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Nile River Cruises

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In 2025 and 2026, your cruise of the Nile River will take you back in time to the epoch of the pharaohs and pyramids. Board your luxurious river vessel and embark on your Egyptian adventure. Hand-selected to highlight the best parts of the legendary Nile, these tours will showcase the ancient temples and fortresses that have endured for thousands of years. The Temples of Luxor, Karnak, and Hathor await your exploration, among others. The capital city of Cairo blends ancient and modern cultures in a bustling metropolitan center. The cities of Luxor and Aswan serve as the starting and ending points for these fascinating Nile river boat cruises. Enjoy activities such as riding camels, exploring ruins, visiting villages, and local markets. Contact our Nile River experts and start planning your trip today.

10 Best Nile River Cruises for 2025-2026

10 Best Luxury Nile River Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Secrets of Egypt & the Nile$569912Dec 9, 2024Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide – with an unparalleled …
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Aswan to Luxor$12405Dec 7, 2024Sail from Aswan to Luxor on this 5-day Nile River cruise and explore this historic region of Egypt. Aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, discover this …
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Passage Through Egypt: Luxor to Aswan$1387812Dec 7, 2024Sail the Nile aboard the luxuriously outfitted riverboat Oberoi Philae and visit some of the world's greatest archaeological sites. The Pyramids of …
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Aswan to Luxor$12405Dec 7, 2024Join the Nile Adventurer on this 5-day cruise down the epic Nile between Aswan and Luxor.
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Classic Egypt Tour$21448Dec 5, 2024Join this 8-day Egyptian journey, starting in Cairo with visits to the Giza Pyramids. Fly to Luxor to explore its temples and tombs before setting …
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Secrets of Egypt & the Nile$629912Dec 6, 2024Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide – with an unparalleled …
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Treasures of Egypt$930013 Discover the world's greatest concentration of ancient treasures, including pyramids, tombs, and temples, on this 13-day cruise on the magnificent …
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Pharaohs & Pyramids$699912Dec 6, 2024Immerse yourself Experience the wonders of Egypt on this 12-day cruise aboard Viking Cruises. Don't miss the opportunity to sail the Nile on a …
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Luxor to Aswan$12405Dec 11, 2024Explore this historic region of Egypt on a 5-day Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, discover the legendary …
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Luxor to Aswan$12405Dec 11, 2024This 5-day Nile River trip from Luxor to Aswan explores this ancient region of Egypt. Discover the famed Nile River and some of the most significant …
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6 Top-rated Nile River Boats for 2025-2026

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Nile River Travel Guide

Nile River Fun Facts
  • The Nile is the world's longest river, according to the UN and Guinness Book of World Records, while the Amazon is the world's largest river by volume, holding nearly 20% of Earth's freshwater.
  • The Nile is also a sanctuary for wildlife. The largest crocodiles on Earth, measuring up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length, the Nile crocodiles are the river's most famous animals. Several kinds of animals, such as the hippopotamus, Nile monitor, rock python, spotted-necked otter, and numerous cobras, inhabit the waterways. They also provide habitat for a variety of avian, amphibian, and fish species.
  • The Nile River travels through eleven African nations, known as the Nile river basin. Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia are the 10 other African nations where the Nile passes through or near the boundary of the river. The White Nile, Blue Nile, and Atbara are three of their major tributaries.
  • An essential supply line, the Nile river literally revived the desert. Every aspect of Egyptian life was intertwined with the Nile, which provided food and supplies, space for agriculture, and transportation, and was vital in the delivery of materials for construction projects and other large-scale undertakings.
When is the best time of year to go on a Nile River cruise? 

October through April
is the best time of year to take a Nile River cruise, as temperatures are cooler, enabling you to tour Egypt's most iconic sights, from Luxor to Aswan.

Prepare for scorching temperatures of up to 40°C during the peak summer months of June to August if you plan to cruise the Nile. Closed areas, such as tombs, tend to be hotter. To avoid the sweltering heat of the day, plan your Nile cruise dates carefully!
Best Nile River Cruise Lines for 2025-2026
  • AMA Waterways is a family-owned and operated company, pioneer of modern luxury river cruising, and recipient of numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Sail aboard the luxurious, newly designed MS Amadahlia and explore the ancient wonders of Egypt with an unparalleled Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and extraordinary service.
  • Variety Cruises explore the true identity of the ancient Nile while enjoying the comforts and unique benefits of a small ship sailing the seas. Introduces Harmony V, a modern vessel with a sleek high-tech look similar to the private yachts found in the world's famous ports.
  • Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to promote exploration and environmental awareness. The Lindblad fleet consists of 15 expedition ships that sail to the world's fascinating regions, equipped with comfort and exploration equipment. Cruise the Nile on the 42-guest Oberoi Philae, a luxury Nile river boat.
  • Scenic USA has set the benchmark in a truly all-inclusive, 5-star luxury river cruising while traversing the waterways of Egypt. The Sanctuary Sun Boat III represents the ultimate luxury and relaxation on the Nile, modeled after the opulent era of the 20s and 30s. 

 
What are the highlights of a Nile River Cruise?

Most enchanting Nile River cruises depart from Luxor and head to Aswan or vice versa.
  • ​The Pyramids of Giza.  A 4,000-year-old edifice tower, only one of the seven marvels of the world which remains in existence. 
  • Cairo. In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt's capital city is home to a wealth of other wonders, including the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings.
  • AswanA Nile Cruise typically begins and ends here for many people. Abu Simbel may be a one-day journey away for certain visitors. As
  • Kom Ombo. One of Egypt's most unique temples is devoted to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris, who sit side by side.
  • Karnak And Luxor TemplesIn comparison to Luxor, Karnak is far older and has been influenced by a much larger number of pharaohs.
  • Abydos | Temple of Osiris. It was a burial place for Egypt's first monarchs, later serving as a pilgrimage site for the god Osiris.
  • Abu Simbel. A 3,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is devoted to Ramses II, one of Egypt's most active pharaohs, and wife Queen Nefertari.
  • wan's palm-tree-lined shores, feluccas gliding down the Nile, and awe-inspiring temples set it apart from the rest of Egypt.
  • Valley of the Kings.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, burial grounds for the ancient Egyptian pharaohs on cliffs overlooking the western floodplain. More than 62 tombs have been excavated, including that of the sons of Rameses II and the boy king, Tutankhamen.
  • Monument to Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut, only the third female pharaoh in the 3,000-year history of ancient Egypt, is buried in a massive tomb recognized as one of the world's most spectacular architectural marvels. The tiered sandstone complex was carved from the western Thebes cliffs of Deir el Bahri.
  • Dendera. Ancient Egypt's most famous religious site of worship. The Sanctuary of Horus, Ihy, and Hathor, located on the west bank of the Nile, make it sacred.
  • Hathor’s temple. The Egyptian pantheon's most important goddess, Hathor, symbolized joy, feminity, and motherhood. At Dendera religious complex, Hathor's Temple is the most impressive, with a grand entrance, intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, and exquisite ceilings.
  • Temple Of Edfu. The inscriptions on its walls reveal critical Egyptian mythology, language, and religion during the Hellenistic period.

Nile River Travel FAQs

How long does it take to sail the Nile?
Nile river cruises are available on their own or as part of a tour to Egypt. Aswan or Luxor is the most common starting and ending point for most boat cruises, and the length of the journey can range from 4 days to 14 days. A trip to Luxor's treasures, ensured by sailing north, is the highlight of the journey.

Adventure Life features Long Nile Cruises, which departs from Cairo and flies directly to Aswan or Luxor, include two nights in Giza prior to the cruise and two nights in Cairo following the trip for an in-depth exploration of Egypt.
 
What are the entry requirements for traveling to Egypt for a Nile Cruise?
​Egypt: Effective June 19, all COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

(Updated June 20, 2022)

Egypt's Supreme Committee for the Management of the Epidemiology and Health Pandemic Crisis made the decision based on pandemic conditions in Egypt and overseas, according to a statement by Egyptian cabinet spokeswoman Nader Saad.

More than 86.6 million coronavirus vaccines have been administered so far, according to Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, the acting health minister, and 4.5 million booster shots have been administered.

To enter Egypt, most countries require an e-visa, which may be obtained here. It only takes a few seconds to get yourself signed up. All you need is your email address and basic information. Complete the application form and make your payment with a Visa, MasterCard, or another debit card. You must submit an e-Visa application at least seven days before departure.
Is it safe to take a cruise on the Nile in 2025?
Yes, river cruises in Egypt are safe because of the thorough security afforded by the Egyptian government. A very high level of security is in place for passengers on the Nile cruise at all points of interest. As an example, Nile cruises follow strict safety protocols.
Can one swim in the Nile?
Yes. However, you should avoid swimming in the river primarily due to Bilharzia, commonly known as Schistosomiasis, which is an infection caused by parasitic worms in freshwater. Next is sanitation. Locals used to dump their waste in the river, but now much of it is plastic. Some factories on the riverbank also pollute the water. Finally, wild predators The Nile is home to many living things, including the Nile crocodile, which hunts in fresh water.
Is a Nile cruise worthwhile?
Even if you're on a tight budget and prefer to plan your own vacation, a Nile River cruise is almost always the most cost-effective way to see Egypt.
Is tipping customary in a Nile cruise?
Tips for guides, Nile cruise crew, and Egyptologists are typically not included in the price of a tour.

Gratuities are expected in a Nile river cruise and generally start around $10 per person per day, as a total gratuity to be distributed among all Nile Cruise crew.

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