Nile River Cruises

Nile Cruise

A Nile Cruise is the most iconic way to travel in Egypt, sailing past the temples, tombs and villages of the Nile River Valley with every major monument between Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel on one journey. Every Nile cruise Egypt trip with WOW Egypt Tours includes a private Egyptologist guide, a private air-conditioned vehicle, full board, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom and all entrance fees. Choose from 57 Nile cruises across three cruise types, with Nile cruise prices starting from $695 per person, making these the best Nile cruise deals in Egypt.

Whether you search for an Egypt Nile cruise, a Nile river cruise, Nile cruises Egypt or an Egypt Nile river cruise, every option on this page is fully private. Our Nile River Cruises suit every kind of traveler: a Nile cruise holiday, an Egypt Nile cruise vacation, a Nile cruise tour, a Nile river cruise trip or Nile cruise packages. Popular choices include a family Nile cruise holiday, a Nile cruise honeymoon and a private Nile cruise for small groups.

Choose the Egypt Nile cruise that suits you: a classic Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise on a 5 star ship from $695, a traditional Dahabiya Nile Cruise on a small sailing boat from $900, or a Lake Nasser Cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel from $900. The 4 day Nile cruise is also known as the 3 night Nile cruise, and the 5 day Nile cruise is also known as the 4 night Nile cruise, with transfers and domestic flights from Cairo, Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam and other cities in Egypt.

At WOW Egypt Tours, every private Egypt Nile cruise is arranged only for your group or family, with a dedicated private Egyptologist guide and a private cabin on board. No shared groups, no shared guides and no hidden fees. The WOW Team is available 24/7 before, during and after your trip, with Nile cruise deals for 2026, 2027 and 2028 departing every week.

Nile Cruise Egypt Package

Every all inclusive Nile cruise package booked through WOW Egypt Tours is fully inclusive. Here is what is included in every Egypt Nile cruise, so you know exactly what you pay for. The Nile cruise price you are quoted is the price you pay, with the following included as standard:

Private Professional Egyptologist Guide
One dedicated private Egyptologist for your group for the full Nile river cruise tour. Full commentary at every temple, tomb and site on the itinerary. No group tours, no shared guides and no handoffs to local site guides.

Private Modern Air-Conditioned Vehicle
A private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver for all transfers between the boat and every sightseeing site, available at every stop.

Private Cabin with En-Suite Bathroom
A private cabin with an en-suite bathroom on every boat, from comfortable cabins on Standard ships to balcony cabins and suites on Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe and Luxury ships, and elegant cabins on a luxury Dahabiya.

Full Board on Board
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board daily, with no additional dining costs. Every full board Nile cruise includes bottled water during tours and transfers.

All Entrance Fees and Tickets
All site admissions on the itinerary are included, from Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings to Philae Temple and the Abu Simbel Temples on Lake Nasser cruises. No surprise costs on arrival.

Private Transfers Throughout
All airport, hotel and boat transfers are included and coordinated by the WOW Team, with domestic flights or private road transfers from Cairo, Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam to start your Nile cruise in Egypt.

Egypt Nile Cruise Types and Prices

Every Nile cruise in Egypt falls into one of three types. All three include a private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle, full board and entrance fees, so the difference is the boat and the route. Here is how to choose the best Nile cruise for your trip.

Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises

A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the classic Nile river cruise, sailing between Luxor and Aswan on a licensed 5 star ship with 42 cruises and departures every week in both directions. Choose a Nile cruise Luxor to Aswan or an Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise in four categories: a Standard Nile cruise from $695, a Deluxe Nile cruise from $907, an Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise from $1,311 and a Luxury Nile cruise from $1,200.

Dahabiya Nile Cruises

A traditional Dahabiya cruise is a traditional sailing boat with only a few cabins, a slower pace and moorings at quiet islands and villages not visited by larger ships. With 12 boats in Luxury and High Luxury classes, a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise is the most personal way to sail the Nile, with prices from $900 per person.

Lake Nasser Cruises

A Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel sails south of Aswan across Lake Nasser to the Abu Simbel Temples, with stops at Nubian temples reachable only by water, including Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Qasr Ibrim. A Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel is the best way to see Nubia, with prices from $900 per person.

Nile River Cruise Departure Days

The Nile river cruise departure days are fixed every week, so the WOW Team can fit a Nile cruise Egypt holiday into almost any travel schedule. Every cruise type runs as a 4 day 3 night Nile cruise or a 5 day 4 night Nile river cruise.

Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise: A Nile cruise from Luxor departs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday as a 5 day Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise, also called a 4 night Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise. A Nile cruise from Aswan departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as a 4 day Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise, also called a 3 night Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise. Both visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise: A Dahabiya cruise from Luxor departs every Monday as a 5 day Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya cruise, also called a 4 night Dahabiya Nile cruise. A Dahabiya cruise from Aswan departs every Friday as a 4 day Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya cruise, also called a 3 night Dahabiya Nile cruise, with island and village stops along the way.

Lake Nasser Cruise: A Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan departs every Monday as a 5 day Aswan to Abu Simbel cruise, also called a 4 night Lake Nasser cruise. A Lake Nasser cruise from Abu Simbel departs every Friday as a 4 day Abu Simbel to Aswan cruise, also called a 3 night Lake Nasser cruise.

4 day Nile cruise prices start from $695 per person on a Standard Luxor and Aswan ship. Rates vary by cruise type, boat, cabin and season, with different prices for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year and Easter, and availability runs through 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Egypt Tour Packages with Nile Cruise

A Nile cruise vacation pairs perfectly with more of Egypt before or after your time on the river. Combine your Nile cruise with an Egypt tour package to see more of the country in one Egypt vacation. The WOW Team can build complete Egypt tour packages with Nile cruise by duration, or Nile cruise vacation packages by category, including family, honeymoon, classic and group options, combined with any of the following:

Cairo and the Pyramids
Add nights in Cairo before or after your cruise to visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A domestic flight connects Cairo to Luxor or Aswan in about one hour, turning your trip into a complete Cairo and Nile cruise package.

Alexandria
Combine your cruise with a private tour of Alexandria, visiting the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Montaza Palace gardens, as a day trip from Cairo or an overnight extension.

Hurghada, El Gouna and the Red Sea
A short flight or private road transfer connects Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam with Luxor, making it easy to combine a Nile cruise and Red Sea holiday in one Egypt vacation, or to book a Nile cruise from Hurghada.

Extra Nights in Luxor
Add extra nights in Luxor to cover more West Bank sites, including the Valley of the Queens, the Tombs of the Nobles, the Ramesseum and Medinet Habu, or to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride and the Karnak Sound and Light Show at a slower pace.

Extra Nights in Aswan
Add extra nights in Aswan to visit Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island botanical garden, the Philae Sound and Light Show and the Nubian villages on the west bank of the Nile.

Abu Simbel Overnight Extension
Add a private overnight stay at Abu Simbel for a late afternoon temple visit, the Sound and Light Show after dark, and an early morning return visit before day visitors arrive.

Best Nile Cruise in Egypt

The best Nile cruise in Egypt depends on your budget, pace and route. For the widest choice of departures and prices, a Luxor Aswan Nile cruise is the most popular Nile river cruise, from a cheap Nile cruise to a 5 star luxury Nile cruise. For a slower, more personal trip with fewer guests, a Dahabiya cruise is the top choice. To see Abu Simbel and the Nubian temples by water, choose a Nubian Lake Nasser cruise.

Many travelers combine two cruise types for the most complete Egypt Nile cruise tour: a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise followed by a Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel, sailing the whole river from Luxor to the Sudan border. The WOW Team connects both cruises with private transfers in Aswan and coordinates the full itinerary.

Nile Cruise Packages 2026, 2027 and 2028

Nile cruise Egypt 2026, 2027 and 2028 departures run year round on every cruise type, with fixed weekly schedules. The WOW Team confirms availability, secures your cabin and sends a clear, itemized quote for your Egypt Nile cruise package with no obligation. Browse Egypt tour packages by duration or Egypt travel packages by category to plan the rest of your trip. All Nile cruise packages for 2026, 2027 and 2028 are fully private and fully inclusive.

Nile Cruise FAQs

These Nile cruise frequently asked questions cover prices, routes, cruise types, facilities and booking for every Egypt Nile cruise we offer.

How long is a Nile Cruise?
Most Nile cruises in Egypt run for 4 days/3 nights or 5 days/4 nights. A 4 day 3 night Egypt Nile cruise sails from Aswan to Luxor or from Abu Simbel to Aswan. A 5 day 4 night Egypt Nile river cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Abu Simbel. The longer itinerary allows a more relaxed pace between sites.

What sites are visited on a Nile Cruise?
A Luxor Aswan cruise visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Aswan High Dam. A Lake Nasser sailing adds the Abu Simbel Temples and the Nubian temples of Lake Nasser. A Dahabiya Nile journey adds quiet islands and village stops along the river.

What are the types of Nile cruises in Egypt?
There are three main types of Nile cruise Egypt trips: a classic Luxor and Aswan cruise on a 5 star ship, a Dahabiya sailing cruise on a traditional sailing boat, and an Abu Simbel Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Luxor and Aswan cruises come in four categories: Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe and Luxury.

What is the best Nile cruise?
The best Nile river cruise depends on what you want. A 5 star Deluxe Nile cruise is the most popular for the balance of comfort and price, a budget Nile cruise is the lowest priced, a top Luxury Nile cruise ship is the most exclusive ship, and a luxury Dahabiya boat is the most personal experience.

Which is better: a Nile cruise ship or a Dahabiya?
A Nile cruise ship offers more weekly departures, more cabin choices, a pool on most ships and the widest price range. A Dahabiya is a traditional sailing boat with only a handful of guests, mooring at quiet islands and villages at a slower pace. Both include a private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle, full board and all entrance fees, and many travelers combine both.

How much does a Nile Cruise cost?
Egypt Nile cruise rates start from $695 per person for a Standard Luxor and Aswan cruise, $907 for Deluxe, $1,311 for Ultra Deluxe and $1,200 for Luxury. Dahabiya and Lake Nasser cruises start from $900 per person. Nile cruise costs depend on the cruise type, boat, cabin and season, with higher rates at Christmas, New Year and Easter. All prices include a private Egyptologist guide, private transfers, full board and all entrance fees.

What is included in a Nile Cruise package?
Every Nile cruise Egypt package through WOW Egypt Tours includes a private Egyptologist guide for all temple and site visits and a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for all transfers. It also includes full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, and all entrance fees to every site on the itinerary. Bottled water during tours and transfers, and all service charges and taxes, are included too. Domestic flights can be added when required.

How many Nile cruises are available?
WOW Egypt Tours offers 57 Nile cruises, including 42 Luxor and Aswan cruises, 12 Dahabiya boats and Lake Nasser cruises, all with weekly departures. The WOW Team advises on the best Nile cruise boat for your travel dates, group size and budget.

Is a Nile Cruise suitable for families and children?
Yes. Every cruise type offers family cabin options, full-board dining and a structured daily schedule with shore visits spread across the itinerary. Children aged 2 to 5 are charged a reduced rate, and children under 2 travel free when sharing a cabin with parents. A family Egypt Nile cruise vacation can also be combined with Cairo or the Red Sea.

Is a Nile Cruise good for couples and honeymooners?
Yes. A Nile cruise is one of the most popular Egypt honeymoon experiences, with private sightseeing throughout and balcony cabins or suites on the higher category ships and Dahabiyas. A honeymoon Nile river cruise can include birthday, anniversary or honeymoon surprises when requested at booking.

Do Nile cruise boats have WiFi, air conditioning and a pool?
Every boat offers air conditioning in all cabins, a private en-suite bathroom and a sun deck. Swimming pools and WiFi are available on most cruise ships, and some Dahabiyas have a small plunge pool. The WOW Team confirms the on-board facilities of your boat when arranging your booking.

What is the food like on a Nile Cruise?
All meals are served on a full-board basis: breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Menus combine Egyptian and international dishes, with more refined dining on the higher category ships and Dahabiyas. Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals can be arranged when requested at booking.

When is the best time to take a Nile Cruise?
Nile cruises depart year round. The most comfortable months are October through April, when temperatures along the Nile are mild and ideal for sightseeing. May through September brings intense heat in Upper Egypt, but cruises still operate, the sites are far less crowded and summer rates are often the lowest of the year. Christmas, New Year and Easter are peak periods with higher prices and earlier booking requirements.

Do I need to book a Nile Cruise in advance?
Yes. Nile river cruises run on fixed weekly schedules, and cabins sell out several weeks ahead in peak seasons, especially on Dahabiyas, which have only a few cabins. Send your travel dates for 2026, 2027 or 2028, and the WOW Team will confirm availability and hold your cabin promptly.

How do I book a Nile Cruise and how does payment work?
Send the WOW Team your travel dates, group size, preferred cruise type and cabin through the contact page, WhatsApp or email. Availability is confirmed promptly, and a 25% deposit secures your cabin, guide, transfers and sightseeing. The remaining balance can be paid in full or in installments, no later than 7 days before the cruise date. An official invoice is issued for every payment, and cancellation more than 75 days before the cruise date is free.

Can I see Abu Simbel on a Nile Cruise?
Yes. A Lake Nasser voyage sails directly to the Abu Simbel Temples. On a Luxor and Aswan cruise or a Dahabiya, a private day trip or overnight stay at Abu Simbel can be added from Aswan by road or by flight.

Can I book a Nile Cruise from Cairo, Hurghada or other cities?
Yes. We arrange a Nile cruise from Cairo with domestic flights, and a Nile cruise tour from Hurghada or from El Gouna, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh with private road transfers or flights to Luxor or Aswan. The WOW Team builds complete Egypt tours with a Nile cruise, connecting every destination with private transfers and domestic flights.

What should I pack for a Nile Cruise?
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes for temple visits, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, light breathable clothing for daytime, a light jacket or sweater for evenings on deck between October and April, smart casual wear for dinner on board, swimwear for the pool, personal medication, and some cash for personal expenses or optional tipping.