Do the Nile Cruise
I went on this cruise with my wife and chose the private guide option. It was an amazing experience from start to finish.
The itinerary is quite packed, but it provides a unique opportunity to visit all the most important and breathtaking places between Aswan and Luxor.
The cruise itself was very nice, clean, and well-equipped. The food was tasty, and the variety was broad. The crew was very friendly and helpful. The staff from Imperial Egypt, including both drivers and guides, were also very professional, kind, and knowledgeable.
A special thanks to Professor Isam, who waited for us in Kom Ombo and gave us a fascinating lecture about the ancient Egyptians, and to our guide in Luxor, Talaat Abdo - he was the best we could have asked for! He had extensive knowledge, was incredibly kind, and helped us when we got sick.
We had a wonderful time and will remember this trip for a long time. Highly recommended!
N8213WPdominikm · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!
Amazing tour with Mohammed Abdo. We had a great time !
jeansimonm274 · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Nice experience
The general experience was pleasant. Our guide, Mohammed Abdo, made it his duty to explain everything to us and he was filled with relevant information. The groups are 20 people (ideal number). The rooms and boat were clean and everything necessary is provided. Small shower, but hot water! The meals were good (paid drinks with a reasonable price). The pace of site visits was good (always free time). However, the schedule is very busy so this is not a relaxation cruise!
Resort63950019593 · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor · Переведено
Here’s to Mohamed!!!
An experience of a lifetime thanks to our tour guide Mr. Mohamed Abdul. He made everything possible, explaining and sharing his vast knowledge about Ancient Egypt and all the monuments we visited!!! Mohamed was always pleasant, with a big smile and lots of fun too! We were his Ramses the Great group and he enlightened us with all the details about the history of each Temple, he amused us and assisted us with all our inquiries. Thank you Mohamed and Haney for the excellent cooperation and the amazing experience we had!
sudana2023 · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience
An unforgettable experience, but be prepared — the program is quite intense.
The 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor is beautifully organized and packed with incredible sights, but the schedule can be demanding, with early wake-ups and back-to-back temple visits. That said, it’s absolutely worth it. You get to see so much in a short time, and the feeling of sailing on the Nile between destinations makes everything even more special.
The boat was comfortable, the food was very good, and everything ran smoothly throughout the trip.
A big highlight was our guide, Mohamed Abdul. He was outstanding — extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely caring. Despite the busy schedule, he kept the group engaged, explained everything in a way that brought history to life, and made sure we were all comfortable and enjoying the experience.
If you’re okay with a full, active itinerary, this cruise is one of the best ways to experience Egypt. Highly recommended.
Evgenialola · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Delight in the Nile
I almost didn’t book a Nile cruise, thinking it would be better to explore Egypt by car. I was wrong. In just three days, I saw more than I expected, moving from one incredible place to another with a sense of ease that would have been hard to achieve otherwise. I finished the trip completely exhausted, but in the best possible way.
The agency did not share the name of the boat because it can change until the last minute, so it was a risk we decided to take and with good results. We were placed in Amwaj Living Cruise and We were even upgraded to a junior suite, which added an extra level of comfort and great feeling to our trip.
One of the biggest surprises was the food. I had low expectations, but it turned out to be consistently excellent. There was plenty of variety, everything was flavorful, and meals felt generous and well prepared. The same can be said for the overall experience. Transfers were smooth, with clean, comfortable cars that were always on time. The schedule flowed naturally, without stress or confusion.
Along the way, there were also stops at typical tourist shops for papyrus, oils, alabaster, and spices. These visits are the typical for overpriced items for tourists but the sellers didn’t push for sales so it felt more like discovering local crafts rather than tourist traps.
What truly shaped the trip, though, was our guide, Talaat Abdo. We ended up being a group of 19, despite the promise of smaller groups, and that could easily have affected the experience. Instead, it worked because of him. He managed the group with calm authority and clarity, making sure everyone could follow, understand, and stay engaged.
Beyond his knowledge, which was extensive, what stood out was his level of care. He paid attention to everyone, checked in constantly, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. When the agency was slow to respond, he stepped in, made calls himself so we did not have to worry. He went well beyond what is expected from a guide, and it showed in every part of the trip.
We were very lucky to have him. One of the most outstanding professionals I have come across, not only for his knowledge but for how he looks after people.
In the end, the cruise was the right decision. It brings together comfort, efficiency, and a deep immersion into Egypt in a way that is difficult to match.
MariaMMSR · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Good cruise with a lot of cons
Overall it was a good cruise. The boat was nice, food good, everything well organized and Talaat Abdo an excellent tour guide (5 stars for him).
But a few things worsened the experience and made the tour feel overpriced and even a bit dodgy:
- (Mandatory) Tips upfront (30$ p.p., tip for guide excluded)
- Shopping stops (Overpriced shops/ Tourist traps)
- Refund for canceled airballon (only 800 Egp)
- Overpriced restaurant on last day (600 egp per meal)
- Late information about program for the first day
- (Mandatory) Tips upfront: At the start of the tour we were asked to already pay 30$ tips per person for the crew, drivers, etc. (Tip for the Guide excluded). It was said that the tips are "up to you" but if was kinda expected that you pay them. So plan 30$ p.p as extra costs (Which ist actually a lot if you know local salaries)
- Shopping Stops at overpriced shops / tourist traps: We had 4 stops at typical tourist shops. For the money you pay for the tour it's sad that this kind of stops are included and you can't spend the time with interesting things or that they even bring you to good stores with fair prices.
- Refund for Airballon: Our Airballon got canceled because of bad weather. The refund for it was 800 egp. This feels like a bad joke. Booking an Airballon by yourself is around 75 USD...
- Overpriced restaurant: On the last day there is no lunch included, so they bring you to a "good" restaurant. Despite the food being good the prices make it feel like a typical tourist trap (600 Egp per meal, double from what you pay for the dishes at other places)
- Late information about pick up and first day: You will get the final information for the first day just an evening before. For me it was bit unlucky because my pickup got scheduled for 11am. So i waited the whole morning just for the pick up and couldn't do anything in the city. Just to be driven 500 meters to the boat and to wait there for lunch, because the first stops where scheduled for the afternoon.
Also they added a opertunity to go to the nubian village in Aswan (for 30 USD, a bit overpriced...). Unfortunately they just told as the evening before and I already went their on my own the day before.
florianz629 · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Talaat Abdo was sent as a guide for a group of 19 people we had. He is respectful and he tried his best to accommodate his guest. His knowledge about the history made the trip more enjoyable and memorable. He was on time which made the whole experience stress free.
sarasN220XL · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
Interesting experience
I would first like to highlight the positive points.
The temples are absolutely beautiful and impressive. Night tours are particularly pleasant: it is cooler and the sites are very well lit, creating a unique atmosphere.
Now to the more problematic aspects.
First, the additional costs are pervasive. Although some transportation is advertised as included, it is actually expected to tip each trip. This quickly becomes a constraint, almost mandatory.
Regarding the organization of visits, some choices are questionable. For example, the departure at 3am to travel about 7 hours to visit the Abu Simbel temple for only one hour is very demanding. This pace clearly undermines the overall experience.
The vessel also has weaknesses:
• Lack of free Wi-Fi
• A paid option (€12 for 3 days), but not working properly in cabins
The food is correct, without more, but lacks variety: the dishes are often repetitive.
The hot air balloon activity was officially cancelled due to the wind. However, after verification, this rationale seems to recur systematically, suggesting a lack of transparency or an unreliable offer.
Another important point: the photos used to promote the experience are misleading. The reality is clearly below expectations created, with facilities sometimes poorly maintained or poorly arranged.
Finally, there is a strong insistence on leaving positive reviews (5 stars), which calls into question reviews +
Conclusion
If I had to summarize these three days, I would remember:
“Constant tips, fatigue related to very early morning awakenings, and perfectible organization.”
Tips for future travellers
1. Carefully prepare your upstream trip
2. Systematically negotiate prices
3. Know how to say no firmly to avoid abuse
4. Limit the number of temples to visit (3-4 maximum) and favor evening visits
I hope this review will help you better plan your stay and avoid disappointments.
rahouia2024 · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor · Переведено
Amazing, must-do!
The cruise was better than I could have dreamed. The ship was beautiful and clean. The food was delicious and plentiful! The staff members were attentive, kind and so amazing! Talaat Abdo was the best tour guide ever! He was very knowledgeable, articulate, and helpful! I learned so much about each location we visited! Highly recommend! I can't wait to return!!
boburquidi · март 2026 г. · через Tripadvisor
