River
River
A Nile river cruise is one of the most direct ways to travel through ancient Egypt, pairing temples, tombs, and desert riverbanks with modern comfort on the water. As you sail between Luxor and Aswan, or on longer itineraries running to and from Cairo, you reach famous sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Philae, and Abu Simbel. Onboard you stay in comfortable accommodations, eat Egyptian cuisine, and join guided excursions led by Egyptologists. Whether you are standing before the pyramids, drifting past palm-lined banks, or walking through a sacred temple, a Nile cruise brings the story of ancient Egypt within close reach.
A dahabiya is the traditional Egyptian sailing boat, carrying sixteen to twenty guests where a river ship carries 80 or more. Small Ship Travel operates three on the Nile. The Azhar and the Laila sail Unforgettable Egypt between Aswan and Luxor, and the Nebu Ra sails Incredible Egypt from Luxor to Aswan and on to Abu Simbel. Both trips begin in Cairo, and most departures fall between September and May. Our dahabiya cruises page compares the three boats, and what is a dahabiya explains the boat itself.
Cairo
Some luxury Nile cruise itineraries now begin or end in Cairo, offering visits to the Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, and the bustling bazaars of the capital. While not on the main cruise route, Cairo is often included as a pre- or post-cruise extension.
Luxor
A highlight of nearly every Nile cruise, Luxor is considered the world's greatest open-air museum. Key sites include Karnak Temple, the Luxor Temple, and across the river, the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun.
Esna
This riverside town is home to the Temple of Khnum, one of Egypt's best-preserved Greco-Roman temples. Esna is a peaceful and authentic stop with fewer crowds and rich local life along the river.
Edfu
Edfu is best known for the impressive Temple of Horus, one of the most complete ancient temples in Egypt. Visitors often reach the temple by traditional horse-drawn carriage, adding to the immersive feel of the journey.
Kom Ombo
This unique twin-temple complex is dedicated to both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus the Elder. The nearby Crocodile Museum and views of the river at sunset make this a memorable stop on most Nile cruises.
Aswan
A serene and sun-drenched city, Aswan offers access to the Philae Temple, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and tranquil felucca rides around Elephantine Island. It's also the departure point for excursions to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most dramatic temple complexes, carved into cliffs by Ramses II.
Abu Simbel (by road or flight)
Though not directly on the river route, Abu Simbel is included in many cruise programs as a side trip. These colossal rock-cut temples were famously relocated to higher ground to avoid flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Small Ship Travel sells 11 Nile voyages with 584 upcoming departures, from $2,589 to $14,995 per person, as of September 11, 2026. Every voyage we sell comes with a dedicated advisor from quote to sailing day.
River sailings
We'll send the Nile departures we sell across the lines that sail it, with starting fares. Reply with your dates and a specialist will tell you the best months to sail and help you choose.