Why We Replaced the Edfu Temple Visit with Tutankhamun’s Tomb on Our Nile Cruises
From the 2026/2027 season, Nile Cruisers’ itineraries no longer include the horse-carriage excursion to Edfu Temple. In its place, every guest now steps inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. It was not an easy decision. Here is why we made it.
The problem: the Edfu carriage ride
Edfu’s Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC. For decades, the standard way for cruise guests to reach it from the river has been a horse-drawn carriage (caleche) through the town.
Over many seasons, our guides and guests kept reporting the same things: thin and overworked horses, animals working long hours in the heat, crowded and chaotic carriage stands at the dock, and guests coming back upset rather than inspired. International animal-welfare charities such as Brooke and PETA have documented similar conditions for working horses at Egyptian tourist sites, and local authorities in Edfu have at times suspended carriage licences and confiscated whips after abuse complaints.
We respect the carriage drivers, many of whom depend on this work, and we know some treat their animals well. But we cannot check every horse on every sailing. Every carriage booked keeps the system as it is, and we no longer want our guests to be part of that.
Edfu temple
Why Tutankhamun’s tomb
We wanted the replacement to be a highlight, not a compromise. The Tomb of Tutankhamun is the most famous burial in the world, discovered by Howard Carter on 4 November 1922.
- The king is still there. Tutankhamun’s mummy rests in his burial chamber, together with his stone sarcophagus.
- Original wall paintings. The burial chamber is painted with scenes of the king’s funeral and his journey into the afterlife.
- The perfect pair with the Grand Egyptian Museum. The golden mask and treasures are now displayed at the GEM in Cairo. Seeing the tomb where they were found completes the story, especially on our Cairo + Nile cruise packages.
- No animals involved. The Valley of the Kings is reached by coach, and an electric shuttle runs from the visitor center to the tombs.
The tomb needs a separate ticket on top of the standard Valley of the Kings entry. It is now included in your Nile Cruisers package, so there is nothing extra to arrange or pay on the day.
What changes on your cruise
| Before | Now | |
| Edfu | Horse-carriage ride to the Temple of Horus | Optional excursion on request, by private car |
| Valley of the Kings | 3 standard tombs | 3 standard tombs + Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62), included |
| Other visits | Karnak, Hatshepsut, Kom Ombo, Aswan sites | Unchanged |
If you still want to see Edfu Temple, add it as an optional excursion when you book. We take you from the ship to the temple and back by private car, so no carriage is needed.
Part of how we travel
This change follows our Sustainable Travel code of conduct. We do not offer activities that depend on animals we cannot vouch for, and we ask our partners to do the same. Our guides also share Brooke’s simple advice if you choose any animal ride in Egypt: choose a healthy-looking animal, one rider per animal, and never encourage the driver to rush.
We believe the best Egypt trip is one you can feel good about long after you get home. Tutankhamun’s tomb gives you that, and an unforgettable story to tell.
Ready to sail? Browse our Nile cruise packages or send us an enquiry and our team will tailor your itinerary.
Tut’s Tomb vs Edfu FAQs
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