A Nile river cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt, often as a seven-night round trip from Luxor. It stops at the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, with an Egyptologist guiding each visit. Most packages run 10 to 12 days, with nights in Cairo for the Pyramids.
A Nile cruise is less about river towns and more about what stands on the banks: temples, tombs and monuments from Luxor to Aswan. The ships are small. Uniworld's S.S. Sphinx has 42 suites, and AmaWaterways' AmaDahlia carries 72 guests.
Most packages start with nights in Cairo for the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. You then take a short internal flight to Luxor to join the ship.
Nile facts
Typical length
Up to 7 nights on the river; 10 to 12 days with Cairo
Season
Most comfortable from October to April
Starts and ends
Luxor and Aswan, with Cairo before and after
Countries
Egypt
Highlights
Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Temple of Horus, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
Guide updated 26 October 2026.
Nile river cruises and fares
Every AmaWaterways itinerary on the Nile we list, 1 in all, with 306 departures. Open one for the day-by-day and the fare in each stateroom type on every date. Fares are per person for two sharing, in Australian dollars, cruise only, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:29am. Staterooms sell out and fares move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.
Excursions are led by Egyptologists, and on a seven-night cruise you visit a major temple or tomb site most days. Between sites the ship sails past villages, farmland and desert.
Ships are comfortable rather than large, and some have a pool on the sun deck. Uniworld's S.S. Sphinx, for example, has two restaurants, a swimming pool, a gym and a massage room. Uniworld alternates S.S. Sphinx with River Tosca on its Nile itinerary.
Which places does a Nile cruise visit?
AmaWaterways' seven-night round trip from Luxor shows the usual pattern. It visits the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple and the Temple of Hathor near Qena.
Luxor's temples and the tombs on its West Bank form UNESCO's Ancient Thebes World Heritage site. South of Aswan, Abu Simbel and Philae are part of the Nubian Monuments, moved during a UNESCO rescue campaign between 1960 and 1980.
The Theban Necropolis on the West Bank covers about 10 square kilometres, with thousands of tombs, including the Valley of the Kings. Before the cruise, AmaWaterways' Cairo days include Memphis and Sakkara as well as Giza.
When should I go, and for how long?
The Egyptian Tourism Authority gives Luxor average temperatures of about 15°C in winter, 25°C in spring and autumn, and 32°C in summer. Most people find October to April the most comfortable time to visit.
Most Nile packages run 10 to 12 days. Avalon's Taste of Egypt is 10 days, Uniworld's Splendors of Egypt and the Nile is 12 days from Cairo to Cairo, and AmaWaterways' Secrets of Egypt and the Nile is 11 nights. Some add Jordan at the end. Avalon's 14-day version adds Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea in Jordan.
What is included, and do I need a visa?
Nile packages from our lines include Cairo hotel nights and sightseeing with an Egyptologist. Some also include gratuities, so we confirm the list for your sailing. Uniworld's package, for example, includes eight days of excursions hosted by Egyptologists.
Australians need a tourist visa for Egypt. Smartraveller says you may need an online eVisa, and that paying for a visa on arrival requires a non-Egyptian credit card or US dollars in cash.
When is the best time for a Nile river cruise?
October to April is the most comfortable time for a Nile cruise, and December to February is the mildest. Summer in Luxor and Aswan is hot, averaging about 32°C.
Months
What to expect
October to November
Autumn: average temperatures around 25°C in Luxor, and the main Nile season begins.
December to February
Winter: the mildest weather, averaging about 15°C in Luxor.
March to May
Spring: averages around 25°C, warming towards summer by May.
Yes, in the ship's pool, but not in the river. Some Nile ships, such as Uniworld's S.S. Sphinx, have a pool on board. Smartraveller advises against swimming in fresh water, including the Nile, because of waterborne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
Is it safe to take a Nile cruise?
Smartraveller advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt overall because of the threat of terrorism. That level covers Cairo, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Higher levels apply elsewhere, including do not travel to North Sinai, and regional tensions could disrupt flights. Check the latest advice before you book and again before you go.
Do Australians need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, Australians need a tourist visa for Egypt. Smartraveller says you may need an online eVisa. If you pay for a visa on arrival, you need a non-Egyptian credit card or US dollars in cash.
How long is a Nile cruise?
The cruise itself is usually up to seven nights between Luxor and Aswan. With Cairo hotel nights added, most packages run 10 to 12 days.
Are Nile ships suitable for people with limited mobility?
Not always. AmaWaterways' AmaDahlia has no lift, so moving between decks means using stairs. Temple and tomb visits involve walking in the heat, so ask us about the ship and the excursions before you book.
AmaWaterwaysA family-founded river cruise line with twin-balcony staterooms, wine included with lunch and dinner, and a Chef’s Table on board. Australians fly to Europe, Egypt, Vietnam or Colombia to join the ship.1 itinerary from A$8,815 pp
UniworldBoutique river cruising from The Travel Corporation: one-of-a-kind, antique-filled ships of 68 to 152 guests, drinks, dining, gratuities and excursions included. Australians fly to Europe, Egypt or Vietnam to join one.Splendors of Egypt & the Nile, Cairo to Cairo from A$10,799 pp
Avalon WaterwaysThe Globus family’s river line, known for Suite Ships whose Panorama Suites slide open into an Open-Air Balcony, bed facing the view. Australians fly to Europe or Asia to join one.Fares quoted on request