The Nile River is not only the most famous river in the world, it’s also the longest river, too. Home to some of the world’s most revered ancient wonders like the Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, the Nile is a bucket list destination for a lot of travellers. One of the best ways to explore the majestic river — and the towns and cities along it — is on a Nile River cruise. A cruise will give you serene and uninterrupted views of some of Egypt’s richest cultural and historical sites. Whether you’re looking for a two-week extravaganza or a four-day taste, we’ve found all the best Nile River cruises for you below.
01
Pharaohs & Pyramids
from $12,495 at Viking River Cruises
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Nile River? On this 12-day cruise from Viking River Cruise, you’ll spend your time exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt. On board one of their luxurious longships, you’ll get unprecedented views of the iconic historical landmarks that dot their way along the river. You’ll get the opportunity to visit the iconic pyramids of Giza on camelback, experience the hustle and bustle of the streets of Cairo, and immerse yourself in the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak. Each day when you board the ship after your sightseeing adventures, you’ll enjoy opulent accommodations world-class amenities and exquisite food making for the trip of a lifetime.
Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids river voyage keeps selling out. And now, they’ve just added an additional 221 departures for 2027.
Key stops
- Cairo, Egypt
- Giza, Egypt
- Luxor, Egypt
- Qena, Egypt
- Esna, Egypt
- Aswan, Egypt
- Edfu, Egypt
- Kom Ombo, Egypt
02
15-Day Private 5-Star Egypt & Jordan with Nile Cruise
from $10,295 at Inspiring Vacations
Looking for a mix of both cruising and lavish hotel experiences? This is the trip for you. This 15-day Private 5-Star Egypt & Jordan with Nile Cruise hosted by Inspiring Vacations will have you cruising in style as well as spending nights at some of Egypt’s best 5-star hotels. You’ll begin your trip in Cairo where you’ll be staying in the Hyatt Regency. Each day in Cairo, you’ll have a private tour guide showing you around the breathtaking ancient sites the city has to offer. After this, it’s time to cruise down the Nile. You’ll stop into Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan before going back to land to complete the rest of the tour.
Key stops
- Cairo, Egypt
- Giza, Egypt
- Luxor, Egypt
- Edfu, Egypt
- Kom Ombo, Egypt
- Aswan, Egypt
- Amman, Jordan
- Petra, Jordan
- Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Dead Sea, Jordan
03
Splendours of Egypt & the Nile River Cruise
from $10,699 at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Get a front-row seat to the historic splendours of Egypt with Uniworld on board their luxurious cruise ship. Over 12 days you’ll bear witness to some of the world’s most magical ancient wonders from the Sphinx to the pyramids of Giza. You’ll begin your journey in Cairo where a tour guide will show you and your fellow passengers around Cairo from the bustling streets to the ancient artefacts. Continue to Luxor where you’ll get the opportunity to uncover the majestic temples of Karnak and Luxor. After this, you’ll get days upon days of scenic sailing down the Nile as you head towards Aswan before turning around and floating back to Luxor and Cairo.
Key stops
- Cairo, Egypt
- Giza, Egypt
- Luxor, Egypt
- Qena, Egypt
- Esna, Egypt
- Edfu, Egypt
- Kom Ombo, Egypt
- Aswan, Egypt
04
4 Days 3 Nights 5 Stars Nile River Cruise Aswan to Luxor
from $1,086 at Holiday in Egypt
Want to experience the magic of the Nile on a budget? This cruise is just $1000 and will give you a taste of the magic of Egypt over four days. Starting from Aswan where you’ll spend the day exploring the Temple of Philae and the Temple of Abu Simbel before setting sail for Kom Ombo and Edfu. Here, passengers will get the chance to explore Edfu Temple, which is dedicated to the God Horus and is one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt. Your tour will finish in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where you’ll have one last chance to immerse yourself in more of Egypt’s rich archeological history.
Key stops
- Aswan, Egypt
- Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel
- Kom Ombo, Egypt
- Edfu, Egypt
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Queen Hatshepsut Temple
- Colossi of Memnon
