Embark M/S Nile Dolphin in Luxor before lunch. Settle into your cabin before meeting your private Egyptologist guide for an afternoon excursion to Luxor's East Bank. Tour the Karnak Temple Complex with its Hypostyle Hall, then visit Luxor Temple glowing under evening lights. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Luxor.
M/S Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Step into aristocratic French Empire elegance aboard the MS Nile Dolphin on a 5-day luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan. Features antique-styled luxury cabins, fine dining, sun deck pool, and bespoke private Egyptologist-led tours of Upper Egypt's iconic temples.
PickupLuxor / Aswan
GuidePrivate, French or English
Group1 to 8 travellers
Duration5 days · 4 nights
Overview
The MS Nile Dolphin is a boutique 5-star deluxe river vessel distinguished by its unique historic character, meticulously designed in the opulent 19th-century French Empire style. From its hand-carved mahogany panelling, brass fittings, and crystal chandeliers to its velvet-upholstered salon and private library, the ship recreates the romantic golden age of Nile exploration for discerning cultural travellers.
Accommodating guests in 63 deluxe cabins and 2 royal suites equipped with large panoramic windows, individual climate control, and marble en-suite bathrooms, the MS Nile Dolphin balances historic charm with modern five-star comfort. The top sun deck offers a swimming pool, heated jacuzzi, and shaded loungers where afternoon tea is served as the ship navigates past rural Nile riverbanks. Evenings on board feature formal dinners in the elegant dining room followed by drinks in the salon bar and authentic Nubian cultural shows.
All excursions are arranged exclusively on a private basis by Les Amis d'Égypte. Your dedicated Egyptologist guide ensures in-depth visits to Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, bringing ancient Egyptian mythology and history vividly to life without the constraints of large tour groups.
Highlights
- French Empire Decor: Ornate 19th-century style with rich mahogany woodwork, brass details, and classical salons.
- Panoramic Outside Cabins: Elegant river-view cabins with large picture windows and en-suite marble bathrooms.
- Private Egyptologist Escort: Dedicated personal guide for your travelling party on all temple and monument tours.
- Valley of the Kings: Intimate guided exploration of New Kingdom royal tombs and Queen Hatshepsut's colonnaded temple.
- Karnak & Luxor East Bank: Stand beneath the 134 colossal columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall.
- Carriage Ride in Edfu: Traditional horse-drawn carriage to the majestic Ptolemaic Temple of Horus.
- Kom Ombo & Crocodile Museum: Sunset visit to the riverside sanctuary of Sobek and Haroeris.
- Romantic Philae Sanctuary: Boat crossing to Agilkia Island temple of Isis and the Aswan High Dam.
Day by day
Day 1
Luxor: Ship Boarding, Karnak & Luxor Temples
Meals: lunch, dinner · Overnight: M/S Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Day 2
Luxor West Bank: Royal Tombs & Sail to EsnaMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: M/S Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Cross to Luxor's West Bank after breakfast to explore royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Visit the cliffside Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and stop at the twin Colossi of Memnon. Return for lunch on board as M/S Nile Dolphin sails south through Esna Lock toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3
Edfu & Kom Ombo: Horus Temple & Crocodile MuseumMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: M/S Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt's best-preserved Ptolemaic temple. Sail onward to Kom Ombo to explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, alongside the Crocodile Mummification Museum. Continue sailing toward Aswan. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 4
Aswan: High Dam, Philae Island Temple & Unfinished ObeliskMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: M/S Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Tour Aswan's High Dam, then ride a motorboat across Lake Nasser to Agilkia Island to visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. Continue to the ancient granite quarries to inspect the Unfinished Obelisk. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board or join an optional felucca sail or Nubian Village tour. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Aswan.
Day 5
Aswan: Disembarkation & Optional Abu Simbel ExcursionMeals: breakfast
Disembark M/S Nile Dolphin after breakfast in Aswan. An optional morning excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari is available by private vehicle or flight before final departure.
Included
- 4 nights accommodation on board M/S Nile Dolphin with full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Meet-and-assist services upon arrival and departure
- All transfers in modern private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private Egyptologist guide, French- or English-speaking
- All guided sightseeing tours listed in the itinerary
- Complimentary bottled water during excursions
- Access to cruise facilities: swimming pool, sun deck and business center
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Airport transfers not specified in the package
- Beverages and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and spa treatments
- Optional excursions (Abu Simbel, hot air balloon, Nubian Village, felucca sail)
- Tipping for guide, driver, and cruise staff
- Services not explicitly listed in the inclusions
- Sightseeing entrance fees between Luxor and Aswan
Questions
What meals are provided on board M/S Nile Dolphin?
Full board accommodation is included, covering daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship's main dining room.
Are shore excursions guided by a private Egyptologist?
Yes, all scheduled shore excursions feature a private Egyptologist guide available in French or English.
What onboard amenities does M/S Nile Dolphin feature?
The ship features French Empire style decor, 63 cabins, 2 suites, a sun deck with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, spa, gym, and panorama lounge.
Are monument entrance fees included in the tour package?
Entrance tickets for temples and archaeological sites are excluded and paid directly on site.
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