Nile River Cruises
Picture this: a journey from Aswan to Luxor, with the Nile as your guide, passing by temples etched in the desert, glimpses of everyday life, and a canopy of stars. The Valley of the Kings unveils ancient artistry, while Karnak's colossal columns loom above. And then there’s Edfu and Kom Ombo. The iconic Pyramids of Giza are also waiting to be explored.
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Keron • traveled in January, 2026
Tour was amazing. Went to beautiful Temples and enjoyed the Nile cruise. All the guides were great. Our guide Medhet was exceptional didn’t matter what was thrown at him, be it a sand storm in Aswan, which delayed the flight 7 hours or taking longer then expected going through the lock on the Nile, he took it all in his stride adapted and ensure we still saw everything and more. We loved his ISH when it came to timing of things. Our recommendation just go with it if there are changes, relax and know that you are well looked after and enjoy yourself. If thinking of booking with this company just do it you won’t regret it.
Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - GEM and Return Flight Included - A
Alexey • traveled in January, 2026
It was ok, Hasan is a wonderful guide
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor - BA
Bryan • traveled in January, 2026
Arrange pick up airport was perfect. Our contact already had the visa's. Hotel Cairo with view of the pyramids. Waw. Next day pick up with Shaarif was also smooth. We did everything that was promised in the tour. Got all the meals as promised. The hotel in Luxor snd Hurghada was super good. The view from room on the nile cruise was a dream come true. Very happy with all the transportations to the locations. But also on the the shuttels are included. We will really recommend sticking to tour. If you are a shopper come 2 days early or stay longer. During the tour there is no time for real shopping. Visiting the sites takes a lot of time. Pyramids and GEM best day. But to really see everything in the GEM you need atleast 4 hours ( I walk slow) so now we saw the most important. Tip do not take the sleeper train, try to go by plane. Public restrooms and very small cabin. So a last option. But a new experience.
Discover Egypt 10 Day (Cairo- Nile Cruise -Hurghada)
Traveler Photos & Videos from Nile Cruises
HIHoliday
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - GEM and Return Flight Included
Diane
MSMARY
Discover Egypt 10 Day (Cairo- Nile Cruise -Hurghada)
MMicha
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
LRLisa
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
Amazing 8 nights Visit Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloonsofia
ADAnnette
4-Night Nile Cruise: Karnak, Kom Ombo & Philae Highlights
5-Day Luxor Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel | Top Egypt Cruise ExperienceHanna
RARhiannon
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight
JAJohn
From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours
PPaula
Egypt Highlights—9-Day Journey
From Aswan 3 Days 2 Nights Nile CruiseJennifer
3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village and Air Balloonrachel
MRMatthew
4 Days – 3 Nights 5 Star Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
TGTere
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 stars from Luxor to Aswan
Table of contents
- The best Nile cruises
- See the Nile your way
- Nile tour companies
- Popular Nile Cruise Ships
- Where to start your Nile trip
- Discover Nile tours for every budget
- Cruises for every type of group
- Nile itineraries by length
- Traveler types and experiences
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Nile travel experts
- What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
The best Nile cruises
Compiled by
MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar
Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - GEM and Return Flight Included
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was hectic early mornings but well worth it. Cant praise our guides enough Abdou and Medhat they were extremely knowledgeable, welcoming and helpful.”
Diane, traveled in December
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range Ages 15+ River Nile Operator Nourbelle Tours From $1,200
50% Off- US$600You save $600
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
276 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was wonderful. The tour was a delight.”
Alexey, traveled in January
The legendary Nile River comes alive on this highly-rated cruise from Aswan to Luxor, rated 4.7/5 from 150+ travelers. Ancient temples including Philae and Karnak reveal their secrets through expert Egyptologist guides. A 5-star ship with swimming pool provides daily meals, while optional tours to Abu Simbel temples and Nubian villages enhance the adventure.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $799
50% Off- US$400You save $400
Discover Egypt 10 Day (Cairo- Nile Cruise -Hurghada)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic sites. He really elevated the experience and made sure we were properly treated by locals.”
Ryan, traveled in January
Duration 10 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Hurghada Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Operator Itaca Holiday From $1,300
30% Off- US$910You save $390
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
197 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We all had a truly wonderful experience. Everything became amazing once we met Khaled.”
Youssef, traveled in January
A 5-star cruise ship carries you along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor for approx. $130 per day. Highlights include Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Valley of Kings with expert guides. Package includes en-suite cabin accommodation, full-board dining, and all transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
30% Off- US$550
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Nile river cruise was great with excellent food and service from staff.”
Norbert, traveled in October
A weeklong adventure aboard a 5-star ship from Luxor to Aswan reveals the Nile's treasures. Highlights include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo's twin temples, and Philae Temple. Cairo's Pyramids tours and optional Abu Simbel excursion complement expert Egyptologist guidance throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel Age Range Ages 12+ River Nile Operator Beyond The Nile Tours From $2,100
50% Off- US$1,050You save $1,050
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This an extra ordinary experience and highly recommended. We felt safe every we went.”
NAOTOSHI, traveled in March
The ancient Nile beckons for 3 nights aboard a 5-star deluxe cruise ship from Aswan to Luxor. Visits include the High Dam, Philae Temple, and temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Full-board dining, expert guides, and modern transport complete the experience, all for approx. $190 per day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish River Nile Operator Holiday In From
50% Off- US$875
Amazing 8 nights Visit Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The communication was on point and any questions were promptly answered. Way to go guys!”
Shekhar, traveled in November
Ancient temples line the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on this 5-star ship voyage. Dawn ballooning over Luxor's monuments offers aerial views, while riverside temples including Karnak, Edfu, and Philae reveal their mysteries. Expert guides and luxury accommodation enhance the experience.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish River Nile Operator Egypt cruise travel From
50% Off- US$921
7 Days Of Wonder In Egypt (Domestic Flight Included)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“His explanations of history and culture were clear and fascinating, and he made the whole experience unforgettable.”
Maria, traveled in September
Luxury meets history on this four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star ship. Stops include Edfu's Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo Temple. Full board dining, expert guides, and tours of Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple are included, with optional Abu Simbel excursion available.
Duration 7 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 Operator Itaca Holiday From $1,300
30% Off- US$910You save $390
The Sonesta St George glides down the Nile, revealing ancient wonders from Luxor to Aswan for around $630. The journey features Karnak's massive temple complex, Valley of the Kings' royal tombs, and Kom Ombo's riverside shrine. Traditional Galabiya parties and full-board dining complement views of timeless landscapes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish River Nile Operator Sun Pyramid Tours From
30% Off- US$844
5-Day Luxor Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel | Top Egypt Cruise Experience
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The room on the cruise ship was spacious and clean, food was good, drink prices fair.”
Filippo, traveled in January
Sail the legendary Nile in a 5-star deluxe cabin, exploring Luxor's East and West Banks. Visit the sacred Karnak Temple complex, cruise through Esna's historic locks, and marvel at Edfu Temple by horse carriage. Journey ends at majestic Abu Simbel after a 350km desert drive from Aswan.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian River Nile Operator Egypt Tour Pro From
30% Off- US$910
See the Nile your way
Nile tour companies
Based on the reviews, you'll notice some clear differences between these Egyptian tour companies. Ramasside Tours stands out for family trips - their guides get many positive mentions from parents traveling with kids. They understand how to keep children engaged while sharing their knowledge about the sites. Fez Travel and Encounters Travel are popular operators with similar itineraries. Cairo Pass has built a solid reputation, particularly for their Siwa Oasis experiences with their quick responses and well-organized tours getting good feedback What emerges from customer experiences is that guide quality and clear communication about logistics, costs, and potential changes really make the difference in Egypt tours. The more established companies like Ramasside have figured out how to deliver consistently, while newer operators are still working out some service details
Popular Nile Cruise Ships
Where to start your Nile trip
You can start your Nile journey from Luxor, Cairo, or Aswan, with Luxor being the most popular choice. Our experienced travelers suggest picking an upper deck cabin for better views and less engine noise, which matters when boats tie up next to each other You'll find options ranging from luxury ships to traditional dahabiyas, and each gives you a different way to experience daily life along the river, with chances to meet local vendors and get genuine cultural interactions.
River cruises for every budget
Cruises for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Nile itineraries by length
Traveler types and experiences
Best time to visit
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter months from November through February offer really pleasant sailing conditions. Our Aswan to Luxor routes work perfectly with mild temperatures that make morning temple visits quite comfortable. You can relax on the sundeck during afternoon sailing, though the pool water runs a bit cool, as our winter travelers often mention. The guided tours to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and Edfu Temple come with expert Egyptologists bringing ancient history to life. The heated cabins feel particularly nice when evening temperatures drop, and many travelers love watching the Nile sunset right from their balconies.
- January 2026 290 tours
- February 2026 popular 293 tours
- December 2026 254 tours
- Spring 2026
Ready for spring along the Nile River? March through May brings the ideal weather for longer explorations of Luxor's temples, Cairo's pyramids, Nile cruising, and Abu Simbel's massive statues. Spring hits the sweet spot for Egypt touring temperature-wise. It's the season when you can explore ancient sites without summer's brutal heat beating down on you.
- March 2026 popular 296 tours
- April 2026 294 tours
- May 2026 284 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer cruising from June through August needs smart planning, but early morning starts make site visits doable. The carefully planned schedule hits Karnak Temple at sunrise, Valley of the Kings in the early morning, and includes peaceful sailing when the day heats up. Travelers use the sundeck pools well, and the evening Galabiya parties turn quite lively.
- June 2026 popular 279 tours
- July 2026 276 tours
- August 2026 276 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
October and November are peak seasons, with perfect conditions for extended voyages. The classic route between Aswan and Luxor shines then, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and also the Valley of the Kings. The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for longer programs that combine the Nile cruising with visits to Cairo's pyramids and museums.
- September 2026 popular 283 tours
- October 2026 268 tours
- 267 tours
Contact our Nile travel experts
Claire
Expert in Nile at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Nile Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Nile tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
What's the best time to take a Nile cruise?
You'll want to plan your cruise between October and April when the weather's really pleasant. That's when Egypt cools down a bit which makes exploring all those amazing sites so much more enjoyable.
Which temples should I definitely see between Luxor and Aswan?
Karnak Temple in Luxor is absolutely incredible with these massive columns and structures everywhere you'll see it on the Egyptian Highlights Tour. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is amazingly well-preserved really shows you how ancient Egyptians practiced their religion. Abu Simbel's pretty special too they actually moved the whole thing to save it from flooding and those four huge Ramses II statues are incredible. You can check it out on the Cairo Nile Valley & Red Sea Resort 10-day tour.
Where is the best place to start a cruise on the Nile?
Most cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, and either city works as a starting point. Starting in Luxor puts you right next to major sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Aswan offers a slower pace and is great if you prefer a quieter start. Some longer trips begin in Cairo, but they usually include flights to the main cruising section, since large parts of the river between Cairo and Luxor aren’t navigable.
Do you see the pyramids on a Nile cruise?
Not on the usual cruise route. The pyramids are near Cairo, far to the north of where most Nile cruises run between Luxor and Aswan. However, many cruise packages include a stop in Cairo either before or after your river trip, so you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx as part of a longer itinerary. A few extended “Full Nile” cruises claim to run from Cairo to Luxor, but parts of the route are often done by road or air because of river restrictions.
How much do you tip on a Nile cruise?
It’s common to tip around $8 to $12 per person per day for the ship’s crew. That usually goes into a pool that’s split among staff. Guides and drivers often receive separate tips — especially if they’re leading your excursions or private tours. Some luxury cruises include tips in your fare, but not all, so it’s worth checking ahead. US dollars, euros, and Egyptian pounds are all widely accepted for tipping.
Are mosquitoes a problem on Nile cruises?
They can be, especially around sunset and during warmer months. Cruise ships usually manage this well with air-conditioned cabins and screened windows, but it’s still smart to bring insect repellent. Wearing long sleeves or pants in the evening helps too. If you’re cruising between November and February, mosquitoes tend to be much less of an issue thanks to the cooler weather.
What is the dress code for a Nile River cruise?
During the day, light and breathable clothes work best — think cotton or linen, especially for temple visits and walking tours. Most cruises ask for modest dress at religious sites, which means covering your shoulders and knees regardless of gender. Evenings on board tend to be smart-casual. Some ships host gala dinners where you’ll want to dress up a bit more, while others might have themed nights like “Egyptian Night,” where travelers often wear galabiya robes you can buy locally.