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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Meg • traveled in December, 2025
You couldn’t find a better man to be our guide than Medhat, who was with us for all the outings during the cruise part of our trip. Very patient and kind and wise, with a good sense of humor. A good guide can make or break an experience - ours was made so well we’ll never forget. When my daughter had an allergic reaction, he brought allergy medication within the hour for us. He was always looking out for everyone and adjusting to unforeseen circumstances with a lot of grace. 10/10 can recommend!!! When it comes to the tour company and booking through TourRadar there are some disconnects in the communication. I would not recommend paying for additional services through the app because the app charges you a lump sum and then when you arrive in Egypt, the tour company may be charging you again for the extra things you already paid for… again it’s probably an error with the app but please be careful. In my case, most of it got sorted, but it was stressful. We’re ending the week on a good note over all - it’s a life-changing trip.
Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - GEM and Return Flight Included - B
Barbara • traveled in December, 2025
The tour led by Ackmed was well organised and enjoyable. The boat was very comfortable and the food very delicious with lots of choice. Each day we visited interesting sites a learned so much about the Egyptian civilization and their kings and queens. The boat staff and drivers were helpful and overall the tour was comfortable and well run. We did not take the tour to Abu Simnel as it started very early and we did not fancy travelling so far for such a short time at the temples. We would have liked to see the Valley of the Queens and spend more time at the Valley of the Kings. We were not keen on the shopping visits which took time away from the chance to spend more time in the temples.
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight - BG
Boodybbbb • traveled in December, 2025
Excellently excellent tour with Holiday Inn
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
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
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by FlightEla
MMicha
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
LRLisa
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
DBDeena
Discover Egypt 10 Day (Cairo- Nile Cruise -Hurghada)
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
JAJohn
From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours
ANAhmad
Nile Odyssey: Luxor - Aswan -Abu Simbel - Hot Air balloon A5 days with tour guided
PPaula
Egypt Highlights—9-Day Journey
3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village and Air Balloonrachel
4 Days – 3 Nights 5 Star Nile Cruise From Cairo by FlightNicholas
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
56 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise ship was Perfect.”
Johannes, traveled in November
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
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight
144 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boat was very comfortable and the food very delicious with lots of choice. We visited interesting sites and learned so much.”
Barbara, traveled in December
Luxury defines this 5-day Nile cruise from Cairo through Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan, including domestic flights. Ancient temples like Karnak, Luxor, and Philae shine under expert guidance (5.0/5.0 rating). Private cabins on a 5-star ship offer full-board dining and nightly entertainment for around $1,300.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Giza, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan, Elephantine IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,399
50% Off- US$700You save $700
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
265 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The excursions were amazing and very profesionally executed.”
Houssem, traveled in November
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
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
196 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour. Everything organized in all detailed possible.”
Ivo, traveled in October
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
50% Off- US$550
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved the Nile cruise was very nice luxury, clean delicious buffet. The organization was seamless, and we had plenty of time at each site.”
Lara, traveled in August
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 $2,950
10% Off- US$2,655You save $295
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was really well organised. We felt like we were in good hands the whole time.”
Timothy, traveled in January
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
Amazing 8 nights Visit Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The places are amazing and the people so friendly.”
sofia, traveled in September
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
Discover Egypt 10 Day (Cairo- Nile Cruise -Hurghada)
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our travel organizer, Ihab, did everything necessary to make it comfortable and unforgettable.”
Francisco, traveled in November
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
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 $925
30% Off- US$648You save $278
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
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 250 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 297 tours
- April 2026 292 tours
- May 2026 281 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 276 tours
- July 2026 273 tours
- August 2026 273 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 281 tours
- October 2026 264 tours
- 263 tours
Contact our Nile travel experts
Joachim
Expert in Nile at TourRadar
Joachim 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.