Luxury Nile Cruises

Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile Cruise

★★★★★ 4.9/5 TripAdvisor 235 traveller reviews Operated by Egypt Holiday Makers
01Overview

A serene 4-night voyage between Luxor & Aswan

The Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise may appear slightly larger than your typical small riverboat, but it delivers an exceptional experience, setting the gold standard for comfort and entertainment along the majestic Nile River. It's a vessel that combines the intimacy of a small riverboat with the lavish amenities and experiences of a luxury cruise, making it a truly unique way to explore the wonders of Egypt. Remarkably, the story of the Sanctuary Sun Boat III dates back to 1993 when it first opened its restaurant doors to the general public. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine luxury cruising along the Nile. In 2005, the vessel underwent a significant makeover, enhancing its facilities and services to create an even more luxurious and unforgettable experience for its passengers. While the Sanctuary Sun Boat III may accommodate only 36 passengers on each of its seven-night voyages through Egypt, it offers a diverse range of itineraries for travelers to choose from. This diversity of options ensures that every guest can find the perfect journey to suit their preferences and interests. Whether you are eager to delve into Egypt's ancient history, explore its stunning temples and tombs, or simply bask in the splendor of the Nile's scenic beauty, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III has an itinerary to cater to your desires. Your voyage aboard this cruise isn't just a trip; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique blend of comfort and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Egypt's breathtaking landscapes and historical treasures. The Sanctuary Sun Boat III brings you the charm of a small, intimate riverboat combined with the opulence of a luxury cruise, promising a truly exceptional adventure along the legendary Nile.
RouteLuxor ↔ Aswan
Duration4 Nights
BoardFull board
GuideLicensed Egyptologist
02Day by day

Cruise itinerary

4 Nights · from Aswan

Aswan to Luxor

Day 1

Welcome Aboard in Aswan

Begin your Nile cruise adventure in Aswan. After lunch, enjoy a felucca sailing trip around Elephantine Island, weather permitting, with views of Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Garden and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Return for afternoon tea with oud music, followed by canapés, Egyptian refreshments, and a gourmet dinner. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Philae Temple, Granite Quarries & Kom Ombo

After breakfast, take a motorboat to Agilkia Island to explore the magnificent Philae Temple, with its impressive columns and hieroglyphic reliefs. Continue to the Granite Quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk and learn how ancient craftsmen shaped these remarkable monuments. Return to the cruise for lunch and afternoon tea while sailing toward Kom Ombo. In the evening, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, before enjoying dinner and a relaxing movie night on board. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Edfu Temple, Luxor Temple & Egyptian Night

Arrive in Edfu and visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s finest Ptolemaic monuments. Return to the cruise for lunch while sailing toward Luxor, with an optional onboard cooking demonstration and afternoon tea. Upon arrival, explore Luxor Temple with your Egyptologist, including its monumental courtyards, statues, and Avenue of Sphinxes. In the evening, enjoy an Egyptian Night with a traditional galabeya, lavish dinner, Arabic music, and dancing. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple & Farewell Gala

After breakfast, explore Luxor’s West Bank, beginning with the Valley of the Kings and its richly decorated royal tombs. Continue to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, the famous “singing statues,” before visiting the spectacular Karnak Temple Complex and its Great Hypostyle Hall. Return to the cruise for afternoon tea, followed by a farewell gala dinner with traditional dervish performance and Egyptian dancing. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Disembarkation in Luxor

After an early breakfast, check out at approximately 8:00 AM and disembark from your Nile cruise in Luxor. Continue with your onward travel arrangements, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Nile, its timeless landscapes, and the extraordinary monuments of ancient Egypt. Meals Included: Breakfast

4 Nights · from Luxor

Luxor to Aswan

Day 1

Luxor Arrival – Explore Karnak and Luxor Temples

Welcome to Luxor, the heart of ancient Egyptian civilization! Upon your arrival at Luxor’s airport or train station, our friendly representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your luxurious Nile cruise vessel, where your extraordinary journey begins. Check-in will be available at noon, allowing you time to settle in comfortably before indulging in a delightful lunch onboard. Afterward, we’ll venture to Luxor’s East Bank to visit the awe-inspiring Karnak and enchanting Luxor Temple. The Karnak Temple , dedicated to the worship of Amun, is connected to Luxor Temple by a majestic avenue lined with magnificent sphinxes. These temples, built by pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II, stand as majestic testaments to Egypt’s grandeur. Enjoy a delectable dinner on the Nile cruise as the day ends, followed by a peaceful overnight stay. Overview On Cruise Meals: Lunch – Dinner.

Day 2

Adventure on Luxor’s West Bank

Start your day with an energizing breakfast served on the cruise, preparing you for an unforgettable expedition to Luxor’s West Bank. Our destination is the renowned Valley of the Kings , where numerous pharaohs from the illustrious New Kingdom period found their final resting place. Please note that Tutankhamun’s tomb requires an additional entry fee. After a thought-provoking exploration, we’ll return to the cruise for a delightful lunch before setting sail towards Esna/Edfu. En route, you can witness the fascinating Esna Lock in action. As we reach Edfu, a delicious dinner awaits, and you will spend the night comfortably on board the Nile cruise. Overview On Cruise Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.

Day 3

Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temple

Indulge in a delicious breakfast on board before embarking on an enriching visit to the Edfu Temple, also known as the Temple of Horus the Falcon. This exceptionally well-preserved temple will captivate you with its grandeur and intricate details, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious practices. Continuing our journey, we’ll sail towards Kom Ombo, where a delectable lunch awaits. Explore the iconic Kom Ombo Temple , dedicated to the gods Sobek the Crocodile and Horus the Elder, and marvel at its unique double design that reflects the duality of its divine patrons. As we proceed to Aswan, a delightful dinner will be served on board, followed by a festive Galabeya Party, celebrating the rich Egyptian culture. The night will be spent in Aswan, nestled comfortably on the Nile cruise. Overview On Cruise Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.

Day 4

Discover Aswan’s Treasures

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, immerse yourself in the wonders of Aswan during a comprehensive city tour. Discover the enormous Unfinished Obelisk , an impressive testament to ancient quarrying techniques. Witness the engineering marvel of the High Dam, a modern symbol of Egypt’s mastery over the mighty Nile, constructed to prevent flooding and generate hydroelectric power between 1960 and 1970. Following this memorable excursion, return to the cruise for a satisfying dinner, savoring the last evening on board in Aswan. Overview On Cruise Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.

Day 5

Farewell & Departure

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before completing the check-out process from the cruise at 08:00 AM. Our representative will then accompany you to Aswan Airport or Railway Station, ensuring a smooth departure for your onward journey. Cherish the memories of this remarkable Nile cruise experience, and we hope to welcome you back soon for more extraordinary adventures. Meals: Breakfast.

03What’s included

Included & excluded

  • Meet and assist upon arrival with flowers/departure.
  • Accommodation at Nile Cruise on Full Board Basis.
  • Entrance fee for all sightseeing mentioned in the programs
  • All Transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • bottle of mineral water during Daily tours
  • Egyptologist English guide during tours.
  • All Taxes & Service charges.
  • Any Extra meals and beverages.
  • All personal expenses.
  • Any Optional tours.
  • Tipping
04On board

Ship features & facilities

  • Reception 24 Hours
  • Daily Housekeeping service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Spacious sundeck and Swimming pool
  • Gymnasium and massage room
  • Gift shop
  • Room service
  • Library and games room
  • Internet and games room
  • Computers and Internet access
  • Shaded sun deck with lounge Bar
  • Spacious dining room
  • Medical service on call (24/7)
  • Wireless Internet access available
  • WiFi
  • Pool
  • Air condition
  • Private bath with Shower
  • Mini Bar
  • Doctor available 24 hours
  • Gift Shop
  • TV with International Channels
  • Major credit cards accepted on board Nile Cruises
05Good to know

Pricing, booking & policies

Prices are in US dollars per person per trip, and you can pay in any other currency. Child Less than 3 Years is Free of Charge Child Rate applies to children from 3 to 11 Years Old Sharing Parents Cabin. Children more than 12 Years old pay an adult Rate Rates Include Tours as Per the Cruise Program Rates Include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Rates Include Transfers From Airport / Train Station / Hotel upon arrival A Triple Cabin is a Normal Double Cabin, an extra Bed, or a Sofa Bed Rates are subject to change in case of any changes in airport taxes, cruise rates, transport rates, or government taxes. Rates are not valid during Christmas, New Year or Easter. Travel insurance and entry visa charges are not included in the package. Official Method of Payment: Cash and Credit Cards
The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking. We are offering a low down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on tour, including hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flight tickets, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager, making you're booking a risk-free investment.
Cancellation after confirmation with payment before 30 days of the commencement of the tour: 10% of the value of the tour package. Canceling the tour 30 to 20 days before commencement of the tour: 25% of the value of the package Canceling 19-15 days before commencing the tour: 50% of the tour cost Canceling 14-11 days before commencement of the tour: 75% of the tour cost Canceling before 10 days or less before the tour date: No refund for the tour
A valid Passport for 6 months, Sunblock & Sunglasses, Sanitizer gel & Water holder, Warm clothes in winter, Cotton clothes in summer, Camera & Umbrella, A Hat & Comfortable shoes.
06Questions

Cruise FAQ

The correct refund policy for tour cancellations depends on factors such as the tour operator, the agreed booking conditions, and the context of the cancellation. See our dedicated terms and conditions page or contact us directly to understand the details. Revealing the nuances of our cancellation and refund policy ensures a seamless experience.
It is usually possible to change your travel date, but specific conditions and fees may apply. A notable example is that airlines often expand date change options, albeit with change fees and fare spreads. Scrutinizing the words of your ticket, along with the airline or agency's policies, is vital to understanding your choices. Accommodations share this complexity and have different change policies. Some allow cost-effective changes within a set time frame, while others impose stricter fees or rules. I recommend contacting the airline, hotel, or agency to gauge possible date changes and possible expenses. They will provide accurate, up-to-date details tailored to your situation. Before making travel arrangements, always evaluate our cancellation and change policies to understand your alternatives to unexpected modifications.
Embarking on trips abroad often requires obtaining a visa in advance. The visa acts as an authorization approved by the host government and grants access and residence for a specified period. Some countries extend visa-waiver privileges to selected nationalities, allowing visa-free entry within specified time frames. However, these exemptions generally include conditions, such as the intention to travel or the length of stay. Stay abreast of evolving visa requirements; It is wise to check for updates before confirming travel plans. Make sure to allow enough processing time, as visa issuance can take weeks or even months. If you need assistance obtaining a visa, do not hesitate to contact us. Your smooth travel experience is our priority.
To book a tour with us, we require that it be paid at the time of booking. This is the only guarantee for you to book the tour. Daily excursions: We welcome cash payments at the start of the round if you prefer. Multi-day trips: A deposit is necessary for long-haul flights once the itinerary has been confirmed. This down payment ranges from 10% to 100% and depends on the tour and its duration, ensuring that you confidently venture.
On our offers and holidays, gratuities are excluded and are entirely at the discretion of our passengers. Although it is not mandatory, it carries the notable importance of the dedicated personnel who ensure your comfort and service throughout your journey. Your thoughtful acknowledgment of their efforts is deeply appreciated.
Traveller reviews

What our guests say

★★★★★
Faultless from the first email to disembarkation. The ship was spotless, the food excellent, and every temple visit was perfectly timed to avoid the crowds.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egyptologist made every site come alive. Egypt Holiday Makers handled all the logistics so we could just enjoy the Nile. Worth every penny.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Booked the Movenpick and it exceeded expectations. The route was beautifully paced and the team answered every question on WhatsApp within minutes.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
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