MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise: Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
Tours Overview
Begin a nile cruise aswan to luxor journey that moves through the ancient world with the steady confidence of a ship that knows this river and its monuments intimately. The MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise is a five-star vessel of established quality and dependable comfort, purpose-built for the traveller who wants the complete Upper Egypt monument experience delivered with professionalism, warmth, and the particular pleasure that only a well-run nile cruise aswan to luxor programme can provide. With 76 cabins spread across three decks — including double cabins on the main deck, third deck, and lower deck, alongside single cabins on each level — the ms presidential commodore nile cruise accommodates its guests with a generous cabin-to-space ratio that gives every day on board a quality of ease and unhurried comfort that smaller, more crowded vessels consistently fail to match.
The nile cruise aswan to luxor programme that the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise offers is available in two carefully structured formats. The 4-day sailing departs from Aswan every Wednesday and moves northward to Luxor — opening with the island sanctuary of Philae, the ancient granite quarries, and the engineering scale of the High Dam before the river carries the ship through the double temple of Kom Ombo and the perfectly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, arriving in Luxor for the West and East Bank monument visits that complete the programme. The 5-day sailing departs from Luxor every Saturday and approaches the same extraordinary corridor from the opposite direction — opening with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, crossing to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple on the West Bank, navigating the Esna Lock, and sailing south through Edfu and Kom Ombo to arrive in Aswan for the island temples and granite quarries that bring the ms presidential commodore nile cruise programme to its southern conclusion. Both formats cover the full range of monuments between the two cities and deliver the same standard of guided engagement and on-board hospitality throughout every day of the sailing.
What makes the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise a rewarding choice for the nile cruise aswan to luxor traveller is the straightforward consistency with which it delivers on its promise. Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom, television, minibar, telephone, personal safe, and individual air-conditioning control — the practical foundations of a comfortable on-board experience that are present and maintained throughout the sailing. The large panoramic windows with ultraviolet filtering bring the river landscape into every cabin with clarity and without the heat that untreated glass would admit. The swimming pool and sun deck provide the outdoor relaxation that a nile cruise aswan to luxor programme demands after days of excursion in the Egyptian sun. And the dedicated movie channel, gymnasium, laundry service, and round-the-clock doctor-on-call ensure that every practical need a guest might have during the sailing is met with the same reliability.
The Egyptologist guides who accompany the ms presidential commodore nile cruise shore excursions work with a maximum group size of twelve guests — small enough to maintain the intimate, personally engaged quality of commentary that transforms monument visits from impressive sightseeing into genuine historical encounter, and large enough to sustain the social warmth that makes a group programme on a nile cruise aswan to luxor sailing more enjoyable than a purely private one. The monuments visited are the same extraordinary portfolio that defines the Upper Egypt corridor: the overwhelming scale and thousand-year chronological depth of Karnak, the painted intimacy of the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the architectural composure of Hatshepsut's terraced mortuary temple, the twin-deity theological precision of Kom Ombo, the Ptolemaic perfection of Edfu's Temple of Horus, and the island sanctuary of Philae with its relocated colonnaded halls and some of Egypt's last surviving hieroglyphic inscriptions. The Galabia Party on Day 2 of the northbound sailing and the festive evening entertainment programme add a dimension of onboard celebration that balances the historical intensity of the daytime excursions with the warmth and social pleasure that evenings on the river deserve.
The Nile itself is the element that gives the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise its most distinctive and irreplaceable quality as a nile cruise aswan to luxor programme. The river passages between sites — north through the agricultural heartland of Upper Egypt on the 4-day sailing, south through the Esna Lock and the increasingly dramatic desert landscape on the 5-day sailing — are not intervals to be endured but experiences to be appreciated. The large panoramic windows of the cabins and the generous open space of the sun deck ensure that the passing landscape of palm-lined banks, ancient cliffs, and quiet riverside villages is never far from view. This is what a properly delivered nile cruise aswan to luxor experience looks like — and the ms presidential commodore nile cruise delivers it with the professional care and genuine warmth that have defined its reputation on this corridor for years.
Cruise Facilities
In-Cabin Amenities
76 spacious cabins across three decks — main deck, third deck, and lower deck — each equipped to a consistent five-star standard with private bathroom, individual climate control, and full amenities throughout
Large panoramic windows with ultraviolet filtering in every cabin, bringing the river landscape into the room with clarity and without the heat that untreated glass would admit
Non-smoking cabins throughout the ship, maintained to a high standard of freshness and cleanliness
Colour television with in-house music system, video channels, and a dedicated movie channel showing three films daily
Internet access available on board
In-cabin minibar and full room service
Personal safe in every cabin for the secure storage of valuables and travel documents
Direct-dial telephone with full international calling capability
Private en-suite bathroom with full bathtub, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries
Individual air-conditioning control allowing each guest to set their own preferred cabin temperature
Ship Services & Facilities
Swimming pool and generous sun deck providing outdoor relaxation throughout the sailing
Fully equipped gymnasium with modern fitness equipment
Qualified physician available on call around the clock for any medical needs during the nile cruise aswan to luxor sailing
Full laundry service and daily housekeeping available throughout the programme
Gift shop carrying Egyptian handcrafts, keepsakes, and travel essentials
All major credit cards accepted on board
Wireless internet access throughout the ship
Evening entertainment programme on board including traditional Galabia Party and festive events
Included
- Warm personal meet-and-assist reception at the point of arrival — Aswan or Luxor Airport or Train Station — with a complimentary flower welcome and dedicated representative support throughout embarkation and all departure formalities
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off from and to the airport or train station in both Luxor and Aswan
- All private, air-conditioned ground transportation between arrival points and the ship and between the ship and all shore excursion sites throughout the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme, with fully qualified drivers throughout
- Full-board accommodation throughout the sailing — 3 nights for the 4-day programme, 4 nights for the 5-day programme — aboard the five-star MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in the main restaurant
- Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide during all shore excursions, with a maximum group size of 12 guests, providing expert historical, archaeological, and cultural commentary at every site throughout the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme
- Guided visit to the High Dam, with commentary on its engineering significance and its impact on Egypt's ancient monuments
- Motor launch boat transfer to Agilkia Island and guided visit to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, including commentary on the UNESCO relocation project
- Guided visit to the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan's ancient granite quarries, with full engineering and historical commentary
- Guided visit to the double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo, including the ancient Nilometer, the surgical instrument relief carvings, and the crocodile mummification museum
- Traditional horse-drawn carriage transfer and guided visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most completely preserved ancient Egyptian temple in existence
- Navigation through the Esna Lock, with on-board explanation of the lock system and its role in Nile river management (5-day southbound programme)
- Guided visit to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor, including entry to three royal tombs
- Guided visit to the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, with full historical and architectural commentary
- Stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor
- Guided visit to Karnak Temple Complex on the East Bank of Luxor, including the Great Hypostyle Hall and inner sanctuaries
- Guided visit to Luxor Temple on the East Bank, including the processional colonnade of Amenhotep III and the entrance pylon of Ramesses II
- Traditional Galabia Party on board with festive evening entertainment
- Complimentary one bottle of mineral water per person per day during all shore excursions and transfers
- Admission fees to all listed monuments and archaeological sites throughout the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme
- All applicable local taxes, cruise service charges, and handling fees
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Egypt
- Egyptian entry visa (available on arrival for most nationalities; applicable fees apply)
- Travel insurance and medical insurance (strongly recommended for all travellers)
- Optional excursions including hot air balloon over Luxor, felucca sailing in Aswan, and Nubian village visit (available at additional cost)
- Optional entry to the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings (available at additional cost)
- Additional meals or beverages consumed outside the full-board arrangement on board
- Personal expenses including laundry, telephone calls, and minibar charges
- Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide, drivers, and MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise crew (customary and warmly appreciated)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Aswan Arrival: Your Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor Begins
Your nile cruise aswan to luxor journey aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise begins at Aswan Airport or Aswan Train Station, where your dedicated representative greets you and transfers you smoothly to the ship. Embarkation at Aswan is itself an arrival of genuine atmosphere — Egypt's southernmost great city is warm, granite-framed, and shaped by a character that is entirely its own among the cities of the Nile Valley, and the ship's mooring here, with the river already widening around its extraordinary pink rock formations, communicates immediately the quality of the journey that lies ahead.
Lunch is served on board as you settle into your cabin — spacious, well-equipped, and oriented toward the river with the large panoramic windows that give the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise its most immediate connection to the landscape it is sailing through.
The afternoon programme opens with three of Aswan's most significant ancient and modern sites. The High Dam — an engineering achievement of remarkable scale completed in 1971 after a decade of construction — is visited first, its panoramic views across Lake Nasser providing an immediate and striking sense of the forces this structure was built to tame and the archaeological rescue operations its construction made necessary. The Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries follows, its colossal presence in the bedrock from which it was being extracted — abandoned when a flaw was discovered, still attached to the rock along one edge, and representing what would have been the largest single stone object ever completed — offering the most direct possible encounter with pharaonic engineering ambition available anywhere along the nile cruise aswan to luxor corridor.
A motor launch then carries you across the still waters of the reservoir to Agilkia Island and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and relocated stone by stone from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in one of the twentieth century's most celebrated UNESCO rescue operations. The colonnaded halls, carved sanctuary walls, and some of Egypt's last surviving hieroglyphic inscriptions create an atmosphere of quiet sanctity that the island setting deepens considerably.
The evening returns you to the ms presidential commodore nile cruise for dinner as the first night of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme officially begins.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, Aswan
Day 2 - Kom Ombo, Edfu and a Festive Evening on the Nile
The second day of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme carries the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise northward through the agricultural heartland of Upper Egypt toward two of the Nile Valley's most rewarding ancient temples.
Breakfast on board opens the morning in the quiet calm that belongs to the Nile in the early hours — wide sugarcane fields and palm groves lining the banks, water birds standing in the shallows, and the desert escarpments beginning to close in as the river narrows south of Kom Ombo. The temple itself appears at the riverbank as the ship rounds the wide bend in the Nile — directly on the water's edge, its carved sandstone walls rising with a visual immediacy that the approach by nile cruise aswan to luxor vessel makes uniquely powerful. Your licensed Egyptologist guide leads the exploration of this one-of-a-kind double sanctuary, dedicated in perfect architectural symmetry to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the elder form of Horus, every element of its plan — entrances, hypostyle halls, offering halls, and inner sanctuaries — duplicated in parallel to serve both deities with equal theological precision. The celebrated panel of surgical instrument carvings, the ancient calendar preserved in the temple's reliefs, and the adjacent museum of mummified crocodiles all add layers of historical and cultural depth to a visit that consistently rewards genuine engagement.
Lunch is served on board the ms presidential commodore nile cruise as the afternoon sailing to Edfu continues, the sun deck providing an excellent vantage point for watching the landscape change as the river moves north. A traditional horse-drawn carriage ride from the riverbank to the Temple of Horus at Edfu adds a warm and unhurried note to the approach — a small pleasure that sets exactly the right tone for the exploration of the most completely preserved ancient Egyptian temple in existence. The twin pylons still stand at their full original height of thirty-six metres. The outer courts, the vast hypostyle hall, and the inner sanctuary where the sacred barque of Horus once rested are all explored with the depth of commentary that this exceptional site deserves.
The evening returns you to the ms presidential commodore nile cruise for dinner, followed by a traditional Galabia Party on board — guests dressed in Egyptian attire, music playing across the deck, and the warm social pleasure of an evening on the river at its most festive.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, sailing toward Luxor
Day 3 - Both Banks of Luxor: Tombs, Temples and the Theban Legacy
The third day of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme is among the most monument-dense in any Upper Egypt programme — a day that crosses from the West Bank's royal burial grounds to the East Bank's great religious complexes and covers the full breadth of what made ancient Thebes the most powerful city in the ancient world.
The West Bank receives you first in the early morning, when the Theban cliffs catch the light and the Valley of the Kings is at its most atmospherically quiet before the heat of the day builds. The royal necropolis — its narrow desert ravine concealing more than sixty painted tombs carved and decorated for the pharaohs of the New Kingdom — is explored with your Egyptologist guide in the depth that a maximum group of twelve guests consistently makes possible. Three tombs are included, each one selected to represent a different dimension of New Kingdom funerary art and religious practice, and the commentary brings the painted narratives of the Book of the Dead, the weighing of the soul, and the pharaoh's journey in the presence of the gods from impressive ancient decoration into genuine historical and theological understanding.
The optional entry to the tomb of Tutankhamun, available at additional cost, extends the visit for those who wish to include the most celebrated burial in the Valley. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari follows — three refined colonnaded terraces carved into the cliff face with architectural precision and restraint that continue to draw the admiration of architects and historians, decorated with painted scenes of her divine birth and her legendary trading expeditions to Punt.
The Colossi of Memnon provide a final monumental farewell to the West Bank before the return to the ms presidential commodore nile cruise for lunch.
The afternoon crosses to the East Bank for Karnak Temple — the largest religious building ever constructed, its Great Hypostyle Hall with one hundred and thirty-four columns reaching twenty-three metres constituting one of the most overwhelming architectural experiences the ancient world has left behind — and Luxor Temple, positioned on the Nile's edge with the processional grandeur of Amenhotep III's colonnade and the great entrance pylon of Ramesses II.
The evening on board features dinner, music, and a disco that brings the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme's most comprehensive day to a warm and celebratory close.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, Luxor
Day 4 - Departure from Luxor
Breakfast is enjoyed on board the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise on the final morning of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme — the last opportunity to take in the Luxor riverscape from the ship that has been your home for the past three nights.
Check-out at 8:00 am is followed by your private transfer to Luxor Airport or Luxor Train Station, arranged with the same smooth efficiency that has characterised every element of the ms presidential commodore nile cruise experience from arrival to departure.
You leave carrying the particular satisfaction of a nile cruise aswan to luxor programme that moved through the ancient world without hurry and without compromise — site by site, river passage by river passage, day by day.
Departure from Luxor
Day 1 - Luxor Embarkation: Welcome to the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise
The 5-day nile cruise aswan to luxor programme — here sailed in its southbound direction, from Luxor to Aswan — begins in the city that the ancient Egyptians called Thebes, the imperial capital of the New Kingdom and the site of the greatest density of ancient monuments anywhere on earth.
Your representative meets you at Luxor Airport or Luxor Train Station and transfers you to the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, where embarkation at noon is followed by lunch in the main restaurant and the first opportunity to settle into your cabin — well-appointed, river-facing, and equipped with the practical amenities that make days on the ms presidential commodore nile cruise consistently comfortable.
The afternoon programme opens with the two defining religious complexes of the East Bank. Karnak Temple receives you first, its processional avenue of ram-headed sphinxes leading to the colossal first pylon and beyond it the Great Hypostyle Hall — a forest of one hundred and thirty-four columns reaching twenty-three metres, every surface carved with coloured reliefs of divine ceremony and royal triumph — explored with the scholarly depth and genuine narrative enthusiasm that your Egyptologist brings to every site on this nile cruise aswan to luxor programme.
Luxor Temple follows as the afternoon light deepens toward evening — the long colonnade of Amenhotep III, the great entrance pylon of Ramesses II, and the ceremonial axis that once connected this temple to Karnak by a three-kilometre avenue of sphinxes all explored with the same quality of guided engagement. Dinner on board the ms presidential commodore nile cruise and the first evening on the river bring a finely composed close to the opening day.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, Luxor
Day 2 - West Bank Wonders and the Esna Lock
The second morning of the ms presidential commodore nile cruise programme crosses to the West Bank of Luxor for the royal burial grounds and sacred cliff temples that represent ancient Egypt's most extraordinary surviving engagement with the themes of death and eternal life.
An optional hot air balloon ride over the Theban monuments at dawn — available at additional cost for those who arrange it in advance — offers a perspective on the Valley of the Kings, the temples, and the Nile from above that many travellers describe as the defining visual experience of their entire nile cruise aswan to luxor journey. The Valley of the Kings follows on the ground, with three royal tombs explored in the depth that the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise's guided programme consistently makes possible.
The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari follows with its composed and architecturally remarkable three-tiered colonnade, and the Colossi of Memnon provide their customary powerful farewell to the West Bank before the return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon sailing south toward Esna is the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme at its most pleasurable and meditative — the ms presidential commodore nile cruise moving through a wide palm-lined landscape, the sun deck offering the finest possible vantage point for watching Egypt pass by.
The navigation of the Esna Lock — where the ship descends through a controlled water-level transition as the Nile drops toward Aswan — is one of the programme's most unexpectedly fascinating moments, a reminder that the Nile is a working waterway as well as a historical one. The ship continues southward through the evening toward Edfu as dinner is served on board.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, sailing toward Edfu
Day 3 - Edfu and Kom Ombo: Two Temples, One Exceptional River Day
The third day of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme delivers two of the most rewarding ancient temples on the corridor in a single day of river sailing that demonstrates precisely why the nile cruise aswan to luxor format produces encounters with these monuments that no land-based alternative can replicate.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu arrives first — reached by traditional horse-drawn carriage from the riverbank in an approach that adds its own quiet charm to the visit — and explored in the full depth its remarkable preservation rewards. The twin pylons at full height, the vast outer courts, the detailed hypostyle hall, and the darkened inner sanctuary where the golden barque of Horus once rested are all covered with the scholarly and narrative Egyptologist commentary that makes the theological story of Horus and Seth — the cosmic battle between order and chaos — genuinely comprehensible and genuinely gripping.
Lunch is served on board the ms presidential commodore nile cruise as the afternoon sailing delivers the ship to the dramatic bend in the Nile where Kom Ombo stands directly on the bank. The double temple's one-of-a-kind dedication to Sobek and Haroeris in perfect architectural symmetry — twin entrances, twin halls, twin sanctuaries — is explored with the full depth it rewards, including the ancient Nilometer, the surgical instrument relief carvings, and the crocodile mummification museum. A festive Galabia Party on board brings a warm and colourful close to the third day as the ship continues its southward passage toward Aswan.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, sailing toward Aswan
Day 4 - Aswan: Ancient Quarries, Island Temples and the Southern Nile
Aswan announces itself on the fourth morning of the ms presidential commodore nile cruise programme with the dramatic change in landscape that consistently surprises and delights travellers arriving from the north — the green agricultural banks give way to the extraordinary pink granite formations of the First Cataract, and the warm, unhurried character of Egypt's southernmost great city settles around the ship with an immediate and distinctive atmosphere.
The morning opens at the High Dam, moves to the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries — that remarkable monument of interrupted ambition whose presence in the quarry floor offers the most direct possible encounter with the scale and process of pharaonic stone-working — and continues to the Temple of Philae by motor launch across the reservoir's still waters. The colonnaded halls, painted sanctuaries, and island setting of Philae make it one of the most affecting encounters of the entire nile cruise aswan to luxor programme, and the late afternoon light on Agilkia Island is particularly beautiful.
Lunch is served on board after the return to the ms presidential commodore nile cruise, and the afternoon is at leisure — the optional felucca ride on the quiet waters of the Nile at Aswan and the optional Nubian village visit both providing encounters of a more personal and human scale to close the day. Dinner on board brings the fourth day of the nile cruise aswan to luxor programme to a warm and satisfying conclusion.
Overnight: Aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise, Aswan
Day 5 - Departure from Aswan
The final morning of the 5-day nile cruise aswan to luxor programme — completed here at its southern terminus — begins with breakfast on the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise as Aswan wakes around the ship. The granite formations catch the early light, the river moves with its quiet authority past the hull, and the particular atmosphere of this southernmost city provides a warm and fittingly unhurried backdrop for the final hours of the sailing.
Check-out at 8:00 am is followed by your private transfer to Aswan Airport or Aswan Train Station, arranged with the seamless efficiency that the ms presidential commodore nile cruise maintains throughout every element of the guest experience. You leave Egypt carrying the full satisfaction of a nile cruise aswan to luxor programme that delivered the ancient world monument by monument, river passage by river passage, and day by day.
Departure from Aswan
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my Egypt tour?
We recommend securing your reservation 3 to 6 months prior to your intended travel date. This is particularly important during Egypt's peak season, which runs from October through April. Booking early not only guarantees availability but also gives our team ample time to craft a truly personalised experience tailored to your preferences.
Do you offer discounted rates for group travel?
Yes, we are pleased to offer preferential rates for groups of 6 or more travellers. As every group has unique requirements, we invite you to contact us directly so that we may prepare a customised quotation suited to your party size, itinerary, and interests.
What is included in the tour price?
Our tour packages are designed to provide a seamless, all-encompassing experience. Inclusions typically cover accommodation, guided excursions, select meals, and all transportation within Egypt. Specific inclusions vary by package, and a full breakdown is provided at the time of booking so you know exactly what to expect.
Is travel insurance required to book with you?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement; however, we strongly advise all clients to obtain comprehensive coverage prior to departure. International travel can bring unforeseen circumstances — from medical emergencies to flight disruptions — and adequate insurance ensures that your journey is protected from the unexpected.
Is Egypt actually safe for tourists in 2026?
Egypt is genuinely safe for travelers, and millions visit each year without incident. Tourist police are a highly visible presence at every major site, resort town, and transport hub. The Egyptian government treats tourism as a national priority — and that protection is real, not just on paper. Common sense applies as it would anywhere: stay aware of your surroundings, avoid unsanctioned political gatherings, and stick to well-traveled areas after dark. The Egyptian people themselves are famously warm and hospitable toward visitors.
Can I get a visa on arrival, or do I need to apply in advance?
Most nationalities — including those from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada — can purchase a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport. The cost is USD $25 or the equivalent in Euros, paid in cash only (cards are not accepted at the visa desk). Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your travel date. Alternatively, Egypt's e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) lets 41 nationalities apply online before departure. However, many travelers find it simpler to just buy it at the airport.
Is it safe for women to travel solo in Egypt?
Solo female travel in Egypt is increasingly common, and many women do it comfortably with proper preparation. Dress modestly outside of Red Sea resort areas, be confident in your manner, and don't hesitate to be firm with anyone who is overly persistent. Harassment does occur, particularly in busy tourist markets, but it is usually verbal and easily managed by moving on. Booking tours with reputable operators removes a lot of friction and lets you focus on the experience itself. Many female solo travelers describe Egypt as one of their most memorable journeys.
Can I extend my tourist visa if I want to stay longer?
Yes — a standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days, but extensions are obtainable. Visit the Mogamma building in Cairo's Tahrir Square, or go to the passport offices in Luxor, Alexandria, or Aswan. Extensions allow you to stay for an additional month. Come prepared with your passport, a photo, and a small fee. If you're leaving Egypt and re-entering (for example, via Jordan), you'll need a fresh visa on your return — your original is cancelled at departure.
What currency is used, and how much cash should I carry?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Hotels, large restaurants, and most shops in tourist areas accept major credit cards and US dollars or Euros at a reasonable rate. That said, always keep some Egyptian Pounds on hand — local markets, small cafés, taxi drivers, and tips all run on cash. ATMs are widely available at airports, banks, and shopping centers across all major tourist cities, and they dispense Egyptian Pounds directly.
How does tipping work in Egypt, and how much is expected?
Tipping — known locally as "baksheesh" — is a well-established part of Egyptian culture and an important part of service workers' income. At restaurants, 10–15% is standard. For private guides, EGP 100–200 per day is appreciated. Drivers typically receive EGP 50–100 for a full day. At major sites like the Pyramids, you may encounter unofficial "helpers" who offer unsolicited assistance and then expect payment — it's perfectly fine to politely decline any help you didn't ask for.
Is bargaining expected in the markets?
Absolutely — bargaining is part of the experience in Egypt's bazaars and souks. Opening prices at markets like Cairo's Khan el-Khalili are usually two to three times what a seller expects to receive. Approach it with good humor, don't take the first price, and feel free to walk away — that often brings a better offer. Fixed-price shops and mall stores are the exception: what you see is what you pay. The goal is always a fair deal, not a "win," so keep it friendly.
What should I wear while exploring Cairo and Luxor?
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is ideal — both for cultural respect and practical comfort in the heat. Think linen trousers, long cotton skirts, and breathable tops. Men should avoid shorts at historic and religious sites. Flat, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended when walking around temples and pyramids — the ground is uneven and dusty. Red Sea resort towns like Hurghada and El Gouna are far more relaxed; beach attire is completely normal there.
What are the rules for visiting mosques and religious sites?
Shoes must be removed before entering any mosque — bring a bag to carry them if you prefer not to leave them at the door. Women are asked to cover their hair and wear clothing that covers arms and legs; a large scarf in your day bag solves this easily. Men in shorts may be lent a wrap at the entrance of some mosques. Most mosques are closed to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times, so check in advance for the five daily prayer schedules, especially Friday midday prayers when many sites close temporarily.
Is alcohol available in Egypt?
Yes, alcohol is legal and available — but selectively so. You'll find beer, wine, and spirits at hotels, upscale restaurants, licensed bars, and duty-free shops. Outside of tourist establishments and resort areas, alcohol is rarely sold. Drinking in public streets is not acceptable and is technically prohibited. You may bring up to 2 liters of alcohol into Egypt duty-free. The legal drinking age is 21.
Can I go inside the Great Pyramids of Giza?
Yes — entry to the interior of the Pyramids is possible but limited. Only a fixed number of tickets are released each day and they sell out quickly, especially at peak season. Tickets must be purchased in person at the main entrance; online booking is not available for interior access. Arrive early — ideally before 8 AM. Be aware that the passages inside are narrow, low, and warm. If you're claustrophobic, the experience of the exterior and plateau is every bit as spectacular.
Can I take photos inside the tombs in the Valley of the Kings?
Photography inside the tombs is prohibited — a rule that is actively enforced. Cameras and phones are typically required to be put away before entering. The reason isn't arbitrary: flash photography, even from smartphones, accelerates the deterioration of thousands-of-years-old paint and pigment on tomb walls. Respect the rule. What you can do is photograph everything outside, and the imagery inside is so vivid it will remain in your memory long after the visit.
Is a Nile cruise worth it, and what type should I choose?
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is one of the finest ways to experience Upper Egypt — watching temples emerge from the riverbanks as you sail is genuinely unlike anything else. Classic motor cruises (3–5 nights) are the most common and affordable. For a more intimate, slower experience, a Dahabiya — a traditional wooden sailing vessel accommodating only 8–16 guests — offers unhurried access to small villages and lesser-visited temples. Lake Nasser cruises, sailing south of Aswan toward Abu Simbel, are for the truly adventurous.
When is the best time of year to visit Egypt?
October through April is the golden window — temperatures are comfortable (15–28°C / 60–82°F) and the light is extraordinary. December and January are peak season with the highest hotel rates and crowds. March to May is a sweet spot: warm but not oppressive, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Summer (June–September) is intensely hot in Cairo and Upper Egypt — up to 45°C (113°F) — though the Red Sea resorts remain pleasant due to sea breezes and are significantly cheaper to visit.
Optional Add-On Experiences
Enhance your journey with these exclusive additional experiences.
Egyptian Cooking Experience
Cook, share, and taste Egypt's soul.
Marriage Proposal Experience
A private, unforgettable moment crafted in a setting of your choice.
Hot Air Balloon in Luxor
Sunrise over ancient temples from the sky.
Professional Photographer
Capture your journey with a professional eye.
Egyptian Cooking Experience
Cook, share, and taste Egypt's soul.
Lady Egypt also invites our guests to connect with Egypt through its rich and soulful cuisine by offering authentic Egyptian cooking courses as part of our journeys. In an intimate 90-minute hands-on experience, clients cook side by side with our talented Egyptian chefs, learning to prepare traditional home-style dishes using fresh local ingredients, aromatic spices, and time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. More than a class, it's a cultural exchange filled with stories, flavours, and warmth allowing travellers to taste Egypt not only on the plate, but through its people and traditions.
Marriage Proposal Experience
A private, unforgettable moment crafted in a setting of your choice.
Let us help you plan a marriage proposal that feels personal and cinematic — from a quiet Nile-side dinner to a sunrise surprise by the temples. Our team coordinates timing, discreet photography, flowers, and local touches so you can focus on the moment while we handle the details with care and discretion.
Hot Air Balloon in Luxor
Sunrise over ancient temples from the sky.
Float above the West Bank as the sun paints the Valley of the Kings and the Nile in gold. This early-morning balloon ride is one of Egypt’s most iconic experiences — peaceful, breathtaking, and worth the wake-up call. We arrange transfers and timing to fit your itinerary so the experience feels effortless.
Professional Photographer
Capture your journey with a professional eye.
Bring home more than memories: add a professional photographer to key days of your trip. Whether candid moments at the pyramids or styled portraits at sunset, you will receive edited images that tell the story of your Egypt adventure with clarity and artistry.
Explore our Packages
Discover our wide range of packages and find the perfect one for you.
Step aboard the Movenpick Hamees and journey through the heart of ancient Egypt on one of the most rewarding Nile river cruises available today. Over 4 or 5 days between Aswan and Luxor, discover iconic temples, royal tombs, and timeless monuments — all with full-board dining, a private Egyptologist guide, and seamless service from embarkation to farewell.
Experience a refined Nile Cruise aboard the elegant Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise, sailing between Luxor and Aswan while discovering ancient temples, royal tombs, and breathtaking Nile landscapes. Enjoy full-board comfort, guided archaeological tours, and relaxing river views as your luxury floating hotel carries you through the heart of ancient Egypt.
Discover the magic of a Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise, sailing through the heart of ancient Egypt while visiting iconic temples, royal tombs, and breathtaking Nile landscapes. Enjoy a relaxing Nile cruise experience with expert-guided tours, full-board comfort, and unforgettable views along the legendary river.
Journey along the legendary Nile aboard the elegant Jaz Regent Nile Cruise from Luxor on a carefully curated 4 or 5 day journey from Luxor to Aswan. Explore the colossal temples of Karnak and Luxor, descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and discover the sacred sanctuaries of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae — all in refined comfort with a private Egyptologist guide and full-board luxury throughout.
Sail the legendary Nile aboard the distinguished Tamr Henna Nile Cruise on a carefully curated 4 or 5 day nile cruise ship voyage between Luxor and Aswan. Explore the colossal temples of Karnak and Luxor, descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and discover the sacred sanctuaries of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae — all in refined comfort with a dedicated private Egyptologist guide and full-board hospitality throughout.
Uncover the beauty of Upper Egypt aboard the elegant Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise on a thoughtfully curated 4 or 5 day luxor nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. Discover the sacred temples of Philae, Kom Ombo, and Edfu, walk through the awe-inspiring halls of Karnak, and descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings — all in a setting of refined comfort with a dedicated private Egyptologist guide and full-board hospitality throughout.
Sail the legendary Nile aboard the luxurious Farah Nile Cruise on a 4 or 5-day guided expedition between Aswan and Luxor. Discover iconic temples, royal tombs, and timeless monuments with a private Egyptologist — all on a fully inclusive basis.
Set sail on an unforgettable luxurious Nile cruise aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess, one of Egypt's most prestigious river vessels. Whether you choose the 4-day voyage from Aswan to Luxor or the 5-day southbound journey from Luxor to Aswan, every moment is crafted for discovery and indulgence. From the towering pylons of Karnak to the silent valleys of the royal necropolis, experience the wonders of ancient Egypt in all-suite comfort, with full-board dining, expert Egyptologist guidance, and seamless service every step of the way.
Embark on an extraordinary Nile cruise in Egypt aboard the elegant Soleil Nile Cruise, sailing through one of the most historically rich corridors on earth. Whether you choose the 4-day northbound voyage from Aswan to Luxor or the 5-day southbound journey from Luxor to Aswan, every day brings you face to face with the wonders of ancient Egypt. From the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings to the island sanctuary of Philae, experience it all in comfort and style — with full-board dining, expert Egyptologist guidance, and warm, attentive service throughout your entire journey on the Nile.
Discover the magic of the Nile aboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise, a luxury journey connecting Luxor and Aswan. Explore ancient temples, sail through timeless landscapes, and enjoy elegant accommodation, fine dining, and expert-guided excursions at every stop.
Enjoy a 5 star Nile cruise aboard the Movenpick Sunray Nile Cruise, sailing between Luxor and Aswan with luxury accommodation, fine dining, and guided tours to Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites.
Discover the historia nile cruise, a refined luxury Egypt cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, where elegant accommodation, expert-guided excursions, and the timeless beauty of the Nile come together to create an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s most iconic ancient wonders.
Discover the esmeralda nile cruise, a luxury Nile cruise to Luxor and a relaxing Nile cruise in Aswan, combining elegant accommodation, guided excursions, and unforgettable views along Egypt’s timeless river.
Enjoy a refined nile cruise tour aboard La Fayan Nile Cruise, combining elegant accommodation, expert-guided excursions, and the timeless beauty of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
Redefine the way you see ancient Egypt aboard the Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise — a five-star floating sanctuary navigating the world's most historically charged river corridor. With a carefully crafted nile cruise itinerary, expert Egyptologist guidance, and full-board luxury, this luxor aswan cruise delivers the ancient world at its most vivid and genuinely unforgettable.
Drift through the heart of ancient Egypt aboard the Acamar Nile Cruise — a premium five-star ship that sets the standard for the finest egypt nile cruise experience on the river. Whether you follow the 4-day or 5-day sailing program, every day combines expert-guided monument visits, full-board dining, and the unhurried rhythm of the Nile into a single, seamless journey through one of the world's greatest civilizations.
Step aboard one of the river's most distinguished vessels and experience a luxurious nile cruise that sets an entirely different standard for travel through ancient Egypt. The Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise combines the grandeur of a golden age of river travel with every refinement of contemporary five-star hospitality — full-service spa, panoramic private cabins, world-class dining, and expert-guided shore excursions — across a 4 or 5-day programme between the imperial monuments of Luxor and the warm granite shores of Aswan.
Glide through the most monument-rich corridor on earth aboard the Blue Shadow Nile Cruise — a refined five-star ship that brings a new standard of comfort and care to the nile river egypt cruise experience between Luxor and Aswan. Whether you choose the 4-day or 5-day sailing programme, every day on board delivers the same commitment to expert-guided shore excursions, attentive full-board hospitality, and the incomparable pleasure of watching ancient Egypt pass by from the quiet surface of the river.
Anchor your Egyptian adventure to the finest nile cruise luxor egypt experience available — the Mayfair Nile Cruise, a five-star ultra-deluxe vessel of five beautifully appointed decks sailing the most monument-rich corridor on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. With private guided shore excursions, attentive full-board hospitality, French balcony cabins, and a maximum group size of eight guests, this luxor and aswan nile cruise delivers a standard of intimacy, comfort, and historical depth that larger vessels simply cannot match.
Navigate the heart of ancient Egypt aboard the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise — a five-star nile river boat among the finest egypt nile cruises operating between Luxor and Aswan. With 77 spacious cabins, a maximum of eight guests per Egyptologist guide, and a 4 or 5-day programme covering every major monument on the corridor, this is Upper Egyptian sailing at its most intimate and complete.
Embark on a nile cruise trip of genuine distinction aboard the Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise — a fully renovated five-star vessel featuring 17 suites, 6 superior suites, and 33 double cabins, each appointed with the care and comfort that a premium nile cruise trip demands. With private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions, a maximum group size of eight guests, and a 4 or 5-day programme covering the full range of Upper Egyptian monuments between Luxor and Aswan, the chateau lafayette nile cruise delivers a depth and quality of experience that leaves a lasting impression from the first day to the last.
Begin the finest nile cruise aswan to luxor experience aboard the MS Presidential Commodore Nile Cruise — a well-established five-star vessel of 76 spacious cabins sailing the most monument-rich corridor on the Egyptian Nile. With private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions, full-board hospitality, and a 4 or 5-day programme covering the complete range of Upper Egyptian monuments, the ms presidential commodore nile cruise delivers a nile cruise aswan to luxor experience of consistent quality, professional care, and genuine historical depth.
Discover the ancient world in genuine comfort aboard the Odyssey Nile Cruise — a classic five-star river nile cruise vessel of 70 well-appointed cabins, operated by the respected Presidential Nile Cruises fleet and sailing the most monument-rich corridor on the Egyptian Nile between Luxor and Aswan. With private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions, full-board hospitality, and a 4 or 5-day programme that covers every significant ancient site on the Upper Egypt corridor, the ms nile odyssey delivers a river nile cruise of consistent quality, warmth, and genuine historical engagement.
What Our Travelers Say
Trusted by travelers worldwide for seamless, memorable journeys across Egypt.
My husband and I had an excellent time in Egypt for 5 days thanks to Lady Egypt. With thanks to Nadin for being our point of contact, every step of the way was very well planned and executed in a smooth manner. Shams was our guide in Cairo, and she’s extremely knowledgeable and knows how to navigate her way through Cairo’s history. Ahmed in Luxor went out of his way to help us with logistical arrangements when our hotel wasn’t up to the mark. Mohammed in Hurgadha was great as well. Overall, a lovely place to visit, with thanks to Lady Egypt for their help, planning and coordination from the minute we landed to when we took off, and big hugs to Shams and Nadin. ❤️
Amazing 2 Week Tour with Lady Egypt! I recently did a 2-week tour of Egypt with Lady Egypt Tours and had an incredible experience from start to finish. Our guide, Mahmoud, was absolutely brilliant – like having a personal ancient history teacher by our side every day. His knowledge, passion, and storytelling brought Egypt’s history to life in the most fascinating way. Everything was well-organised, the itinerary was fantastic, and I felt completely looked after the whole time. I can’t recommend Lady Egypt and Mahmoud highly enough for anyone wanting to explore this beautiful country!
An amazing 9 day visit to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, the whole experience was incredible in every aspect, the weather was windy and cool but the clear skies made a view to remember, overall a trip to remember one that is necessary to do in a lifetime. Mr.Ahmed our guide was excellent in helping us through international barriers that you may face in foreign countries, helping us immerse ourselves in the culture.
Lady Egypt Tours guides were incredible! Everyone was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, outgoing and friendly. From the moment we met Nadine at the airport everything was taken care of and we didn't have to worry at all. All our guides for our tours throughout our stay in Egypt went above and beyond to ensure we received the best experience possible. We couldn't fault them and we have told all our friends that if they are to go to Egypt then they have to book through this company.