Luxury · Nile cruise
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda offers a deluxe Nile cruise experience, blending contemporary comfort with traditional Egyptian hospitality for travelers journeying between the historic cities of Luxor and Aswan.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About the ship
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda offers a deluxe Nile cruise experience, blending contemporary comfort with traditional Egyptian hospitality for travelers journeying between the historic cities of Luxor and Aswan.
Experience the timeless beauty of Egypt aboard the Esmeralda, a deluxe Nile cruise ship designed to provide a sophisticated sanctuary on the water. This vessel prioritizes guest comfort, offering a refined atmosphere that complements the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Nile Valley. As you sail between Luxor and Aswan, the ship serves as your floating boutique hotel, providing a seamless transition between ancient archaeological sites and modern relaxation.
The journey typically follows the classic route through Upper Egypt, where the river banks reveal thousands of years of history. Passengers can enjoy the changing scenery from the expansive sun deck or through large panoramic windows found in the common areas. The ship's interior design focuses on warmth and elegance, ensuring every guest feels at home while exploring one of the world's storied waterways.
- Duration options
- 3 nights · 4 nights · 7 nights
- Route
- Aswan ⇄ Luxor
- Type
- Luxury · Cruise ship
- Capacity
- 100 cabins · up to 200 guests
- Starting from
- $850 per person
Sailing schedule
Fixed programs, weekly departures
3 Nights from Aswan
- Departs
- Monday · Wednesday · Friday
- Route
- Aswan → Luxor
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
4 Nights from Luxor
- Departs
- Monday · Tuesday · Saturday
- Route
- Luxor → Aswan
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
On board
Facilities & amenities
Ship facilities
Spacious sun deck
Swimming pool
Lounge bar
International restaurant
Gift shop
24-hour reception
Laundry service
Evening entertainment
Cabins & suites
Standard Twin CabinComfortable accommodations featuring two twin beds, large windows for river views, and a private en-suite bathroom.
Double CabinSpacious cabins equipped with a double bed, individual climate control, and modern amenities for a restful stay.
Executive SuiteEnhanced living space with premium views and additional seating area, subject to availability upon request.
The onboard restaurant serves a mix of international favorites and authentic Egyptian cuisine, typically offered in buffet style for breakfast and lunch. Evenings often feature themed dinners or plated service, providing a diverse culinary experience as you cruise.
Facilities as listed by the operator; confirmed with your booking.
Why this cruise
What makes it different
Sophisticated contemporary interior design
Daily guided excursions to ancient temples
Nightly evening entertainment and lounge
Personalized service from a professional crew
Itineraries
Day by day, every program
Your routeAswan → Luxor
4days3nights
4 days / 3 nights
Aswan → Luxor
Day01Embark in Aswan
12:00 PM Board the ship in Aswan, receive your cabin keys and a welcome drink.
12:30 PM Lunch on board.
2:30 PM Visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, reached by motor boat, and the Aswan High Dam.
Evening Optional felucca sail around the Nile islands.
7:30 PM Dinner on board; overnight in Aswan.
Day02Kom Ombo and Edfu
7:00 AM Breakfast on board.
9:00 AM Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris.
12:30 PM Lunch on board while sailing to Edfu.
3:00 PM Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
7:30 PM Dinner on board; overnight sailing to Luxor through the Esna lock.
Day03Luxor East and West Banks
6:30 AM Breakfast on board.
7:30 AM West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
12:30 PM Lunch on board.
3:00 PM East Bank: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
7:30 PM Dinner on board; overnight in Luxor.
Day04Disembark in Luxor
7:00 AM Breakfast on board.
8:30 AM Check out and transfer to your hotel, the airport, or your next tour.
Times are a typical schedule and can change with river traffic and lock timings.
Routes typically include 3-night, 4-night, or 7-night durations visiting iconic landmarks such as the Karnak Temple Complex, the Temple of Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Full itineraries cover the distance between Luxor and Aswan, including the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Rates & pricing
Prices on request
Online booking is not open for Esmeralda Nile Cruise yet. Send us your dates and travellers and we reply with the cabins available and the price for your sailing.
Ask for a quoteFAQs
Questions people actually ask
What is the typical route for the Esmeralda?
The vessel typically sails between Luxor and Aswan, offering itineraries that range from 3 to 7 nights depending on the direction of travel.
Is Wi-Fi available on board the Esmeralda?
Wi-Fi is generally available in common areas, though signal strength varies depending on the ship's location along the river; details are confirmed at booking.
Are shore excursions included in the cruise?
Nourbelle Tours usually includes a full program of guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist, covering major sites like Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
What is the dress code for dinner?
The evening dress code is typically smart casual, though some sailings may feature a Galabeya party where traditional Egyptian attire is encouraged.
Does the ship accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, dietary requirements can be accommodated if requested in advance; please notify Nourbelle Tours at the time of your reservation.