A Sara Nile Cruise
Overview
Sail Luxor to Aswan on the A Sara Nile Cruise. 4, 5 & 8-day programs, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Philae, full-board cabins. From $635 with Travel Joy Egypt.
Glide between Luxor and Aswan aboard the M/S A Sara Nile Cruise, a relaxed small-group sailing that pairs Egypt's grandest temples with sun-deck serenity on the river.
A Sara follows the classic Upper Egypt waterway — Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan — so you wake within walking distance of one monument and drift toward the next while the green riverbanks slide past. Three flexible programs let you match the journey to your time in Egypt: a 4-day / 3-night sailing upstream from Aswan, a fuller 5-day / 4-night voyage downstream from Luxor, and an extended 8-day option for unhurried travelers.
The 5-day program opens on Luxor's East Bank with the soaring columns of Karnak and the floodlit beauty of Luxor Temple, then crosses to the West Bank for the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the terraces of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. As the boat sails on, you reach the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn carriage and the dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, before arriving at the High Dam, Philae Temple and the famous Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan.
An optional excursion to Abu Simbel caps the trip.
Cabins are air-conditioned with panoramic windows, private bathrooms, mini-bar, satellite TV and an in-cabin safe, while the vessel adds a swimming pool, sun deck, gymnasium, gift shop, Wi-Fi and an onboard doctor on call. Full-board dining, a private English-speaking Egyptologist (groups capped at eight) and all temple entrance fees are handled for you, so the only decision left is whether to watch the sunset from the pool or the terrace.
A Sara suits couples, families and first-time visitors who want an intimate, well-guided introduction to the monuments of the south without the crowds of a mega-boat. Book with Travel Joy Egypt and you secure private transfers, expert guiding and pricing that undercuts the competition — browse our full range of Nile cruises to compare sailings.
Duration
4, 5 or 8 Days
Availability
Saturdays (Luxor) & Wednesdays (Aswan)
Tour Type
Nile Cruise
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleDay 1 (5-Day) — Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Board the A Sara before lunch and settle into your cabin as Luxor's East Bank comes alive in the afternoon. Your Egyptologist leads you through the vast hypostyle hall and obelisks of the Karnak Temple Complex, then to the elegant colonnades of Luxor Temple, especially atmospheric as the light softens. Return to the boat for tea, relaxation, dinner and your first overnight moored in Luxor.
Day 2 (5-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Esna
After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to explore three painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the dramatic terraces of Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Back aboard, the cruise sails south through the Esna Lock. An optional dawn hot-air balloon flight over the necropolis is available. Dinner and overnight as you drift toward Edfu.
Day 3 (5-Day) — Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Reach Edfu and ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Sailing on, you dock at Kom Ombo to tour the unusual double temple shared by the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus, plus its Crocodile Mummification Museum. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea on deck before dinner and an overnight sail to Aswan.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 4 (5-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Spend the morning discovering Aswan's landmarks: the engineering feat of the High Dam, the island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, and the colossal Unfinished Obelisk in its ancient granite quarry. The afternoon is yours to relax, with an optional felucca sail around Elephantine Island or a visit to a colorful Nubian village. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 5 (5-Day) — Aswan Departure & Optional Abu Simbel
Enjoy a final breakfast before disembarkation. Travelers with extra time can add an early excursion to the monumental rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel by road or short flight (additional cost) before onward transfer. Otherwise, your complimentary transfer delivers you to Aswan airport, the train station or your hotel.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 1 (4-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Embark in Aswan before lunch, then head out with your guide to the High Dam, the serene island Temple of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk lying in its quarry. These sites set the tone for the journey north, blending pharaonic monuments with Nubian scenery. Return to the boat for dinner and your first overnight moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 2 (4-Day) — Kom Ombo & Optional Abu Simbel
An optional pre-dawn excursion to Abu Simbel is available for early risers. Later, the cruise calls at Kom Ombo, where the twin sanctuary honors Sobek and Horus and the adjoining museum displays mummified crocodiles. Back on board, savor lunch and tea on the sun deck as the A Sara sails toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight underway.
Day 3 (4-Day) — Edfu & Luxor East Bank
Begin with a horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu. Sailing on to Luxor, the afternoon and early evening bring the East Bank's great temples: the immense Karnak complex and the floodlit Luxor Temple. Return to the boat for dinner and an overnight stay moored in Luxor.
Day 4 (4-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Departure
After breakfast and checkout, cross to the West Bank for the grand finale: three royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your guide shares the stories behind each monument before a complimentary transfer to Luxor airport, the train station or your 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
Gallery
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 US Dollars 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.
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.
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