Alyssa Nile Cruise
Overview
Cruise Luxor to Aswan on the design-led Alyssa, with a panoramic wellness center, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Philae. 4 & 5-day full-board. From $735, Travel Joy Egypt.
Sail Upper Egypt aboard the design-led M/Y Alyssa Nile Cruise, a boutique vessel where Swiss-designed interiors and a panoramic wellness center meet the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
Alyssa stands apart for its architecture: every carpet, furnishing and cabin layout was created specifically for the ship by acclaimed Swiss hotel designer Pia Schmid, built on a philosophy of harmonious color, natural materials and local handcraft. The showpiece is a fully panoramic wellness center at the bow of the fourth deck, with a mud bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, a licensed masseur and a multi-purpose gym featuring bicycle, rowing machine and treadmill.
The cruise plies the classic Luxor–Aswan route via Edfu and Kom Ombo in two formats: a 4-day / 3-night sailing from Aswan each Monday and a 5-day / 4-night voyage from Luxor each Thursday. You explore the towering Karnak and Luxor Temples, the painted 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 double sanctuary of Kom Ombo, and Aswan's High Dam, island Temple of Philae and Unfinished Obelisk.
An optional excursion reaches Abu Simbel.
Cabins feature panoramic windows, en-suite bathrooms, mini-bar, satellite TV, individual climate control and an in-cabin safe, with afternoon tea, a reading area, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour onboard doctor rounding out the experience. Full-board dining, private transfers, all temple entrance fees and a private English-speaking Egyptologist guiding groups of eight or fewer are all included.
Alyssa suits style-conscious couples and small groups who want intimate, design-forward travel without sacrificing the great monuments. Book with Travel Joy Egypt for expert guiding, smooth logistics and pricing that beats the competition — browse our complete range of Nile cruises to compare.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Price
From $735
Availability
Thursdays (Luxor) & Mondays (Aswan)
Tour Type
Luxury Nile Cruise
Route
Luxor → Esna → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan → Abu Simbel …
Pickup
Luxor / Aswan
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleBoard the Alyssa before lunch and admire its handcrafted interiors as you settle in. In the afternoon your Egyptologist leads you through the vast Karnak complex, from the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes to the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, then to Luxor Temple, radiant in the late sun. Return for tea on the sun deck before dinner and your first overnight moored in Luxor.
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, the famous 'singing statues.' Optional entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I is available. After lunch the cruise sails through the Esna Lock. Dinner and overnight underway toward Edfu, with an optional dawn balloon flight available.
Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt, with reliefs depicting the battle between Horus and Seth. Sailing on, you reach Kom Ombo to explore the perfectly symmetrical double temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder, its carved medical instruments and the Crocodile Mummification Museum. Dinner and overnight as the boat continues to Aswan.
Unfinished ObeliskTour Aswan this morning: the High Dam with panoramas over Lake Nasser, the island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis and reached by motorboat, and the colossal Unfinished Obelisk still lying in its granite quarry. Spend the afternoon at leisure or add an optional felucca sail, or visit a colorful Nubian village by boat. Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesEnjoy a final 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 saved by a celebrated UNESCO relocation, reached by car or short flight at additional cost. A complimentary transfer then takes you onward.
Unfinished ObeliskEmbark in Aswan before lunch and settle into your cabin. The afternoon brings the High Dam with sweeping views over Lake Nasser, the romantic island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk in its ancient granite quarry. These monuments set the tone for your journey north. Dinner and overnight on board, moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesEarly 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 the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder, with its medical reliefs and museum of mummified crocodiles. Lunch is served on board as you continue toward Edfu, followed by dinner and an overnight sail.
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.
After breakfast and checkout, cross to the West Bank for the 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
- Bespoke Swiss-designed interiors by hotel architect Pia Schmid
- Panoramic wellness center with mud bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and licensed masseur
- Multi-purpose gym, swimming pool, reading area and afternoon tea service
- 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
Included
- 3 or 4 nights' accommodation aboard the M/Y Alyssa 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 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
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (cotton or linen are best).
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection.
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, especially during the winter months.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
- Swimwear for Hurghada and the cruise pool.
- Insect repellent, particularly for evenings near the Nile.
- A small backpack or day bag for daily excursions.
- Camera and extra batteries to capture your memories.
- Any personal medications, along with copies of prescriptions.
- Universal travel adapter for electronics.
- Copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents.
Onboard Facilities
- Individually controlled air-conditioned cabins
- Large panoramic windows
- Private bathroom with bathtub and hair dryer
- Mini-bar
- Color TV with music, video and a daily movie channel
- International telephone and in-cabin safe
- Panoramic wellness center: mud bath, sauna and Jacuzzi
- Multi-purpose gym with bicycle, rowing machine and treadmill
- Licensed onboard masseur
- Swimming pool and sun deck
- Playing and reading area
- Wi-Fi, internet and fax
- Afternoon tea and cake service
- Gift shop
- Doctor available 24 hours
- Visa and MasterCard 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.