Nile River Cruises
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The best Nile cruises
Compiled by
MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
166 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“His deep knowledge of the area and its incredible history brought every site to life, and his passion for sharing Egypt's culture was truly inspiring.”
Daniel, traveled in January 2025
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 2 to 90 year olds River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $699
50% Off- US$350You save $349
Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really friendly and help full. The tour was an incredible experience.”
Gladys, traveled in December 2024
The majestic Nile awaits aboard a 5-star cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The journey unfolds at Philae Temple, leads to the crocodile god temple at Kom Ombo, and reveals Edfu's falcon shrine. Rated 4.9/5 from 50+ reviews, featuring full-board dining, expert guides, and optional Abu Simbel excursions.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range 2 to 88 year olds River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,199
50% Off- US$600You save $599
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
168 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Khaleed guided us smoothly through crowded areas, helped us avoid potential scams, and ensured our experience was safe and enjoyable.”
Aurélien, traveled in January 2025
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 2 to 99 year olds River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
50% Off- US$530
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Cruise crew was so helpful and attentive to our needs that I would recommend to anyone.”
Thomas, traveled in May 2024
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 2 to 85 year olds River Nile Operator Holiday In From
50% Off- US$775
River Nile Dream - 4 Days from Luxor to Aswan (5 Stars Nile Cruise & Sightseeing)
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very friendly and professional.”
Wei, traveled in January 2024
The timeless Nile flows from Luxor to Aswan on this 5-star cruise ship adventure. Iconic temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae come alive with qualified Egyptologists. Panoramic river views, gourmet buffets, and optional sunrise balloon rides over ancient monuments create unforgettable memories.
Duration 4 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
50% Off- US$520
What people love about Nile Cruises
Fantastic tour! Highly recommend
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
- Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
We bought the cruise tickets, months before the actual date, during those months Mohamed answered all our questions and was very nice. Near the cruise date, he sent us the internal flights tickets, and I was very surprised that the flight from Luxor to Cairo was planned to midnight, when the tour would end at noon. I sent him a message right away, asking to change the flights since that time would not work for us. I followed up in that request, and the answer was always the same, I will see if it's possible. The trip date arrived and we started our cruise. We had an amazing guide (not sure how to spell his name but is something like Ahmur), our trip in Egypt lasted 1 week, 3 days besides the cruise, and he was the best person we met during the whole experience. He was the one person that did not asked us for money for every single thing that he did for us. He was funny, nice and so helpful. Our trip was good thanks to him. We spend 4 days with him and he took us to all the amazing places, as if was not enough to be there, he scheduled some of the tours earlier so we could arrive in the place before all the other tourists, more than once we had temples just for us, the pictures are amazing. Regarding that Luxor plan ticket that I talked about, once we were in Egypt we bought a chip with an egyptian phone number and then we started communicating regularly with Mohamed, on the 2nd day of the tour my husband asked him if he had changed the tickets, and he didn't. In the end we need to pay almost a new ticket to be able to change the time of the flight. I am sure if the change was made when I asked (weeks before) it would be much less expensive. Another issue we had, was about the 4th day of the tour, in the description on the website, there was an '(optional)' before the paragraph that describe the hot air balloon tour, and then the tour for Karnak and Luxor temple is described in a different paragraph, giving the impression that is included. But it's not, so, in fact you buy a 4 days tours experience, and if you don't pay extra you will actually have just 3 days. As we did not want to spend the day 'doing nothing' the whole day, we decided to pay for this 'optional' tour, after we clarified the confusion. We would still recommend the service, due to our amazing guide and to the close support we had from Mohamed during the trip. But as a warning, go prepared to spent more money than planned. And as a suggestion for Real Life Egypt: - When a customer request a change on a plan ticket, try and see that in advance as we all know, ticket plans tend to get more expensive near the trip date. - Improve the description of the tour, adding 'Optional' in every paragraph that describe the tours, just to avoid any confusion and breaking expectations.
- River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
Everything was great!! The river-boat, the rooms, the food, and the crew were excellent. We had an amazing time in the deck with music and dancing. Moreover, the cruise allowed us to see the most important ancient Egyptian sightseeing. Our tour guide Talat ( Ta Ta ) was very friendly, kind, funny and has great knowledge about the ancient Egyptian civilization. I would recommend this cruise to anyone interested to explore this wonderful country.
Travel Nile your way
The Nile cruise options run between 8-14 days, taking you along the classic Luxor to Aswan route that hits all the right spots. Our travelers appreciate the 5-star ships with their excellent restaurants and well-designed cabins facing the river. Some tours start with a special pyramid-view dinner before you board, while others offer intimate dahabiya sailboats for a smaller group experience. Many packages cleverly combine Nile cruising with time in Cairo, so you can properly explore the Egyptian Museum and pyramids before heading south. The guides make these trips shine - our customers often mention Ahmed and Mohammad by name for bringing ancient sites like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings to life. They handle all the practical details at busy locations too, which really helps. The thoughtful extras set these cruises apart - early entry to Abu Simbel before the crowds, private transfers between sites and also authentic Nubian village visits. Some itineraries include hot air balloons over the West Bank or evening temple tours. The deck pools get lots of praise from guests who appreciate cooling off after morning excursions. I find the 10-14 day trips that include the Red Sea work really well. You get your fill of temples and tombs but also time to relax and maybe snorkel. The 8-day cruises are perfect if you're focused on archaeology, while longer trips let you experience more local life in places like Kom Ombo, Edfu and also smaller riverside towns. Our customers love the daily rhythm - active mornings at historical sites, lazy afternoons watching village scenes from deck and also cultural shows in the evening. Having expert guides manage everything means you can just soak in the experience. It's a natural way to see Egypt when you've got the right combination of boat, route and also local expertise.
See all River Cruise toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Nile. We have 7 adventures that vary from 11 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursDiscover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 74 adventures available in Nile.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 290 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Nile with our expert guides leading the way.
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More travel styles:
Top operators
Based on the reviews, you'll notice some clear differences between these Egyptian tour companies. Ramasside Tours stands out for family trips - their guides Mohammed, Fatima and also Ahmed get lots of positive mentions from parents traveling with kids. They seem to really understand how to keep children engaged while sharing their knowledge about the sites. There's been a bit of overlap between Fez Travel and Encounters Travel that's caused some booking mix-ups, though both offer similar Egypt itineraries. With Truly Egypt Tours, it's more of a mixed bag - while guides like Mac and Ahmed earn praise for their expertise, the company struggled with cruise cancellations during Covid and some customers weren't happy with how refunds were handled. Cairo Pass has built a solid reputation, particularly for their Siwa Oasis experiences. Their quick responses and well-organized tours get good feedback, though travelers mention they should be clearer upfront about any extra costs that might come up during the trip. 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.
- 5.0 (763 reviews)
"Our first time trip to Egypt was one of the best trips ever we’ve had in our life. We booked the Nile cruise trip with Holiday inn Egypt which was one of the best experiences that took us from Luxor to Aswan and then Abu Simbel. Always remember that having a good tour guide is the most important thing you should think of before you get there. I highly recommend Mohamed Kamal, an amazing person with great knowledge, attitude and hospitality who took us to show the best places in the city. We enjoyed and laughed every single minute of our trip with Mohamed kamal an honest and kind person who made our trip to a memorable trip ever specially when he surprised me by celebrating my birthday few times in different locations with different people. Thank you Mohamed, hope to see you again.
- Tours
- 4 tours
- Age range
- 2 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 3h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $324
- 5.0 (22,802 reviews)
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Sailing
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $719
- 4.5 (837 reviews)
"We had an incredible experience with Khaled El saady as our guide during our Egypt tour. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared fascinating insights into Egypt's history and culture that truly enriched our trip. Khaleed also proved invaluable when navigating the often chaotic streets and situations in Egypt. He guided us smoothly through crowded areas, helped us avoid potential scams, and ensured our experience was safe and enjoyable. Thanks to Khaleed, we could focus on the fun and discovery without worrying about logistics or challenges. Highly recommended for anyone looking to make the most out of their visit to Egypt
- Tours
- 4 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $184
Best places to start your adventure
You can start your Nile journey from Luxor, Cairo or also Aswan, with Luxor being the most popular choice at 38% of departures. Cairo follows at 31% and Aswan at 28%. Here's a practical tip: book about 71 days ahead - just over two months - to get the cabin and itinerary you want, since the good boats fill up fast. Our experienced travelers suggest picking an upper deck cabin for better views and less noise from the engines, which really matters when boats tie up next to each other (a common practice on the Nile). 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.
Discover Nile tours for every budget
The 3-4 night Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan hit the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers. You'll cover major sites like Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and also Philae Temple without stretching your wallet too far. Our customers love taking traditional horse carriage rides to Edfu Temple and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks. The cabins are comfortable, Egyptian meals are included and the guides make all the difference - Rana and Mac especially get mentioned for bringing ancient history to life through their engaging stories.
For those seeking extra comfort, our 7-15 day premium journeys blend elegant Nile cruising with carefully selected hotels. The upscale vessels feature roomy suites with private balconies, fine dining and also wine tastings. Some itineraries include exclusive experiences - private entry to Nefertari's Tomb, peaceful felucca rides around Elephantine Island and dining with pyramid views. Our travelers particularly value the early morning Karnak Temple visits with expert Egyptologists before the crowds arrive. Several routes include stays at classic properties like Aswan's Old Cataract Hotel, perfect for afternoon tea overlooking the Nile.
Nile luxury tours
Nile tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
230 tours in NileExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Nile. We have 230 adventures that vary from 1 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
61 tours in NileVisit Nile with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
100 tours in NilePrivate tours run 3-7 nights, starting from either Luxor or Aswan with your dedicated Egyptologist guide throughout. Our travelers often praise Ahmed, Mohamed and also Mac for their deep knowledge and ability to adjust the pace to match your interests. While covering all major temples, you'll also explore hidden gems like the workers' village at Deir el-Medina. Having your own guide means you can take time for photos and dive deeper into discussions about hieroglyphs and daily life in ancient Egypt. Several options include flying to Abu Simbel for added comfort.
Top Nile travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our week-long cruises give you much more time on the Nile, with top routes mixing sailing from Luxor or Aswan with desert trips. One of the best includes Abu Simbel at no extra cost, while another uses a traditional dahabiya boat for smaller groups. The guides make these trips special - Mac and Ahmed Ramsey get constant praise for their deep historical knowledge and engaging style. You'll typically visit Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and also the High Dam over the 7 days. Evenings feature Nubian shows or Galabeya parties, and our travelers consistently rate the food very highly.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Luxor, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Edfu
See all tours
The 10-day trips give you a full Egyptian experience by combining Nile sailing with Cairo and Red Sea visits. Most popular are the ones starting at the pyramids and Egyptian Museum, then flying south for 3-4 nights on the river before finishing with beach time in Hurghada. More people choose these longer options since they offer real downtime between historical visits. Our travelers appreciate having different expert guides for each area - pyramid specialists in Cairo, Egyptologists on the Nile and also local experts for coastal activities. We include the internal flights which makes moving between regions easy.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Cairo, Giza, Saqqarah, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Philae
See all toursDemographics
Solo travelers find great value in our 3-4 night cruises, with private cabins and select departures that skip the single supplement fees. It's easy to meet people during sunset deck gatherings, shared meals and also daily excursions. Our solo guests particularly like the Aswan to Luxor route - it's got a nice mix of guided visits and free time to wander the markets or just relax on deck. Guide Khaled has a knack for bringing the group together while letting everyone do their own thing when they want.
For couples, our 4-5 night deluxe cruises on boats like the Mayfair and Royal Ruby hit all the right notes. The cabins all face the Nile, the dinners are candlelit and there's always a quiet spot on deck for watching the sunset. Many add on that early morning balloon ride over Luxor or evening shows at Philae Temple. The smaller boats feel more intimate, and our crew loves setting up those special moments - like dinner under the stars. The guides know when to share historical details and also when to step back so couples can explore on their own.
Young adults go for our packed 4-day trips that cover lots of ground without overspending. You'll see Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo Temple and also Philae Temple, plus you can add on some felucca sailing or sleep out in the desert. The boats have a great vibe - Egyptian parties, belly dancing shows and also pool deck hangouts between tours. Guide Montasser keeps things moving while mixing ancient history with real talk about life along the Nile today.
Our senior travelers prefer taking it slower with 7-15 day cruises. We pick boats with reliable elevators, wide cabins and also stable walkways throughout. Temple visits happen early before the heat kicks in, leaving afternoons free for watching village life along the river banks. Guide Talaat adjusts the walking speed and makes sure everyone catches the historical details. Having medical facilities on board and smooth transfer handling gives our older guests real peace of mind.
Our family cruises run 4-5 days, hitting the sweet spot between sightseeing and relaxation. Kids love exploring Karnak Temple's massive columns in Luxor, playing hide-and-seek while parents take photos. The MS Mayfair's family cabins work really well, and the kitchen staff knows how to handle picky eaters. There's plenty to keep everyone busy - Egyptian cooking classes where kids can get hands-on, traditional music shows and also pool time between stops. Our guide Asmaa turns temple visits into treasure hunts, making those ancient hieroglyphics come alive with stories kids actually remember.
- Solo Travelers247 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples39 tours All tours for Couples
- Seniors (50+)26 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit
- Spring 2025
March through May brings ideal weather for our longer 5-15 day packages combining Nile cruises with Cairo exploration. The conditions work perfectly for extra activities like hot air ballooning over Luxor's West Bank - something our travelers often call the highlight of their trip. As temperatures warm up, those afternoon pool dips on the sundeck feel especially good after morning temple visits. The evening entertainment really comes alive in spring, with traditional music, Nubian dancing and also cultural performances under the open sky.
- March 2025 popular 259 tours
- April 2025 246 tours
- May 2025 228 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer cruising from June through August needs smart planning, but early morning starts make site visits totally doable. Our 3-4 night trips work well, with air-conditioned cabins providing cool refuge between outings. The carefully planned schedule hits Karnak Temple at sunrise, Valley of the Kings in early morning and also includes peaceful sailing when the day heats up. Travelers make good use of the sundeck pools, and the evening Galabiya parties turn quite lively.
- June 2025 popular 219 tours
- July 2025 217 tours
- August 2025 217 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
October and November mark our peak season, with perfect conditions for extended voyages. The 4-day classic route between Aswan and Luxor really shines then, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring Abu Simbel, Philae Temple and also the Valley of the Kings. Many itineraries include special touches - sunset felucca rides around Elephantine Island, visits to traditional Nubian villages and optional balloon flights. The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for longer programs that mix Nile cruising with visits to Cairo's pyramids and museum.
- September 2025 popular 223 tours
- October 2025 205 tours
- 196 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter months from November through February offer really pleasant sailing conditions. Our 4-day Aswan to Luxor routes work perfectly then, 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 also Edfu Temple come with expert Egyptologists like Alaa, who our guests consistently praise for 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 private balconies.
- January 2025 197 tours
- February 2025 popular 258 tours
- December 2025 192 tours
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Expert in Nile at TourRadar
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