Monica Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser offering full-board dining and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Edfu, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise operates weekly between Luxor and Aswan, with the vessel selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan
- Includes
- 5-star Nile cruise cabin · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae Temple · Shore excursion to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking full-board river cruising
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- DTE selects, books, and arranges the Nile cruise with the owning cruise line.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing can be arranged through the tour operator.
- The cruise and shore-excursion programme are confirmed according to the booking details.
- Cancellation terms are provided on the product page.
- DTE does not own or operate the vessel.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the Nile moves quietly past the cabin windows as Monica Nile Cruise leaves the riverbank, with palms, farmland, and village life unfolding beyond the water. The pace is unhurried: coffee on deck, time in the lounge between sailing and shore excursions, and the changing light over Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a program that balances time aboard with visits to Egypt’s major riverside temples and tombs. We arrange your cabin, embarkation details, and shore-excursion coordination with the cruise line, while our Egyptologists provide context at the sites. Full board begins with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast at disembarkation.
Background
The facts
The Monica Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise arrangement sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. Sailing occurs weekly, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions at major riverside archaeological sites. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan, depending on the selected direction.
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Karnak and Luxor Temple are located within Luxor’s urban area, while the Valley of the Kings is across the Nile on the West Bank. Edfu and Kom Ombo lie between Luxor and Aswan along the river, and Philae is situated on an island near Aswan.
Cabin accommodation is provided on a 5-star Nile cruiser, with cabin pricing generally calculated per person sharing. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals, personal expenses, gratuities, and separately charged premium entrances are generally excluded.
The cruise is selected, booked, and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line. Cabin classes and onboard facilities, such as a dining room, lounge bar, sun deck, panoramic windows, Nile-view balconies, or swimming pool, depend on the assigned vessel and booking details.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Luxor West Bank
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts, couples, and families seeking a structured Nile experience with included shore excursions. Travellers should be comfortable boarding a vessel, using gangways, and walking across archaeological sites with uneven surfaces
- private guiding and cabin arrangements can be requested where available.
What lingers
- 01Sailing between Luxor and Aswan in either direction
- 02Shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- 03Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Explore Philae Temple near Aswan
- 05See the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 06Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, river sailing, meals, and a planned programme of riverside archaeological visits. Unlike an independently booked cruise, Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and associated programme, while the third-party cruise line operates the vessel.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,036 | $1,172 | $1,354 |
| Single Cabin | $2,128 | $2,765 | $3,220 |
| Triple Cabin | $884 | $975 | $1,097 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $761 | $839 | $943 |
| Single Cabin | $1,385 | $1,749 | $2,009 |
| Triple Cabin | $674 | $726 | $796 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $669 | $727 | $805 |
| Single Cabin | $1,137 | $1,410 | $1,605 |
| Triple Cabin | $604 | $643 | $695 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,049 | $1,186 | $1,368 |
| Single Cabin | $2,141 | $2,778 | $3,233 |
| Triple Cabin | $898 | $989 | $1,110 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Sun Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Main Lounge Bar
- Spa Center
- Massage Room
- Boutique
- Jewelry Shop
- Laundry Service
- Dry Cleaning Service
- Internet Corner
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas
- Library
- Reception Area
- Soundproofing
- Ultra Violet Water Treatment
- Credit Card Payments
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- The vessel’s shore-excursion program at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and other separately charged entrances unless stated in the booking details
- Cancellation terms are as shown on the product page
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request Luxor-to-Aswan or Aswan-to-Luxor sailing, subject to availability, along with private arrangements around embarkation and disembarkation. Cabin class, single occupancy, additional sightseeing, premium tombs, pyramid interiors, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise hotel nights can be reviewed and added according to the booking details.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves uneven quays, gangways, steps, and narrow corridors between the cabin deck, dining room, lounge bar, and sun deck. Shore excursions may include uneven ancient stone, sand, cobblestones, stairs, and limited shade at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access varies by vessel and embarkation quay, and some gangways are steep. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin location, assistance requirements, and excursion alternatives. A mobility aid may be practical on board but difficult at several archaeological sites.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Cruise booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Medication and basic personal toiletries
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm weather
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient stone and sand
- A light sweater or shawl for air-conditioned areas and cooler evenings
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the pool or sun deck
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult on gangways, stairs, quays, and archaeological sites, so a compact foldable model is more practical. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a river vessel for travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for separate road transfers between the main Nile Valley stops. Shore excursions use local transport and local Egyptologists arranged through our licensed Egyptian tour operator. Dining, cabin service, navigation, and site access are supplied by Egyptian cruise and tourism businesses. The main environmental considerations remain fuel use, freshwater consumption, laundry, food waste, and shore-side transport. Guests can help by reusing towels, carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding single-use plastics, and following site rules that protect ancient stone and painted surfaces.
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 deluxe 5-star Nile cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, while a third-party cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Monica Nile Cruise sailing?
The Monica Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of 3 or 4 nights between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, alternating sailing days with shore excursions at key riverside sites.02What shore excursions are included with the Monica Nile Cruise?
The Monica Nile Cruise includes a program of shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are led by our Egyptologists.03What meals are included on the Monica Nile Cruise?
The Monica Nile Cruise operates on a full-board basis, which includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.04What is the cabin configuration and view like on the Monica Nile Cruise?
Cabins on the Monica Nile Cruise feature panoramic windows offering Nile views. Specific cabin sizes and whether they include balconies can vary by cabin class, with details available upon booking.05What is the policy for children on the Monica Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
We recommend comfortable clothing and walking shoes for shore excursions. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings on deck.07Is the Monica Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Monica Nile Cruise, have stairs between decks and may not be fully accessible for guests with significant mobility challenges. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand.08What is the best time of year to take a Monica Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot.09Are gratuities included in the Monica Nile Cruise price?
No, personal expenses and gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists are not included in the Monica Nile Cruise price. We recommend budgeting for these separately.10How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange the Monica Nile Cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, carefully selects and arranges your Monica Nile Cruise with the owning cruise line. We coordinate your cabin booking and the included shore excursion program.
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: CRU-NIL-199589
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
Blue Shadow is a 3/4/ or 7-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We run small-group departures, maximum eight guests, with English-speaking Egyptologists guiding all listed tours. Full-board meals are served onboard, and we provide meet-and-assist on arrival, air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees to the listed sites, and a complimentary bottle of water per person per day. The Aswan disembarkation includes an optional Abu Simbel excursion. Compared with shorter Nile sailings, the 7-night itinerary spaces temple visits over more days to avoid back-to-back early mornings. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange all on-the-ground details and local guides for each excursion.
Nile7 Nights
Concerto Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Concerto, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The vessel runs in both directions, allowing embarkation in Luxor or Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead the guided visits, with on-site groups limited to eight guests for commentary and questions. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic lounge, and a sun deck used for lunches; evenings often feature a folkloric show. Unlike some motor-cruise schedules, this itinerary allocates longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and leaves afternoons for leisure or optional extras. We handle local arrangements on the ground, so you meet your guide at embarkation and proceed directly to the scheduled visits.
7 Nights