Embark on an unforgettable 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Egypt Top Tours, where history and beauty come together in one extraordinary journey. Sail along the majestic Nile River as you explore Egypt’s most iconic temples and archaeological treasures. Begin your adventure in Aswan, visiting the impressive Philae Temple and the High Dam, before continuing to Kom Ombo and Edfu to witness the grandeur of ancient deities. As the cruise sails north, you'll reach Luxor, home to the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and full-board meals, this experience is the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Let Egypt Top Tours handle all the details while you immerse yourself in Egypt’s timeless wonders.
Medea Nile Cruise
Overview
The MS Medea Nile Cruise is a beautifully renovated 5-star Nile cruise that combines contemporary comfort with authentic Egyptian hospitality. Completely reconstructed in 2024, the vessel underwent a full overhaul of its engines, generators, and air-conditioning systems, ensuring a smooth and comfortable sailing experience along the Nile.
Designed with elegant interiors, luxurious furnishings, Egyptian marble, hand-crafted woodwork, and fine Egyptian cotton fabrics, the MS Medea Nile Cruise offers guests a sophisticated atmosphere while showcasing the beauty of Egyptian craftsmanship. With spacious cabins, excellent dining venues, and attentive service, the cruise provides an ideal way to discover the timeless treasures of Upper Egypt.
Through Egypt Top Tours, guests can enjoy a memorable Nile journey between Aswan and Luxor while exploring Egypt’s most famous temples and ancient landmarks.
Quick Facts — Medea Nile Cruise
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defining Feature | Completely reconstructed in 2024 with entirely new engines, generators, and air-conditioning systems for uncompromised modern comfort. |
| Cabins | 58 cabins total: 36 Twin Superior (approx. 20 sqm), 19 Double Superior (approx. 20 sqm), 2 Royal Suites with balcony, 1 Royal Suite without balcony. |
| Wellness | Swimming pool on sun deck, individually controlled air conditioning in all cabins. |
| Entertainment | Sun deck with bar, lounge with evening entertainment and cultural performances, elegant restaurant, sun deck seating areas. |
| Safety & Comfort | Wi-Fi service (additional charge), safe deposit box in cabins, fire and sound-proof walls and ceilings, water purification system, 24-hour reception, approved by Lloyd’s Shipping of London. |
| Departures | Every Thursday from Luxor & every Monday from Aswan (4-day and 5-day itineraries available). |
| Price from | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Travelers seeking a freshly modernized cruise with contemporary engineering reliability and authentic Egyptian design craftsmanship. |
Is the Medea Nile Cruise Worth It?
Yes. The Medea Nile Cruise delivers exceptional value precisely because it underwent a complete mechanical and systems overhaul in 2024—a level of capital investment that eliminates the risk of engine failure, inadequate cooling, or water quality issues that plague older vessels. This matters most for guests booking 4–5 day itineraries during high season (October–April) when onboard systems work hardest. You get the reliability of a near-new ship at the pricing of an established five-star cruise, paired with authentic Egyptian marble and handcrafted woodwork that newer builds often lack.
Compared to the Steigenberger Regency and MS Crown Jewel, both strong alternatives in the same category, the Medea Nile Cruise differs in its 2024 rebuild timing. The Steigenberger Regency offers slightly larger cabin inventory and dedicated spa facilities that the Medea does not list, making it better for travelers prioritizing massage or wellness treatments. MS Crown Jewel competes on prestige and itinerary flexibility but carries comparable cabin counts. Choose the Steigenberger if spa access is non-negotiable; choose the Medea if you prioritize mechanical peace-of-mind and want newly installed climate systems on the Nile.
The Medea Nile Cruise delivers the most value for quality-conscious guests who have experienced older cruise infrastructure problems and want the assurance of modern engineering without sacrificing the handcrafted Egyptian aesthetic that justifies luxury pricing on the Nile.
Who Is the Medea Nile Cruise Best For?
- Couples seeking a romantic getaway with newly renovated cabins and modern air-conditioning reliability during peak season travel.
- Travelers with concerns about older ship infrastructure who want engine and generator reliability they can trust for a 4–5 day voyage.
- Heritage travelers who appreciate authentic Egyptian craftsmanship (marble, woodwork, cotton linens) integrated into contemporary comfort standards.
- First-time Nile cruisers from English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish-speaking markets who value multilingual guided tours and established operator credentials (ETA Category A).
Who Should Not Book the Medea Nile Cruise?
- Spa and wellness enthusiasts should consider the Steigenberger Regency instead, which features dedicated spa facilities and sauna not listed aboard the Medea.
- Extended-voyage travelers seeking 7–8 day itineraries should book the Royal Beau Rivage, which offers longer itineraries beyond the Medea’s standard 4–5 day format.
- Budget-conscious group organizers should explore the Salima Nile Cruise, which may offer lower per-person rates for larger group bookings not emphasized in the Medea’s positioning.
Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment
“The 2024 complete reconstruction of the Medea Nile Cruise eliminates the mechanical risk that guests traveling in October through April typically face with older five-star vessels on the Nile. New engines, generators, and air-conditioning systems ensure uninterrupted climate control and propulsion reliability—critical on a river where technical downtime directly impacts your itinerary and comfort. The integration of Egyptian marble, hand-crafted woodwork, and local cotton textiles demonstrates respect for cultural authenticity rather than sterile modernity. The ship’s 58-cabin configuration strikes a practical balance between intimate atmosphere and operational economies of scale. The Medea Nile Cruise is ideal for discerning travelers who refuse to compromise on mechanical reliability while expecting genuine Egyptian design character.”
— Egypt Top Tours Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
What You Will See — Sites Visited
Luxor: Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon.
Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple.
Aswan: Philae Temple · High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 2024 reconstruction matter for my booking?
The Medea Nile Cruise underwent a complete overhaul of its engines, generators, and air-conditioning systems in 2024—not cosmetic updates, but core mechanical systems. This means you avoid the risk of equipment failure during your cruise, a significant concern on vessels where original infrastructure may be 15–20 years old. Modern climate control is especially critical on the Nile during peak season when daytime temperatures exceed 40°C.
How does the Medea Nile Cruise compare to the Steigenberger Regency for a first-time cruiser?
Both are five-star vessels with comparable cabin counts and Luxor–Aswan itineraries. The key difference is amenities: the Steigenberger Regency includes spa and sauna facilities, while the Medea emphasizes mechanical reliability and Egyptian design craftsmanship. Choose the Steigenberger if you want spa treatments during downtime; choose the Medea if you prioritize on-board technical reliability and prefer guided cultural experiences over wellness facilities.
What meals are included, and are dietary requirements accommodated?
All itineraries include full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Egyptian and international cuisine served in the elegant restaurant. The 24-hour reception desk can coordinate special dietary requests (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) if notified during booking through Egypt Top Tours—contact our team when you reserve to document any requirements.
Cruise Facilities
MS Medea Nile Cruise Facilities
Cruise Overview
- Cruise Category: 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Fully Renovated: 2024
- Length: 72.35 meters
- Width: 14.30 meters
- Height: 11.60 meters
- Draft: 1.59 meters
- 4 Decks + Sun Deck
- Water Purification System
- Fire and Sound-Proof Walls and Ceilings
- Approved by Lloyd's Shipping of London
- Smoking Allowed on Sun Deck Only
Accommodation
- 36 Twin Superior Cabins (Approx. 20 sqm)
- 19 Double Superior Cabins (Approx. 20 sqm)
- 2 Royal Suites with Balcony
- 1 Royal Suite without Balcony
Cabin Amenities
- Panoramic Nile-view cabins and suites
- En-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub
- Hair dryer
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV with marine satellite channels
- Mini bar
- Internal telephone
- Safe deposit box
Public Areas & Services
- Elegant restaurant serving Egyptian and international cuisine
- Spacious lounge and bar
- Sun deck with swimming pool
- Sun deck bar
- 24-hour reception desk
- Gift shop
- Wi-Fi service (additional charge)
- Comfortable seating and relaxation areas
- Evening entertainment and cultural performances
Included
- Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
- Accommodation on board MS Medea Nile Cruise on full board
- English/Portuguese/German/Spanish speaking tour guide
- All sightseeing tours are private guided tours
- Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water during the trips
- All transfers by a private air-conditioned, deluxe vehicle
- All service charges and taxes
Excluded
- Any optional tours
- Personal Spending
- Tipping
Itinerary:
4 Days - Aswan / Luxor Every Monday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk
Upon arrival in Aswan, our Egypt Top Tours representative will assist you with embarkation aboard the MS Medea Nile Cruise before lunch. After settling into your cabin, begin your exploration of Aswan’s most famous attractions.
Visit the impressive High Dam, one of Egypt’s most significant modern engineering achievements. Continue to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on Agilkia Island. Complete your tour with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you can learn about the techniques used by ancient Egyptian craftsmen.
Return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board.
Included Activities:
- Visiting the High Dam
- Visiting Philae Temple
- Visiting the Unfinished Obelisk
Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2: Kom Ombo Temple
Enjoy breakfast on board while sailing through the beautiful Nile scenery.
Arrive at Kom Ombo and visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Explore its fascinating carvings, symmetrical halls, and ancient medical inscriptions.
After the visit, return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Edfu while enjoying lunch and dinner on board.
Included Activities:
- Visiting Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3: Edfu Temple & Luxor East Bank
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and one of the finest examples of Ptolemaic architecture.
Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor. Upon arrival, explore Luxor’s East Bank, including the impressive Karnak Temple Complex and the majestic Luxor Temple, connected by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes.
Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Included Activities:
- Visiting Edfu Temple
- Visiting Karnak Temple
- Visiting Luxor Temple
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4: Luxor West Bank – Disembarkation
Following breakfast, check out from the MS Medea Nile Cruise and begin your final excursion to Luxor’s legendary West Bank.
Explore the Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were buried. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most remarkable architectural achievements, before stopping at the Colossi of Memnon.
After the tour, Egypt Top Tours will transfer you to Luxor Airport, Luxor Railway Station, or your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Visiting the Valley of the Kings
- Visiting Hatshepsut Temple
- Visiting the Colossi of Memnon
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Thursday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – East Bank Exploration
Upon arrival in Luxor, our Egypt Top Tours representative will assist you with embarkation aboard the MS Medea Nile Cruise before lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Luxor’s East Bank, including the vast Karnak Temple Complex and the beautiful Luxor Temple. Discover colossal columns, sacred sanctuaries, and centuries of ancient Egyptian history.
Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Included Activities:
- Visiting Karnak Temple
- Visiting Luxor Temple
Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2: Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Edfu
After breakfast, explore Luxor’s famous West Bank.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the cruise for lunch.
In the afternoon, begin sailing through Esna Lock toward Edfu while enjoying the scenic Nile landscapes.
Included Activities:
- Visiting the Valley of the Kings
- Visiting Hatshepsut Temple
- Visiting the Colossi of Memnon
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3: Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temple
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus the Falcon God.
Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to both Sobek and Horus the Elder. Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Aswan.
Enjoy dinner and evening entertainment on board.
Included Activities:
- Visiting Edfu Temple
- Visiting Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4: Aswan Sightseeing
Today is dedicated to discovering the highlights of Aswan.
Visit the High Dam, the beautiful Temple of Philae, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Learn about both ancient and modern Egyptian engineering while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of southern Egypt.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing aboard the cruise.
Included Activities:
- Visiting the High Dam
- Visiting Philae Temple
- Visiting the Unfinished Obelisk
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard the MS Medea Nile Cruise before check-out.
Following disembarkation, Egypt Top Tours will transfer you to Aswan Airport, Aswan Railway Station, or your hotel for your onward journey.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Prices:
Summer Rates (May- August)
Prices
Winter Rates (Sep- April)
Prices
Notes:
Medea Nile Cruise Prices
Our tour rates are in US dollars per person per trip. You can also pay in Euro or GBP. Prices might vary during Christmas, New Year, and Easter Nile Cruise Vacations. We aim to provide the best rates and maintain their accuracy. Once you confirm Medea Nile Cruise, our rates remain fixed and may not change.
Medea Nile Cruise Children Policy
0 - 01.99 Free of Charge
2 - 5.99 pay 25% of tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person
If your tour package includes airfare, extra charges for your children may be applied.
Medea Nile Cruise Payment Policy
To secure your desired program and ensure availability, we recommend making reservations as early as possible. A deposit of 25% of the total amount is required to secure your booking, except during the Christmas and New Year holidays when a deposit of 50% is necessary. This deposit will be deducted from your final payment. The remaining balance can be settled up to one week before your arrival date or in cash upon your arrival.
Additional Entry Tickets For Medea Nile Cruise
Please note that the Medea Nile Cruise doesn't include entrance fees to the special archaeological sites, such as entering the interior of the Tomb of Tutankhamun at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Separate fees apply for these attractions.
Cancellation Policy For Medea Nile Cruise
• Cancellations made from the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date will incur a 10% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 60 and 31 days before your arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days before your arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 14 and 1 day before your arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
Furthermore, please note that cancellation fees may also apply to domestic flights within Egypt according to the airline's specific cancellation policy.