Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise: A Luxurious Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan
Tours Overview
Step into one of the most accomplished vessels on the Egyptian Nile and begin a luxurious nile cruise that moves between the ancient world's two greatest cities with the unhurried confidence of a ship that has nothing left to prove. The Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise is a five-star floating sanctuary built for the traveller who demands both historical depth and genuine comfort in equal measure — a vessel whose reputation rests not on a single remarkable feature but on the consistent, pervasive quality of every element it brings together. From the panoramic private cabins and the full-service spa to the attentive a la carte dining and the cultural evening programmes that celebrate the traditions of the Nile Valley, every aspect of life aboard this ship is designed to complement and enrich the monument visits that form the backbone of the programme. This is the sonesta saint george nile cruise at its most complete, and it is a genuinely difficult standard to match anywhere on the river.
The ship offers two Itineraries that approach the same extraordinary corridor of Upper Egypt from opposite ends. The 4-day sailing departs from Aswan and moves northward to Luxor, beginning with the granite-framed character of Egypt's southernmost city and building through the riverside temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu toward the overwhelming monument density of the West and East Banks of Luxor. The 5-day sailing reverses this direction, departing from Luxor and moving southward to Aswan, opening with the imperial grandeur of Karnak and the royal tombs of the West Bank before the river carries the ship through the same remarkable temples in the opposite sequence, arriving in Aswan with a final chapter of island temples and ancient quarries. Both programmes cover the same sites and deliver the same standard of experience. The choice between them is simply a matter of logistics — where you arrive and where you depart — and both reward the traveller who makes them.
What the sonesta saint george nile cruise understands better than most vessels on this route is that a luxurious nile cruise is not merely a hotel that happens to float. The river is not incidental to the experience. It is the experience — the medium through which the ancient world is encountered, the reason the temples were built where they were built, and the force that has defined Egyptian civilisation for five thousand years. The ship's design reflects this understanding at every point. The panoramic windows in the cabins frame the passing landscape rather than merely admitting light. The sun deck is positioned and furnished to make river-watching a genuine pleasure rather than an afterthought. And the pacing of the daily programme — excursions in the cooler morning and early evening hours, leisurely time on board in the midday heat — follows the natural rhythm of the river and the ancient sites rather than imposing an artificial schedule upon them.
The cultural programme that accompanies the luxurious nile cruise experience aboard the sonesta saint george nile cruise is one of the most thoughtfully assembled on the river. A Captain's Welcome Cocktail sets the tone for the sailing with warm hospitality and genuine celebration. Traditional Nubian performances bring the music and culture of Egypt's deep south to the deck in the evenings, offering an encounter with living Egyptian heritage that complements the ancient world visited during the day. A Galabia Party — where guests are invited to dress in traditional Egyptian attire — adds a festive and personally engaging dimension to one of the evenings on board. An onboard cooking class introduces the flavours and techniques of Egyptian cuisine with the kind of hands-on engagement that deepens any travel experience. And belly dance performances, karaoke nights, and an Oriental dinner on the sun deck all ensure that evenings on the sonesta saint george nile cruise are as memorable in their own way as the days spent among the monuments.
The excursion programme covers the full range of Upper Egypt's ancient heritage with a completeness and quality that a luxurious nile cruise of this calibre demands. The Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor — with its sixty-plus royal tombs painted in vivid colours that have survived three thousand years of dry desert air — is explored with a licensed Egyptologist guide whose commentary transforms the painted walls from beautiful spectacle into genuine historical encounter. Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, receives the unhurried attention that a site of such chronological and architectural complexity requires. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, the perfectly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, the one-of-a-kind double sanctuary of Kom Ombo, the Philae Temple on its island setting, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan's ancient quarries — every monument on this programme is visited with the same depth of guiding and the same unhurried quality that the ship itself provides.
The Sonesta brand brings to this luxurious nile cruise a standard of hospitality that is internationally recognised and domestically well established in Egypt. The full-board dining programme draws on both Egyptian and international cooking, with meals served in the ship's main restaurant that combine quality ingredients with attentive preparation. The full-service spa offers treatments that are particularly welcome after days of outdoor exploration in the Egyptian sun — a genuine amenity rather than a token gesture. And the overall standard of cabin comfort — spacious rooms, premium bedding, panoramic windows, individual climate control, and private en-suite bathrooms — ensures that the sonesta saint george nile cruise delivers on its premium positioning at every hour of the day, not just during the excursions. This is what a true luxurious nile cruise looks like, and it is available in two programmes that allow every traveller to find the sequence that suits them best.
Cruise Facilities
Deluxe Cabin
Welcome bottle of wine and a fresh fruit basket presented on arrival
Personal safe, hair dryer, tea-making facilities, and direct-dial telephone
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
Premium Egyptian cotton bed linens of the finest thread count
43-inch LCD flat-screen television with a wide selection of international channels
Generously proportioned 4.25 sqm private bathroom with spa-inspired wooden finishes
Glass-enclosed rainfall shower
Combined Jacuzzi and steam bath for complete in-cabin wellness
Wooden vanity sink with designer fittings
Digital body weight scale
Artistically designed feature wallpaper creating a distinctive and refined cabin atmosphere
Presidential Suite
Welcome bottle of wine and a fresh fruit basket on arrival
Personal safe, hair dryer, tea-making facilities, and direct-dial telephone
Daily in-suite amenities including fine chocolates and freshly baked cookies
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the suite
Daily minibar refilled complimentary with soft drinks, canned juices, still mineral water, and sparkling water
Expansive 5.75 sqm private bathroom with spa-inspired wooden finishes
Glass-enclosed shower and water closet with bidet
Bathtub with integrated Jacuzzi and steam function
Wooden vanity sink with premium fittings
Full L'Occitane bathroom amenity collection
Digital body weight scale
Artistically designed feature wallpaper wall
Royal Suite
Welcome bottle of wine and a fresh fruit basket on arrival
Personal safe, hair dryer, tea-making facilities, direct-dial telephone, and dedicated coffee machine
Daily in-suite amenities including fine chocolates and freshly baked cookies
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the suite
Daily minibar refilled complimentary with soft drinks, canned juices, still mineral water, and sparkling water
Complimentary 30-minute spa massage included for each stay
Premium Egyptian cotton bed linens of the finest quality
Magnificent 16.5 sqm private bathroom finished in polished marble
One spa-inspired wooden bathroom with water closet and bidet
Glass-enclosed shower
Double Jacuzzi with steam and private sauna, opening to French windows
Marble vanity sink with designer fittings
Full L'Occitane bathroom amenity collection
Digital body weight scale
43-inch LCD flat-screen television
Artistically crafted marble feature wall
Uninterrupted panoramic Nile views from the suite's private outlook
Included
- Warm personal meet-and-assist reception at the point of arrival — Luxor or Aswan Airport or Train Station — with dedicated representative support throughout embarkation and all departure formalities
- All private, air-conditioned ground transportation between arrival points and the ship, and between the ship and all shore excursion sites throughout the programme
- Full-board accommodation throughout the sailing — 3 nights for the 4-day programme, 4 nights for the 5-day programme — aboard the five-star Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, including breakfast, lunch, and a la carte dinner daily in the ship's main restaurant
- Services of a licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide during all shore excursions, providing expert historical, archaeological, and cultural commentary at every site
- Guided visit to the High Dam, with contextual 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
- Motor launch transfer and guided visit to Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden (5-day programme)
- Guided visit to the double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo, including the ancient Nilometer and the mummified crocodile museum
- Guided visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu, including traditional horse-drawn carriage transfer from the riverbank
- 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
- Guided visit to the mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, including commentary on its battle reliefs and funerary programme (4-day programme)
- Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, the two colossal seated statues of Amenhotep III on the West Bank
- 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 and entrance pylon
- Captain's Welcome Cocktail on the first evening of sailing
- Traditional Nubian cultural performance on board
- Galabia Party with traditional Egyptian attire for guests
- Onboard cooking class featuring Egyptian food preparation techniques
- Belly dance performance and Oriental dinner on the sun deck
- Karaoke evening on board (5-day programme)
- Access to the ship's full-service spa and wellness facilities throughout the sailing
- Admission fees to all listed monuments and archaeological sites throughout the programme
- Complimentary bottled water provided during all shore excursions and land transfers
- 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 or upgrades not listed in the programme
- Personal expenses including telephone calls, laundry, spa treatments charged separately, and minibar charges
- Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide, drivers, and Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise crew (customary and warmly appreciated)
- Any meals or drinks consumed outside the full-board arrangement on board
Itinerary
Day 1 - Aswan Embarkation: The Luxurious Nile Cruise Begins
The sonesta saint george nile cruise begins in Aswan — warm, granite-framed, and shaped by a character that is entirely its own among Egypt's great Nile cities. Your representative transfers you smoothly from Aswan Airport or Train Station to the ship, where embarkation at noon is handled with the gracious efficiency that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Your cabin awaits with all the appointments of a true luxurious nile cruise — the wide panoramic window already framing the extraordinary pink granite formations of the First Cataract and the first feluccas drifting past on the still water below. Lunch is served in the main restaurant as you settle in, and the afternoon programme opens with the High Dam — a twentieth-century engineering achievement of remarkable scale whose construction fundamentally transformed Egypt's relationship with the Nile, controlling the annual flood that had governed the country's agricultural calendar for five thousand years and creating the reservoir whose rising waters necessitated the rescue of the ancient temples downstream.
A motor launch then carries you to Agilkia Island and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rebuilt with extraordinary precision on its current island following the dam's completion. The colonnaded halls, the carved reliefs bearing Egypt's last surviving hieroglyphic inscriptions, and the island's setting among the still waters of the reservoir make Philae one of the most affecting sites on the entire programme. Afternoon tea on the sun deck follows your return to the ship, and the evening brings a Captain's Welcome Cocktail — the first of several onboard cultural celebrations — followed by a traditional Nubian performance and a refined a la carte dinner as the sonesta saint george nile cruise prepares to depart northward.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, Aswan
Day 2 - Kom Ombo and Edfu: The River Temples
The second day of the luxurious nile cruise carries the sonesta saint george nile cruise northward through the agricultural heartland of Upper Egypt toward two of the Nile Valley's most compelling ancient temples. Breakfast on board opens the morning as the landscape passes at the unhurried pace that defines life on this stretch of the river — wide, fertile banks giving way to desert escarpments, with water birds standing in the shallows and small riverside settlements continuing the rhythms of Egyptian rural life largely unchanged.
Kom Ombo arrives at the wide river bend for which it is named, the temple appearing directly on the bank with a visual impact that few ancient sites can replicate. Your Egyptologist guide leads the exploration of this one-of-a-kind double sanctuary, dedicated with perfect architectural symmetry to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the elder form of Horus, its every hall and inner chamber duplicated to serve both deities simultaneously. The intricately carved reliefs throughout include a celebrated panel depicting what scholars widely regard as the earliest surviving depiction of surgical instruments, and the on-site museum of mummified crocodiles — once worshipped as living embodiments of Sobek — brings the ancient Egyptian relationship with sacred animals to vivid life.
A ship tour with the Captain follows your return to the sonesta saint george nile cruise, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on life aboard this exceptional vessel, before the afternoon sailing to Edfu is enjoyed from the sun deck with lunch served as the desert cliffs close in around the river. At Edfu, the Temple of Horus receives you as the most completely preserved ancient Egyptian temple anywhere in the world — its twin pylons still rising thirty-six metres, its inner sanctuaries intact, its progressive sequence of halls and courts allowing the ancient ceremonial logic of pharaonic temple architecture to be read with a completeness that no other site can match. The evening returns you to the ship for an onboard cooking class, followed by an Oriental dinner on the sun deck and a festive Galabia Party that brings a warm and celebratory close to the day.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, sailing toward Luxor
Day 3 - West Bank Wonders: Royal Tombs and Sacred Temples
The third day of the sonesta saint george nile cruise crosses the Nile to the West Bank of Luxor — the ancient Egyptians' realm of the dead and the site of the most extraordinary concentration of royal burial monuments in the world. The Valley of the Kings occupies a narrow desert ravine whose unassuming entrance opens into a landscape of dramatic limestone cliffs concealing more than sixty painted royal tombs, their walls covered with scenes of breathtaking colour and theological complexity preserved across three thousand years of dry desert air.
Your Egyptologist guides you through the tombs selected for your visit with a depth of commentary that transforms the painted narratives from beautiful decoration into genuine historical and religious encounter — the Book of the Dead, the trials of the soul in the presence of Osiris, the divine journey toward eternal life, all rendered with an artistry and intensity that remains genuinely astonishing. The mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu follows — one of the most completely preserved mortuary complexes on the West Bank, its massive entrance gateway carved with vivid battle scenes and its interior halls decorated with some of the deepest and most richly coloured reliefs in Egypt, providing a striking contrast to the intimate scale of the royal tombs.
Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is the next destination — three refined colonnaded terraces emerging from the cliff face with an architectural composure and precision that feels remarkably ahead of its time — and the Colossi of Memnon provide a final, monumental farewell to the West Bank before the return to the luxurious nile cruise. The evening on board the sonesta saint george nile cruise features a professional belly dance performance that celebrates the living culture of the Nile alongside the ancient one, followed by another finely prepared a la carte dinner as Luxor glows on the bank outside.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, Luxor
Day 4 - East Bank Grandeur and Farewell
The final morning of the 4-day sonesta saint george nile cruise brings the programme to its conclusion with the two greatest religious complexes of the East Bank of Luxor — a fitting and powerful close to a luxurious nile cruise of considerable depth and range. Disembarkation at 8:00 am is followed immediately by the visit to Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed by human hands.
The processional avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, the colossal entrance pylon, and the Great Hypostyle Hall — with its one hundred and thirty-four columns reaching twenty-three metres and every surface carved with coloured reliefs of divine ceremony and royal achievement — constitute one of the most overwhelming architectural experiences available anywhere in the ancient world.
Your Egyptologist's commentary brings the site's extraordinary thousand-year chronology to life with precision and genuine interpretive skill. Luxor Temple follows as the morning continues — positioned directly on the Nile's edge, its long colonnade of Amenhotep III, the great pylon of Ramesses II still bearing its carved military campaigns, and the processional axis that once connected it to Karnak by a three-kilometre avenue of sphinxes all explored with the same scholarly depth that has characterised every guided visit on this programme.
Your private transfer to Luxor Airport or Luxor Train Station departs at the appropriate time, and you leave carrying the particular satisfaction of a sonesta saint george nile cruise that delivered a genuinely luxurious nile cruise experience — historically rich, beautifully paced, and effortless from beginning to end.
Departure from Luxor
Day 1 - Luxor Embarkation: Welcome to the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise
The 5-day programme of this luxurious nile cruise begins in Luxor — the city the ancient Egyptians called Thebes, once the most powerful capital on earth, and still the site of the greatest concentration of ancient monuments anywhere on the planet.
Your representative meets you at Luxor Airport or Train Station and transfers you to the sonesta saint george nile cruise, where embarkation at noon is followed by lunch in the main restaurant and the first opportunity to settle into the exceptional standard of comfort that will accompany you for the next five days. The afternoon opens the programme with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple — the East Bank's two defining religious complexes, visited in the warm quality of late afternoon light that belongs to this city at its most atmospheric.
Karnak's hypostyle hall in the fading sun and Luxor Temple's colonnade glowing against the river behind it are images that remain with travellers long after departure. A professional belly dance performance on board follows the return to the ship, and the first a la carte dinner of the sonesta saint george nile cruise is served in the main restaurant as the lights of Luxor reflect off the water outside.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, Luxor
Day 2 - West Bank and Southbound Sailing toward Edfu
The second morning of the luxurious nile cruise crosses to the West Bank of Luxor for the royal burial grounds and sacred temples that give this landscape its most profound historical character. The Valley of the Kings receives you first — the painted tombs explored with your Egyptologist guide whose commentary brings New Kingdom funerary belief into vivid and accessible focus.
Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari follows with its three colonnaded terraces, and the Colossi of Memnon provide a final powerful farewell to the West Bank before the return to the ship. The afternoon sailing southward toward Edfu is the sonesta saint george nile cruise at its most meditative — the ship moving through a landscape of palms and water birds and quiet agricultural villages, lunch served on board and the sun deck offering the finest possible vantage point for watching Egypt pass by at the pace the river itself sets. A Captain's Welcome Cocktail and a lively Karaoke Night bring a festive and warmly social close to the second day of the luxurious nile cruise.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, sailing toward Edfu
Day 3 - Edfu and Kom Ombo: Sanctuaries of the South
The third day of the sonesta saint george nile cruise reaches two of the Nile Valley's most distinctive ancient temples in succession, each one approached from the water with an immediacy and visual impact that land-based travel cannot replicate. The Temple of Horus at Edfu arrives first — the most completely preserved ancient Egyptian temple in existence, its entrance guarded by two colossal granite statues of the falcon god and its interior progressing through a complete sequence of halls and sanctuaries that allow the ancient ceremonial architecture of a pharaonic temple to be read with extraordinary clarity.
Your Egyptologist's account of the myth of Horus and Seth — the cosmic battle between order and chaos that this temple was built to enact and perpetuate — gives the carvings throughout a narrative depth that rewards every moment of attention. The afternoon sailing to Kom Ombo delivers the ship to the wide river bend where the double temple stands directly on the bank, and the one-of-a-kind dual sanctuary dedicated in perfect architectural symmetry to Sobek and Haroeris is explored with the same depth of commentary.
The carvings of surgical instruments, the ancient Nilometer used by priests to measure and predict the river's annual flood, and the museum of mummified crocodiles all add dimensions to the visit that make Kom Ombo one of the most intellectually rewarding sites on the entire luxurious nile cruise. An Oriental Band performance and a festive Oriental dinner buffet on the sun deck, followed by the traditional Galabia Party, bring an evening of genuine warmth and celebration to the sonesta saint george nile cruise.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, sailing toward Aswan
Day 4 - Aswan: Philae Temple, the High Dam and Kitchener's Island
Aswan receives the sonesta saint george nile cruise on the fourth morning with the change in landscape that has surprised and delighted travellers on this route for centuries — the green agricultural banks of Upper Egypt give way suddenly to the extraordinary pink and grey granite formations of the First Cataract, and the character of the city that has grown among these formations is warm, unhurried, and shaped by its closeness to Nubia in ways that make it unlike any other place along the Egyptian Nile.
The morning programme opens with the High Dam and continues to the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island — the relocated sanctuary of Isis whose colonnaded halls and carved reliefs, including some of Egypt's last hieroglyphic inscriptions, are among the most moving and beautifully positioned ancient monuments in the country. After lunch on board, the afternoon takes you by motor launch to Kitchener's Island and the remarkable Botanical Garden established there in the nineteenth century — a lush and unexpected island paradise home to exotic plants gathered from across the globe, offering a moment of serene natural beauty that provides a genuinely different kind of pleasure after days among the stone monuments.
The evening features a traditional Nubian show and a farewell a la carte dinner that celebrates the culture and character of the south with the warmth and hospitality this luxurious nile cruise has maintained throughout.
Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Saint George Nile Cruise, Aswan
Day 5 - Departure from Aswan
The final morning of the sonesta saint george nile cruise begins with breakfast on board as Aswan wakes around the ship — the granite formations catching the early light, the river already moving with its characteristic calm and authority. For those with time before departure, the colourful markets and Nubian neighbourhoods of Aswan offer a final and genuinely worthwhile encounter with the living culture of Egypt's deep south before the transfer to Aswan Airport or Train Station. Disembarkation is handled with the same seamless attention to detail that has characterised every aspect of the luxurious nile cruise experience on board this exceptional ship. You leave Egypt having followed one of the world's greatest river corridors in the finest possible company — the Nile on one side, the ancient world on the other, and the sonesta saint george nile cruise providing everything in between.
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.
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.