Discover the wonders of Ancient Egypt as you sail along the Nile on a luxury boat. At Top Class Egypt Travel, we offer handcrafted Nile cruise Egypt experiences that take you through the most iconic temples between Luxor and Aswan, guided by a private certified Egyptologist.
Choose from a traditional Dahabeya sailing experience, a Lake Nasser voyage near Abu Simbel, a classic Luxor to Aswan journey, or our extended river adventures. Available durations include 8 days / 7 nights, 5 days / 4 nights, and 4 days / 3 nights.
How to Choose Your Nile Cruise
A Nile cruise is the easiest way to see Upper Egypt: your hotel moves with you, and every morning you wake up next to a different temple. Here is how to choose the right one.
Cruise ship or dahabiya?
A Nile cruise ship is a floating hotel, usually with 40 to 80 cabins, a sun deck with a pool, a restaurant and evening entertainment. A dahabiya is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with only a handful of cabins. It is quieter and more personal, moors at small islands and villages, and suits couples, families and small groups who prefer privacy to facilities.
How many nights?
- 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan: the classic choice, with time for Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple before sailing.
- 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor: the same temples, one night shorter.
- 7 nights: a round trip from Luxor, at a slower pace.
- Dahabiyas usually sail for 4 or 5 nights between Esna and Aswan, and Lake Nasser cruises for 3 or 4 nights between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Where does a Nile cruise stop?
Luxor (Karnak, Luxor Temple, the West Bank), the lock at Esna, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the double temple of Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with Philae, the High Dam, a felucca sail and a Nubian village. From Aswan, many guests add Abu Simbel, and in Luxor a sunrise hot-air balloon flight. Read more in Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable season, and December and January are the busiest, so book early for Christmas on the Nile. Summer cruises are hotter but cheaper and much quieter, with temple visits at sunrise. See the best time to visit Egypt.
What is included?
Most cruises include your cabin, full board and guided visits to the temples on the route with an Egyptologist. Drinks, tips and optional excursions are usually extra. Each ship page lists its inclusions, cabins and programmes, and prices depend on the ship's class, the season and the cabin. Prefer everything arranged? Our Egypt tour packages combine a cruise with Cairo, flights and transfers.
More reading: Nile cruise guide · best Nile cruise itineraries · luxury Nile cruises · what to pack for a Nile cruise.
Nile cruise: frequently asked questions
How many nights is a Nile cruise?
Most cruises between Luxor and Aswan last 3 or 4 nights: 4 nights sailing upstream from Luxor, or 3 nights downstream from Aswan. Seven-night round trips, dahabiya cruises of 4–5 nights and Lake Nasser cruises of 3–4 nights are also available.
Is it better to start a Nile cruise in Luxor or Aswan?
Both cover the same temples. Starting in Luxor gives you an extra night and more time at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; starting in Aswan is a night shorter and suits a tighter schedule.
What is the difference between a Nile cruise ship and a dahabiya?
A cruise ship is a floating hotel with 40–80 cabins, a pool and evening entertainment. A dahabiya is a traditional sailing boat with only a handful of cabins, a slower pace and stops at small islands and villages the big ships pass by.
What is the best time for a Nile cruise?
October to April, when the days are warm rather than hot. December and January are the busiest; summer cruises are cheaper and quieter, with temple visits at dawn.
What is included in a Nile cruise?
Usually your cabin, full board, and guided visits to the temples on the route with an Egyptologist. Drinks, tips and optional excursions such as Abu Simbel or a hot-air balloon flight are usually extra; each ship page lists exactly what is included.
Can I combine a Nile cruise with Cairo and the pyramids?
Yes. Most travellers fly from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan for the cruise. Our Egypt tour packages combine Cairo, the pyramids and a Nile cruise with flights and transfers.
























