Nile cruise shipStandard & independentLuxor → Aswan
King of Thebes
A comfortable, good-value Luxor to Aswan ship
King of Thebes is a Nile cruise ship. It sails itineraries of 3 nights on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
Good to know
A comfortable, good-value Luxor to Aswan ship. A well-kept cruiser on the classic three to four night route, offering the full temple programme and a sociable sun deck at an easy price point.

- Built
- — · refit 2023
- Route
- Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
- Trip length
- 3 nights
About King of Thebes
A well-kept cruiser on the classic three to four night route, offering the full temple programme and a sociable sun deck at an easy price point.
Highlights
- Good value
- Luxor to Aswan
- Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Pool and sun deck
At sail
Day by day
King of Thebes sails one published programme. Its own route: Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan The order of the temples is fixed by the river, so what changes between programmes is the direction and how much is fitted into each day.
Day 1
Luxor, embark and the east bank
Board before lunch. Karnak and Luxor Temple the same afternoon, which is the one thing the three-night sailing does not cut.
Visits Karnak · Luxor Temple
Day 2
West bank, then sail south
The tombs at first light, back on board for lunch, and the ship sails south through the Esna lock the same day. On the four-night programme this is two days; here it is one, and it is a long one.
Visits Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon · Esna lock
Optional hot-air balloon at dawn
Day 3
Edfu and Kom Ombo
Edfu from the mooring at dawn, usually by horse-drawn carriage, then Kom Ombo in the afternoon with its double temple standing above the water.
Visits Edfu · Kom Ombo
Day 4
Aswan and disembark
The Aswan cluster on the final morning before disembarkation. Abu Simbel means a pre-dawn start and is normally sold as a separate day.
Visits High Dam · Philae · Unfinished Obelisk
Optional Abu Simbel
Day structure aggregated from the published itineraries for this class of boat and direction. Operators shift a call by half a day and the Esna lock queue moves everything; confirm the running order for your departure.
The fine print
What's included and what isn't
Many ship fares bundle guided shore excursions with an Egyptologist; it varies by package, and your quote states exactly what applies.
Included
- Accommodation aboard King of Thebes in the cabin booked
- Meals aboard per the boat's published programme
- Sun deck and lounge throughout
Not included
- Drinks beyond water, tea and coffee served with meals
- Gratuities for the crew
- Temple entrance fees and Egyptologist guiding, unless your package states them
- Transfers and extensions such as Abu Simbel, unless quoted
The boat in detail
- Itineraries
- 3 nights, Luxor to Aswan
Keep planning
Plan your Nile cruise
Good to know
King of Thebes questions, answered
How much does King of Thebes cost?
Advertised rates start from US$619 per person; prices vary by season and cabin.
What route does King of Thebes sail?
Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan.
What's included on King of Thebes?
Full-board accommodation; ETL packages state prices include sightseeing, transfers, guide and entrance fees
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