We love —
- Cruising along the legendary Nile and discover the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt from the water’s edge.
- Carefully curated excursions bringing us closer to remarkable temples, riverside villages and the enduring legacy of the pharaohs.
- Enjoying the comfort of a 5-star Mövenpick experience with full board dining, elegant surroundings and relaxed evening entertainment.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your cruise at a glance —
DURATION: 12 or 14 nights
BEST FOR: Once in a lifetime
PACE: Moderate
Explore Egypt:
Discover Egypt from the Nile on a 12 or 14-night cruise combining ancient history, riverside scenery and time to unwind on board. Travelling between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, you will explore some of the country’s most significant archaeological sites while sailing through quiet stretches of the Nile.
Your ship offers a comfortable base throughout the journey, with modern facilities and plenty of space to relax between excursions. Each day brings a new perspective on Egypt’s ancient past, balanced with leisurely cruising and views of palm-lined riverbanks, desert landscapes and traditional riverside villages.
Choose the length of your stay:
12 night cruise
Day 1: Embark in Aswan
Day 2: Aswan
Day 3: Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu
Day 4: Edfu → Luxor
Day 5: Luxor
Day 6: Luxor → Naga Hammadi
Day 7: Naga Hammadi → Sohag
Day 8: Sohag → Tel El Amarna
Day 9: Tel El Amarna → Minya
Day 10: Minya → Beni Suif
Day 11: Cairo
Day 12: Cairo
Day 13: Disembark in Cairo
14-night cruise
Day 1: Embark in Cairo
Day 2: Cairo
Day 3: Cairo
Day 4: Cairo → Beni Suef
Day 5: Beni Suef → Minya
Day 6: Minya
Day 7: Minya → Assyut
Day 8: Assyut → Sohag
Day 9: Sohag → Naga Hammadi
Day 10: Naga Hammadi → Luxor
Day 11: Luxor
Day 12: Luxor → Edfu
Day 13: Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan
Day 14: Aswan
Day 15: Disembark in Aswan
Your itinerary in detail —
12-night cruise
DAY 1: EMBARK IN ASWAN
Step aboard in Aswan, where feluccas drift across the Nile, and the desert light softens towards dusk. Settle into your cabin before lunch is served on board, then watch the riverbanks slide past over afternoon tea on deck. As evening falls, dinner is served as the boat settles in for its first night beside the palm-lined shores of Upper Egypt.
Included
- Arrive at Aswan International Airport (ASW)
- Lunch & dinner
- Night aboard MS Darakum Movenpick 5*
DAY 2: ASWAN
Begin the morning with a visit to the mighty High Dam before crossing the water to the graceful island sanctuary of Philae Temple, where carved columns rise above the Nile. Return to the ship for lunch, then continue to the Nubian Museum, whose exhibits trace the rich history and traditions of Nubian culture. Back on board, the late afternoon drifts by with tea and river views. Dinner is followed by a lively Nubian music and dance performance.
Included
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Night aboard MS Darakum Movenpick 5*
Optional:
DAY 3: ASWAN → KOM OMBO → EDFU
A relaxed morning on the Nile gives way to a leisurely barbecue lunch as the ship sails north towards Kom Ombo. In the late afternoon, explore Kom Ombo Temple, dramatically poised above the river and dedicated to twin gods Sobek and Horus. Return to the ship for a gala dinner as the cruise continues onwards beneath the darkening riverbanks. Sail overnight to Edfu.
DAY 4: EDFU → LUXOR
Rise early to visit Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples, its towering gateway still etched with remarkably sharp reliefs. Back on board, the ship sails through the Esna Lock towards Luxor while lunch is served on deck. The afternoon unfolds slowly with tea and uninterrupted Nile scenery. Arrive in Luxor by evening and overnight on board.
DAY 5: LUXOR
Today reveals the scale of ancient Thebes, beginning on Luxor’s West Bank among the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the terraces of Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. After lunch, continue east to the immense temple complexes of Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, where avenues of sphinxes and colossal pillars speak of pharaonic ambition. Return to the ship for dinner before an evening belly dancing performance on board.
DAY 6: LUXOR → NAGA HAMMADI
Spend the morning sailing north towards Qena, passing quiet villages and cultivated riverbanks. After lunch, visit Temple of Hathor at Dendara, famed for its richly coloured ceilings and celestial carvings. Return to the ship in the late afternoon as the cruise continues towards Naga Hammadi. Dinner is served on board. Overnight near Naga Hammadi.
DAY 7: NAGA HAMMADI → SOHAG
Sail early through one of the Nile’s quieter stretches before arriving at Abydos Temple, among Egypt’s most spiritually significant ancient sites. Intricate reliefs line its halls, including the famous Abydos King List. Back on board, lunch is served while the ship continues to Sohag. The evening brings an oriental-themed dinner and a traditional galabia celebration on board.
DAY 8: SOHAG → TEL EL AMARNA
A full day of sailing carries the ship deeper into Middle Egypt, through locks and lesser-visited stretches of the Nile rarely seen by travellers. After lunch, the ship pauses near Prince Tawdrous Monastery, viewed from the water as your guide explains its significance to Egypt’s Coptic heritage. The remainder of the afternoon is spent on deck as the river scenery shifts between fertile farmland and desert hills. Dinner is served on board.
DAY 9: TEL EL AMARNA → MINYA
This morning explores the ruins of Amarna, the short-lived capital founded by the revolutionary pharaoh Akhenaten. Visit the northern tombs, royal burial sites and temples dedicated to Aten, Egypt’s sun disc deity, before continuing to nearby archaeological sites at Ashmunein and Tuna El Gabal. Lunch is served during the afternoon sailing towards Minya. Dinner and a folklore performance round off the evening.
DAY 10: MINYA → BENI SUIF
Travel inland this morning to the cliffside necropolis of Beni Hasan, where Middle Kingdom tombs reveal vivid scenes of wrestling, hunting and daily life painted thousands of years ago. Return to the ship and continue sailing north towards Beni Suef. The afternoon passes quietly with tea on deck and broad Nile views. Dinner is accompanied by live music on board before an evening quiz night.
DAY 11: CAIRO
The cruise reaches Cairo today, where ancient churches and layered histories await in the old Coptic quarter. Visit the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum and one of the city’s historic synagogues, tracing centuries of religious heritage along narrow lanes. Return to the ship for dinner and an evening oriental music performance.
DAY 12: CAIRO
Stand before the vast stone silhouettes of the Giza Pyramid Complex and the watchful Great Sphinx of Giza, enduring symbols of ancient Egypt. After lunch on board, continue to the remarkable Grand Egyptian Museum, where treasures spanning millennia are displayed beside the pyramids themselves. Spend a final evening on the Nile with dinner on board as Cairo glows beyond the riverbanks. Overnight in Cairo.
DAY 13: DISEMBARK IN CAIRO
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Welcome aboard the MS Darakum Movenpick 5* —
Just for you:
Sailing between the timeless temples of Luxor and Aswan, the MS Darakum Movenpick 5* offers an elegant way to experience the Nile’s ancient landscapes. One of the river’s largest and most distinctive vessels, it blends Moroccan-inspired interiors with contemporary comfort, creating a refined atmosphere throughout the ship. Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed with panoramic Nile views, air conditioning and modern amenities, allowing guests to unwind in comfort as palm-fringed riverbanks drift by. Departing from its private dock south of Luxor, the vessel combines attentive service with a relaxed sense of luxury. Whether enjoying quiet mornings on deck or evenings filled with music and entertainment, guests are immersed in the scenery, culture and history of Egypt at every stage of the journey.
Cabins: 44 | Restaurant: 1 | Bars: 1 | Pool: 1
Your cabin
Choose between a stay in a
MAIN DECK (20 m²)
UPPER DECK (20 m²)
Your dining choices
This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
Dining aboard the Mövenpick MS Darakum combines regional flavours with international favourites in elegant surroundings. The Main Restaurant serves generous buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with themed menus inspired by both Egyptian and global cuisine. Throughout the day, the Lounge Bar offers a quieter setting for afternoon tea, light refreshments and expertly prepared cocktails, while evening entertainment adds to the atmosphere after dinner.
Life on board
The spacious Sun Deck is one of the ship’s highlights, offering uninterrupted Nile views alongside comfortable loungers, light snacks and refreshing drinks served throughout the day. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy a workout in the onboard gym, or simply settle into a quiet corner as the scenery changes beyond the riverbanks. Evenings bring a livelier atmosphere, with cocktail receptions, DJs and themed entertainment including traditional oriental performances and Galabeya parties.
Included extras —
2GB of included mobile internet data, to keep you connected on the go
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for the modern traveller. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy a connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family, with no risk of going over the limit.
Note: 2GB of internet data represents around 25 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 2 to 3 hours of video streaming / social networking/video calls.
Optional extras —
Excursion package
Complete your journey with an in-depth exploration of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient sites. This excursion package combines the country’s iconic landmarks with lesser-visited treasures, from the Pyramids and Sphinx to the beautifully preserved Temple of Dendera and the Temple of Seti I.
Your journey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Egypt
Egypt is a land where ancient history and timeless landscapes meet the Nile’s life-giving waters. From golden deserts to bustling cities, the air carries warmth, spice, and the distant whisper of millennia-old stories. The atmosphere is dramatic, captivating, and alive with contrasts of past and present.
Must-sees
- Pyramids of Giza: Stand before the world’s most famous pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the vast complex of temples, obelisks, and sacred avenues in Luxor.
- Valley of the Kings: Wander among royal tombs carved into desert cliffs, home to pharaohs’ treasures.
- Abu Simbel: Marvel at the colossal temples set against the Nile in southern Egypt.
- Nile River Cruises: Glide past timeless landscapes aboard a traditional felucca or luxury cruiser.
Culinary culture
Egyptian cuisine blends simple ingredients with bold, aromatic flavours. Expect fresh bread, grilled meats, mezze, and dishes enriched with cumin, coriander, and citrus. Meals are often shared slowly, accompanied by tea or hibiscus-infused drinks, and enjoyed in bustling city cafés or quiet riverside settings.
Dive deeper
Explore local markets for spices, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs, or wander the streets of Cairo and Alexandria for vibrant street life and historical sites. Desert safaris, camel rides, and hot-air balloon flights over Luxor add adventure and perspective to your journey.
Good to know
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Egypt is best explored by a combination of domestic flights, private transfers, and river cruises. The cooler months from October to April provide the most comfortable climate for sightseeing, while summers are hot and ideal for Nile cruises and Red Sea resorts.
