Esmeralda Nile Cruise

Esmeralda Nile Cruise offers leisurely sailings along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Available in 4-, 5- and 8-day formats, the cruise follows the classic Luxor–Edfu–Kom Ombo–Aswan route. Excursions are led by English-speaking guides for small groups and the ship features onboard amenities such as a restaurant and bar, sun deck, pool, spa and fitness facilities.

Highlights

• Classic Luxor–Edfu–Kom Ombo–Aswan Nile itinerary
• Visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
• Edfu's Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo's twin temple
• Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
• Optional early-morning Abu Simbel excursion (extra cost)
• Onboard facilities: restaurant, bar, sun deck, swimming pool, SPA and gym
• English-speaking guide and small-group excursions (1–8 pax)

Itinerary

Day 4 Days / 3 Nights — Day 1 — Welcome to Aswan — Embarkation and Aswan Sights

Board before lunch and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon visit the Aswan High Dam for panoramic views over Lake Nasser, continue by boat to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, and see the Unfinished Obelisk at the ancient quarry. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Meals: Lunch Dinner

Day 4 Days / 3 Nights — Day 2 — Optional Abu Simbel — Sail to Kom Ombo

An optional early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel is available by road or flight (extra cost). After returning to the ship, sail north toward Kom Ombo and visit the unusual twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, with its medical reliefs and small crocodile museum. Dinner on board as you continue sailing toward Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4 Days / 3 Nights — Day 3 — Edfu by Horse Carriage — Karnak & Luxor

In the morning take a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the most complete ancient temples in Egypt. Return to the boat and sail to Luxor with lunch on board. In the afternoon explore Karnak Temple Complex and visit Luxor Temple as evening falls. Overnight on board in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4 Days / 3 Nights — Day 4 — Luxor West Bank — Disembarkation

After breakfast and check-out, tour Luxor's West Bank: the Valley of the Kings (three tombs included; optional entry to Tutankhamun's tomb at extra cost), the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. End of services after the morning tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Days / 4 Nights — Day 1 — Welcome to Luxor — Karnak and Luxor Temples

Embark before lunch and settle in. In the afternoon visit the Karnak Temple Complex, including the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Hypostyle Hall, then continue to Luxor Temple. Return to the cruise for tea, dinner and overnight in Luxor.

Meals: Lunch Dinner

Day 5 Days / 4 Nights — Day 2 — West Bank Royal Tombs — Sail to Esna

Visit the Valley of the Kings (three royal tombs included; optional entrances to Tutankhamun or Seti I at extra cost), the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch return to the ship and sail south, passing through the Esna Lock as you head toward Edfu. An optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor is available (extra cost).

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5 Days / 4 Nights — Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo

Reach Edfu and proceed by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples from the Ptolemaic era. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit its twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus before overnighting as you make your way toward Aswan.

Day 5 Days / 4 Nights — Day 4 — Aswan Sights

Explore Aswan with visits that typically include the High Dam, Philae Temple reached by motorboat, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries. Overnight on board in Aswan; optional excursions such as Abu Simbel can be arranged (extra cost).

Day 5 Days / 4 Nights — Day 5 — Disembarkation in Aswan

After breakfast, disembark and conclude the cruise services in Aswan. Transfers to airport, train station or East Bank hotels are included as per pickup arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

• Accommodation on board for 3 or 4 nights on a full board basis (as per chosen program)
• Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
• Staff assistance during your stay and excursions
• All transfers by private air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• All Nile cruise excursions listed in the itinerary (private)
• Entrance fees to the sights visited between Luxor and Aswan
• English-speaking tour guide during cruise excursions (group size 1–8 maximum)
• One complimentary bottle of water per person per day
• Transfers by air-conditioned vehicles with qualified drivers
• All service charges and taxes

Not included

• Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight (extra cost)
• Optional entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb or other optional tombs (extra cost)
• Optional hot air balloon ride (extra cost)
• Optional visits such as a Nubian Village visit (extra cost)