Nile cruise, Luxor round trip, 8 days / 7 nights
Sail round trip from Luxor to Aswan, with Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Philae Temple and early site visits.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Nile Cruise: Luxor Round Trip (8 Days / 7 Nights) is an 8-day multi-day tour covering Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Philae Temple in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Nile Cruise Segment
- Accommodation
- Comfort, Classic, Prestige, or Luxury Nile Cruise accommodation arranged by DTE
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Karnak Temple · Hatshepsut Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Philae Temple · The Nile
- Includes
- 7 nights accommodation arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt · Private transfers as per itinerary · English-speaking Egyptologist guide · Guided sightseeing · Standard site entrance fees listed in the itinerary · Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting a guided Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The best time for a Nile itinerary is generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan are usually more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, especially June to August, can be very hot, with higher heat exposure at open sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Karnak. Travel during Ramadan and major public holidays can affect opening hours, traffic, and meal timing, so advance planning is recommended.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide for sightseeing
- Private transfers arranged on the ground as per itinerary
- Standard entrance fees included for listed sites
- Accommodation and logistics coordinated in Egypt
- On-the-ground support throughout the itinerary
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile is quiet beneath Luxor’s riverbank, with temple walls warming in the first light and small boats moving toward the West Bank. Our Egyptologists guide you through Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple, then help you notice the changing landscape as fields, villages, and desert escarpments pass beyond the deck.
At Edfu and Kom Ombo, the round-trip schedule gives you time to look closely rather than rush through a short call. In Aswan, a local boat carries you across to Philae Temple, where water surrounds the island sanctuary. We arrange your transfers, accommodation, meals as listed, and guided sightseeing, with your Egyptologist on hand throughout the itinerary.
Background
The facts
This 8-day, 7-night round-trip itinerary is based in Luxor and follows the Nile corridor between Luxor and Aswan, with sightseeing stops at major temples and West Bank monuments. The route includes Luxor East Bank sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, West Bank sites including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon, plus river towns and temple stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan.
Karnak is one of Egypt’s largest temple complexes, built and expanded over many centuries, with the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes connecting the precinct to Luxor Temple. On the West Bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom, and the Hatshepsut Temple dates to the 15th century BCE. In Aswan, Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue campaign connected to the High Dam project, which is also part of the itinerary.
The itinerary is structured so that major sites can be visited in the morning, before the heaviest day-tour traffic. Edfu and Kom Ombo are typically reached by road or river as scheduled, while Philae is accessed by local boat. Standard site entrance fees are included for the listed sightseeing in the itinerary, but premium tombs and special interiors are excluded unless requested.
Named in this entry
Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Temple of Edfu·Temple of Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Unfinished Obelisk·High Dam·Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes·Agilkia Island
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits travelers who want a structured multi-day Egypt trip with guided archaeological sightseeing and hotel-style accommodation arranged in advance. It is appropriate for adults, couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors who prefer a private or semi-private travel plan with an Egyptologist guide.
What lingers
- 01Guided visit to Karnak Temple, including its avenue of ram-headed sphinxes
- 02Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple with an Egyptologist
- 03Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples
- 04Aswan and Philae Temple, approached by local boat from the river
- 05Round-trip timing allowing early-morning access to major sites, before day-tour boats arrive
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short day tour, this itinerary spreads major Nile Valley sites across eight days, which reduces same-day transit pressure and allows more time at each stop. Compared with a one-way cruise, the round-trip format returns to Luxor and is designed to give fuller access to Edfu and Kom Ombo, with early-morning visits at key temples before peak visitor hours.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Karnak Temple · Hatshepsut Temple · Edfu
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The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Seven nights accommodation, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Private transfers between airport, hotels and the cruise berth as per itinerary
- English-speaking Egyptologist for guided sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing and standard site entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visas and travel insurance
- Optional excursions and personal expenses
- Gratuities to crew, drivers and Egyptologists unless requested
- Premium site supplements, for example pyramid interior or premium tomb entrances
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be customized as a private tour or arranged with different accommodation categories, depending on availability and budget. Additional site visits, upgraded meals, extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, and optional excursions can be added if requested before confirmation.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and cobbles at sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Philae Temple, plus steps at temple entrances and small gangways when boarding local boats. Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses with step-up entry; vehicles are not fitted with wheelchair lifts. Some hotels and the cruise berth have ramps, but accessible cabins and rooms are limited and must be requested in advance. Visitors who use a manual wheelchair should expect assistance for short stair sections and boarding local boats. If you have reduced mobility, please tell us your requirements when booking so we can assess feasibility and arrange additional assistance where possible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF30+
- Reusable water bottle (empty for airport security)
- Light daypack for camera, water and guidebook
- Small first-aid kit and any prescription medicines
- Power adapter (Type C/F) and portable charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves and long trousers or a skirt for temples and mosques
- A light layer for cooler early mornings and evenings
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- A scarf or shawl for additional sun or modesty cover
Children & families
Minimum age for this itinerary is 4 years. Child fares depend on age and whether the child shares an existing double room with two adults or requires an extra bed; infant pricing is available on request. Strollers are practical in hotels and on flat pavements, but sites such as the Valley of the Kings and local boats have steps and uneven surfaces that make strollers impractical; a baby carrier is often more useful. High chairs and baby equipment are not guaranteed and must be requested at booking so suppliers can try to provide them.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor International Airport — Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use air-conditioned minibuses for road transfers and local motor boats for river approaches, all operated by Egyptian drivers and crews contracted per trip. We hire English-speaking Egyptologists from the local governorates and pay site fees and guide wages directly to suppliers, helping retain earnings in the communities visited. Where possible we source meals and produce from local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan rather than importing food. On-board and on-land operations aim to reduce single-use plastics by offering refillable water bottles and asking guests to bring reusable bottles. Optional village visits or craft workshops are organized with local co-operatives that receive a direct fee for hosting guests.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This 8-day, 7-night Nile itinerary includes transfers, accommodation arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, an English-speaking Egyptologist, and guided sightseeing. Listed stops include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank sites, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, the High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of this Nile cruise from Luxor?
This Nile cruise is 8 days and 7 nights, starting and ending in Luxor. It includes seven nights of accommodation on board a Nile cruise ship, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.02What is included in the price of this 8-day Nile cruise?
The cruise includes seven nights of accommodation, private transfers between Luxor Airport, hotels, and the cruise berth, an English-speaking Egyptologist, guided sightseeing with standard entrance fees, and meals as specified in the itinerary.03What is not included in this Nile cruise package?
International flights, visas, travel insurance, optional excursions, personal expenses, and gratuities for the crew, drivers, and Egyptologists are not included. Premium site entrances, such as specific pyramid interiors or premium tombs, are also excluded.04What kind of transfers are provided for this cruise?
Private, air-conditioned transfers are provided between Luxor Airport, any pre- or post-cruise hotels in Luxor, and the cruise ship berth. Our drivers will meet you at designated points for seamless connections.05Is this Nile cruise suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Nile cruises involve some walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites and navigating gangways to board the ship. While our Egyptologists assist, guests should be able to manage stairs and moderate distances. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.06Can children participate in this 8-day Nile cruise?
Yes, children are welcome on this Nile cruise. The pace is generally relaxed, and our Egyptologists can tailor explanations to engage younger travelers. We recommend discussing specific age groups with us to ensure suitability.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. Modest dress is advisable for temple visits. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on the Nile.08What is the best time of year to take this Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09What is the difference between this 8-day round trip and a shorter one-way cruise?
This 8-day round trip from Luxor offers a more relaxed pace, allowing for fuller visits to sites like Edfu and Kom Ombo. Unlike shorter, rushed one-way cruises, it provides morning access to key temples before peak crowds arrive.10Will I have an Egyptologist guide throughout the entire cruise?
Yes, an English-speaking Egyptologist will accompany you for all guided sightseeing excursions listed in the itinerary. They provide historical context and insights at each site, enhancing your understanding of ancient Egypt.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: TOU-NIL-449019
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