Nile Quest Nile Cruise
Overview
Sail Luxor to Aswan on the 5-star MS Nile Quest. 4 or 5-day programs, pool, gym and private guided temple tours, full-board dining. From $635 per person.
Cruise Luxor to Aswan aboard the MS Nile Quest, a deluxe five-star vessel praised for its modern cabins, sun-deck pool and expert-led tours of Egypt's great temples.
The Nile Quest Nile Cruise is among the most respected deluxe five-star ships on the river. Launched in 2002 and extensively renovated in 2006, it pairs contemporary decor and amenities with the timeless rhythm of a Nile voyage. Sailing the storied corridor of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, the ship makes a comfortable base for unlocking the monuments that defined ancient Egypt.
Two programs let you choose your pace. The 4-day / 3-night voyage departs Aswan every Wednesday; the 5-day / 4-night voyage leaves Luxor every Saturday, adding extra time on the Theban West Bank and in Nubian Aswan. Both keep guide groups small (1–8 travelers) so you can savor Karnak’s Great Hypostyle Hall, the falcon temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin sanctuary of Sobek and Horus at Kom Ombo, and the island temple of Philae.
Cabins feature large panoramic windows, private marble bath, mini-bar, satellite TV with a daily movie channel, safe box and individually controlled air conditioning. The ship adds a swimming pool and sundeck, a gymnasium, room and laundry service, internet, a gift shop and an onboard doctor. Meals are full-board, and a daily bottle of water is on the house.
Our veteran Egyptologist guides bring every carved wall to life, and optional extras — a dawn hot-air balloon over Thebes, the rock temples of Abu Simbel, a felucca sail or a Nubian village visit — let you tailor the trip. Browse our full fleet of Nile cruises, then book with Travel Joy Egypt for seamless transfers and rates that beat the competition.
Duration
4 or 5 Days
Availability
Saturdays from Luxor (5-day) & Wednesdays from Aswan (4-day)
Tour Type
Luxury Nile Cruise
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.
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Itinerary
Karnak TempleDay 1 (5-Day) — Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Embark the MS Nile Quest before lunch and settle into your cabin. The afternoon opens at Karnak, a complex of more than 100 hectares, where the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes leads to the Great Hypostyle Hall and its 134 inscribed columns, sacred lakes and obelisks. Continue to Luxor Temple, the center of divine rejuvenation, with its colossal statues of Ramses II and the Abu Haggag Mosque built into the walls. Tea on the sun deck precedes dinner and an overnight in Luxor.
Day 2 (5-Day) — Luxor West Bank & Sail to Esna
Cross to the Theban West Bank for three painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, with optional entry to Tutankhamun or Seti I. Visit the multi-terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the seated Colossi of Memnon, the 'singing statues' of legend. An optional dawn hot-air balloon offers a panorama of Thebes. After lunch the ship sails south through the Esna Lock, with dinner and overnight underway toward Edfu.
Day 3 (5-Day) — Edfu Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo
Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most completely preserved temple of the ancient world, celebrating the falcon-headed god of kingship through its grand pylon and battle reliefs of Horus and Seth. Lunch is served as you cruise to Kom Ombo, where the mirror-image temple is shared by Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder, with carved surgical instruments and a Crocodile Mummification Museum. Dinner and overnight follow while sailing to Aswan.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 4 (5-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Visit the High Dam, the engineering masterpiece that shapes Lake Nasser, then take a boat to the island Temple of Philae, sacred to Isis and relocated stone by stone by UNESCO. At the ancient granite quarries, study the colossal Unfinished Obelisk, the largest ever attempted. The afternoon is free for an optional felucca sail or a colorful Nubian village visit, with dinner and overnight moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 5 (5-Day) — Aswan: Optional Abu Simbel & Disembarkation
Enjoy a final breakfast and disembark in Aswan. Many travelers add an early excursion to Abu Simbel, where the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari face the rising sun above Lake Nasser. Relocated in a landmark UNESCO rescue, they make an unforgettable finale. We arrange transfer by road or short flight and coordinate your onward journey from Aswan.
Unfinished ObeliskDay 1 (4-Day) — Aswan: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Board the MS Nile Quest before lunch and settle in. The afternoon tour begins at the High Dam, the modern marvel that tames the Nile and shapes Lake Nasser, then crosses by motorboat to the romantic island Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island, dedicated to the goddess Isis. At the ancient granite quarries, view the immense Unfinished Obelisk still locked in the bedrock. Dinner and overnight are spent moored in Aswan.
Abu Simbel TemplesDay 2 (4-Day) — Optional Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo Temple
An optional dawn excursion reaches Abu Simbel, where the colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertari were carved into rock and relocated above the rising lake. Back aboard, the ship sails north to Kom Ombo for the twin temple shared by Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder, complete with a Crocodile Mummification Museum. Dinner and overnight follow as you continue sailing toward Edfu.
Luxor TempleDay 3 (4-Day) — Edfu Temple & Luxor East Bank
A horse carriage carries you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the most complete temples in Egypt, its walls vivid with the myth of Horus and Seth. Lunch is served as you cruise to Luxor. In the late afternoon, explore Karnak's colossal columns and 134-column Hypostyle Hall, then nearby Luxor Temple, beautifully lit in the heart of the city. Dinner and overnight are 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. Descend into three painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, with optional entry to Tutankhamun's tomb. Visit the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut set against limestone cliffs, then pause at the Colossi of Memnon, the two seated giants of Amenhotep III. We then coordinate your transfer and onward travel from Luxor.
Highlights
Ship & Onboard Experience
- Deluxe five-star vessel, renovated with modern cabins and decor
- Cabins with large panoramic windows, private marble bath and mini-bar
- Swimming pool, sundeck and onboard gymnasium
- Satellite TV with daily movie channel, full-board dining and an onboard doctor
Temples & Sites Along the Nile
- Karnak Temple and the 134-column Great Hypostyle Hall in Luxor
- Valley of the Kings and the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut
- Best-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, reached by horse carriage
- Twin temple of Sobek and Horus at Kom Ombo
- Island Temple of Philae and the High Dam at Aswan
Service & Optional Add-Ons
- Small private groups of 1-8 with a licensed Egyptologist guide
- Optional dawn hot-air balloon over the Theban West Bank
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion by car or flight
- Optional Nubian village visit and felucca sailing
Gallery
Included
- 3 or 4 nights' full-board accommodation aboard the MS Nile Quest
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
- Assistance of our representatives throughout your stay and excursions
- All transfers by modern private air-conditioned vehicle
- All cruise excursions in the itinerary, conducted privately (group size 1-8)
- Entrance fees to every site between Luxor and Aswan
- Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- 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 taxes
Excluded
- Extra meals and beverages beyond the full-board menu
- Personal expenses such as laundry
- Gratuities for guide, driver and cruise crew
- Any optional tours (Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon, Nubian village, felucca)
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) for warm days
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites
- Scarf or light shawl for visiting religious sites (women)
- Swimwear and beach essentials for Hurghada
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings by the Nile
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors
- Medications and personal toiletries
- Small backpack for day trips
- Camera to capture incredible memories
- Power bank for electronic devices
- Copies of your passport and essential documents
Onboard Facilities
- Swimming pool and sundeck
- Gymnasium
- Cabins with large panoramic / UV-tinted windows
- Private bath with bathtub, shower and hair dryer
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Mini-bar and room service in every cabin
- Satellite TV with in-house music, video and a daily movie channel
- International telephone and in-cabin safe box
- Non-smoking cabins
- Internet access and Wi-Fi
- Laundry and housekeeping service
- Gift shop
- Onboard doctor on call
- 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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