- DurationApprox. 3.5–4 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsEvening pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel
- PriceFrom $45 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
A Nile dinner cruise in Cairo is an easy, sociable way to spend an evening on the river. You board a large restaurant boat in the city centre, find your table and sail slowly along the Nile for about two hours while a buffet dinner is served and the city lights slide past the windows. Between courses, the floor show begins with live oriental music.
The entertainment usually includes a Tanoura dancer, spinning in a wide coloured skirt, and a belly dancer, followed by music that often gets guests up to dance. It is lively rather than formal, and children enjoy it too. A private driver collects you from your hotel and brings you back afterwards, so you only need to turn up hungry. Upper-deck viewing is possible on most boats.
Highlights
- About two hours sailing on the Nile through central Cairo
- Open buffet of Egyptian and international dishes
- Live oriental music, belly dancer and Tanoura whirling dance
- Views of the lit-up bridges, Cairo Tower and riverside hotels
- Private air-conditioned transfer from your hotel
- Relaxed evening that suits couples, families and groups
Itinerary
19:00 – Hotel pickup
Your driver collects you from your hotel in Cairo or Giza in a private air-conditioned car or van. The drive to the boarding point on the corniche takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on where you are staying and the evening traffic. Your driver walks you to the boat and hands you over to the cruise staff.
19:45 – Boarding
Board the boat and take your reserved table in the main dining room. Staff can usually seat couples near the windows if you ask early. Drinks are ordered from the bar and paid on board. The boat leaves the dock at around 20:00, though exact times vary slightly by boat and season.
20:00 – Buffet dinner on the Nile
As the boat sails upstream past Zamalek, Garden City and the lit bridges, the open buffet opens. Expect salads, mezze such as tahini and baba ghanoush, rice, pasta, grilled chicken and meat, vegetable dishes and Egyptian desserts. Vegetarians will find plenty to eat; tell us about allergies in advance.
Meals: Dinner
20:45 – Live show
The show starts with oriental music, followed by a Tanoura dancer spinning for several minutes in a swirl of coloured skirts, and then a belly dance performance. The atmosphere is cheerful and guests are often invited to join in. Step out onto the deck between acts for photos of the city at night.
22:00 – Return to your hotel
The boat returns to the dock about two hours after departure. Your driver is waiting near the gangway to take you back to your hotel, where you usually arrive between 22:30 and 23:00. If you prefer to stay out, the driver can drop you elsewhere in central Cairo.
Good to know: Boats, show line-ups and departure times vary slightly by evening; we confirm your boat and boarding time the day before.
What’s Included
Included
- Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Dinner cruise of about two hours
- Open buffet dinner
- Live oriental music, Tanoura show and belly dance
Not included
- Drinks (soft drinks, juices, water and alcohol are sold on board)
- Upper-deck or window table guarantees
- Tips for the waiters and driver
- Personal expenses
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $75 |
| 2 travellers | $55 |
| 3–5 travellers | $49 |
| 6+ travellers | $45 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is served?
An open buffet with Egyptian and international dishes: salads and mezze, rice and pasta, grilled chicken and meat, cooked vegetables and a dessert table. Vegetarian guests have plenty of choice. If you have allergies or need a special meal, tell us when booking and we will pass it on to the boat.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks are ordered from the waiters and paid on board, usually in Egyptian pounds or by card. Water and soft drinks are reasonably priced. Some boats serve alcohol, others do not, so let us know if this matters and we will book a suitable boat.
What should I wear?
Smart casual clothing is ideal; there is no strict dress code. The dining room is air-conditioned, and the deck can be breezy in winter, so bring a light jacket. Comfortable shoes are useful if you want to join the dancing at the end of the show.
Is it suitable for children and families?
Yes. Families are very welcome, and children usually love the Tanoura dancer’s spinning skirts. The belly dance is a traditional stage performance. Children under 6 travel free and children aged 6 to 11 pay half price; we will let you know if the boat charges a separate child rate.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
