River Cruises

Best for couples · Sails both directions — Start Monday from Aswan or Thursday from Luxor to suit your flights.

Best for small groups · Capped at 12 guests — Small enough that no stop feels rushed; belly dance night in Luxor.

Best for first-timers · Friday and Monday sailings — Two fixed departure days a week, so the dates plan themselves.

Comfort-first · Design-led 5-star — Interiors and the kitchen get as much attention as the temples do.

Best for first-timers · The classic 4-night route — Four nights from Aswan on Friday covers every headline temple.

Best for couples · Mövenpick service — Run to hotel-group standards, which shows most at dinner and turndown.

Comfort-first · Sonesta 5-star — Big-ship comfort from a chain that has run Nile boats for decades.

Best for couples · Stateroom and Royal Suites — Two tiers to choose between, and both look straight out at the river.

Comfort-first · Five decks, panoramic cabins — Wednesday out of Aswan, and not one cabin is stuck with a porthole.

Best for first-timers · The classic Aswan–Luxor run — Monday out of Aswan, Thursday out of Luxor, four or five nights.

Best for small groups · 12 guests under sail — Two sister vessels, no engine noise, and a short Esna route as well.

Best for couples · Boutique sailing vessel — It sails with as few as two cabins booked, so evenings stay quiet.

Best for photographers · Max 12 under sail — Moorings the big ships can't reach, and no engine noise at first light.

Best for honeymooners · 12 guests, suites only — Weekly departures run five or seven nights, not the usual four.

Comfort-first · Mövenpick 5-star — Full board throughout, run to hotel-group standards rather than a boat line's.

Best for first-timers · Rooftop pool on board — Swim between temple stops; entertainment on deck after dinner.

Comfort-first · Modern 5-star — One of the newer ships on the route; wide sundeck for the run into Luxor.

Comfort-first · Unhurried classic — Fewer rushed mornings: the schedule leaves time on board between temples.

Best for Italian speakers · Italian-speaking guide — Every temple explained in Italian, from Philae to Karnak.

Best for couples · Monday sailings from Aswan — Four nights to Luxor, English-speaking guide the whole way.