thanks for great information!

Based on the review here, we booked on the Sonesta Moon Goddess March, 2023. We were disappointed. The rooms were indeed classic and comfortable. The carpets in the hall were old and stained. The HVAC systems in the room did not work properly despite engineering’s best efforts. Hot water was often hard to come by. The most disappointing element was the food. This was served buffet style, and almost never maintained hot. It was as if I had returned to my high school cafeteria. The staff were attentive and tried to please.

The review above does not reflect on the current state of affairs.

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17 of the best Nile cruises for 2024

Pyramids, desert tombs and secrets that span millennia – a voyage along the world’s longest river reveals the best of egypt past and present. but which is the best nile cruise for you.

S ailing through timeless landscapes on a cruise is the best way to see the River Nile. It’s one of the richest destinations on earth and has long enticed and seduced travellers, from pharaohs and prophets to modern-day adventurers, to say nothing of fictional Agatha Christie characters. Sailing on the world’s longest river, which flows through 11 African countries for 4,100 miles before spilling out into the Mediterranean, is a breathtaking experience, and there are more cruise lines plying the Nile than ever.

So which one to take? The majority of itineraries cover the Upper Nile — a section of the river in southern Egypt known for the country’s most impressive and important ruins and archaeological discoveries, such as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor — and end some 150 miles downstream in Aswan. The trick is to find the right way to explore this amazing river, whether that’s aboard a brand new riverboat, a restored paddle steamer or a luxury dahabiya modelled on a traditional sailing boat. Here are the best Nile cruises.

Main photo: traditional felucca boats on the Nile at Luxor (Getty Images)

1. MS Darakum, book via Riviera Travel

Best for watching the world go by Those who like to take the long route and stay on a boat for the duration of their Egyptian adventure in Egypt will enjoy a cruise on the 52-cabin MS Darakum. Thanks to its very low draft, it is one of the very few vessels that can sail from Cairo to Luxor. After an intoxicating few days in the capital, exploring its markets, mosques and ancient wonders, it’s time to travel south. The beauty of covering a much longer distance than a traditional Nile cruise is the extra time it allows to simply sit and watch the world go by. Riviera Travel’s Wonders of the Nile itinerary is sprinkled with long and leisurely sailing days where there’s little to do except relax on the sun deck and gaze out at the small farms and date plantations, before retreating inside to attend the fascinating onboard lectures.

Passengers 104 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

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2. MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus, book via Exodus

Best for ticking off the sights All of Egypt’s most significant sites are given adequate attention on Exodus’ nine-day premium Nile cruise. After time in Cairo and a short flight to Luxor, it’s time to board for a voyage through 7,000 years of history. The traditional-style ships include large royal suites and very high levels of service and comfort throughout. As well as all the usual big hitters, there are plenty of offbeat options that make this an eye-opening choice for the curiously minded traveller. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the impressive seventh-century St Simeon Monastery, the nearby traditional Nubian village and the chance to see Cleopatra’s unfinished obelisk.

Passengers 126 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

3. MS Nile Plaza, book via Titan Travel

Best for cruising in style The MS Nile Plaza first took to the water in 1990 but was refurbished a few years ago to modernise the onboard amenities and bring a new lease of life to the decor. The interiors, including the 55 spacious cabins, are tasteful, with rich wooden panels and neutral tones broken up by art deco-inspired light fixtures and calming house plants. Titan Travel’s eight-day Egypt’s Timeless Riches trip includes a voyage on the four-star MS Nile Plaza, starting and ending in Luxor. It begins in spectacular style with visits to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens before setting sail to Edfu and onwards to Aswan.

Passengers 110 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

4. Oberoi Zahra, book via Hotels.com

Best for maxed-out luxury Devotees of the namesake hotel chain can enjoy the brand’s luxury on the water aboard the plushest boat on the Nile. The modern and minimalist Oberoi Zahra enjoys prime position at its private mooring spot on the banks of the corniche in Aswan. Its elevated approach doesn’t end there. As well as offering trips to the temples of Edfu and the island of El Nabatat on itineraries that include a four-day trip from Luxor, the boat has plenty to keep guests entertained, from a library and games room to a gym and open-air pool. At night, astrology lectures reveal how the night sky influenced life in Egypt in the past. The 27 cabins are tasteful, and decorated in a natural colour palette; both of the suites have a private terrace and a hot tub.

Passengers 54 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N (minimum age is 12) Price £££

5. Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau, book via Sanctuary Retreats

Best for families and groups of friends This 164ft-long traditional dahabiya sailing boat may be small but it is perfectly packaged. The first of its kind on the Nile, it is available through Sanctuary Retreats for private charter with personalised week-long itineraries to suit specific interests. This cruise is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility. On board there is a heated plunge pool and six individually designed cabins influenced by the country’s culture, geography and heritage, including the white Farouk Suite on the upper deck, where the decor is inspired by Egyptian royalty. Guides can be arranged according to guests’ interests — from food to history.

Passengers 12 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

sanctuaryretreats.com

6. SS Sudan, book via Original Travel

Best for Agatha Christie lovers One of the most historic and atmospheric vessels to ply the Nile’s waters, this celebrated 19th-century steamer once welcomed Agatha Christie aboard. It is widely believed that it was that trip in 1933, accompanying her husband on an archaeological mission, which paved the way for one of her most accomplished murder mysteries. Following Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile , the SS Sudan is the perfect ship for fans of the Queen of Crime; there are cabins named after Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. The boat exudes opulent period charm, from the teak decks and parquet flooring to the brass bed frames in many of the rooms. Guests also have exclusive access to a network of expert archaeologists who will help bring the historical ruins to life.

Passengers 46 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price £££

originaltravel.co.uk

7. SS Sphinx, book via Uniworld

Best for first-timers The SS Sphinx showcases the very best of Egypt, both old and new, in the utmost comfort. Uniworld’s 11-night Splendours of Egypt & The Nile itinerary provides the perfect introduction to Egypt. The Cairo-to-Cairo trip begins with highlights that include the Pyramids of Giza, as well as tea with a Nubian family and even a spot of fishing and birdwatching. The onboard experience is no less delightful, with 42 suites decked out with Egyptian art, hand-carved furniture, a massage room, swimming pool and two gourmet dining rooms. Trips include guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and sailing on a felucca.

Passengers 84 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

uniworld.com

8. SS Misr, book via Noble Caledonia

Best for traditionalists Misr, which means “Egypt” in Arabic, is a propeller steamer that has long enjoyed a romance with this country. Built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, in 1938 it was converted into a luxury yacht that played host to King Farouk, the country’s penultimate monarch. The vessel has now been fully restored to its former glory, and its three, four and seven-night trips are known for celebrating local food — and there’s a rather regal feeling inside the main Marasem restaurant, with framed photos of past royalty dotted about and waiters smartly dressed in attire that takes its inspiration from the glory days of Farouk. The food is largely international but local flavours are celebrated in dishes such as bessara, a local dip made from fava beans.

Passengers 45 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price ££

noble-caledonia.co.uk

9. MS Esplanade, book via Mayfair Cruises

Best for R&R A sophisticated option, focusing on the Upper Nile, the MS Esplanade offers cruises of up to seven nights (minimum three nights) that take in both the east and west banks of Luxor, the Horus temple at Edfu and even the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. When it comes to relaxation, guests can spend time in the hushed spa on the lower deck or relax on one of the shady poolside cabanas on the breezy top deck.

Passengers 150 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price ££

mayfaircruises.com

10. La Flaneuse du Nil, book via Authentic Hotels

Best for return visitors For those who have already sailed the Nile and may be looking for something different, La Flaneuse du Nil is a tempting alternative. While most boats travel north from Aswan towards Luxor, this intimate five-day cruise heads south into Lake Nasser bound for the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Powered by sails and tugs, just like the original dahabiyas that were once a regular sight on the waterway, this cosy vessel showcases the subtle beauty of the vast man-made reservoir that straddles Egypt’s border with Sudan. The boat sails at a leisurely pace, with stops for lake swims, sunset hikes and solitary mornings on quiet beaches, as well as guided trips to some of the most impressive ancient wonders Egypt has to explore.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over six) Price ££

authentichotels.com

11. Sanctuary Sun Boat III, book via Sanctuary Retreats

Best for fun on the river An extremely attractive boat, and one of the few vessels to (occasionally) cruise from Cairo to Aswan, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III takes its inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Think ecru tones, four-poster beds draped in the finest Egyptian linen and entertainment in the form of belly dancers and whirling dervishes. There are modern touches, too, with air conditioning and a swimming pool on the Cleopatra Oasis sundeck: the perfect spot on which to sip a hibiscus juice and watch the world go by.

Passengers 36 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

12. RV Da Vinci, book via CroisiEurope

Best for value With its understated style, the RV Da Vinci is a good choice for passengers who want to travel in more contemporary surroundings. Built in 1993 and fully refurbished since, it offers a comfortable base to travel on the classic route from Luxor or add on a few days in Cairo. CroisiEurope’s eight-day Land of the Pharaohs cruise includes excursions to all the headline sights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Kom Ombo, and options to book others such as a breathtaking balloon ride over the Nile Valley or the evocative sound and light show at Karnak. At the end of the day, enjoy a final cocktail as the sun goes down — all drinks are included in the fare.

Passengers 108 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £

croisieurope.travel/en

13. River Tosca, book via Uniworld

Best for children Luxury line Uniworld has expanded its family-friendly Generations programme with an all-new multigenerational itinerary in Egypt. The adapted version of its 11-night Splendours of Egypt and the Nile holiday is aboard the River Tosca and includes child-friendly menus and two dedicated family hosts to oversee activities for junior cruisers aged four to 12 and teen cruisers. Alongside famous sights such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, activities include a football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding, swimming in the Nile, exploring the river by bike and traditional felucca, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the captain’s wheelhouse. While youngsters are having fun with the onboard hosts, adults can relax on the sun deck with its shaded cabanas and swimming pool.

Passengers 82 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

14. MS Radamis II, book via Travel Department

Best for solo travellers If you’re fed up with being stung by single supplements, don’t want to set sail with loved-up couples, or simply just enjoy travelling alone then check out the Travel Department’s dedicated single sailings. The company charters this comfortable ship which has 75 cabins, and for solo travellers it makes for an exclusive and intimate holiday. The sun deck bar is a top spot to mingle over cocktails with newfound friends and enjoy barbecues. The supplement-free solo itineraries take in a seven-night Nile cruise, with included shore trips to the Temple of Horus, the Valley of the Kings, the High Dam and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. At the end of the cruise you’ll fly and flop with a couple of days of relaxation in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The tour operator also uses the vessel for its escorted group tours on the Nile.

traveldepartment.co.uk

15. Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat, book via Sonesta

Best for groups You can sail the Nile in style on this twin-masted dahabiya, which harks back to the graceful travel of bygone times. Inspired by the 19th-century vessels used by royalty and aristocrats, this intimate and sophisticated 14-passenger ship is the smallest in the fleet owned by the international Sonesta hotel group. It’s a wonderful choice for extended families or groups of friends who want to book an entire ship for an exclusive holiday. Sumptuous cabins are decked out in blue, gold and cream and guests can wallow in baths after a busy day sightseeing. The ship goes back and forth on week-long trips between Luxor and Aswan and wherever possible sails under wind power.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sonesta.com/sonesta-dahabeya-amirat

Two ships to look out for in 2024

16. tui al horeya, book via tui.

Best for home comforts Tui River Cruises is launching its first Nile ship in November 2024. Charter flights from Gatwick and Manchester are being laid on to dovetail with the sailings, which are aimed squarely at the British market. The five-deck ship is being fully refurbished for Tui and seven-night round-trip sailings from Luxor will include two excursions to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Other optional shore tours will be available to purchase, such as the atmospheric sound and light show at Karnak and a visit to a Nubian village. Tui Al Horeya will have a top-deck pool and an area for alfresco dining on warm Egyptian nights.

Passengers 145 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £

17. AmaLilia, book via AmaWaterways

Best for being pampered AmaLilia, set to sail on the Nile in 2024, would impress even the most discerning pharaoh with its marble bathrooms, heated pool, massage treatments — and even a nail bar. Its suites are stylish and contemporary, and the decor throughout the ship has an understated elegance, showcasing Egyptian ornaments and artwork. Thoughtful itineraries will take guests on excursions to often-overlooked places, including the sacred city of Abydos — a necropolis for the earliest Egyptian kings, where the mortuaries include the Temple of Seti I, completed in 1279BC — and the Abdeen presidential palace for lunch. AmaLilia is an almost identical ship to AmaWaterways’ first Nile ship AmaDahlia, with the addition of more plush suites.

Passengers 72 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y (aged over four) Price £££

amawaterways.co.uk

Additional reporting by Jeannine Williamson

• Is it safe to travel to Egypt? • When is the best time to cruise the Nile? • Best tours of Egypt

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Best Nile Cruise Ships Sailing Between Luxor & Aswan

You may have heard that having a  Nile River Cruise  is a typical experience that you can have in Egypt and many questions may come to your mind when it comes to planning a Nile Cruise tour. The first and the main question is how can you choose a good Nile Cruise and is it really safe to board a Nile Cruise in the middle of  the Nile ? And lots of other questions and through our article, we will introduce the most highlighted issues about the best Nile cruise ships and answer as many questions as we can regarding such a wonderful tour.

First of all, you should know that there are two major classifications for Nile cruises in Egypt based on the type of services and amenities you can find on board, and based on this, here are the  two types of Nile Cruises  that you can choose your Nile Cruise from:

5* High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

Luxury Nile Cruises are the version of high luxury hotels in Egypt but in a floating shape. If you are looking for the most comfortable accommodation, the greatest notable services, amenities, and facilities, if you are looking for a luxury tour full of passion and excitement, then board one of our 5*high luxury Nile Cruise will definitely fill your satisfaction and make you get back home with a memorable experience and a lifetime adventure. There are some 5* high luxury Nile cruises in Egypt that will allow you to live like a real Pharaoh or a gorgeous queen in the land of miracles as you will receive the most fabulous services ever.

5* Deluxe Nile Cruise Ships

There are many  5* deluxe Nile cruises  in Egypt that you will enjoy the most while getting on the board of any of them and have some wonderful time while making use of their interesting facilities for travelers on their board. It is very important for you to notice that there are many 5* deluxe Nile cruises that aren’t recommended because they have old furniture and the food served there isn’t of high quality as other cruises. That is why you need to make sure that you are booking your Nile cruise tour with a trusted travel agency to get the most incredible adventure you have always wanted.

We always make sure that we choose the best Nile cruises especially those which were recently renovated to offer an amazing experience that can’t be forgotten and we keep update the list of our 5* Nile cruises based on our guests’ reviews and feedback so we keep working with specific ones, add more to our list, and omit some others from our list if they have any negative feedback.

Top Deluxe & High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

Here is a list of the most recommended 5* deluxe & 5* high luxury Nile cruises based on their classification in Egypt:

The Best 5* High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

1. mayfair ship, 2. oberoi zahra ship, 3. oberoi philae ship, 4. movenpick royal lily ship, 5. farah ship, 6. acamar ship, 7. sonesta moon goddess ship, 8. tulip ship, 9. sanctuary sun boat iii ship.

The charming  Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile cruise  has been classified among the top 5* high luxury cruise in Egypt with its fabulous Spa, gym, lounges, outside dining, and other luxury features. There are 36spacious cabins on its board and 3 spacious suites.

The Best 5* Deluxe Nile Cruise Ships

1. crown jewel ship, 2. crown prince nile cruise, 3. nile style ship, 4. moon dance ship, 5. concerto ship, 6. steigenberger regency ship, 7. steigenberger minerva ship, 8. steigenberger legacy ship, 9. nile premium ship, 10. sonesta nile goddess ship, 11. crown jubilee ship.

In order to get on the board of  MS Crown Jubilee Nile cruise , you need to check-in either on Thursday from Luxor for the 4 or 7 nights tour or on Monday from Aswan for the 3 nights tour. On the board of such a deluxe Nile cruise, you will find an amazing restaurant that serves the best oriental & international cuisine in Egypt. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an amazing bar, truly interesting cabins with a TV screen with satellite channels and of course a private bathroom. There is a sun terrace on the board of Ms. Crown Jubilee to enjoy the terrific beauty of the view all around you.

Best Egypt Nile River Cruises

There are tens of other interesting  Nile River Cruises  through which you will have the chance to enjoy the most magnificent sightseeing in both  Luxor  and  Aswan  and we are always available for you so that you send us your request and it is going to be our responsibility to provide you with the most unforgettable  and the safest tour in your life. Just contact us “ Trips in Egypt ” and let us achieve your dreams.

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What should i wear while being in egypt.

You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

Why book Trips in Egypt?

We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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About Trips In Egypt

Trips In Egypt was founded in 2002 when it launched, since then the company specialized in providing trips in Egypt only which includes tour packages, vacations, Nile cruises, day trips, shore excursions, and any kind of trips in Egypt.

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Here’s what it’s like to take a Nile cruise in 2022

Oct 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Plan your trip of a lifetime in Egypt with this guide to cruising on the Nile © Lauren Keith / Lonely Planet

Egypt is nothing short of a miracle. Though the forbidding Sahara encroaches from every direction, the Nile River splashes a verdant green ribbon through the country, sometimes managing to push the desert sands only a few hundred feet back from the riverbank.

One of the world’s longest and most legendary rivers, the Nile travels more than 6500km (4100 miles) through five countries, but it’s most closely connected with Egypt. And indeed, so much of Egyptian history has unfolded along the Nile that nearly all of the country’s major cities and ancient tombs and temples are located along this lush life-giving artery.

The ancient Egyptians used the river as a highway, dispatching trade and military expeditions and toting statues of their gods between temples. The 5th century BCE Greek historian Herodotus famously called Egypt the “gift of the Nile,” and even now, millennia later, cruising the Nile is still the best way for travelers to see Egypt’s gifts for themselves.

Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Here’s what you need to know about picking the best Nile river cruises.

Why are so many travelers talking about Egypt in 2022?

Nowhere else in the world is the past so intertwined with the present than in Egypt, and 2022 promises to be a blockbuster time to experience them both.

Lonely Planet named Egypt one of the top 10 countries to visit this year , and the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in November to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun , the famous golden pharaoh and “boy king.”

September marked 200 years since the Rosetta Stone was translated, which revealed the meanings of the hieroglyphs and recaptured knowledge that had been lost for centuries. New archaeological discoveries continue apace in Luxor, Saqqara and elsewhere that keep rewriting history.

Tourism hit a record high in Egypt in 2019 and was expected to grow even more in 2020, but we all know what happened then. Like many places, tourism in Egypt has now entered recovery mode, making the coming months a great – and still relatively quiet – time to visit. 

Some Nile cruise companies continued construction projects that have seen new boats launched on the river, including the August 2022 debut of the Viking Osiris , a brand new 82-passenger vessel built specifically to navigate the Nile.

Why you should take a Nile cruise when you visit Egypt

While cruises might get a bad rap elsewhere in the world, traveling by boat on the Nile is a time-honored tradition that stretches back to the pharaonic era.

Along the riverbanks, life carries on in the way that it has since time immemorial: mudbrick houses poke out from behind the foliage, children wave excitedly at passing ships, a lone man paddles a blue-painted canoe piled high with alfalfa for his hungry livestock, palm trees heavy with golden dates sag as they await the harvest.

In a fast-paced world, opportunities to simply sit back and watch life glide by are few and far between. Sitting outside on the Osiris ’s balcony traveling at the speed of the river, I felt like I was watching a slow travel TV show – at once both an outside spectator and also completely immersed in it.

In ancient times, mastering the river helped rulers unite the country, and most temples are built within easy reach of the water. Sure, Egypt’s modern-day road and rail network can transport you to these temples overland, but if you skip a cruise on the Nile, the magic of the journey will certainly be missing.

How to choose a Nile cruise itinerary

The vast majority of Nile cruises operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt, making stops in Edfu, Kom Ombo and sometimes other small towns.

Which Nile cruise you pick depends on the usual two travel constraints: your budget and your time. Certain boats sail only on certain days, and Nile cruises can be as short as three days, but more commonly last five days.

Most luxury cruises on the Nile, including Viking’s Nile cruises, require signing up for a full Egypt-wide itinerary that starts and ends in Cairo , an excellent option for first-time visitors.

With little signage at historic sites and prices always open to negotiation, Egypt is a tricky place for independent travel. Unless you want to spend your precious vacation time bargaining with taxi drivers and tour guides everywhere you go, it’s best to join a tour for your first visit and leave the logistics to someone else.

What I liked in particular about Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is that it includes two unusual stops that aren’t standard ports of call for most Nile cruises. 

The ship travels north of Luxor to Qena for passengers to disembark and visit the gorgeous Temple of Hathor at Dendera , where the ceilings have recently been cleaned, exposing beautifully painted zodiac symbols and the warped body of the sky goddess Nut, who swallows the sun every night and gives birth to it the next morning. 

The boat also stops in Esna for the Temple of Khnum , a small but wonderfully preserved structure. Look up to spot the column-topping capitals, each of which has a colorfully decorated, unique bouquet of palm fronds, bunches of grapes, lotus flowers and papyrus shoots.

In Luxor, you’ll get private access to the show-stopping tomb of Nefertari – arguably the most beautiful burial site in the entire country (and certainly the most expensive at LE1400, about US$72) where nearly every square inch is painted in stunningly vibrant bas-reliefs – as well as the chance to see the stark dichotomy of Egypt’s landscapes from the sky in the basket of a gently drifting hot air balloon.

Tours of the temples and tombs are led by local expert Egyptologists who explain and translate the meanings of the hieroglyphs before your very eyes. 

A few companies offer Nile cruises from Cairo, but these sailings are rare, usually operating just once a month – if at all – and take significantly longer because of the distance involved. But you’ll get the chance to check out off-the-beaten-track tombs and temples between Cairo and Luxor that see few visitors.

What is it like on board the Viking Osiris ?

Decked out in a sleek Scandi color scheme of blond wood and blue textiles that are drenched in natural light thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows across much of the ship, the Viking Osiris is an oasis of calm that’s a treat to return to after a long and dusty day of exploring. 

The cruise ship has 41 cabins across three decks, plus two upper levels with an indoor/outdoor dining space with windows that fold away for al fresco evenings, a cozy bar and lounge with a resident piano player in the evenings, an infinity-style pool at the back of the boat and a sun deck for days of lazy lounging.

Travelers can check out books from the on-board library’s exquisite collection to read up on Egyptian history on their voyage.

The guest rooms are surprisingly spacious, with comfy hotel-like beds, plenty of wardrobe and storage space, and good-sized bathrooms. Many staterooms come with balconies.

The ship is partially powered by solar panels, and you can see how much electricity is being generated by the sun as well as the carbon dioxide savings on a screen inside.

What travelers should know before visiting Egypt

Almost all nationalities need a visa to visit Egypt , which you can get on arrival at the airport or apply for online in advance if you’d rather skip the line. The cost of a single-entry Egyptian tourist visa is USD$25, payable in cash at the airport or by card online.

Egypt is a traditional, Muslim-majority country, so both men and women should dress modestly when visiting. For tips on what to pack, local etiquette and more, check these 14 things to help you plan your visit to Egypt .

Lauren Keith traveled on the Viking Osiris cruise by invitation from Viking River Cruises .

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9 of the best Nile cruises to book for 2023

New openings, archeological anniversaries and the chance to see Luxor’s Avenue of Sphinxes make this a great time to visit the magical river

Every day on a Nile cruise is loaded with history. A century on from the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and 200 years since Jean-François Champollion cracked the code to Egyptian hieroglyphs, Egypt’s extraordinary story continues to unfold. 

Last month, archaeologists in Saqqara, south of Cairo, unearthed a huge granite sarcophagus from the reign of King Ramses II, who ruled between 1279 and 1213 BC. This comes after the discovery of 250 mummies encased in painted sarcophagi, in May, at the same necropolis. The find included the first intact papyrus scroll to be discovered in over a century. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says it could contain verses from the Book of the Dead. 

The reopening of Luxor’s Avenue of Sphinxes (the corridor linking the temples of Karnak and Luxor opened a year ago) and the much delayed opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, in Giza, next year are two very good reasons to visit Egypt and the Nile in 2023. The new Grand Egyptian Museum will contain King Tut’s entire haul of treasures – 5,000 objects, found in his tomb. Bookings for Nile cruises are “solid” according to Philip Breckner, managing director at Discover Egypt ( discoveregypt.co.uk ). “We’re looking ahead to February and March 2023 and people are also asking about winter 2024,” he said. One Traveller ( onetraveller.co.uk ), which charters boats for solo travellers on the Nile, has no more space on its trips this year. “We’ve sold out of all our Egypt tours and are looking to get more set up soon,” said head of marketing Nadya Durrant. 

Intrigued? Here are some of the best ways to cruise the Nile in 2023..

Put the wind in your sails

Before the arrival of steam-powered boats, visitors would cruise the Nile on small, two-masted dahabiya, led by a “houseboat crew”. La Flaneuse du Nil recreates that slow-travel tradition with style – and hot water and flushing loos to boot. On its journey between Luxor and Aswan, the flat-bottomed boat visits small villages and islands and drops anchor in peaceful seclusion. 

The seven cabins feature louvred shutters, wood panelling and tasteful antiques and there is a beautiful balcony suite at the stern. The recent addition of 48 solar panels means guests will be able to enjoy sailing without the thrum of a generator – just like the old days.

The details: From £4,800pp including flights, five nights on board, a night at the Winter Palace hotel in Luxor and three nights at the Old Cataract hotel in Aswan (020 3582 4990; originaltravel.co.uk ).

Do the Long Cruise

For those keen to linger on the Nile, or for the returning visitor keen to fill in the gap between the pyramids and ancient Thebes, this 10-night sailing from Cairo to Luxor ticks both boxes. The real beauty of this cruise, however, is stepping ashore to world-class sites that are largely unvisited. Highlights include the tombs, catacombs and temple of Tuna el-Gebel; the former capital city of Tel el-Amarna; the rock-cut tombs at Beni Hassan; the temples at Abydos and the Temple of Hathor, at Dendera. The five-star Movenpick Darakum has 52 cabins spread over three decks, a shop and small gym and a large sun deck with a plunge pool.

The details:  A 10-night Original Nile Cruise costs from £3,295pp including flights, transfers, excursions and international flights, departing on May 11, 2023. Six departures carry no single supplement (020 3131 0512; vjv.com ). 

Sail en famille

There’s plenty of opportunity for cultural exchange on this holiday with Intrepid, and the variety and pace of the itinerary is ideal for those travelling with older children. After a couple of days in Cairo you’ll fly to Aswan and sail to Luxor via Edfu and the Esna lock. The temple at Esna astounds with its two dozen inscribed pillars, and there is dinner with a Nubian family, a visit to the floating Temple of Philae and a lazy sunset sail by felucca. Back in Cairo there is time for coffee at El Fishawy, the city’s oldest coffee shop, and dinner “at home” with a Cairene family.

The details:  An eight-day Premium Egypt holiday costs from £2,725pp staying on board the Nile Style or La Fayan and departing on April 1, 2023. Includes four nights in Cairo and a hotel night in Luxor. Excludes international flight. Children must be 15 or over (0808 2745 111; intrepidtravel.com ).

Side trip to Alex

Part land tour; part cruise, this trip includes a visit to the seaside city of Alexandria, founded in 331BC by Alexander the Great and once Cleopatra’s power base. Remnants of the royal palace and its sunken treasures lie in the city’s seafront bay. The must-see modern library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, was built to commemorate what was the ancient world's single greatest archive of literature. Its design features an inclined cylinder, part of which goes underground. The trip includes four nights in Cairo before flying to Luxor to join the ship, which sails south to Aswan.

The details:  A 12-day Cairo, Alexandria and The Nile cruise costs from £2,549pp departing on January 12, 2023, including four nights in Cairo, nine excursions and home-to-airport transfers (0800 988 5823; titantravel.co.uk ).

Snorkel the Red Sea

For winter-sun seekers the lure of Red Sea beaches is as tempting as Egypt’s tombs and treasures. But why not dip your toe into both? Marsa Alam’s reefs are a favourite with divers and the snorkelling is equally rewarding. Clouds of darting reef fish are abundant and you might see turtles, tuna, mackerel, dolphins, sharks and even the odd manatee. Discover Egypt combines a week here with a leisurely Nile cruise on the MS Tulip, which promises warm and friendly service, and there is an optional excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II (£85 by coach or £295 by air).

The details:  A two-week holiday including seven nights at the Hilton Nubian Village Marsa Alam and a week’s cruise costs from £2,242pp departing in February or March 2023. Includes return flight from Heathrow (to Luxor and back from Marsa Alam) and all other transfers (020 7407 2111; discoveregypt.co.uk ).

The Nile and Jordan

Uniworld’s SS Sphinx begins her second Nile season this winter and will sail 12-day cruises from Cairo. On board the luxury ship guests will find menu items like fatteh, mulukhiya and hawawshi, along with a selection of Egyptian wines. Locally sourced fabrics, hand-carved wooden detail and Egyptian artwork champion the Egyptian motif, and guests can snooze under chic tented cabanas on the pool deck. 

Along with the usual showstoppers, noteworthy extras include afternoon tea at Aswan’s legendary Old Cataract Hotel and a bird-watching excursion to see herons, kingfishers, vultures and the Nile Valley sunbird. Tack on a land extension to Jordan and a donation will be made to the Jordanian women of the Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, via the TreadRight Foundation.

The details:  A 12-day Splendours of Egypt and the Nile itinerary including an internal flight (Luxor to Cairo), premium spirits and wine on board and four nights at the Four Seasons in Cairo costs from £5,129pp, departing in January 2023. Excludes international flights (0808 273 1777; uniworld.com ).

Accessible Nile

All hotel, cruise, transport and dining logistics are taken care of on this accessible holiday with Responsible Travel. For added peace of mind, guest-relations assistance is available throughout and transfers in an airconditioned vehicle are assisted. Following a three-night stay in Cairo, with visits to the pyramids, Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, passengers will board a five-star accessible ship in Luxor, for a sail to Aswan. 

The itinerary includes visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile god) at Kom Ombo. At Aswan there is a sail around Elephantine Island by motorboat and a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk.

The details:  An eight-day Nile Cruise costs from $2,487pp (£2,045) twin-share in an accessible double room/cabin, for departures in November and December 2022 (not Christmas and New Year). Includes all accommodation, guiding, sightseeing with lunches in Cairo, internal flights (Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo), private guided tours and a helper during visits to historical places. International flights cost extra (01273 823 700; responsibletravel.com ).

Suite dreams

For dreamy, in-cabin views of the Nile, book one of the four forward-facing suites on board AmaDahlia. With its gym, massage rooms, a heated pool, 16 suites and marble-clad bathrooms, the 72-passenger ship doesn’t skimp on luxury. 

Soak up more river views from the pool, dine alfresco, under a pergola, or á deux at the Chef’s Table. Itinerary standouts include exclusive access to the Queen of Nefatari’s tomb at the Valley of the Kings and a private visit to the lavish Abdeen Palace in Cairo. The former royal palace contains five museums, a pharmacy of rare medicines, a former royal printing house and a collection of exquisite paintings.

The details:  An 11-night Secrets of Egypt and the Nile itinerary costs from £4,607pp departing January 20, 2023. Includes return flight between Cairo and Luxor, transfers and four hotel nights in Cairo. Excludes international flights (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk ).

Go your own way

If you prefer a bit more flexibility and are comfortable booking flights and hotels independently, the MS Esplanade sails on three-, four- and seven-night cruises between Luxor and Aswan, and charges a per-night cabin rate. The 73-cabin ship has a small spa, a stylish top deck with poolside cabanas and plush cabins with wide windows. All sailings take in the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor temples, Edfu, Kom Ombo, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple and felucca sailing. 

In Cairo, the 13-room Villa Belle Epoque is a real find (as is its restaurant, Acacia). Located in the tree-lined suburb of Maadi, the beautifully restored 1920s villa has a ground-floor conservatory overlooking a garden and poolside dining area, shaded by fig, guava mango and lemon trees.

The details:  Double cabins on board the MS Esplanade ( mayfaircruises.com ) from £226pp or £201pp triple-share (January through April). Doubles at Villa Belle Epoque from £155 ( villabelleepoque.com ). Flights to Cairo from £750 return ( egyptair.com ).

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• Private Yacht Charter
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Cooking Classes
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Small Ship Cruises
• Small Ship Sailing
• Spa Relaxation
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Le Dumont-d'Urville
• MS Amadahlia
• MS AmaLilia
• National Geographic Explorer
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• Oberoi Philae
• Sanctuary Sun Boat III
• Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
• Viking Cruises

Classic Egypt Tour

• Discover pyramids and Sphinx
• Visit the Museum and Temples
• Walk around town of Esna
• Sail the Nile river

Nile River Explorer

• Discover the pyramids and Sphinx
• Explore the temple of Dendera
• Walk around the town of Esna
• Aboard a luxurious riverboat

Treasures of Egypt

• Tour the Valley of the Kings
• Soak in views of the Great Pyramids
• Cruise to Aswan home of the Nubians
• Visit the impressive Abu Simbel

Luxor to Aswan

• Visit the Temple of Karnak
• Attend an Egyptian cooking lesson
• Sail around Elephantine Island

Pharaohs & Pyramids

• Enjoy scenic views in Nile river
• Visit Grand Egyptian Museum
• Visit pyramids and camel riding
• Visit Aswan's spice market

Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

• Explore Egyptian Museum
• Visit the tombs of ancient Egypt
• Visit old city, Coptic Cairo

Aswan to Luxor

• Visit majestic Philae Temple
• Discover the Valley of the Kings

Passage Through Egypt: Luxor to Aswan

• Explore temple of Dendera
• Sail through Nile river

Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal: Sailing Through Antiquity

• Discover the four Greek islands
• Observe the Red Sea in Hurghada
• Experience local culture
• Navigate the Suez Canal

Cruising Greece, Turkey & Saudi Arabia

• Discover Samos' charming villages
• Visit the ancient city of Ephesus
• Cruise to the scenic Antalya
• Explore Papho's archaeological site
• Visit Giza's Great Pyramid & Museum
• Explore the Granite Quarries
• Visit ancient temples
• View the Colossi of Memnon

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Best Luxury Nile River Cruises

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Meander down Egypt’s most famous river on our pick of the ten best luxury Nile cruises. The river Nile runs from Luxor to Aswan, offering up religious sites and temples at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna on its banks. The best way to discover these ancient landmarks is by boat.

The best cruise ships offer brilliant itineraries as you float effortlessly down the Nile. Explore the Pyramids of Giza, the impressive Karnak Temple, and the magnificent obelisks, columns, sphinxes, and statues. With many stunning historic sites just steps from your boat’s mooring, you can minimize trips along dusty roads in coaches.

The best time to take your Nile River cruise is between October and April. It’s not too hot during this period, so the days spent exploring Ancient Egyptian temples will be much more pleasant. The summer heat peak occurs from June to August, so it’s worth avoiding these months if possible.

1. Sonesta St. George

Probably the most luxurious cruise ship of the Sonesta Fleet is the Sonesta St George. This ship is one of the most elegant and popular luxury ships on the Nile to cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Guests choose this luxurious cruise ship for its luxury plush and ornate interior and design.

All-suite cabins mean luxury for all guests, with all cabin amenities designed to the highest standards. All bathrooms have Full SPA to unite facilities, including a Steam Jacuzzi, Shower, Music and water massage.

The lobby area is extremely ornate with a grand design fit for royalty, giving a glorious first impression on boarding the boat. Beautiful paintings adorn each cabin and the lobby, restaurant, and lounge areas. But it is the sun deck is the place to go for a great view as you sail up the Nile.

Breakfast and lunch buffets have the reputation of being excellent, as does the Egyptian dinner evening. Numerous facilities include the main dining room, sun deck bar, lounge, panoramic lounge, piano bar, nightly entertainment, sun deck, swimming pool with shallow water extension and Jacuzzi, spa and wellness center with gym, massage services, sauna, and steam bath, daily guided sightseeing excursions, dry cleaning service, Fully-purified Water, filtered and softened before distribution, plus there is a doctor on call on the cruise. This is the life!

2. The Oberoi Zahra Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality, but this time on one of the best luxury cruise ships on the Nile.

This cruise ship offers some of the best and most spacious accommodations on the Nile. The elegant interior of the Luxury Cabins and Luxury Suites is complemented by the views of the river framed by large windows within the cabins and the en suite bathrooms.

The Oberoi Zahra is the only boat on the Nile with a full-service spa. This cruise ship sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing guests the opportunity to discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture leisurely.

The 25 Luxury Cabins are exceptional, with timber floors and elegant interiors. Large windows in the cabins offer panoramic views of the Nile. There are even windows in the cabin bathrooms, which makes using your bathroom an absolute pleasure. The bathroom is finished in marble and mosaic with a vanity counter and a separate glass-enclosed steam and shower stall.

You will also enjoy gourmet dining on board The Oberoi Zahra. The Chef and his team pride themselves on offering the finest international cuisine offering a la carte service, with new menus daily.

Let’s not forget the swimming pool, gymnasium, astronomy lectures, theatre, library, cigar lounge, Internet/games room, laundry, boutique, medical service on call, Egyptologist, and the luxury coaches for sightseeing via private docking areas.

3. Salacia Nile Cruise

Discover 5,000 years of Egyptian culture on a cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Salacia Nile Cruise. This ship feels boutique but spacious and is spread over 225 to 300 square feet. All rooms offer a panoramic view of the Nile and its banks.

This Nile cruise includes accommodation on board the MS Salacia on a full board basis, shore excursions, and Nile Cruise sightseeing tours, and meet and greet service upon arrival & departure.

All transfers are by a private air-conditioned vehicle. Free Wifi is included onboard the cruise and a free re-fill minbar with mineral water and soft drinks. All sightseeing tours and excursions are also part of your package. Excursions include Karnak Temple & Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples, Philae Temple, High Dam & the Unfinished Obelisk.

4. Mövenpick MS Darakum

The Mövenpick MS Darakum is one of the largest vessels cruising the river Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its Moroccan-inspired design makes it stand out and offers an unforgettable journey while cruising through 7,000 years of history. A variety of recreational activities are available, including a swimming pool, a sun deck with a recreational area, themed parties, and a gym.

5. Mayfair Nile Cruise

Experience luxury in Egypt aboard one of the best cruise ships on the Nile, the MS Mayfair. Sail the majestic Nile River between Luxor and Aswan aboard one of these cruises and experience true luxury. Mayfair Cruises offer 3, 4, and 7 nights itineraries between Luxor and Aswan that allow guests to visit ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and ruins in the area guided by onboard Egyptologists during the day. Guests will also be invited to participate in leisure activities onboard during the evening.

6. MS Esplanade

MS Esplanade is also one of the best cruise ships on the Nile. This chic boat is one of the best on the Nile, offering 55 luxurious cabins and two suites.

Take a ride aboard M.S. Esplanade and retreat to extravagant interiors and lavish dinners topped off with naturally memorable sightseeing. The excellent staff ensures your experience is that of a five-star hotel. Feast on fine dining, relax by the stylish open-air pool area and don’t miss a treatment at the full-service spa.

Where contemporary lavishness meets Egyptian deserts’ sandy dunes, a cruise here translates into a rare, unprecedented experience.

7. Viking Ra

One of the newer ships to cruise the Nile is Viking Ra. This means it is one of the best ships if you like a modern ship. The all-suite, state-of-the-art ship features Scandinavian décor, a Sun Deck, pool, two Jacuzzis, and a restaurant, lounge, and bar. With 26 suites, it’s an intimate atmosphere onboard, and you can sit back and enjoy the excellent service.

Highlights include all-suite state-of-the-art accommodation for just 52 guests, the Sun Deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting areas, the pool and two Jacuzzis, the Lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views and Free Wi-Fi. Laundry service

8. Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau

The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is a bespoke dahabiya, available for charter. It is the epitome of style, with only four cabins and two suites. The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau offers you the unique opportunity to tailor your Egypt cruise and each day’s sightseeing by offering an “a la carte” style touring itinerary.

This classic Nile cruise offers old-world charm using a river-going sailboat. This is how aristocrats traveled in the relaxed age of Egyptian monarchs (1920-40).

The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is a bespoke dahabiya (traditional sailing boat) that is the first of its kind on the Nile. With its extended open spaces, the Zein features a beautiful upper deck, an Arabian-themed sun deck, and an opulently styled dining area. The itinerary for your Egypt cruise aboard the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau operates on an “a la carte” menu, offering you the unique opportunity to tailor your sightseeing. Bask in the beauty of the surrounding views – unchanged for hundreds of years – as you sip on delicate cocktails from the comfort of the dahabiya. This is what sailing on the Nile was meant to be.

9. Nour el Nil

Nour el Nil dahabiya is propelled by the gentle winds in its sails down the River Nile. You will discover the many archaeological treasures, magnificent deserts, and breathtaking vistas Egypt offers. You will walk in villages and through orchards, meeting Egyptians as they go about their daily lives.

This cruise removes you from the rush and crowds of typical Egyptian tours, and you will find yourself traveling to Egypt’s finest destinations at your own leisurely pace. At the same time, they provide you with all the comforts and amenities you could wish for. This may be the most luxurious boutique cruise ship, and all prices include full board, excursions, and transfers and are based on two people sharing.

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The Best 10 Nile River Cruises in Egypt 2024

The best 10 nile river cruises in egypt 2022, luxor to aswan luxury sailing.

In fact, if you’re considering a vacation to Egypt, you must cross by the wonderful natural gift, the Nile River ! It’s the world’s longest river, stretching through 11 nations, and Egyptians rely on it for both nutrition and transit. The finest way to go through the Nile is on one of the best luxury Nile River Cruises ships that travel between the ancient towns of the most authentic Egyptian countries, Luxor and Aswan .

Discovering the ideal Nile cruise to match your trip goals, however, may be challenging. They fly on regular weekly schedules and follow a pre-determined itinerary — generally 3, 4, or 7 nights. The Online space has little information and reviews, and because most Nile River cruises are pretty expensive, it’s vital to know what you’ll be receiving for your money. So we’ve put up a majority of the best 10 Nile Cruises in Egypt to help you prepare for your trip to Egypt. Enjoy!

4 Days Nile Cruise From Aswan 2024/2025

5 Days Nile Cruise From Luxor 2024/2025

8 Days Nile Cruise From Luxor 2024/2025

Best luxury nile river cruise ships in egypt, 1. oberoi philae nile cruise.

Between Aswan and Luxor, the 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise provides 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile River. The ship’s tour desk can help you book your airport transfer, daily excursions, and anything else you might need while onboard.

Oberoi Philae Nile River Cruise

You may use the fitness center, the terrace with wonderful views of the Nile’s banks , and the excellent spa facilities while on your Nile cruise. The spacious rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have a television, a minibar, coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. You won’t want to get out of bed in the morning since the beds are so comfy. Make your reservation for the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance, as this one fills up quickly.

2. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra provides a luxurious Nile River cruise experience for five or seven days, departing from Luxor or Aswan. You’ll like to review their website’s sailing calendar for particular departure dates. From the minute you board until you disembark, the service you’ll get is second to none. Make use of the complimentary airport bus!

Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The daily trips are entertaining as well as educational. You’ll also like the fact that they strive to avoid the crowds by timing your arrival.

The ship features a spacious and pleasant outdoor pool, as well as a spa where you may rest. After a wonderful lunch in the aboard restaurant, you’ll enjoy the evening entertainment. A minibar, an electric kettle, a spacious bathroom, and bathrobes are included in each room. Choose a suite with a private deck and hot tub if you truly want to spoil yourself!

3. Alexander the Great Nile Cruise

The Alexander the Magnificent Cruise is a beautiful trip ship that sails from Luxor on Mondays for a 4-night Nile River trip and Aswan on Fridays for a 3-night back on another Nile River tour. A complimentary airport transfer is included with this Nile River cruise!

The staff members are really kind and accommodating. You may use the spa facilities, which include a hot spring tub and different massage therapies, to indulge yourself while on your River cruise. And the food is fantastic, offering selections for both classic and foreign cuisine. You’ll also like the many nighttime entertainment options, which are suitable for family members! This luxurious Nile cruise ship includes an outside pool with comfy lounge seats for resting in the sun on hot days. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped. It’s well worth it to upgrade to a hotel with a terrace so you can take in the sights from the comfort of your own hotel’s room

The guided trips all along the Nile River’s banks are very popular among visitors. They will bring you to the places and narrate the history in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.

3- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise is an ultra-luxury cruise that cruises the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for four or seven nights every Monday. Among the ship’s many facilities for guests are a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa featuring a hot tub and sauna. Thanks to 24-hour room service, you’ll have access to every comfort during your stay.

Sonesta Star Goddess Nile River Cruise

The sleeping suites are spacious and pleasant, with excellent linen, satellite TVs, baths, and wide windows that allow for plenty of natural light. On your private balcony viewing the Nile’s banks, you may drink at sunset. Enjoy the benefits of onboard shopping to get some Egyptian presents for your friends and family back home. For nighttime amusement, the ship features a main dining room, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor. They may also schedule your daily visits to the Nile’s different attractions.

4- M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Nile Cruise is a stylish, opulent ship that departs Luxor on Mondays for 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises, and Aswan on Fridays for a 3 or 7-night Nile river cruise.

The magnificent swimming patio, which is encircled by comfy loungers and day beds, is the most remarkable feature of this Nile cruise ship. It appears to be immaculate and welcoming, and it would be the ideal spot to cool down after a hot morning spent visiting ruins. Air conditioning, a plain television, coffee and tea making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many more amenities are available in the large rooms. The public sitting spaces are all designed with a unique flair and are a fantastic spot to hang out.

5- Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise 

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise provides a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or a 7-day round-trip option! Of course, the longer you stay on this luxurious Nile River cruises company, the better! Large windows and bright, cheerful décor characterize the inviting rooms. Your accommodation will, of course, include air conditioning, a flat-screen television, a minibar, and other facilities that you will require throughout your stay. The lovely outdoor pool, the expansive sun deck, the fitness room, and the sauna and spa services will all be appreciated. The cuisine is delicious, and Mövenpick’s wonderful staff will treat you like royalty. They’ll be making your Nile cruise a memorable experience!

6- Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise departs Luxor for Aswan every Saturday for three or seven nights. As you travel down the Nile River, enjoying the sights and sounds from the tranquility of your individual suite, this contemporary, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home.

Sonesta Cruises

A beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a big sun deck, a fitness center, a soothing spa, and a bar offering refreshing cocktails are all available onboard the cruise ship. The meal is delicious and really fresh. The friendly staff can arrange transportation to and from the airport as well as any local excursions. Comfortable mattresses, big private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios characterize the rooms, which are basic and traditional.

7- M/S Mayfair Cruise

Every Monday, the M/S Mayfair Cruise departs Luxor for 4 or 7 nights and Aswan for 3 or 7 nights. The staff can help you arrange airport transfers as well as guided excursions to the Nile’s temples.

MS/ Mayfair Nile River Cruise

The sun deck area on this luxury Nile River cruise ship is really stunning, featuring hot tubs and plenty of comfortable sun loungers. It’s the ideal spot for a drink of wine as the sunsets. In the evening, you’ll be delighted by traditional music and belly dancers after enjoying the lavish supper buffet.

The staterooms are large, featuring a private bathroom and a full-sized bathtub. The amenities include toiletries, a hairdryer, and coffee-making equipment. Of course, if you want assistance, a kind staff member is merely a phone call away!

8- Nile Goddess Cruise

Every Monday, the Nile Goddess Cruise departs from Luxor for a 4- or 7-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. This lovely ship is decorated in a traditional style, with dark hardwood furnishings and traditional accents throughout. You’ll forget you’re not in a 5-star resort but on a ship cruising down the Nile River!

The Nile Goddess has a rooftop pool with lots of seating for sunbathing. There’s also a gym, a relaxing spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is a great spot to unwind with a beverage at the end of the day, and the onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all wonderful.

Simple yet pleasant décor, a minibar, and a safe are included in the air-conditioned rooms. You might upgrade your room for more privacy.

9- MS/ Farah Nile Cruise

MS/ Farah Nile Cruise is one of the best Cruise ships that can be affordable for many travelers

10- MS/ Sonesta St. George

This fantastic cruise boat is one of the newest cruises now in 2022.

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Nile River Cruise - Egypt Nile Cruise 2024/2025

Are you looking for a Nile River Cruise Holidays? You are in the right place as Luxor and Aswan Travel provide best Nile Cruises options in Egypt.

Choose your dream cruise through a variety of Nile cruises in the land of the Pharaohs, sailing through southern Egypt and discover the most incredible and majestic temples between the cities of Luxor and Aswan.

The Nile Cruise  from Luxor to Aswan takes 5 days and vice versa Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor 4 days. You also have the option to go on a round Nile Cruise  from Luxor to Luxor or from Aswan to Aswan.

During the tour days on board your Nile River Cruise , you will visit the East Bank in Luxor which includes the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple . Enjoy dinner on board and feast your eyes on a Belly Dance Show.

Another day features a visit to the West Bank to see the Valley of the Kings , Valley of the Queens , and Hatshepsut Temple , then dressing in casual attire for the Captain’s welcome party and chat the night away as you sail to Edfu .

A day tour to Edfu and Kom Ombo will let you explore the Temple of Kom Ombo and Temple of Horus in Edfu then sail to Aswan to visit the Aswan High Dam , Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae Nile River Cruise  Prices starting from $417.

Choose your best Nile River Cruise now!

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Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Take the classic way to see the Nile. Enjoy a tranquil sailing and explore unique temples & tombs not on your average Nile River cruise route onboard a Dahabiya, most exclusive and luxurious way to experience the river.

Lake Nasser Cruise

Discover the best of Egypt and leave the stress and worries you have behind by sailing and experiencing a relaxing journey south on Lake Nasser to see the monuments and ruins of Ancient Nubia and Abu Simbel.

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Best Egypt Nile Cruise Options – Are They Worth It?

Nile river cruise options.

Drifting along Egypt’s legendary river has been romanticised to such an extent that it feels sacrilegious to not take a cruise. I did consider cutting it out but was vetoed by the husband.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A NILE RIVER CRUISE

Standard Nile river cruises ply in both directions, departing from Aswan or Luxor and returning the same way. Most ships offer three to four night itineraries that include the most important sites in Aswan & Luxor as well as Kom Ombo, Edfu & Esna along the way. They are all inclusive and cover all meals and standard beverages. A few offer two night itineraries.

The sailing is minimal, limited to a few hours on the first couple of days. It is anchored all night, and all day once in Luxor/Aswan until the next departure. Departures are staggered to avoid congestion on the route. (Be sure to tally your flights with exact day of departure).

THE BEST EGYPT NILE CRUISE BOATS

‘Best’ is relative. If you have deep enough pockets, high end boats like the  Oberoi Zahra  and the  Sanctuary Sun Boats  are top of the line. In the mid range,  Oberoi Philae ,  M S Mayfair  and the  Movenpick boats  are among the best rated.

Here’s a list  with some newer boats.

We chose the Oberoi Philae since it is part of one of the best hotel chains in India and we were able to get a good deal from their India office. It lived up to the high Oberoi service standards but the boat was much in need of refurbishment at the time and the food as well as the ‘Egyptologist’ allotted to our group was sub par. It has since been completely revamped and is probably as stellar as its pricier sister ship.

Dahabiyas (twin-sailed river yacht) and steam ships “bring turn-of-the-century-travel on the Nile back to life.” They are slower and their smaller size allows docking at villages the larger boats cannot reach. So you get a more authentic, immersive experience. The slower speeds result in longer itineraries, however, and the more ‘comfortable’ boats might not be much cheaper than the regular cruises. Take a look at  this  drool worthy craft. Or  this .

RELATED: DETAILED EGYPT ITINERARY FOR AN EPIC TEN DAYS THROUGH THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN EGYPT

Is a nile cruise worth it.

That depends a lot on one’s interests, travelling style and budget.

For those unwilling to take on the logistics of inter-city travel and daily excursions, a cruise is the ideal way to ‘do’ this part of Egypt. Everything is taken care of and one is living the age old romance of river travel that was the only means of transport up until a few decades ago.

Experienced travellers might seek more than romance, however. The group excursions can feel restrictive after a point. There is an option to hire private guides but that drives up prices further.

With hindsight, I recommend and would personally opt for overland travel if I were to return. Especially considering one can organise private transfers and sightseeing for less than the cost of a well reviewed cruise.

ORIGINAL LONG NILE CRUISE

A couple of high end companies offer cruises from Cairo all the way to Aswan or vice versa.  Movenpick MS Darakum  &  Steigenberger Royale  are the two main vessels plying this route. Termed the ‘Long Cruise’ the two week itineraries cover more sites along the way including Abydos and Dendera. Ideal for travellers who do not have the time or inclination to plan themselves. They don’t operate through the year, however, and chances of cancellations due to lack of demand might be high. Check directly with the respective companies or your local provider if interested. I’d appreciate feedback in case any of you use this route.

RELATED: FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO EGYPT, WHERE TO STAY AND EAT AND MORE SUCH DETAILS READ THE ULTIMATE EGYPT TRAVEL GUIDE

Lake nasser cruise.

Few people consider taking the Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel or in reverse. I find the idea of approaching Abu Simbel from the lake very appealing.

The intimate La Flaneuse du Nil,  Movenpick MS Prince Abbas  &  Steigenberger Omar El Khayam  depart every Monday from Aswan and return on Fridays from Abu Simbel.

With the possibility of flying from Cairo to Abu Simbel (via Aswan), taking the 3 night Nasser Lake cruise option to return to Aswan might be a great way to maximise time in Abu Simbel. It would easily fit into the ten day itinerary above. Dates – and budget – permitting.

MORE EGYPT TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Pyramids Of Egypt – Facts, Myths & Practical Tips

The Historic Heart Of Cairo, Egypt – Complete Travel Guide

Egypt – The Twin Temples Of Abu Simbel

Nubian Landscapes – Best Things To Do In Aswan, Egypt

Egypt – Abydos Temple And The Raising Of The Djed

Egypt: Dendera Temple & The Zodiac Ceiling

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17 Top Nile River Cruises in Egypt

One of my dream travel destinations has always been Egypt. It is such a beautiful country filled with so much history, and I’ve wanted to see it for myself for so long now. I may or may not be in the beginning stages of planning my Egyptian adventure (pinch me!), and one of the first things that I knew I had to plan was to select one of the fabulous Nile River cruises to see the iconic Nile in person.

There are so many places in Egypt that immediately pop into mind as must-see destinations – hello, the pyramids! – and the Nile River is certainly one of those things. Nile River cruises give a relaxing and up-close experience, and I’m beyond excited to go for myself. If you’re currently in the midst of planning a trip to Egypt or are considering the possibility, keep reading to learn about the top Nile River cruises in Egypt.

Ready to take your own Nile River cruise? Join this exclusive Nile River cruise in November 2024 filled with unique experiences curated by me.

17 BEST NILE RIVER CRUISES IN EGYPT

The Nile River is one of the most famous and iconic rivers in the world. It is a huge part of Egypt’s history, and continues to be an important part of life in Egypt to this day. The Nile has long since been considered the world’s longest river, and while it is intrinsically tied to Egypt, it actually flows through eleven different countries. Within Egypt specifically, the Nile is vital to agriculture as well as transportation of both people and cargo.

You can’t go to Egypt without seeing the Nile, and the best way to see the Nile is via a Nile River cruise. However, it is important to plan this cruise in advance as a lot of different factors come into play. You will need to consider the sailing schedule of the cruises within your own itinerary, as well as the cost. Nile cruises are not usually cheap, but the experience is worth it.

As I’ve been planning for my own travels, I’ve been learning a lot about the different Nile cruise options, and I wanted to share my discoveries with you today. Keep scrolling to read about the top Nile River cruises in Egypt to help you in choosing the perfect cruise for your trip!

1. MÖVENPICK ROYAL LILY CRUISE

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise hits the Nile every Friday for a three night sail from Aswan, and every Monday for a four night sail from Luxor. Combine the two for a weeklong sail down the Nile so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the boat’s many amenities and make this one of the top Nile river cruises you’ll ever take. Under the care of Swiss hospitality, you’ll enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodations, as well as so many options for public areas to meet fellow cruisers, enjoy the views, and relax. Don’t miss dinner and dancing each evening, as well as time by the pool or the chance to rest and renew in the sauna and massage rooms. Plus, in your private room, you’ll have tinted panoramic windows to enjoy the gorgeous views in privacy.

2. ALEXANDER THE GREAT NILE CRUISE

Departing from Luxor each Monday and Aswan each Friday, this luxurious Nile cruise is perfect if you want to engage in self-care and pamper yourself. Featuring so many different spa amenities, from mani pedis to saunas to a 24-hour health club, this cruise is the perfect way to rejuvenate. If you want some excitement, enjoy the nightclub and rooftop terrace. The meals are delicious, and there will be evening entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. The guided tours available of the bank of the Nile are also fascinating, and give an incredible glimpse into Egypt’s history. Plus, there is a shuttle available to and from the airport, so transportation to and from the cruise ship couldn’t be easier!

3. THE M/S ESMERALDA CRUISE

I am so in love with this cruise ship . Luxurious and stylish, it makes you feel like Egyptian royalty as you float down the Nile. Enjoy beautiful views as you lay out on the sun deck, or simply enjoy the beauty of the lavishly designed ship. You can also experience the best of both worlds when you eat in the stunning dining room with views of the Nile out your window. At night, there’s so much fun entertainment, from belly dancing to Tanoura, and Oriental and Heritage music to truly acclimate you to the culture of Egypt. As you cruise, you’ll see Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the unfinished Obelisk.

4. SONESTA STAR GODDESS CRUISES

Sail in the height of luxury on the Sonesta Star Goddess Cruise . Your private balcony will overlook stunning views of the Nile, and the cruise is happy to arrange daily tours along the Nile so that you can see all of the sights. The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises redefine the very essence of luxury on the mystical waters of the Nile. Imagine yourself gliding through the heart of Egypt, surrounded by opulence and enchantment. This cruise, adorned with elegant suites and staterooms, is the epitome of indulgence, offering unrivaled comfort and stunning views of the Nile’s timeless beauty. But it’s not just the lavish accommodations that set this cruise apart; it’s the curated experiences and expertly guided excursions that truly make it extraordinary. As you explore ancient temples, tombs, and archaeological wonders, knowledgeable Egyptologists breathe life into the stories of pharaohs and dynasties. The onboard dining experience is a gastronomic delight, with a fusion of international and Egyptian flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises are more than a journey; they’re a captivating immersion into the marvels of Egypt’s past and the lap of luxury, promising an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.

5. SONESTA MOON GODDESS CRUISE

If you’re ready for an experience that tops luxury for Nile river cruises, set sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise . This ship is elaborately stunning, designed for a beautiful aesthetic experience. I love the ship’s large outdoor space to lounge by the pool and get some sun as you enjoy the views of the Nile. Grab a refreshing cocktail on your way to the spa, and enjoy all of the amenities the ship has to offer. The food is delicious, and the staff is incredibly helpful, so you know that you are signing up for a comfortable and great experience.

6. MS CHATEAU LAFAYETTE NILE CRUISE

This cruise offers multiple different packages, from the Honeymoon package to the Sightseeing package, so you can tailor your cruise experience to your party’s specific desires. The breakfast buffet aboard the MS Chateau Lafayette is to die for, and the views will have you wishing you could stay longer no matter how many days you schedule your cruise for. Past guests rave about the cleanliness of the ship, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. I love going into a cruise knowing that the experience is going to be top notch, and I feel confident of that experience with the MS Chateau Lafayette.

7. OBEROI ZAHRA NILE CRUISE

The Oberoi Zahra cruise is one of my favorite because it is so stylish and modern. With sleekly designed spaces, your room will be comfortable and luxurious, helping you relax instantly. Enjoy international cuisine, outdoor dining, and stunning pools and hot tubs. This luxury Nile cruise offers stunning nights aboard the deck, where you can watch the sun set with the ones you love while enjoying a delicious meal or soaking in a hot tub after a day of exciting Egyptian excursions. You’ll never want your trip to end!

8. NILE GODDESS CRUISE

If you want to feel like you’re staying in a fabulous resort, the Nile Goddess cruise is definitely for you. From evening entertainment to the lounge to the stylish Sun Deck bar, you won’t be bored as you sail the Nile in style. The food is delicious, and there’s truly no better way to experience Egypt than aboard the Nile Goddess Cruise.

9. OBEROI PHILAE NILE CRUISE

The Oberoi Philae Nile cruise offers a breathtaking experience that you won’t forget. Explore thousands of years of Egyptian history as they guide you through the sights, then relax in the height of luxury with all of the amenities that the ship provides. Take part in holistic spa treatments including aromatherapy, Eastern, Western, and signature Oberoi massage while enjoying beautiful views of the Nile. Take a dip in the temperature-controlled pool, and partake in fine dining from a number of different cultures. You’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed in no time.

10. JAZ CROWN PRINCE NILE CRUISE

Enjoy clean and comfortable cabins aboard the Jaz Crown Prince , featuring flat screen TVs to relax after a long day. I would love to have evening tea on the sun deck, and am a huge fan of the cruise ship’s many entertainment offerings – from parties to belly dance shows! If you want to add on a sightseeing package, you’ll get to experience a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, the Botanical Garden, and the Abu Simbel Temple, just to mention a few. Take in the history of Egypt with this fantastic cruise!

11. NILE CARNIVAL CRUISE

The Nile Carnival Cruise is a rich and luxurious Egyptian cruise experience. Embarking on the Nile Carnival Cruise is like stepping into a vibrant, floating festival of culture, history, and luxury. This cruise takes you on a captivating journey along the majestic Nile River, where every moment is a celebration of Egypt’s rich heritage and modern comfort. The staterooms and suites on board are elegantly appointed, offering panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery. Dining experiences are a culinary delight, with an array of dishes that showcase the flavors of Egypt. What sets the Nile Carnival Cruise apart is its commitment to providing an immersive cultural experience. Expert guides lead excursions to ancient temples, tombs, and archaeological treasures, revealing the captivating stories of pharaohs and dynasties. On this cruise, travelers not only luxuriate in the present but also traverse the corridors of history, creating memories that last a lifetime. The Nile Carnival Cruise is a unique fusion of festivity and opulence, making it a remarkable way to explore the wonders of Egypt while indulging in the finest comforts.

12. MOVENPICK SS MISR STEAMER NILE CRUISE

This historic cruise will take you back in time to the elegant days of old. You’ll feel like you’re sailing in a luxurious old cruise liner as you surround yourself with velvet details, grand pianos, and history. After drinks, visit the Marasem Restaurant to enjoy gourmet dishes and “live the period” while surrounded by black and white pictures of the royal family. End the day feeling like royalty as you lay out by the pool with your favorite drink in hand and watch the sun set as you float down the Nile.

13. STEIGENBERGER LEGACY NILE CRUISE

Cruise in modern luxury aboard the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise . I love the bold colors and patterns of the decor, and am obsessed with the luxurious feel. The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise promises an unforgettable voyage through the timeless wonders of Egypt, with an abundance of luxury and historical marvels at every turn. As you embark on this elegant cruise, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of opulence and comfort. The cabins and suites on board are meticulously designed, offering guests a cozy retreat with breathtaking views of the Nile River. Dining is an exquisite experience, with a diverse menu showcasing both international and Egyptian flavors. What truly sets the Steigenberger Legacy apart is its carefully curated itinerary, ensuring that every traveler has the opportunity to explore ancient temples, tombs, and archaeological sites led by expert Egyptologists who bring the past to life with their knowledge and storytelling. This cruise is a fusion of past and present, offering an unparalleled way to experience the treasures of Egypt while relishing the contemporary comforts provided by the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise. It’s a journey that promises a rich tapestry of history, luxury, and adventure.

14. MOVENPICK MS SUNRAY NILE CRUISE

The effortless elegance of the Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise is a vibe that I couldn’t be more obsessed with. You’ll experience world-class service aboard the ship which features a swimming pool, a sundeck with recreational area and a selection of outlets. After a long day of sightseeing, relax in an air-conditioned cabin with a satellite LCD TV after enjoying a sunset view on the deck.

15. MS ESPLANADE NILE CRUISE

With an attentive and welcoming staff, the MS Esplanade is a premier way to cruise the Nile in style. Enjoy complimentary drinks and a complimentary fruit basket upon arrival, and care that goes above and beyond throughout your stay. Setting sail on the MS Esplanade Nile Cruise is an enchanting journey through Egypt’s historical tapestry, where modern luxury and ancient wonders harmoniously coexist. This cruise is synonymous with sophistication, offering guests a sanctuary of opulent cabins and suites adorned with panoramic views of the timeless Nile River. Dining on board is a culinary delight, with a diverse menu showcasing both international and Egyptian cuisine. What truly sets the MS Esplanade apart is its carefully curated itinerary, allowing travelers to explore the country’s remarkable heritage. Expert Egyptologists lead excursions to awe-inspiring temples, tombs, and archaeological sites, unveiling the secrets of pharaohs and dynasties. On this cruise, history comes to life, making it an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of Egypt while relishing the comforts of the present. The MS Esplanade Nile Cruise promises an unforgettable odyssey through time and luxury, making it a dream voyage for every adventurer.

16. VAYA LUXURY CRUISE

Start off your trip in Cairo before heading to Luxor and Aswan, seeing all of the sights along the way. See all of the beautifully preserved landmarks along the river, from Karnak to the Valley of the Kings. A journey with Vaya Adventures on a Nile Cruise is a captivating voyage through the cradle of civilization, where history and luxury seamlessly merge. As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Nile, you’ll be transported back in time to the era of pharaohs and dynasties. Vaya Adventures ensures that every moment aboard their cruise is a testament to comfort and sophistication. From elegantly appointed cabins with panoramic views of the river to gourmet dining that tantalizes the taste buds with Egyptian flavors, every aspect of this experience is designed to pamper and delight. And when you’re not basking in the lap of luxury, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt, with expert guides unveiling the mysteries of temples, tombs, and monuments that have stood the test of time. A Vaya Adventures Nile Cruise is not just a vacation; it’s an immersion into the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of unforgettable memories.

17. Historia Luxury Nile Cruise

One of the most luxurious and comfortable Nile river cruises is the Historia Luxury Nile Cruise. Embarking on the Historia Luxury Nile Cruise is like embarking on a voyage through time itself. This elegant cruise transports you along the storied waters of the Nile River, offering a luxurious blend of modern comfort and timeless history. The staterooms and suites aboard Historia are exquisitely designed, providing guests with a haven of relaxation after days filled with exploration. Dining on board is a culinary journey, with gourmet dishes that reflect the rich flavors of Egypt. As you sail, you’ll have the chance to explore ancient temples, tombs, and archaeological wonders with knowledgeable guides who breathe life into the tales of pharaohs and dynasties. Every moment spent on the Historia Luxury Nile Cruise is an immersion in opulence and heritage, making it a truly unforgettable way to experience the treasures of Egypt’s past while relishing the present-day comforts of this extraordinary cruise.

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This nile river cruise is the most luxurious way to experience egypt.

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The Oberoi Zahra Luxury Nile Cruiser

The Nile River has long been one of the most mysterious, glamorous, and legendary destinations in the world. It has attracted well-heeled travelers and adventurers for centuries, well after the Pharaohs roamed. In 1933, writer Agatha Christie immediately put the Nile River on everyone’s bucket list when she sailed from Cairo to Aswan. Her experiences were documented in one of her most well-known novels Death on the Nile .

The world's longest river, which travels through 11 African countries before ending in the Mediterranean, is a popular destination for cruise enthusiasts. Most Nile cruises are located in the area surrounding the most historic and impressive ruins and archaeological treasures, including the Valley of the Kings in Luxor while ending the adventure in Aswan.

As a dedicated fan of Oberoi Hotels, I was thrilled to experience their legendary luxury cruise on the Nile. The Oberoi Zahra offers up some of the most dramatic stops, including my favorite, the temple of Edfu and the thrilling Valley of Kings and Queens.

Swimming pool deck on board Oberoi Zahra

It was hot during my visit, very hot, almost 117 degrees, but the temples were remarkable to visit, and the tombs were equally exciting, so the desert heat was the least important thing on our minds. It does take some time to get used to the slow pace on a river cruise as you glide along extremely lush palm-tree-lined riverbanks, passing by small villages with swimming children shouting hello, while visions of dramatic temples glimmer in the distance.

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Living area of luxury suite aboard Oberoi Zahra

The perfect itinerary is the four-day trip from Luxor, and Oberoi Zahra offers up an intimate 27 modern, comfortable cabins, all muted in soft, warm colors. There are two luxury suites, which are quite large and have their own private terrace and jacuzzi. Cabins feel spacious with large picture windows, king-size beds, and relaxed sitting areas. Bathrooms in the suites are showstoppers with large soaking tubs and glass rain showers with picture windows overlooking the river.

Poolside dining on the Oberoi Zahra

When you get back to the ship following your daily excursions, the staff provides the utmost attention to your every need. Meals are a casual affair, while cocktail service is always available. The housekeeping team at The Oberoi Zahra skillfully created beautiful towel art as a welcome treat when you return to your cabin.

Bathroom in Luxury Suite

The first deck level is where all meals take place, with windows splashing against the river current. There was a predominant focus on Indian cuisine on my cruise, although you could select from a variety of American-style dishes as needed. Wine and cocktails are not included and charged separately, and we indulged in the wonderful Egyptian wines available. Early evenings are spent in the Tea Club Lounge or the lobby bar, where you can gather with your fellow passengers to share experiences from the outings.

Spa on Oberoi Zahra

But, alas, it is really the excursions that are the driving force of river cruises. We first visited Karnak Temple in Luxor on day one, a huge site with over 200 magnificent structures dating back from around 2055 BC. We then headed off to the Luxor temple complex, the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt. Our knowledgeable Oberoi curated guide and Egyptologist, Yasser Mohamed Aly, provided colorful commentary on the history of the area and the dramatic entanglements of the Pharaohs.

Gym on Oberoi Zahra

On day two, we explored the West Bank with the stunning Valley of Kings, which seems perfectly fit for an action-adventure movie. Before entering the Valley, the Colossi of Memnon features two enormous 60-foot seated statues singing to the sunrise. The Valley of Kings is the site of 63 tombs that were built between the 11th and 16th centuries. We were thrilled to be able to go deep into the stone mountains to see the tomb of King Tutankhamun and his very small, blackened, and mostly intact mummy on display.

One of my favorite sites was the massive Temple of Hatshepsut. A masterpiece of architectural marvel designed honoring the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Facing Karnak from across the river Nile, she built this mortuary temple against the severe sandstone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. The enormous Osiride statues of Hatshepsut line the wall of the upper terrace.

Amazing crew on Oberoi Zahra (R to L) Aapuna, Saady, Walid, Khalaf, Islam, Mahmoud, Masoad, Hani, ... [+] Abou Elfadi, Urmita, Hazem, and Mamdouh

We set sail to Esna that evening, a mostly unremarkable docking destination but conveniently located to our morning sail to Edfu. Edfu is a historical town famous for the sandstone Temple of Horus, which was built between 237 BC and 57 BC. Of all the temple ruins in Egypt, this is the best preserved, with beautiful inscriptions on the temple walls that provide important information on language, myth, and religion in ancient Egypt. The temple was one of my favorite experiences on the trip.

During the evening, we visited the Temple of Kom Ombo, with duplicate courts, halls, and rooms for two sets of gods. The southern end of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, and the northern end to the falcon god Horus.

Edfu Temple (L) and Valley of the Kings tomb (R)

On our final day, we set sail for the ancient Nubian city of Aswan. We visited the High Dam and a small boat ride to the tourist-packed Philae Temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis. The temple was relocated to the nearby island and took over nine years to complete as, remarkably, every stone block of the temple complex was individually labeled, dismantled, and reassembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

Edfu Temple

This was the last night of the journey, so I made sure to visit the famed colonial-era Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie spent time in 1937 writing her famed novel. Built in 1886 by Thomas Cook, its notable guests include major celebrities, royalty, and politicians. That evening aboard the boat, the crew surprised us with a performance by Nubian villagers who impressed us with their traditional music and dancing, including the famed Whirling Dervish dance. A perfect way to top off one of the most remarkable adventures and week exploring Egypt with the wonderful crew onboard the Oberoi Zahra.

Valley of the Kings

Edfu Temple (L) and Aswan at sunrise (R)

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Nile Cruises in June 2024

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230 nile river cruises in june 2024 with 6,609 reviews.

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Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Intra-Flights Included

We are happy with the tour.

Egypt Nile Jewel

Small improvements to itinerary can be made as we had some free time some days and some days were very rushed so that can be balanced. Overall it was an amazing experience to visit Egypt

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best Of Egypt - 5* Cruise

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9 Days Nile Jewel (Cairo, Cruise, Hurghada) Superior hotels

The places we stayed were nice, with comfy beds and quiet rooms. If you're traveling with a student, bringing their student card can get you half-price entrance fees – a handy tip. The rides were clean, and we felt safe with the drivers. The only tough part was getting up early often. Also, for the flight to Aswan, going at 9 instead of 6 would have been better. The guides were great and made the trip enjoyable.

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

Well recommended.. From the pick up at the airport to the drop off 9 days later everything went as planned. We visited some amazing places. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I strongly recommend you buying a few extra days and then you can do some of the optional tours. A once in a live time experience that I will never forget 😁😁🙏😎

• In-depth Cultural

Best of Egypt

One of the best trips I’ve taken in a while! Basic accommodation; focused On the fun, food, and sights to see! Itinerary was amazing. The day on the felucca was so amazing. Would highly recommend!

4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor

I really enjoyed the tour. Especially our guide, Hassan, was very kind and let us know about Egyptian history well. Thank you.

Egypt Adventure

The itinerary is great and covers a lot of ground. The restaurant or cafes selected for food were fine and no problems with hygiene. Ahmed is an excellent tour guide. The old concern is the accomodation was ordinary. Even though we were on Original class it wasn’t some hotels are poor. If that will be an issue got the Comfort class.

• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

I liked Mo a lot, and his talks at the sites and on the bus were both interesting and balanced in content and in length. I know that a lot of tourists don't really care for any in-depth discussion of what they are seeing, but Mo was able to answer many of my harder questions with good educated answers. Likewise, he was very efficient in his use of time on the bus and at the sites. I felt that the trip was well constructed and managed, and I rarely had to clarify about our arrangements. He did a good job of telling us ahead of time what to expect. Perhaps one of the most crucial arrangements that Mo managed was the seamless embarkation/disembarkation of the sleeper trains in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. There is a LOT going on with that, and I was impressed how he managed to keep all 30+ of us on-target in a busy and chaotic environment. No bags or people were lost! Another case that sticks out is his handling of the myriad of different tour packages, transfers, and hotel arrangements that occurred. I understand that this is all “part of the job”, but I nevertheless think it is a very important part of what makes a good tour guide. Mo handled this very nicely. Yes, I would travel with Mo again, and that's the substance of a good review I think! Thaddeus

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight

Really well organised tour. Anas was an exceptional and knowledgeable guide.

12 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada

We very much enjoyed our Trip to Egypt made all the better for the fabulous staff we met along the way. Especially John, who met us at the Train Station in Cairo and took us to the Hotel. The next person we met was Maged who was our guide to the Pyramids and various other sites. Maged's knowledge was amazing and he was very comprehensive with his information on the Ancient sites and was very helpful when it came to helping us with language and also bargaining for purchases. But our most favourite guide was Mansour, he was beyond words, so accomodating and helpful, very knowledgeable and present at all times during our Nile Cruise. Especially when my niece was ill he treated her as if she were his own daughter accompanying her and me to the hospital and making sure that everything was looked after and the care he showed was amazing. We will be eternally grateful to him and the other staff who made our stay so enjoyable. I will definitely be promoting your company and your staff to my family and friends as the company to travel with in Egypt. Thank you fro the bottom of our hearts for making our trip to Egypt so very very memorable.

River Nile Dream - 4 Days from Luxor to Aswan ( 5 Stars Nile Cruise & Sightseeing )

I’m going to make this review as detailed as possible so the people Reading know exactly what they are getting. To start off with I’d say we would give this 4.5/5 stars as we overall had a great experience on this cruise and with the travel company. I was not aware before but they are actually two separate things. Egypt Best Holidays organise all of the transport, guides, cruises etc. but they don’t actually control the cruise. This did confuse us at first but we understood after speaking to Khaled what was going on. The boat we stayed on was called the King of Thebes. The staff were absolutely amazing on this boat and couldn’t have asked for anymore. My Dad was feeling unwell for a day and they were so considerate and accommodating to us. The food was very nice with a wide selection each day. The rooms were also very clean and a great size. Only problem on the boat was that WiFi was very unpredictable. Sometime sit worked well other times or wouldn’t work for hours. The actual tours themselves were all amazing. At each stop, we had a different guide. In Luxor we had Sayed take us around the East and West Bank. He was a very knowledgeable, fun and kind guide and we really enjoyed the time we spent with him. In Edfu we had Sami, who was a local guide to Edfu so he knew all the people to know. This was great as it made you feel very safe with him. Next we had Naser in Kom Ombo. He was hilarious and got straight to the point with explaining the temple and the Crocodile Museum. Finally, we had Mina in Aswan. He spoke very clearly and was great at giving detailed explanations of the sites. He was also very kind to organise travel from Aswan to Hurgada which was very kind. The only issue we had with the guides was clarity on what we were meant to be doing before hand. This is partly due to the fact that I feel the website could explain a bit better what the plan is exactly but I know that when I messaged Khaled, the main man, he would be clear and let us know what we were doing. We also did the Hot Air Balloon and Abu Simbel Temples as extras. For both you are picked up at around 4am which was difficult but they are both musts. The hot air balloon was fantastic and that’s coming from someone with quite a bad fear of heights. Abu Simbel temples are about 3 and 1/2 hours mini-van drive away but is also a definite. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this tour if you are going to Egypt and you want to see as much as you can in four days. I will say that it’s more for the adventurous types of people than those that want a 5 star, relax cruise experience though.

Enchanting Egypt Tours - Internal Flights Included

Astonishing, glorious sites! The whole tour was professionally arranged. The archaeological sites were carefully planned. Each tour guide, experts all, were brilliant, patient and full of passion. We covered a whole lot of territory which made the schedule rather intense but well worth the lack of sleep. I highly recommend the additional excursions such as the hot air balloon ride, Abu Simbel, the visit to the Nubian Village and a day trip to Alexandria. I was very grateful that during the Nile Cruise portion of my trip, my guide was Mahmoud Noby, who communicated regularly about the schedule and took very special care of me. He even arranged a SIM card, as WiFi onboard Le Sarah is expensive and unreliable. Le Sarah is older and a wee bit shabby but still quite perfect for its purpose of cruising the mighty Nile. There were some issues, albeit minor, that are just part of touring. Everywhere in Egypt, people smoke; wine is impossible to find at restaurants and in the hotel and vain tourists take pouty selfies in front of every hieroglyph. My advice is just go with the flow because everything I saw is awe-inspiring. I am so grateful that I got to experience Egypt with "Beyond the Nile" tours.

Nile Adventure - Felucca cruise

Growing up, I've never wanted to visit any country more than I wanted to visit Egypt and so I booked this tour. I was focused on seeing the sights but boy oh boy, did i get more than what I bargained for with Meena M as my tour guide. I think I got the premium package! The tour itself was well organized and Meena was THE perfect tour guide. Sharing himself and his wealth of knowledge in such a way that completely engaged the group. From the history of Egypt, to the group pics with the crazy faces, to dealing with our antics (his patience) and everything else in between. Meena did not miss a beat! Timeless Tours and Meena get 5 stars from me! This tour was an experience of a lifetime!

Egypt Nile Adventure

Absolutely fabulous trip in all respects. Great schedule, saw some fantastic sights . Mina was an excellent guide and went above and beyond. Thank you.

What people love about Nile River Cruises in June

The tour was fantastic! A lot of early morning starts, however it meant we were able to see all the sights we wanted to, maximising our time! The guides were all so knowledgeable and friendly. The accomodation and food was great, however the cruise boat was a bit loud when sailing at night. Highlights were the hot air balloon, Abu Simbel and Karnak temple.

The itinerary for the trip was jam-packed and we like it that way! We thought it was very good value for money. All the sites that were included were amazing and we loved all the additional add-ons. Our tour guide George was wonderful in providing everything we could have possibly ever needed. He was knowledgeable kind friendly and we felt safe the whole time. Although we disliked waking up at 4:00 in the morning to leave sometimes we appreciated the overall organization of the tour. It meant that we got to see the sites when it wasn't too busy. We loved the sense of adventure trying new food meeting the locals and exploring the culture of Egypt. We would definitely recommend this tour to other people looking for an adventure in Egypt!

This trip was AMAZING!! It exceeded my expectations and was everything I could have asked for. What truly made it special was our guide, Ray! He was so knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. If we needed to get in contact with him, he was always reachable. The overall organization of the trip was very good. I liked how we started in Cairo, traveled down to Aswan and then made our way slowly back to Cairo. It was a lot of traveling and the first few days were a lot but it was totally worth it! My favorite part of the trip was The Valley of the Kings. We were there for a little over 2 hours and I feel like I could have been there for days. It was just so beautiful! I can confidentially say I saw the Best of Egypt! Overall I would recommend this tour & trip to anyone! HUGE shoutout to Ray for everything -- If you are looking to take this tour you should see if he can be your guide!

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The Best Nile River Cruises – Tips And Advice For Travelers

The best Nile River cruises in Egypt are the ones that take passengers to visit and explore all the very best sites and attractions located along the length of the Nile River Valley in Upper Egypt. Continue reading to find out some great tips and advice for choosing the ideal Nile cruise vacation.

Design Your Custom Tour

What Do You Want to See?

Modern Egypt is a fascinating place where travelers can find an amazing variety of activities and countless historical sites throughout the entire country. For example, scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts will find an area they’ll call paradise when they head to the “Red Sea Riviera” along the eastern coast.

For others, there are Sahara desert adventure tours or spiritual Egypt tours. Whatever your tastes are, we have high quality Egypt tour packages and Nile cruise holiday packages that can turn any holiday dream into a reality.

Many people who are interested in discovering the wonders of Ancient Egypt also often choose a Nile River cruise as part of their travels, and the best Nile River cruises make a point of stopping at several of the most famous locations in the country.

Most Popular: Nile Cruise Holidays

Routes of the Best Nile River Cruises

The best Nile River cruises will still include nearly all of the major historical attractions located in the Nile River Valley between Cairo (limited), Luxor , and Aswan, and most Nile cruise vacations also include tours of both Luxor and Aswan.

• Nile Cruises from Cairo To Luxor and Aswan
• Nile Cruises from Luxor to Aswan
• Nile Cruises from Aswan to Luxor

What to See and Do

What can a visitor expect to see during a Nile River cruise? Apart from the villages and people that live along the shores of the famous river, there will also be a wide range of legendary Egypt attractions.

For example, if you cruise begins in Aswan, the first attractions you will typically be taken to are the spectacular Philae temple, the unfinished obelisk and the Aswan High Dam.

Depending on what tour package you choose, you might even be taken on a tour to the famous Abu Simbel temples constructed during the reign of Ramesses the Great. Abu Simbel temples are one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt, and a trip to the site is highly recommended.

Once your cruise reaches Luxor, the historical sites are spread across both shores of the river, and visitors typically get to see the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, as well as Deir el Bahri. Heading to the eastern side of the river a visitor will be able to enjoy the temple complexes of Luxor and Karnak, both of which were part of Thebes, the ancient capital city of Upper Egypt. The biggest tourist magnet in Luxor can be found in the Valley of the Kings: the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Explore: Nile River Tourist Attractions

Know Before You Go

In order to determine what are the best Nile River cruises for you, you need to have a clear idea as to what your budget and also your time constraints. For instance, a 4-5 day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is ideal for someone with who intends spending seven to ten days in the country, while a lengthier and more detailed cruise is a great choice for someone with more than a single week to spare in Egypt.

Nile Cruise Itineraries:   4 Days • 5 Days • 6 Days • 7 Days •  8 Days

In addition to varied schedules and itineraries, good Nile cruises will offer a diversity of interesting options, including all inclusive arrangements and even expert lecturers or special guests.

The Best Nile Cruise Holidays

All our Nile cruise holidays are private and fully customizable . You can have your Nile cruise your way when you travel to Egypt with us. Alternatively, you can design you very own tour itinerary by taking advantage of our custom Egypt tours .

Design Your Custom Egypt Tour

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Home > River Nile Cruises All Inclusive

River Nile Cruises All Inclusive

River nile cruises all inclusive: discover the marvels along the river nile.

Our River Nile Cruises All Inclusive takes you on a journey that will transport you back to the glorious era of the pharaohs. Our All Inclusive Nile Cruises offer a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Let us take you on a captivating trip as we sail along the Nile, visiting iconic destinations and unveiling the treasures of ancient Egypt. Read More

Egypt Planners, your trusted travel partner, is here to guide you on an all-inclusive River Nile cruise adventure. With our expertise and passion for delivering exceptional experiences, we’ll ensure your trip is filled with remarkable moments and cherished memories. At Egypt Planners, we pride ourselves on our deep knowledge and expertise in crafting extraordinary journeys throughout Egypt. 

With years of experience in the travel industry, our team of seasoned professionals ensures that every aspect of your trip is meticulously planned and executed perfectly. As passionate travelers, we understand the needs and desires of explorers like you, and we’re committed to providing an enriching and seamless travel experience.

Highlights of  River Nile Cruises All Inclusive:

• Luxor: Start your adventure in the open-air museum of Luxor, where you’ll witness the grandeur of Karnak Temple and the enchanting Valley of the Kings . Marvel at the colossal statues of the Memnon Colossi and immerse yourself in the rich history and mythology of the ancient Egyptians.
• Aswan: Continue your journey to Aswan, a serene and picturesque city. Explore the iconic Philae Temple , dedicated to the goddess Isis, and witness the engineering marvel of the High Dam. Take the chance to sail on a traditional felucca boat and experience the tranquil beauty of the Nile.
• Kom Ombo and Edfu: Discover the well-preserved temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu , dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus, respectively. These architectural wonders offer a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s religious beliefs and practices.

We understand that every traveler has unique interests and preferences. That’s why we offer a range of itineraries, allowing you to customize your Egypt Nile cruise experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture lover, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you throughout the journey, providing insightful commentary and meeting your needs.

In addition to the captivating Nile cruise, we offer a variety of special activities and experiences in Egypt to enhance your journey. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, taste authentic Egyptian cuisine , and engage in traditional Nubian music and dance. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.

At Egypt Planners, your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We have built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional travel experiences, and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering. But don’t just take our word for it – hear from our delighted customers who have experienced the magic of Egypt with us. Their testimonials speak volumes about the level of service and attention to detail we provide.

Book Your All-Inclusive Nile River Cruise Package Today!

Are you ready to embark on a remarkable journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt? Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the fascinating history, immerse yourself in vibrant culture, and create lifelong memories. Book your all-inclusive Egypt vacation package today and let Egypt Planners take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and extraordinary travel experience. Start your adventure now and discover the treasures of the River Nile !

Luxury River Nile Cruises All Inclusive

Indulge in the perfect blend of opulence and cultural exploration on our All Inclusive Luxury River Nile cruises. From luxurious cabins and gourmet dining to expert-guided tours of iconic landmarks, every trip aspect is meticulously crafted to exceed your expectations.

Acamar Nile Cruise

Farah Nile Cruise

Historia Nile Cruise

Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise

Mayflower Nile Cruise

Movenpick Ms Hamees

Movenpick MS Sun Ray

Movenpick Royal Lily

Movenpick Royal Lotus

MS Alexander The Great Nile Cruise

MS Amwaj Living Stone

MS Esplanade Nile Cruise

MS Jaz Senator Nile Cruise

MS Le Fayan Nile cruise

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

MS Tosca Nile Cruise

Nebu Nile Cruise

Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

Sanctuary Sun Boat III Cruise

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Sonesta Moon Goddess

Sonesta St. George I

Sonesta Star Goddess

Sonesta Sun Goddess

What our customers are saying about us.

My trip to egypt was nothing short of extraordinary, and I am truly grateful for your service and attention to detail you provided. When I arrived in Egypt, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality. The transfers from the airport were smooth and efficient, and I was immediately whisked away to my accommodations. 

I had the most incredible experience with Egypt Planners on my recent trip to Giza Pyramids. The tour was very organized, and our guide Sara, was amazing. From start to finish, they exceeded my expectations. Our driver Ahmed was very professional and kind. I can’t recommend Egypt Planners enough for an unforgettable…..

I recently enjoyed taking a half-day Giza Pyramids tour with Egypt Planners, and I cannot recommend it more highly. Our tour guide, Sarah, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the pyramids and Egyptian history. He made the tour informative and enjoyable, and he was always happy to answer our questions.

Our experience with Ahmed and the Egypt Planners was amazing! Ahmed was so attentive, friendly, helpful and kind. Everything we needed and anywhere we wanted to go, Ahmed took care of us and made sure we went around Cairo and all the major sightseeings passing through the best and more scenic routes…

As a solo female traveler, my top priorities are safety and a memorable experience. Egypt Planners delivered both flawlessly on my recent Giza Pyramids tour. Sarah was a knowledgeable guide, and funny and seamless organization made it a 5-star adventure I’ll cherish forever. Highly recommended!

We recently took a half-day tour of the Giza Pyramids with our family and had a wonderful time. Our tour guide, Ahmed, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Egyptian history. He took us to all the major sites, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. He also told us many interesting stories…

Our Travel Inspiration Blog

Discover sightseeing tips, travel guides, and the local culture of Egypt.

3 Night Nile Cruise: Sailing Adventure from Aswan to Luxor

4 Night Nile Cruise: Sailing from Luxor to Aswan

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Discover special all inclusive egypt packages.

Make sure to check out our all-inclusive Egypt vacation packages that include Nile Cruise Holidays & Stay in Cairo.

Don’t miss any thing with our tailor made trips.

Create your vacation to Egypt with the help of our tour specialists & get a special discount.

Things to know about River Nile Cruises All Inclusive

What is the best month for a nile cruise.

The best time for a Nile cruise depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your journey. However, many travelers find that the optimal months for a Nile cruise are between October and April. During this period, the weather is generally mild, and the temperatures are more comfortable for exploring both on and off the boat. You can expect pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, the Nile’s water levels are typically higher during these months, ensuring smooth sailing and access to a wider range of destinations along the river. These months are also a great time for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the Nile Delta.

What is the average cost of a Nile River cruise?

The cost of a Nile River cruise can vary significantly based on several factors. The standard price range for a mid-range cruise can be approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per person for a 4-7 day cruise. Luxury cruises can cost significantly more, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or even higher per person. The price depends on factors such as the cruise duration, the type of cabin or suite you choose, the cruise line, the time of year, and the level of luxury you desire. It’s worth noting that some cruises may include excursions, while others may charge extra for them. Additionally, be prepared for additional expenses for tips and alcoholic beverages. However, the memories and experiences you gain from a Nile cruise are usually considered well worth the investment.

Is a Nile cruise worth it?

Absolutely, a Nile cruise is undoubtedly worth the experience. It’s a unique and fascinating way to explore one of the world’s most historically significant and culturally rich regions. You’ll get to witness ancient temples, archaeological sites, and modern Egyptian life all from the comfort of a cruise ship. The convenience of unpacking only once while visiting multiple historical sites along the river is unparalleled. The Nile River has been the lifeblood of Egypt for centuries, and its banks are dotted with numerous historical wonders, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings. Moreover, the luxury and service on many Nile cruises are exceptional. While it can be a significant financial investment, the memories and knowledge gained are priceless.

Are drinks expensive on a Nile cruise?

Drinks on a Nile cruise can vary in cost depending on the cruise line and the level of luxury you choose. In general, drinks can be relatively expensive, particularly when compared to prices in local establishments. The prices for alcoholic beverages like cocktails, wine, and beer on a Nile cruise may be comparable to those in upscale restaurants or hotels. Non-alcoholic drinks like water, soda, and juices are more reasonably priced. To save on costs, some travelers opt for all-inclusive packages that cover drinks or purchase drink packages at the beginning of the cruise. It’s essential to review the beverage pricing structure and options offered by your chosen cruise to budget accordingly.

Why are Nile Cruises so expensive?

Nile cruises often come with a higher price tag due to several factors. Firstly, maintaining and operating cruise ships on the Nile requires considerable investment in maintenance, crew salaries, and amenities. Additionally, the historical and cultural significance of the destinations along the Nile River adds to the cost. Visiting ancient temples and archaeological sites often involves fees contributing to the overall expense. Luxury cruises, in particular, provide top-notch service, gourmet dining, and a range of amenities, which naturally come at a higher cost. Moreover, the exclusivity and unique experiences Nile Cruises offers, such as personalized guided tours and the opportunity to witness iconic sights, contribute to the higher prices. While Nile cruises can be expensive, they offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore ancient Egypt in comfort and style.

Is food included on a Nile cruise?

Food options on a Nile cruise can vary depending on the cruise line and package you choose. Many Nile cruises offer full board, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of the package. These meals are often served buffet-style or à la carte, depending on the cruise. The quality and variety of the cuisine can vary, but luxury cruises generally provide gourmet dining experiences, while mid-range options offer good-quality meals. Some cruise lines also offer special themed dinners and local cuisine to enhance your culinary experience. Snacks and light refreshments may be available between meals, but you should check with your chosen cruise line to understand the specifics of their meal offerings.

Do you see pyramids on a Nile cruise?

A Nile cruise typically does not take you directly to the pyramids at Giza, as these iconic landmarks are located near Cairo, which is quite a distance from the main cruise route along the Nile. However, many cruise itineraries do include pre- or post-cruise options to visit the pyramids and other attractions in Cairo. These side trips typically involve a flight or a long bus ride to reach the Giza Plateau. Nevertheless, the journey itself along the Nile offers incredible views of the Egyptian countryside, ancient temples, and unique cultural experiences. If seeing the pyramids is a priority, it’s worth considering a Nile cruise package that includes this excursion or extending your stay in Egypt to explore them separately.

How many days do you need on a Nile cruise?

The ideal duration for a Nile cruise can vary depending on your interests and the specific sites you want to explore. A standard Nile cruise typically ranges from 3 to 7 days, with the most common duration being around 7 days. This provides a good balance of time to visit major historical sites such as Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings while also allowing for relaxation and enjoying the amenities on board. A 7-day cruise usually covers the main highlights, but if you have specific places you want to visit or prefer a shorter or longer cruise, options are available to suit your preferences. A 3-4 day cruise is a quick introduction to the Nile’s wonders, while longer cruises give you more in-depth exploration and relaxation time.

Where is the best place to start a cruise on the Nile?

The two most common embarkation points for Nile cruises are Luxor and Aswan. The choice of where to start your cruise depends on your itinerary and the sites you want to explore. Luxor, often called the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” is a fantastic place to start your cruise. It allows you to explore iconic sites like the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Aswan is another popular starting point, known for its serene beauty and places like the Philae Temple and the High Dam. Some travelers start in Aswan and sail north to Luxor, while others opt for the reverse route. The choice largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific itinerary offered by the cruise line. Luxor and Aswan have airports with good connections to other parts of Egypt, making it convenient to begin your Nile adventure from either location.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.