Farida Nile Cruise
Overview
Sail Luxor to Aswan on the Farida Nile Cruise. 4 or 5-day voyages, full-board cabins, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Philae. From $735 pp with Travel Joy Egypt.
The Farida Nile Cruise glides between Luxor and Aswan in five-star comfort, pairing temple-rich shore tours with sun-deck serenity on Egypt's eternal river.
For more than two decades I have watched guests step aboard the Farida Nile Cruise and exhale—the river does that to you. This is a graceful floating hotel that threads the storied stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, sailing every Monday from Luxor and every Friday from Aswan so you can join in whichever direction suits your plans. Choose the relaxed 4-day / 3-night run or the fuller 5-day / 4-night voyage that lingers a little longer at every landing.
The route reads like a roll call of pharaonic Egypt—Karnak and Luxor Temples, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the falcon temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin-deity sanctuary of Kom Ombo, and Aswan's island Temple of Philae. Between sites you settle into spacious air-conditioned cabins, each with a private bath, mini-bar, and television, while full-board dining serves generous buffets in the lower-deck restaurant.
Onboard you'll find a swimming pool and bar on the sun deck, a lounge bar and library, a spa with a massage room, a boutique, Wi-Fi, and a doctor on call around the clock. Ultraviolet-treated water and soundproofed decks mean you rest easy after a day among the monuments.
Farida suits first-time visitors who want the headline temples without compromise, returning Egypt lovers, and couples or families chasing slow river days. We keep guided groups to eight people maximum, so you actually hear your Egyptologist. Book with Travel Joy Egypt and you get attentive private transfers, transparent seasonal pricing, and a team that has sailed this river countless times—browse our full range of Nile cruises to compare.
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Availability
Mondays from Luxor (5-Day) & Fridays from Aswan (4-Day)
Tour Type
Luxury Nile Cruise
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleDay 1 (5-Day) — Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Embark before lunch with a traditional welcome and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon your guide leads you through the vast Karnak Temple Complex, where the Great Hypostyle Hall raises 134 inscribed columns toward the sky and the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes recalls processions to Amun-Re. As the light softens you continue to Luxor Temple in the heart of the city, admiring the colossi of Ramses II. Enjoy tea on the sun deck before dinner and your first night aboard in Luxor.
Valley of the KingsDay 2 (5-Day) — Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings, then Sail to Esna
Cross to the West Bank for the morning's highlights: the Valley of the Kings, where three royal tombs cut deep into the Theban cliffs blaze with afterlife scenes, the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served as the ship casts off and sails south past green riverbanks and villages, slipping through the Esna Lock. An optional sunrise hot-air balloon over ancient Thebes can be arranged. Dinner and overnight sailing toward Edfu.
Day 3 (5-Day) — Edfu & Kom Ombo: Temples of Horus and Sobek
A horse-drawn carriage carries you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most completely preserved temple of the ancient world, where reliefs recount the falcon god's battle with Seth. Lunch is served as you sail to Kom Ombo, home to a rare symmetrical temple honoring both Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder, complete with surgical-instrument carvings and a crocodile mummification museum. Dinner and overnight sailing on toward Aswan.
Philae TempleDay 4 (5-Day) — Aswan: Philae Temple, High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk
This morning explore the engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam, then take a motorboat to the island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued stone-by-stone from rising waters. Stand beside the colossal Unfinished Obelisk in its ancient granite quarry. Lunch is aboard, with the afternoon free for leisure, an optional felucca sail, or a colorful Nubian village visit by Nile boat. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 5 (5-Day) — Aswan: Farewell & Optional Abu Simbel
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard before disembarking in Aswan. Those with extra time can add an early-morning excursion to the monumental rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, raised by Ramses II for himself and Queen Nefertari and relocated above Lake Nasser in a celebrated UNESCO rescue. Your Travel Joy Egypt representative assists with onward transfers to your hotel, the airport, or your next adventure.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 1 (4-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Embark before lunch in Aswan and begin your river journey with an afternoon of highlights. Visit the Aswan High Dam with its sweeping views over Lake Nasser, glide by motorboat to the elegant island Temple of Philae sacred to Isis, and pause at the Unfinished Obelisk in the pharaohs' granite quarry to see how these giants were hewn. Return aboard for dinner and your first overnight moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 2 (4-Day) — Kom Ombo: Temple of Sobek & Horus (Optional Abu Simbel)
Early risers can add the optional excursion to Abu Simbel to see the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. Afterward, the ship sails to Kom Ombo, where a unique twin temple honors Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder side by side, with reliefs of medical instruments and a museum of mummified crocodiles. Lunch and dinner are served aboard as the ship continues sailing toward Edfu overnight.
Luxor TempleDay 3 (4-Day) — Edfu & Luxor: Temple of Horus and East Bank
A horse carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, with its great pylon and sacred sanctuary. Lunch is served as you sail on to Luxor. In the afternoon you tour the immense Karnak Temple Complex dedicated to Amun-Re, then Luxor Temple glowing at golden hour with its obelisk and illuminated courtyards. Dinner and overnight moored in Luxor.
Day 4 (4-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Disembarkation
After breakfast and check-out, cross to the West Bank for the grand finale: the Valley of the Kings with three royal tombs and an optional visit to Tutankhamun's tomb, the striking limestone Temple of Queen Hatshepsut set against the cliffs, and the imposing Colossi of Memnon guarding the Theban plain. Your guide then assists with your transfer onward, closing a memorable voyage along the Nile.
Highlights
Ship & Onboard Experience
- Air-conditioned cabins with private bath, mini-bar, and TV
- Sun-deck swimming pool and bar with panoramic Nile views
- Full-board dining, lounge bar, library, spa, and 24-hour doctor
- Soundproofed decks and ultraviolet-treated water for restful nights
Temples & Sites Along the Nile
- Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the East Bank
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon
- Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin-deity Temple of Kom Ombo
- Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk
Service & Optional Add-Ons
- Small guided groups of eight maximum with an English-speaking Egyptologist
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight
- Optional sunrise hot-air balloon over Thebes and a Nubian village visit
- Private air-conditioned transfers and meet-and-assist on arrival
Gallery
Included
- 3 or 4 nights' accommodation aboard the Farida Nile Cruise on a full-board basis
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- Assistance of our representatives throughout your stay and excursions
- All transfers in a modern, private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- All cruise excursions listed in the itinerary, operated privately
- Entrance fees to every site between Luxor and Aswan
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide during excursions (group of 1–8 maximum)
- One complimentary bottle of water per person, per day
- Qualified, professional drivers for all transfers
- All service charges and taxes
Excluded
- Any extra meals and beverages beyond the full-board plan
- Personal expenses such as laundry
- Gratuities for your guide, driver, and cruise crew
- Any optional tours (e.g. Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon, Nubian village)
- Egypt entry visa and international airfare
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
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ruins and sites.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) for warm days.
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially on the Nile or in Cairo.
- Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Swimsuit for Hurghada and the cruise's pool.
- Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) for visiting religious sites (mosques, some churches).
- Insect repellent for evenings, especially near the Nile.
- A small backpack for day trips to carry water, snacks, and personal items.
- Camera to capture incredible memories (and extra batteries/memory cards!).
- Any personal medications you may need.
- Universal travel adapter for electronics.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- A good book or entertainment for downtime on the cruise or travel days.
Onboard Facilities
- Reception area
- Main-lounge bar and library
- Lower-deck restaurant
- Sun-deck swimming pool and bar
- Boutique and jeweler shop
- Spa center and massage room
- Internet corner on the mezzanine deck
- Laundry and dry-cleaning service
- Soundproofing on all decks
- Ultraviolet water treatment
- Wi-Fi throughout
- Air conditioning in all cabins and public areas
- Private bathroom with shower in every cabin
- Television and mini-bar in every cabin
- Doctor available 24 hours
- Major credit cards accepted on board
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
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