Nile Small Group Cruises
Visit Nile with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
10 best Nile small group river cruises
Compiled by
MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 stars from Luxor to Aswan
- Egypt Highlights—9-Day Journey
- From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours
- Nile Odyssey: Luxor - Aswan -Abu Simbel - Hot Air balloon A5 days with tour guided
- Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with Sightseeing and Abu Simbel
- Luxury Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna
- River Nile Cruise For 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan (Opt. Balloon & Abu Simbel)
- Egyptian Treasures: 7 Day Journey from Pyramids to Siwa Oasis
- Nile Cruise From Aswan to Luxor Domestic flight from Cairo
- Luxury Beyond Imagination: 10 Days in Egypt with Flights, Sofitel Old Cataract, Winter Palace, Ultra Deluxe 5★ Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon”
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 stars from Luxor to Aswan
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history came alive with fascinating stories. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Holly, traveled in September
Sail down the mighty Nile with up to fellow travelers, viewing Philae Temple and Kom Ombo up close. Small groups ensure quality time at each historic site. Private cabin accommodations on 5-star ship include full-board dining and traditional entertainment.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type Group Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,099
50% Off- US$550You save $550
Egypt Highlights—9-Day Journey
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour covering the highlights, excellent to have our own guide for our group.”
Roger, traveled in October
Up to 15 travelers, typically ages 16+, share a more intimate way to see the Nile River Valley with personalized guiding at each destination. Private Egyptologist guides provide detailed historical context at Karnak Temple, the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. The 4-night cruise aboard the 5-star Ciela features spacious 20-square-meter cabins with attentive service as you sail from Luxor through Edfu to Aswan.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range Ages 16+ River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Truly Egypt Tours From $3,980
50% Off- US$1,990You save $1,990
From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise Royal Olivia Signature amazing the staffs very kind thank you alot for Egypt tour pro team.”
Isla, traveled in May
Young adventurers averaging 29 years old share intimate Nile landmark visits. Small groups access exclusive viewpoints from Aswan High Dam to Luxor's temples, with prime positioning at Philae Temple and Valley of the Kings.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Valley of the Kings Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Egypt Tour Pro From
50% Off- US$630
Nile Odyssey: Luxor - Aswan -Abu Simbel - Hot Air balloon A5 days with tour guided
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“For us was the perfect choice.”
Ioana, traveled in October
Groups of up to 15 travelers, ages 12+, get personalized attention at each historical site with private Egyptologists sharing detailed histories throughout the journey. You'll reach Edfu Temple by traditional horse carriage and access Philae Island by motorboat, with guides providing rich context at every stop. Small group size means flexible pacing through the 5-day itinerary, with coordinated airport or railway pickups creating smooth transitions along the Nile.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Aswan Age Range Ages 12+ River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Egypt Direct Tours From $1,350
50% Off- US$675You save $675
Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with Sightseeing and Abu Simbel
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Truly amazing. If Egypt is on your bucket list then this is a must.”
Carla, traveled in March
Groups of 15-20 capture perfect photos at iconic temples along the Nile. Prime positions await for sunrise at Abu Simbel and sunset at Luxor Temple. Expert guides share detailed commentary from Philae Temple to the Valley of the Kings.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Esna, Valley of the Kings Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Egypt Gift Tours From
50% Off- US$750
Luxury Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We enjoy the dahabiya, super experience.”
Olivier, traveled in December
Small groups ages 4+ cruise the Nile's narrowest point at Gebel Silsilah, accessing restricted areas larger vessels can't reach. Intimate settings enable thorough exploration of Philae Temple and peaceful sailing aboard a luxury Dahabiya from Aswan to Luxor.
Duration 5 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Nilvison Egypt Tours From
50% Off- US$1,380
River Nile Cruise For 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan (Opt. Balloon & Abu Simbel)
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise itself was very good and luxurious! Highly recommend the tour!”
ANISH, traveled in January
The Nile unveils its treasures to intimate groups with expert guides rated 5/5. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention exploring Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. Morning options include hot air balloon rides over Luxor or early visits to Abu Simbel, with flexible pacing for each site.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
50% Off- US$790
Egyptian Treasures: 7 Day Journey from Pyramids to Siwa Oasis
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well designed tour! Key points in Cairo are covered in one day, then spend peaceful time in Siwa.”
MANAMI, traveled in April
A select group of 12-15 adventurers share personalized experiences along the desert route. Private guides enhance visits to historical sites, while intimate group sizes ensure quality time at Siwa's salt lakes and Fatnas Island's spectacular sunset views.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairo, Siwa Oasis Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Itaca Holiday From $1,500
30% Off- US$1,050You save $450
Nile Cruise From Aswan to Luxor Domestic flight from Cairo
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Staff were fabulous.”
Brooke, traveled in August
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Itaca Holiday From
30% Off- US$500
Luxury Beyond Imagination: 10 Days in Egypt with Flights, Sofitel Old Cataract, Winter Palace, Ultra Deluxe 5★ Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon”
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed it. I hope you do too.”
Lucette, traveled in October
Duration 10 days Destinations Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Alexandria Age Range Ages 18-60 Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Itaca Holiday From $4,935
30% Off- US$3,455You save $1,481
Reviews of Small Group tours to Nile
Our recent journey aboard the Nile Story cruise, sailing from Luxor to Aswan, was nothing short of unforgettable. It was, without a doubt, one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had—seamlessly organized, incredibly enriching, and filled with moments of wonder. We had the absolute privilege of exploring Egypt’s iconic temples and hidden treasures with our private Egyptologist guide, Ahmed Kassem. His knowledge, storytelling, and genuine passion brought the ancient world to life in a way that was both educational and emotionally powerful. Ahmed was more than a guide—he was a historian, translator of ancient stories, and a truly kind human being. He tailored each day to our pace and interests, patiently explained every detail, and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. What truly set Ahmed apart was his constant care and attention—he made sure we had a very pleasant and comfortable time in Egypt, every step of the way. Thanks to him, we didn’t just see Egypt—we understood it and felt welcomed by it. Our private driver also played a big part in making the journey feel smooth and stress-free. Always punctual, courteous, and equipped with a smile and cold water, he made every transfer feel effortless. The Nile Story cruise itself exceeded every expectation. The boat was spotless, beautifully maintained, and elegantly decorated. Our room was comfortable and spacious, with large panoramic windows that gave us front-row views of the majestic Nile. Watching the sun rise over the water was pure magic—a peaceful, timeless beauty that’s hard to describe. The crew onboard was exceptional. From the front desk to housekeeping and dining staff, everyone treated us with kindness and warmth. The service was five-star without ever feeling formal or stiff—it was genuine hospitality. The food was fantastic: a thoughtful mix of Egyptian and international dishes, always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. As for safety—Egypt felt completely safe throughout our trip. At no point did we feel uneasy. The people were warm, welcoming, and often went out of their way to help. While bargaining in the markets can be intense, once you understand that it's part of the culture. If you remain kind and confident, most vendors respect that. The human connection we felt with locals—from boat staff to shopkeepers—was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. This experience struck the perfect balance between adventure, relaxation, history, and connection. Egypt's rich cultural heritage, the kindness of its people, and the serene beauty of the Nile will stay with us forever. We’re incredibly grateful for this journey—especially to our guide, Ahmed Kassem, who made sure we had the best experience possible, and to the wonderful team aboard the Nile Story. We left with hearts full, minds enriched, and a deep love for this incredible country. Highly, highly recommend this cruise experience to anyone dreaming of Egypt. It’s everything you hope for—and more
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 stars from Luxor to Aswan
If you love history, a nile cruise is essential it felt like sailing through the pages of a history book, explaining the incredibly preserved temples from aswan to luxor many amazing places, our guide made each temple stories inspiring way to experience egypt ancient wonders, our cruise Ms Nile Olivia Signature was absolutely amazing very clean and the stuff was great thank Egypt Tours pro for everything.
From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours
- Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with Sightseeing and Abu Simbel
Truly amazing. If Egypt is on your bucket list then this is a must. Service is top notch
What our customers ask about Nile Small Group Cruises
What is the typical group size for a Nile River small group tour?
Nile River small group tours maintain an intimate atmosphere with 6-10 travelers per group. This size allows for easy access and comfortable viewing at archaeological sites like Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The River Nile Story cruise demonstrates this approach where groups of 5-10 people travel together based on language preferences. This smaller scale works well on luxury vessels like the Steigenberger Nile Palace where travelers can enjoy relaxed dining and quiet moments on deck without crowds.
What is the best time of year for small group Nile River tours?
The most comfortable time for Nile River tours falls between October and April. During these months the weather stays mild enough for exploring temples and archaeological sites. Travel data shows December and March are especially popular for good reason: the temperatures work well for walking tours and outdoor activities. Summer months from June through August see temperatures reaching 40°C/104°F which can make temple visits difficult even for small groups.
What is the typical duration of small group Nile River cruises?
The standard Nile cruise runs 4-5 days between Luxor and Aswan though some itineraries extend to 15 days to include Lake Nasser. The River Nile Story cruise offers a 4-day route from Aswan to Luxor with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples. Travel statistics show most visitors prefer these 4-5 day trips as they provide enough time to see major sites while enjoying the river journey.
What language options are available for small group Nile River tours?
Tour operators provide guides speaking English German French Spanish and Russian on Nile cruises. Companies like Egypt Tour Pro and Sun Pyramid Tours assign language-specific guides to each group. This setup helps visitors understand complex historical information as noted by a TourRadar guest who found that having an English-speaking Egyptologist made temple hieroglyphics much clearer.
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
The smaller group format creates natural opportunities for local connections particularly in Aswan's Nubian villages. Groups can visit family homes share traditional tea and learn about daily life. The size also works well for exploring busy spaces like Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo or watching artisans at work in alabaster workshops near the Valley of the Kings.
What type of accommodation is provided on small group Nile cruises?
Cruise ships like the Movenpick MS Royal Lily and Steigenberger Omar El Khayam offer 5-star rooms with private balconies. The Queen Isis provides well-designed cabin spaces suited to small groups complete with modern amenities and en-suite bathrooms. Each room comes with views of the Nile plus access to ship facilities like pools and outdoor spaces.
What is included in a typical small group Nile River tour package?
Standard packages cover 3-7 nights on luxury boats like the MS Mayfair or Radamis II including all meals professional Egyptologist guides and private transport. Entry fees to major attractions such as Karnak Temple Valley of the Kings and Philae Temple come included. Many tours offer extra activities like Abu Simbel visits hot air balloon rides over Luxor or special cultural programs. Recent travelers note the comprehensive nature of these packages with guides handling all logistics.