Esmeralda Nile Cruise
Refined 5-star sailing with European service
Experience the charm and elegance of the Nile aboard the Esmeralda Nile Cruise, a comfortable and stylish vessel designed to offer travelers a relaxing and memorable journey through the heart of ancient Egypt. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, this inviting cruise blends cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and modern comfort, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable river experience.
Throughout the voyage, guests will have the opportunity to explore some of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological treasures. Visit the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, uncover the mysteries of the Valley of the Kings, and admire the beautifully preserved temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Each stop reveals fascinating stories of pharaohs, gods, and ancient traditions, bringing Egypt’s extraordinary heritage vividly to life along the banks of the Nile.
Onboard the Esmeralda Nile Cruise, guests can enjoy comfortable cabins, delicious local and international cuisine, and welcoming leisure spaces designed for relaxation. The spacious sun deck offers the perfect place to unwind while taking in panoramic views of the river’s ever-changing scenery—from lush green riverbanks and traditional villages to serene desert horizons.
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a balanced blend of cultural discovery, comfort, and authentic Egyptian hospitality, ensuring a truly memorable journey along one of the world’s most legendary waterways.
Cruise itinerary
1Arrival in Aswan - Aswan City Tour
- Our representative meets and accompanies you upon arrival at Aswan Airport or your Aswan hotel.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers within Aswan
- Guided visit to the Aswan High Dam — one of the largest embankment dams in the world, with context on its impact on the Nile's flow and the rescue of Nubian monuments from rising waters
- Guided visit to the Unfinished Obelisk — abandoned in the ancient granite quarry after a flaw was discovered, it preserves the precise methods used in Pharaonic monument construction
- Motorized felucca transfer to Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) — a Ptolemaic complex relocated to Agilkia Island following the construction of the High Dam
- Optional felucca sail past Elephantine Island and the First Cataract granite formations
- Lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour.
- Private transfer to the Nile cruise vessel for embarkation and cabin check-in
- Dinner served on board
- Overnight aboard the Nile cruise in Aswan
2 Kom Ombo Temple - Sail to Edfu
- Breakfast is served aboard the cruise vessel
- Private air-conditioned vehicle transfer to Kom Ombo, approximately 45 kilometers north of Aswan
- Guided visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo — a unique double sanctuary dedicated simultaneously to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the elder form of Horus
- Exploration of the temple's symmetrical twin hypostyle halls, offering chambers, and sanctuaries, all constructed during the Ptolemaic period
- Visit to the on-site Crocodile Museum — displaying mummified crocodiles recovered from the surrounding temple precinct.
- Lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour.
- Re-board the cruise as it sails north toward Edfu along the Nile corridor
- Afternoon sail with views of sugarcane fields, sandstone bluffs, and Nubian riverbank villages
- Onboard Egyptologist briefing to prepare for the following day's visit to Edfu Temple
- Cruise docks and moors overnight at Edfu
3Edfu Temple - Sail to Luxor - Luxor Temple
- Breakfast is served aboard the cruise vessel, moored at Edfu
- Horse-drawn calèche transfer from the dock into Edfu town — the traditional approach to the temple precinct
- Guided visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu — the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, with its towering pylon gateway, hypostyle hall, inner sanctuary, and roof terraces all accessible
- Exploration of the temple's densely inscribed walls documenting Ptolemaic ritual practice, the mythology of Horus and Seth, and the principles of Egyptian sacred architecture
- Return to the cruise vessel by private vehicle as it departs north toward Luxor
- Lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour.
- Private vehicle transfer from the Luxor dock to Luxor Temple on the East Bank
- Guided visit to Luxor Temple — a late New Kingdom monument built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, featuring its colonnade hall, open sun court, and the processional avenue of sphinxes at its entrance
- Return to the cruise vessel by private vehicle
- Cruise moors overnight at Luxor
4Luxor West Bank - Departure
- Breakfast is served aboard the cruise vessel, followed by disembarkation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle transfer to the West Bank of the Nile — the funerary side of ancient Thebes
- Guided visit to the Valley of the Kings — the royal burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs, with entry to three tombs featuring painted funerary texts from the Amduat and Book of Gates
- Egyptologists interpret the iconographic program inside each chamber, including the theological significance of the royal soul's nocturnal journey
- Guided visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — a three-tiered colonnaded mortuary temple carved into the limestone cliff face, documenting Hatshepsut's divine birth and expedition to Punt
- Stop at the Colossi of Memnon — two 18-meter statues of Amenhotep III marking the entrance to what was once the largest mortuary temple in Egypt
- Lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour.
- Private vehicle transfer to Luxor Airport or onward hotel following lunch
- Tour concludes in Luxor
Prices per person, double cabin
4 Nights from Luxor
Most bookedMonday · Luxor → Aswan
3 Nights from Aswan
Round tripFriday · Aswan → Luxor
Prices are per person sharing a double cabin. Single supplements and peak-date surcharges (Christmas, New Year) may apply — confirmed on enquiry.
Included & excluded
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide for all excursions.
- Air-conditioned private vehicle transfers throughout
- 3 or 4 nights full-board accommodation on a Nile cruise ship
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Felucca ride to and from Philae Temple.
- Horse-drawn carriage transfer at Edfu
- Bottled water during all tours and transfers
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- Any Extra meals and beverages.
- All personal expenses.
- Any Optional tours.
- Tipping
Ship features & facilities
Pricing, booking & policies
Price Policy
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy in your selected cabin category. Rates adjust seasonally, with surcharges during peak periods (October-April high season, Christmas, New Year, Easter, and major Egyptian holidays). Single travelers pay a supplement of 50-75% above the per-person rate. Published prices include cabin, full board, guided shore excursions, entrance fees, and onboard taxes. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations more than 45 days before departure receive a full refund, less non-refundable third-party fees. Cancellations 15-30 days before departure are subject to a 50% retention fee. Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non-refundable, as cabin allocations cannot be resold on short notice. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Refund Policy
Approved refunds are processed within 7-14 business days to the original payment method. International transfers may take an additional 3-5 days to reflect in the traveler's account. No refunds are issued for unused portions of a cruise once the journey has commenced. In the rare case of cancellation by the operator, travelers receive a full refund, a future-booking credit, or rebooking on an equivalent sailing at no additional cost.
Children Policy
Children of all ages are welcome aboard. Under 2 years old sail free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Ages 2-11 receive 25-50% off the per-person rate depending on cabin category. Ages 12 and above pay the full adult rate. Egypt's archaeological sites require moderate walking; children should be comfortable with 1-2 hours of walking per shore excursion. Parents are responsible for supervising children at all times.
Other Luxury Nile cruises
| Cruise | Category | Duration | Sailing days | Board | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EsmeraldaThis cruise | Luxury | 3 or 4 nights | Aswan: Friday · Luxor: Monday | Full board | $980 | |
| Acamar Nile Cruise | Luxury | 3 or 4 Nights | — | Full board | $980 | View |
| Historia Nile Cruise | Luxury | 3 or 4 Nights | — | Full board | $980 | View |
| Jaz Regent Nile Cruise | Luxury | 3 or 4 Nights | — | Full board | $980 | View |
| Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise | Luxury | 3 or 4 Nights | — | Full board | $980 | View |