- Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
- Tour typeCruise
- StartsPickup from Luxor airport, station or hotel
- PriceFrom $1,350 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
An ultra deluxe Nile cruise is the most comfortable way to travel between Luxor and Aswan. These ships carry far fewer passengers than most, so public areas feel calm and uncrowded, and cabins are noticeably larger, many with a private balcony or floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the river. Waking up to the Nile sliding past your bed is one of the great pleasures of an Egypt trip.
Dining is a real highlight, with à la carte menus, fresh Egyptian dishes alongside international cooking, and a good choice of wines available on board. Ships typically offer a spa, a heated pool on the sun deck, a library or lounge and a high staff-to-guest ratio. The four-night route sails against the current, which gives you generous time on deck between visits.
Unlike most cruise packages, where you share a guide with other passengers, you have your own private Egyptologist for every excursion. That lets you set the pace, ask as many questions as you like and spend longer where it interests you. Cruise sailing times are set by river authorities and lock queues, so the order of visits may occasionally change.
Highlights
- Four nights on an ultra deluxe 5★ ship with large cabins and balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows
- Fewer passengers, refined à la carte dining and attentive service
- Private Egyptologist guide for your party at every site
- Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple
- Edfu, Kom Ombo and a leisurely afternoon through the Esna lock
- Philae Temple and a private felucca sail in Aswan
Itinerary
Day 1 – Luxor: Embark, Karnak & Luxor Temple
Your private driver collects you from Luxor airport, train station or hotel and takes you to the ship, where you are welcomed with a cold drink and shown to your cabin. After lunch, your private Egyptologist guides you around Karnak Temple, from the giant pylons to the Hypostyle Hall and sacred lake. As the sun sets, walk part of the Avenue of Sphinxes to Luxor Temple. Dinner and overnight on board.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – West Bank & Sailing South
A sunrise balloon flight can be added, weather permitting. After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, entering three royal tombs, followed by the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return for lunch as the ship begins its journey south. Relax on your balcony or by the pool through the afternoon as the ship passes through the Esna lock, then enjoy dinner as you sail on towards Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo
After breakfast, ride by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most complete temple of ancient Egypt, where your guide explains the reliefs showing the battle between Horus and Seth. Return on board and sail to Kom Ombo, visiting its riverside double temple at golden hour, along with the small Crocodile Museum next door. Continue to Aswan overnight, with time for a drink in the lounge after dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Aswan: Philae, Unfinished Obelisk & Private Felucca
If you would like to see Abu Simbel, it can be added this morning by road or, on some days, by air. Otherwise, visit the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple, the graceful temple of Isis on its island. In the late afternoon, board a private felucca for a gentle sail around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands. The final evening on board often includes a farewell dinner. Overnight in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Disembark in Aswan
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board before checking out in the morning. Your private driver transfers you to Aswan airport, the train station or your hotel. If you would like to spend more time in Aswan, we can arrange a night or two at a riverside hotel, a visit to the Nubian Museum or an afternoon at a Nubian village on the west bank, all at extra cost.
Meals: Breakfast
Good to know: Sailing and docking times are set by the river authorities and queues at the Esna lock, so the order of visits can change at short notice. Every visit listed is still included.
What’s Included
Included
- 4 nights in an ultra deluxe 5★ Nile cruise ship cabin with balcony or panoramic window
- Full board on board, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 5
- Afternoon tea on board
- Private Egyptologist guide for your party at all sites
- Entry fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Private felucca sail in Aswan
- Horse-drawn carriage at Edfu and motorboat to Philae
- Private air-conditioned transfers in Luxor and Aswan
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Drinks on board
- Tips for the guide, driver and cruise staff
- Optional Luxor balloon flight and Abu Simbel excursion
- Entry to extra tombs such as Tutankhamun’s or Nefertari’s
- Spa treatments and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $2,100 |
| 2 travellers | $1,450 |
| 3–5 travellers | $1,390 |
| 6+ travellers | $1,350 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book. Prices can be higher over Christmas, New Year and Easter; we confirm the exact price in writing before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an ultra deluxe Nile cruise different?
The main differences are space, comfort and service. Cabins are larger, often with private balconies, ships carry fewer guests, food is à la carte rather than buffet, and there are extras such as a spa and a more refined lounge. On our package you also have a private guide rather than a shared group guide, which makes visits far more personal.
Do all cabins have balconies?
Most ultra deluxe ships offer either a private balcony or floor-to-ceiling sliding windows that open onto a French balcony. Suites with larger terraces are available on request for an extra charge. Let us know if a full walk-out balcony matters to you and we will confirm the cabin type before you book.
Is this cruise suitable for a honeymoon or special occasion?
Very much so. The calm atmosphere, spacious cabins and private guiding make it a favourite for couples and anniversaries. We can arrange cabin decoration, a celebration cake or a private dinner on deck, depending on the ship. Tell us about the occasion when you book and we will see what can be arranged.
Is there a dress code on board?
Daytime is relaxed and casual. In the evening, most guests dress smart-casual for dinner: no formal wear is required, though some like to dress up for the farewell dinner. For temple visits, choose light, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes and a hat for the sun.
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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.
