Al Hambra Nile Cruise
Overview
Cruise Luxor to Aswan on the luxury Al Hambra, with the Nile's largest suites and a two-level spa. 4 & 5-day full-board programs. From $735 with Travel Joy Egypt.
Sail Egypt's southern Nile in five-star comfort aboard the M/S Al Hambra Nile Cruise, a boutique vessel famed for the largest standard suites on the river and a full two-level spa.
Launched in 2010 and built for discerning travelers, Al Hambra reset the standard for Nile luxury. Each 31-square-meter suite — with a generous six-square-meter marble bathroom — is among the most spacious afloat, complemented by a panoramic-view elevator, handicap-accessible suites and serene public spaces. The flagship feature is a two-level spa wrapped around an indoor relaxation pool, with dry and wet massage rooms, steam, sauna, Turkish baths, a Jacuzzi and a fully equipped gym.
The cruise runs the celebrated Luxor–Aswan corridor in two formats: a 4-day / 3-night sailing departing Aswan each Monday, and a 5-day / 4-night voyage from Luxor each Thursday. Along the way you tour the colossal Karnak and Luxor Temples, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's terraced temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then sail to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo, and Aswan's High Dam, island Temple of Philae and Unfinished Obelisk.
An optional excursion reaches the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel.
Dining is full-board, cabins are air-conditioned with mini-bar, satellite TV and en-suite bathrooms, and a doctor is available around the clock. Your fare covers private transfers, every temple entrance fee and a private English-speaking Egyptologist guiding groups of no more than eight, so the experience feels personal rather than processed.
Al Hambra suits couples celebrating a special trip, families wanting space, and travelers who refuse to trade comfort for culture. Reserve through Travel Joy Egypt for expert guiding, seamless logistics and pricing that beats the competition — explore more Nile cruises to find your perfect sailing.
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Availability
Thursdays (Luxor) & Mondays (Aswan)
Tour Type
Luxury Nile Cruise
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleDay 1 (5-Day) — Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Board Al Hambra before lunch and settle into your spacious suite. In the afternoon your Egyptologist leads you down Karnak's Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes into the Great Hypostyle Hall and its 134 towering columns, then to graceful Luxor Temple, glowing in the late sun. Return for tea on the sun deck before dinner and your first overnight moored in Luxor.
Day 2 (5-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Esna
Cross to the West Bank for three painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. Optional entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I is available. After lunch the cruise sails south through the Esna Lock past green riverbanks. Dinner and overnight underway toward Edfu, with an optional dawn balloon flight available.
Day 3 (5-Day) — Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the superbly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, where reliefs recount the battle between Horus and Seth. Sailing on, you reach Kom Ombo to explore the symmetrical double temple honoring the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder, including its medical reliefs and Crocodile Mummification Museum. Dinner and overnight as the boat continues to Aswan.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 4 (5-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Tour Aswan's highlights this morning: the High Dam with its sweeping views over Lake Nasser, the island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis and reached by motorboat, and the colossal Unfinished Obelisk in its ancient quarry. Spend the afternoon at leisure or add an optional felucca sail 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 breakfast before disembarking in Aswan. Travelers with extra time can add an early excursion to the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel, carved into a cliff above Lake Nasser and relocated by a famed UNESCO rescue, reached by car or short flight at additional cost. A complimentary transfer then takes you onward.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 1 (4-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Embark in Aswan before lunch and settle in. The afternoon brings the High Dam and its panoramas over Lake Nasser, the romantic island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk lying in its granite quarry. These monuments open your journey north through Upper Egypt. Dinner and overnight on board, moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 2 (4-Day) — Optional Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
Early risers can add an optional excursion to the twin temples of Abu Simbel by road or flight. Returning, the cruise sails north to Kom Ombo for the unusual double sanctuary of Sobek and Horus the Elder, with its carved medical instruments and mummified crocodiles. Lunch is served on board as you continue toward Edfu, followed by dinner and an overnight sail.
Day 3 (4-Day) — Edfu & Luxor East Bank
Travel by horse carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the most complete temples in Egypt, then sail to Luxor over lunch. The afternoon and evening reveal the East Bank's giants: the immense Karnak complex dedicated to Amun-Re and the floodlit colonnades of Luxor Temple at golden hour. Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 4 (4-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Departure
After breakfast and checkout, cross to the West Bank for the journey's grand finale: three royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings (with optional entry to Tutankhamun's tomb), the cliff-set temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your guide brings each monument to life before your complimentary onward transfer in Luxor.
Highlights
Ship & Onboard Experience
- The largest standard suites on the Nile at 31 square meters with marble bathrooms
- Two-level spa with indoor relaxation pool, sauna, steam, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi
- Panoramic-view elevator, fully equipped gym and handicap-accessible suites
- Full-board dining, Wi-Fi and an onboard doctor available 24 hours
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 and the double temple of Kom Ombo
- Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk
Service & Optional Add-Ons
- Private licensed English-speaking Egyptologist throughout
- Complimentary airport, train station and East Bank hotel transfers
- 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 Al Hambra 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)
- Pickup or drop-off on the West Bank of Luxor or Aswan, Gharb Soheil or Elephantine Island (arranged on the East Bank instead)
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 (cotton or linen)
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring sites
- Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection
- Swimwear and beach essentials for Hurghada
- Scarf or shawl for women when visiting religious sites
- Small backpack for day trips
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank for electronic devices
- Camera to capture memories
- Basic medications and any personal prescriptions
- Copy of passport and visa
- Modest evening wear for dinner cruises or fine dining
Onboard Facilities
- Air-conditioned cabins and suites
- 31-square-meter standard suites with en-suite bathrooms
- Private bathroom with shower
- Mini-bar
- Satellite TV
- Two-level spa with indoor relaxation pool
- Single and double dry and wet massage rooms
- Steam room, sauna, Turkish baths and Jacuzzi
- Fully equipped gymnasium
- Panoramic-view elevator
- Handicap-accessible suites on the Al Sultan deck
- Wi-Fi
- Gift shop
- Doctor available 24 hours
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.
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