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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sue Bryant

Until the late 19th century, travelling in Egypt meant taking a boat on the Nile, as the roads were bad and there were no hotels. A trip on the Nile is still a defining experience, revealing a tapestry of astonishing ancient monuments, beautiful papyrus-dotted river banks, and a landscape that has remained largely unchanged in 4,000 years.

Cruises usually include visits to the magnificent temples at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. All cruises end in Aswan, with a visit to Temple of Isis at Philae and an optional excursion to the Temples of Abu Simbel (strongly recommended).

There is, of course, the luxury riverboat option. The Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer, formerly owned by Abercrombie and Kent, is a 5-star ship with 32 luxurious cabins and excellent food on board.

You could alternatively opt for a cruise on a charismatic dahabiya (a local sailing ship with 4-10 cabins). They can moor in more places than the large cruise ships, visit smaller sights on the way and get you closer to the Nile.

For the most authentic (and cheapest) cruise, feluccas sail between Aswan and Edfu or Esna, just south of Luxor. These single-mast boats have no cabins, so passengers sleep on benches or on the shore.

Price from: £800+
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-7 days

Getting there & doing it

Boats leave from the moorings strung along Luxor’s eastern bank Cruises take from three to seven days, ending in Aswan.

When to do it

Cruises run year-round, although most cruise boats are tied up through the Egyptian summer (late June to early September), when it is too hot to enjoy sightseeing.

The river is most crowded during the Christmas and Easter school holidays. September to November and February to March are the best times to cruise – the light is good, the temperatures moderate and the holiday crowds avoided.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

Aswan

The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the...

$365 | Rating 4.65 / 5 [567 ratings]

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Amazing 3 nights Nile cruise includes tours from Luxor to Aswan

Amazing 3 nights Nile cruise includes tours from Luxor to Aswan

Luxor

Explore the best of the Nile River on this 3-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Visit key landmarks such as Valley of the Kings, Queen Hats...

$398 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [28 ratings]

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3 Night Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise with Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel from Luxor

3 Night Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise with Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel from Luxor

Luxor

Here is Egypt in the best way you can see. The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. ...

$494 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [57 ratings]

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Amazing 6 Days Nile Cruise luxor,Aswan,abu simbel with Train Tickets from Cairo

Amazing 6 Days Nile Cruise luxor,Aswan,abu simbel with Train Tickets from Cairo

Cairo

Savor the timeless experience that is a Nile cruise as you sail from Aswan to Luxor on an indulgent ship with on board swimming pool. Feast...

$495 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [69 ratings]

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Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Nour el Nil

Nour el Nil

Egypt

One of the best companies offering stylish and comfortable dahabeyyas with 8 to 10 cabins, and a great top deck where everyone eats together. Usually 6-day trips.

Sanctuary Retreats [The Nile]

Sanctuary Retreats [The Nile]

Egypt

Operates luxury cruise boats on the Nile, Yangtze and Irrawaddy rivers – and a portfolio of luxury safari camps in southern Africa. The Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer is a 5-star ship with 32 luxurious cabins and excellent food on board.

Round-ups that include this experience