LA Sara Nile Cruise
Overview
Sail the five-star LA Sara Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan from $635. 4 & 5-day programs, private guiding, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Philae temples await.
The LA Sara Nile Cruise is an elegant five-star ship, refurbished in 2019, sailing the classic Luxor–Aswan route past the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Having sailed this stretch of the Nile for decades, I keep recommending the LA Sara for travelers who want genuine elegance—rich wood paneling, classic furnishings, and a 120-cover restaurant—without the impersonal scale of the largest boats.
She follows the timeless Upper Egypt itinerary, weaving the river's greatest temples between long, restful hours on deck. Departures run every Saturday from Luxor and every Wednesday from Aswan, so the cruise slots neatly around your flights.
Choose the 4-day / 3-night program from Aswan, the fuller 5-day / 4-night program from Luxor, or an 8-day combination. Both core routes cover the same headline sites—Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's terraced temple, the Ptolemaic temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, and the island sanctuary of Philae—sailed in opposite directions. The longer Luxor program adds the scenic passage through Esna Lock and unhurried afternoons in Aswan.
Cabins are bright and well appointed, with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms with tub and hair dryer, individually controlled air conditioning, a TV with house movie channels, mini bar, telephone, and an in-room safe. Single, double, and triple cabins make the LA Sara equally suited to solo travelers, couples, and families.
Onboard, the sun deck runs the full length of the ship around a swimming pool and bar, while the main lounge hosts evening entertainment—Egyptian folklore and belly dancing—on its dance floor. A separate Chesterfield bar offers panoramic Nile views, and a gymnasium, gift shop, 24-hour reception, onboard doctor, and full-board dining round out the experience. Buffet and waiter-served meals showcase both Egyptian and international cuisine.
The LA Sara suits couples, families, and small groups who value classic luxury and attentive service. Book with Travel Joy Egypt for private Egyptologist guiding, transparent prices that beat the competition, and a team that manages every transfer, entrance fee, and detail. See how she stacks up against our wider fleet of Nile cruises before you book your sailing.
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Availability
Saturdays (Luxor) & Wednesdays (Aswan)
Tour Type
Luxury Nile Cruise
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleDay 1 (5-Day) — Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Board the LA Sara before lunch in Luxor and settle into your cabin. The afternoon belongs to the East Bank: at vast Karnak you follow the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes to the First Pylon and the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 inscribed columns, layered with 1,500 years of history. Nearby, Luxor Temple glows in the late sun, its colossi of Ramses II and Sphinx Avenue on full display. Return for tea on the sun deck, dinner, and overnight in Luxor.
Valley of the KingsDay 2 (5-Day) — Luxor West Bank to Esna: Valley of the Kings
Cross to the Theban West Bank for three painted royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the multi-terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served aboard as the ship sails south past green riverbanks and through the historic Esna Lock. Dinner and overnight while cruising toward Edfu; an early-morning hot-air-balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings is offered as an extra.
Day 3 (5-Day) — Edfu & Kom Ombo: Temples of Horus and Sobek
A horse-drawn carriage carries you to Edfu, the most completely preserved temple of antiquity and a Ptolemaic tribute to the falcon-god Horus, its walls carved with the battle of Horus and Seth. After lunch aboard, the ship reaches Kom Ombo, the rare mirrored temple shared by the crocodile-god Sobek and Horus the Elder, with its famous medical reliefs and Crocodile Mummification Museum. Sail on toward Aswan, with dinner and overnight on the river.
Philae TempleDay 4 (5-Day) — Aswan: Philae Temple & the High Dam
Discover Aswan's mix of Nubian charm and modern engineering: the High Dam that tamed the Nile and formed Lake Nasser, the island temple of Philae reached only by boat and sacred to Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk lying in its ancient quarry. Lunch aboard, then a free afternoon for an optional felucca sail or Nubian village visit. Dinner and overnight moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 5 (5-Day) — Aswan: Disembarkation & Optional Abu Simbel
Enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking in Aswan. Travelers wanting one last marvel can add the early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel, where the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari face the rising sun above Lake Nasser, relocated stone by stone in the UNESCO rescue. Otherwise, our team transfers you to the airport, train station or your Aswan hotel.
Philae TempleDay 1 (4-Day) — Aswan: Philae Temple, High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk
Embark in Aswan before lunch and settle in for your first taste of life on the Nile. The afternoon tour visits the monumental High Dam with its panoramic views over Lake Nasser, the romantic Philae Temple on Agilkia Island dedicated to the goddess Isis and reached by motorboat, and the Unfinished Obelisk resting in its ancient granite quarry. Dinner and overnight aboard the LA Sara in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 2 (4-Day) — Optional Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo: Sailing North
An optional dawn excursion to Abu Simbel reveals the twin rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Back aboard, the ship sails north to Kom Ombo, the unusual twin temple honoring Sobek the crocodile-god and Horus the Elder, complete with medical reliefs and mummified crocodiles. Dinner and overnight while cruising toward Edfu.
Karnak TempleDay 3 (4-Day) — Edfu to Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
A horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt's most complete temples, its walls recounting the struggle of Horus and Seth. Lunch is served aboard as the ship sails to Luxor. The afternoon and evening bring the East Bank: colossal Karnak, dedicated to Amun-Re with its 134-column Hypostyle Hall, and Luxor Temple aglow in the golden hour. Dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Valley of the KingsDay 4 (4-Day) — Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings | Disembarkation
After breakfast and check-out, the final morning explores the Theban West Bank: three royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings (with optional entry to Tutankhamun's tomb), the cliff-set temple of Queen Hatshepsut honoring Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues of Amenhotep III. The cruise ends with a transfer to the airport, train station or your Luxor hotel.
Highlights
Ship & Onboard Experience
- Five-star ship refurbished in 2019 with rich wood paneling and classic decor
- Single, double and triple cabins with panoramic windows, private bath, mini bar and safe
- Sun-deck pool, gymnasium, 120-cover restaurant and a Chesterfield bar with Nile views
Temples & Sites Along the Nile
- Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank of Luxor
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- Ptolemaic Edfu and double-deity Kom Ombo temples
- Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
Service & Optional Add-Ons
- Private Egyptologist guide with groups capped at eight travelers
- Evening Egyptian folklore and belly-dancing entertainment on board
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion, dawn hot-air balloon and Nubian village visit
Gallery
Included
- 3 or 4 nights' accommodation aboard the LA Sara on a full-board basis
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- All transfers in a modern, air-conditioned private deluxe vehicle with a qualified driver
- All Nile cruise excursions listed in the itinerary, operated privately
- Entrance fees to every sightseeing stop in and between Luxor and Aswan
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide on excursions (groups of 1 to 8 maximum)
- One complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off in Luxor or Aswan from the airport, train station or any East Bank hotel
- All service charges and taxes
Excluded
- Egypt entry visa
- International airfare and any domestic flights
- Extra meals and beverages beyond the full-board program
- Personal expenses such as laundry
- Optional tours (Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon, Nubian village, Tutankhamun or Seti I tomb entry)
- Gratuities for the guide, driver and cruise crew
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person.
5 Days / 4 Nights (Luxor → Aswan) 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
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites
- Swimsuit and beach attire for Hurghada
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Scarf or shawl for women when visiting religious sites (optional for men)
- Small backpack for day excursions
- Camera and extra batteries/memory cards
- Any personal medications
- Adapter for electronics (Egypt uses Type C/F plugs)
- A good book for relaxing on the cruise or by the pool
Onboard Facilities
- Swimming pool and full-length sun deck
- Main restaurant with 120 covers (buffet and waiter service)
- Main lounge with music system and dance floor
- Bar area with Chesterfield sofas and panoramic Nile views
- Pool bar
- Gymnasium
- WiFi and internet access
- Gift shop
- 24-hour reception desk with safe deposit boxes
- Onboard doctor on call
- Cabins with large panoramic windows, private bath with tub and hair dryer
- Individually controlled air conditioning, TV with movie channels, mini bar, telephone and in-cabin safe
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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