A Sara Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan
Overview
The A Sara Nile cruise sails Luxor to Aswan in 5 days and Aswan to Luxor in 4 days, with a private Egyptologist and full board. Check availability.
Last updated: 26 October 2026
The A Sara Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, with 2 programmes: 5 days / 4 nights from Luxor every Saturday and 4 days / 3 nights from Aswan every Wednesday. With Travel Joy Egypt, the fare includes a private Egyptologist, entrance fees and full board. See our full range of Nile cruises to compare other options.
Key Takeaways
These 3 facts matter most before you book:
- Direction: both programmes visit the same temples, so the choice mainly changes pacing and where your trip ends.
- Price: the price table lists per-person prices for triple, double and single cabins, with full board included.
- On board: cabins are air-conditioned with panoramic windows, and the ship has a swimming pool, sun deck and gym.
Which A Sara Nile Cruise Programme Should You Choose?
The 5 days programme starts in Luxor and ends in Aswan. The 4 days programme runs the other way and finishes in Luxor. The table compares them by departure city and how each trip ends.
| Programme | Departs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days / 4 nights | Luxor, every Saturday | Ending in Aswan, free afternoon |
| 4 days / 3 nights | Aswan, every Wednesday | Ending in Luxor, West Bank finale |
Both visit the same temples, so pick the programme that fits your flights and the days you have. To weigh A Sara against similar options, compare other Luxor to Aswan Nile cruises.
If you want to see Cairo first, plan a tailor-made trip with Cairo before your cruise and we will build the full route around your dates.
Which Temples and Sites Does the Cruise Visit?
Luxor has the most sites on the route. On the East Bank you see the Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. On the West Bank come 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon.
Between Luxor and Aswan the cruise stops at Edfu for the Temple of Horus, reached by horse-drawn carriage, and at Kom Ombo for its double temple of Sobek and Horus. In Aswan you see the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk in the Aswan granite quarry. The route also passes through the Esna Lock between Edfu and Luxor.
What Does the Fare Include and What Costs Extra?
The fare covers the cabin, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the guided visits. The table shows what sits inside the fare and what you pay for separately.
| Included | Costs extra |
|---|---|
| Cabin and full board | Extra meals and drinks |
| Private Egyptologist guide | Tips for guide, driver and crew |
| Entrance fees, Luxor to Aswan | Optional excursions |
Tips are extra, and we send a tipping guide before arrival so you know what to expect. Prices start from $775 per person, and the price table below breaks that down by cabin type.
Cabins and Facilities on Board
Cabins are air-conditioned and non-smoking, with panoramic windows, a mini-bar and an in-cabin safe. On deck, A Sara has a swimming pool, sun deck, gymnasium and a shaded river terrace.
A Sara is aimed at couples, families and first-time visitors. It gives them an intimate cruise with a guide at each site, away from the crowds of a mega-boat. Travellers who prefer a sailing boat can look at dahabiya cruises on the Nile instead.
Need the cabin count, cabin sizes or a deck plan before you book? Message us on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393.
Optional Extras: Abu Simbel, Balloon and Felucca
These optional extras are not part of the fare:
- Abu Simbel: an early excursion by road or on a short flight, at additional cost. See the Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan for details.
- Hot-air balloon: a dawn flight over the Luxor necropolis on day 2 of the 5 days programme. See the hot-air balloon flight over Luxor for details.
- Felucca or Nubian village: a sail around Elephantine Island or a Nubian village visit fits the free afternoon in Aswan on day 4 of the 5 days programme.
Check Availability for Your Dates
Travel Joy Egypt can check availability for your A Sara Nile cruise on the programme and dates you prefer. Send your dates through the enquiry form, tell us your group size, and we will reply with the cabin options.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Price
From $775
Availability
Saturdays (Luxor) & Wednesdays (Aswan)
Tour Type
Nile Cruise
Route
Luxor → Esna → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan → Abu Simbel …
Pickup
Luxor / Aswan
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleJoin the cruise in Luxor before lunch, then visit the East Bank with your Egyptologist. You walk through Karnak's hypostyle hall among its obelisks and finish at the colonnades of Luxor Temple. You spend the first night moored in Luxor.
After breakfast you cross to the West Bank. You start in the Valley of the Kings, where you enter 3 painted tombs, then visit Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Back on board, the cruise passes through the Esna Lock. A dawn hot-air balloon flight over the necropolis can be added as an optional extra.
At Edfu a horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus. The cruise then docks at Kom Ombo, where the double temple honours Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Its Crocodile Mummification Museum is part of the visit.
Unfinished ObeliskYour guide takes you to the High Dam, then to Philae, the island temple dedicated to Isis, and on to the Unfinished Obelisk, which still lies in its granite quarry. The afternoon is free. You can spend it on a felucca sail around Elephantine Island or a visit to a Nubian village, both at extra cost.
Abu Simbel TemplesThe cruise ends in Aswan, and your transfer takes you on to the airport, train station or an East Bank hotel. If your schedule allows, an early excursion to Abu Simbel can be added before that transfer, by road or on a short flight, at additional cost.
Unfinished ObeliskJoin the cruise in Aswan ahead of lunch. Your guide then takes you to the High Dam, Philae on its island and the Unfinished Obelisk in its quarry.
The cruise calls at Kom Ombo, home to the double temple of Sobek and Horus.
You visit Edfu by horse-drawn carriage, then sail on to Luxor. In the afternoon and early evening you tour Karnak and the floodlit Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
On the last day you cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, where you enter 3 royal tombs, then Queen Hatshepsut's terraced temple and the Colossi of Memnon. A transfer then takes you to Luxor airport, the train station or an East Bank hotel.
Highlights
Ship & Onboard Experience
- Intimate small-group sailing with groups capped at eight guests
- Air-conditioned cabins with panoramic windows, mini-bar and in-cabin safe
- Swimming pool, sun deck, gymnasium and shaded river terrace
- Full-board dining, Wi-Fi, gift shop and an onboard doctor on call
Temples & Sites Along the Nile
- Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- Temple of Horus at Edfu reached by horse-drawn carriage
- Kom Ombo, the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk
Service & Optional Add-Ons
- Private licensed English-speaking Egyptologist throughout
- Complimentary airport, train station and hotel transfers in Luxor and Aswan
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight
- Optional hot-air balloon, felucca sail and Nubian village visit
Included
- 3 or 4 nights' accommodation aboard the M/S A Sara on a full-board basis
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- All transfers in a modern, private air-conditioned vehicle
- All cruise excursions listed in the itinerary, operated privately
- Entrance fees to every site between Luxor and Aswan
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide (group size 1 to 8 maximum)
- One complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off from the airport, train station or any East Bank hotel in Luxor or Aswan
- All service charges and government taxes
Excluded
- Extra meals and beverages beyond the full-board plan
- Personal expenses such as laundry
- Gratuities for the guide, driver and crew
- Any optional excursions (Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon, felucca, Nubian village)
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in USD per person.
4 Days / 3 Nights (Aswan → Luxor) Accommodations
Pricing Information
Rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person. Holiday surcharges apply during peak seasons, including Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Children's Policy
- Under 6 YearsComplimentary
- Ages 6 to 11 Years50% of the Adult Rate
- 12+ YearsFull Adult Rate
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best).
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for temple and site visits.
- Swimsuit, cover-up, and sunscreen for Hurghada and the cruise.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection.
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, especially on the Nile.
- Modest attire for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
- Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
- Insect repellent (especially for evenings around the Nile).
- Portable power bank for electronic devices.
- A good camera and extra memory cards.
- A small backpack or day bag for daily excursions.
- Copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents.
- Local currency (Egyptian Pounds) for small purchases and tips, alongside major credit cards.
Onboard Facilities
- Air-conditioned cabins with individual climate control
- Large panoramic windows
- Private bathroom with bathtub or shower and hair dryer
- Mini-bar and room service
- Color TV with music, video and a daily movie channel
- In-cabin safe and telephone with international dialing
- Swimming pool and sun deck
- Gymnasium
- Wi-Fi and internet access
- Laundry and housekeeping service
- Gift shop
- Doctor on call onboard
- Non-smoking cabins
- All major credit cards accepted
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Licensed Experts
Fully bonded and licensed Egyptian tour operator.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
Always available via WhatsApp throughout your trip.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
1How much does the A Sara Nile cruise cost per person?
2Can you take a Nile cruise from Cairo?
3What is the best time of year for a Nile cruise?
4How do you get to Abu Simbel from Aswan on a Nile cruise?
5Is there Wi-Fi and a doctor on board?
6What should I wear on a Nile cruise and at the temples?
7Do I need a visa for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
8Is drinking water included on a Nile cruise?
9Are airport and station transfers included?
10Is the Egyptologist guide on a Nile cruise private and licensed?
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.