Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
4 Days from Aswan to Luxor on Monday & from Luxor to Aswan on Thursday 5
Start From $715
Sails Luxor–Aswan in both directions — Mondays and Thursdays — taking in Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Philae along the way.
The Steigenberger Minerva sails the Luxor–Aswan stretch of the Nile in both directions: a 4-day itinerary departing Mondays from Aswan, and a 5-day itinerary departing Thursdays from Luxor.
Stops include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut on the west bank, plus Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan, each visited with an Egyptologist guide.
Onboard, meals are full board mixing international and local dishes, with a swimming pool and sun deck for the hours between stops.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
(Aswan):
Meet and assist on arrival at Aswan airport or railway station, board the cruise and settle in, lunch on board, guided visit to the Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae, afternoon tea, dinner on board, evening Nubian Folkloric Show. Overnight in Aswan.
Aswan
Day 2
(Kom Ombo → Edfu → Esna):
Breakfast on board while sailing to Kom Ombo, guided visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo (dedicated to Sobek and Haeroris), continue sailing to Edfu, lunch on board, guided visit to the Temple of Horus, sail on toward Esna, afternoon tea, dinner on board, evening Egyptian Galabeya Party. Overnight in Esna.
Kom Ombo
Day 3
(Luxor West & East Bank):
Breakfast on board, guided visit to Luxor's West Bank — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon — return for lunch on board, afternoon guided visit to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, dinner on board. Overnight in Luxor.
Karnak Temple
Day 4
(Disembarkation):
Final breakfast on board, check out and disembark, transfer to Luxor Airport or railway station.
Luxor
Day 1
(Luxor):
Meet and assist at Luxor airport or railway station, transfer and board before lunch, check in, lunch on board, guided visit to the East Bank — Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, dinner on board, evening welcome cocktail reception with the boat manager. Overnight in Luxor.
Aswan
Day 2
(Luxor West Bank → Esna):
Breakfast on board, guided visit to the West Bank — Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, sail toward Esna, lunch and afternoon tea on board, dinner on board. Overnight in Esna.
Luxor
Day 3
(Edfu & Kom Ombo):
Breakfast on board, guided visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, sail toward Kom Ombo, lunch on board, guided visit to Kom Ombo Temple, sail toward Aswan, dinner on board, evening Galabeya party. Overnight in Aswan.
Edfu
Day 4
(Aswan):
Breakfast on board, guided visit to Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk, lunch and afternoon tea on board, dinner on board, evening Nubian show. Overnight in Aswan.
Aswan
Day 5
(Disembarkation):
Breakfast on board, disembarkation, transfer to Aswan airport or railway station.
Aswan
Seasonal Rates
| Travel Season | Category | Cruise Route | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Ultra (5★) | 4 Days / 3 Nights Cruise | $715 |
| Winter | Ultra (5★) | 4 Days / 3 Nights Cruise | $1,585 |
| Summer | Ultra (5★) | 5 Days / 4 Nights Cruise | $920 |
| Winter | Ultra (5★) | 5 Days / 4 Nights Cruise | $2,085 |
SummerUltra (5★)
4 Days / 3 Nights Cruise
$715
WinterUltra (5★)
4 Days / 3 Nights Cruise
$1,585
SummerUltra (5★)
5 Days / 4 Nights Cruise
$920
WinterUltra (5★)
5 Days / 4 Nights Cruise
$2,085
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Solo supplement applies.
What's Tour Included
What's Included
Hydration on the Go: Complimentary bottled water provided throughout all daily tours.
5-Star Nile Cruise Accommodation: Premium river vessel stay on a full-board basis, starting with lunch right after embarkation and concluding with breakfast on your final morning.
Private Ground Transfers: Comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles dedicated solely to your journey.
Attraction Admissions: All entry tickets to every historical site and landmark specified in your itinerary.
Taxes and Service Charges: All local government taxes, VAT, and standard service fees are completely covered.
Arrival Welcome: Dedicated meet-and-assist service upon your touchdown at the airport or arrival at the train station.
Expert Egyptologist Guide: Dedicated professional guide accompanying your small-group excursions to bring ancient history to life.
What's Excluded
Tips and Gratuities: Customary tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise personnel.
Extra Meals & Beverages: Any food, snacks, or drinks not explicitly outlined in the daily itinerary.
Optional Tours: Additional activities, excursions, or experiences not listed in the core schedule.
Personal Expenses: Incidental outlays, including souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, and room service.
Notes
Tipping: Tipping is an ingrained part of local culture in many places. It is customary to offer a small tip to drivers, guides, and staff for their services. Having some small denominations of local currency handy will make this much easier for you.
Travel Documents: Before you fly, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Please have your hotel bookings and flight tickets printed and ready, and keep digital copies saved on your phone for easy access. Remember to check the latest visa requirements for your nationality before departure.
Photography: You are welcome to take photos at most sites. However, please note that some museums or specific historical sites may restrict flash photography to preserve the ancient colors and artifacts. Always check with your guide if you aren't sure.
Money & Budget: While major cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, it is always a good idea to carry some local currency in cash for small purchases, local markets, and tipping. ATM machines are widely available, but having a little cash on hand makes life much easier when you're out and about.
Smart Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing for warmer climates, but keep a light jacket or sweater handy for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, a high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected while exploring ancient sites.
The Aswan-departure sailing reaches Abu Simbel range first, so pair this cruise with the optional Abu Simbel excursion if you're starting from Aswan rather than Luxor.
Essential Trip Tips: To ensure your adventure is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, please take a moment to review these helpful tips:
Health & Safety: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water, which is included in your excursions. It's always smart to carry a small personal first-aid kit with basic items like pain relievers or stomach remedies. Keep our emergency contact details saved in your phone so you can reach us at any time if you need assistance.
Dress Code: Some destinations are culturally conservative countries. When visiting religious sites or local neighborhoods, it's best to dress modestly—covering your shoulders and knees is appreciated. Otherwise, feel free to wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool.
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