Historia the Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise is a cruise ship that navigates the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, alternating between sailing time and stops along both riverbanks. On board, you'll find the comfort expected of an upscale accommodation: restaurant, bar-lounge, spa, pool on the upper deck, and cabins overlooking the river.

Why choose Historia

This vessel combines two approaches: that of a hotel (cabin services, dining, spa, boutiques) and that of a river cruise serving the major archaeological sites of Upper Égypte. You change scenery each day without changing your room, which greatly simplifies the logistics of a pharaonic itinerary.

The staff speaks English, French, and Arabic, making daily communication and excursion coordination easier. Cabins can be connected to one another, a practical option for families or small groups traveling together. Children under 4 stay free as the first child.

Atmosphere on board

The pace on board is leisurely: mornings devoted to site visits, afternoons navigating, evenings at the restaurant or on deck. Indoor spaces are non-smoking; smokers have access to the upper deck. Animals are not permitted. The Historia Library lets you deepen your site visits with reading on ancient Égypte, and the Gold Bazar and Boutique Bazar shops offer some shopping without having to go ashore in town.

Cabins and suites

All cabins overlook the Nile. Each features Wifi, satellite television, a minibar, a safe, a telephone, a desk, and a lounge area. Room service, housekeeping, and laundry are provided continuously throughout the cruise. Connecting cabins should be requested at booking for family or group configurations.

Dining, spa, and services

• Noria Restaurant: à la carte or made-to-order cuisine;
• L'Aura Bar Lounge: bar and evening entertainment;
• Seneba Spa & Gym: massages, treatments, fitness room;
• Pool and solarium on the upper deck;
• Historia Library, Gold Bazar and Boutique Bazar shops.

Itinerary and stops

The cruise connects Luxor to Aswan (or vice versa). The stops provide access to the major sites of the Nile Valley:

• Around Luxor: temples of Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu, Djeser-Djeseru (Temple of Hatshepsut), Colossi of Memnon, Tombs of the Nobles, Luxor Museum and Museum of Mummification;
• En route: temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo;
• Around Aswan: Temple of Philae, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Elephantine Island, Botanical Garden on Kitchener Island, Nubian Museum.

Several activities complement the site visits: excursion to a Nubian village, felucca sail, Hantoor carriage ride, or hot air balloon flight over Luxor at sunrise. An extension to Abu Simbel from Aswan is available as an option.

When to travel

The most comfortable season for a Nile cruise runs from October to April, when temperatures remain manageable at the archaeological sites. From May to September, the heat in Upper Égypte becomes intense, particularly in Aswan; visits are then concentrated in early morning and late afternoon. For more information on the region, consult our Aswan page.

Other nearby accommodations

• Iberotel Luxor in Luxor, a frequent starting or ending point for cruises;
• Anakato Kiki, a Nubian house in Aswan to extend your stay;
• Djorff Palace, another address in the Nile Valley.

Book your cruise

Historia is part of our itineraries combining Cairo, the Nile Valley, and the Red Sea. To build your tailor-made itinerary, explore our trips to Égypte.