Nile Cruise from Hurghada

What to Expect on a Nile Cruise from Hurghada

A Nile cruise from Hurghada is the ultimate Egypt experience, combining the fascination of a river journey with the exploration of the most significant temples and monuments of ancient Egypt. On a comfortable 5-star ship, you glide along the Nile, Egypt's lifeline, and experience the timeless beauty of the Nile landscape while visiting the most important sights between Luxor and Aswan.

The Nile cruise takes you through a landscape that has barely changed for millennia. Green fields and palm trees line the banks, behind which the endless desert stretches out. Water buffalo wade in shallow water, fishermen cast their nets, and children wave from the shore. It is a journey that engages all the senses and immerses you in another world. Each day you visit different fascinating Nile temples and archaeological sites that testify to the grandeur of pharaonic civilization.

Our Nile cruises from Hurghada begin with a transfer to Luxor, where you board your 5-star ship. Depending on your chosen option, the cruise lasts three, four, or seven nights and covers the route from Luxor to Aswan or the round trip Luxor-Aswan-Luxor. On board, you enjoy full board, comfortable cabins with panoramic windows, and a varied entertainment program. An English-speaking guide accompanies you on all shore excursions.

Schedule & Program

Day 1: Arrival and Luxor West Bank

In the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Hurghada and transferred to Luxor. After checking in on your Nile cruise ship and a welcome drink, your adventure begins with a visit to Luxor's west bank. You tour the famous Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Seti I found their final resting place. You then visit the imposing Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. In the evening, you enjoy your first dinner on board while the ship gently rocks at the Nile quay.

Day 2: Luxor East Bank and Sailing to Edfu

In the morning, you visit the mighty Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in the world, with its impressive Hypostyle Hall. Optionally, you can also visit the elegant Luxor Temple. After lunch on board, the journey upstream toward Edfu begins. Lean back on the sun deck and watch the slowly changing Nile landscape. In the evening, the crew hosts a traditional Egyptian galabiya party, where guests and staff celebrate in traditional Egyptian garments.

Day 3: Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo

In the early morning, you reach Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. This Ptolemaic temple was dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus and impresses with its massive facade and detailed reliefs depicting myths and rituals. The journey from ship to temple is by traditional horse-drawn carriage, adding a special charm to the excursion.

In the afternoon, you continue to Kom Ombo, where you visit the unique double temple dedicated simultaneously to the gods Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. Particularly fascinating is the small Crocodile Museum next to the temple, displaying mummified crocodiles. The sunset over the Nile, observed from the deck of your ship, is one of the most unforgettable moments of the cruise.

Day 4: Aswan and Felucca Ride

In the morning, you arrive in Aswan, the southernmost city on your Nile cruise and a place of special beauty. You visit the Aswan High Dam, one of the largest construction projects of the 20th century, and enjoy the view of Lake Nasser. You then take a motorboat to Agilkia Island, where the Philae Temple stands, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis that was relocated block by block to this island during the dam's construction.

In the afternoon, you experience the highlight of your Aswan visit: a ride on a traditional felucca, an Egyptian sailing boat. You glide silently across the Nile, past Elephantine Island, the Botanical Garden, and the rocks of the First Nile Cataract. The felucca ride at sunset is a deeply romantic experience where you fully absorb the timeless atmosphere of the Nile. In the evening, you can optionally visit the colorful Nubian souk in Aswan.

Additional Days (7-Night Cruise)

On the extended cruise, you additionally visit the temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramesses II and among the most impressive monuments in the world. The four colossal seated statues of Ramesses on the facade are each 20 meters tall. There is also time to visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries of Aswan, the Nubian Museum, and for a leisurely stroll through the city.

On Board Your 5-Star Ship

Your Nile cruise ship offers all the comforts of a floating hotel. The spacious cabins feature comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and large panoramic windows overlooking the Nile. On board, you can enjoy a restaurant with full board, a bar, a sun deck with swimming pool and loungers, and an entertainment program with belly dancing, Nubian music, and themed evenings. Full board includes breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, and dinner with changing menus of international and Egyptian cuisine.

Prices & Booking

The Nile cruise from Hurghada with 3 nights on a 5-star ship is available from 320 euros per person in a double room. This price includes the transfer from Hurghada to Luxor and back, three nights on the ship with full board, all sightseeing with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple, as well as the felucca ride in Aswan.

The 4-night option is available from 420 euros per person and additionally includes a visit to Luxor Temple and more free time in Aswan. The 7-night cruise including Abu Simbel is available from 750 euros per person and offers the most comprehensive Egypt experience. Single supplements and cabin upgrades to suites are available.

Children between 6 and 12 years receive a 50 percent discount when sharing their parents' room. Due to limited cabin availability, we recommend early booking, especially for the peak season from October to April.

Tips & Advice

Pack light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions and slightly dressier attire for evenings on board. For temple visits, you need closed-toe shoes and a sun hat. Sun protection is essential even in winter months. Evenings on board are sociable but not formal; smart casual clothing is sufficient.

Bring binoculars to observe the birdlife along the Nile. Herons, kingfishers, and Egyptian geese are frequent companions on your journey. A camera with a good zoom is also recommended, as some of the most beautiful shots are taken from the ship's deck. The sunrises and sunsets over the Nile are spectacular and offer new color compositions every day.

The best time for a Nile cruise is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasantly warm. In summer, Upper Egypt can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees, making temple visits very strenuous. In December and January, nights can be cool, so a light jacket for evenings on the sun deck is advisable.

The Nile: Egypt's Lifeline for Millennia

The Nile, at over 6,600 kilometers one of the longest rivers in the world, has always been the foundation of Egyptian civilization. Without the Nile, ancient Egypt would never have existed. The river's annual floods brought fertile silt to the fields, enabling productive agriculture in the midst of the desert. The pharaohs revered the Nile as divine and built their temples along its banks, which is why a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan connects the most significant monuments of ancient Egypt.

During your Nile cruise, you experience the river as people have known it for millennia. On the banks, farmers tend their fields using traditional methods, water buffalo cool off in the shallow water, and fishermen cast their nets just as they have since the time of the pharaohs. The landscape along the Nile is a mosaic of green fields, palm groves, and mud-brick villages, beyond which the endless desert rises. This contrast between lush greenery and barren desert is one of the most striking images you will encounter during your entire journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nile Cruise

Which cabin category should I choose?

All cabins on our 5-star ships feature air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, TV, and a panoramic window with Nile views. Standard cabins offer sufficient space for two people. Those seeking more comfort can book a suite at an additional cost, which includes a separate living area, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony. We recommend cabins on the upper decks, as these offer the best views and are further from engine noise.

Is a Nile cruise recommended in summer?

The peak season for Nile cruises is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant. In summer, Upper Egypt can become extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees. Temple visits are then scheduled for the early morning or late afternoon hours. On the ship itself, thanks to air conditioning and the swimming pool, it is comfortable even in summer. The summer months offer the advantage of fewer visitors at the sights and significantly lower prices.

Why Choose Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen partners with hand-selected 5-star Nile cruise ships that meet the highest quality standards. We regularly inspect our partner ships for cleanliness, service quality, and safety. Our guests consistently report on the outstanding quality of the food on board, the attentive service of the crew, and the expertise of our guides at the Nile temples.

What makes Ra Reisen special: we take care of every detail of your Nile cruise. From punctual transfers in Hurghada to selecting the best cabin categories to organizing optional additional excursions, our team is at your side. We offer transparent pricing without hidden surcharges and flexible rebooking and cancellation policies. Fulfill your dream of a Nile cruise and experience ancient Egypt on the water. Book now with Ra Reisen.