Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River with Live Show
One of the most charming things to do in Cairo after sunset is our Dinner Cruise on the Nile. Picture this: a gentle two-hour sail along the river, the Cairo skyline passing by, an open buffet of Egyptian and international dishes, and live entertainment — belly dancing, traditional folklore and the mesmerising Tanoura (Sufi) show. It’s relaxed, memorable and perfect as a standalone evening or as the highlight of a longer Cairo stay.
Many travelers choose this experience after visiting top daytime attractions such as the
Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids, making it an ideal way to end a sightseeing-heavy day without rushing or long transfers.
Tour Snapshot
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours (evening) |
|---|---|
| Meeting / Pickup | Pick-up from Cairo or Giza hotel (private A/C transfer) |
| Experience | 2-hour Nile dinner cruise with buffet & live shows |
| Ship type | 5-star Nile dinner boat (evening cruise only — not overnight) |
Evening Itinerary
Our Nile Empire representative will collect you from your hotel in Cairo or Giza in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and transfer you to the cruise boarding point. After boarding the elegant dinner boat, you’ll enjoy about two hours of cruising while an open buffet is served — expect a mix of Egyptian classics (koshari-style salads, grilled selections, mezze) and international dishes.
Between courses, the entertainment program begins: first the lively belly dance, then an ensemble of Egyptian folklore performers, and finally the hypnotic Tanoura Sufi dance — a colourful, whirling spectacle. At the end of the cruise our representative will escort you back to your hotel.
This tour is often included as part of longer itineraries such as our
12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour, offering a soft, enjoyable contrast to full-day historical excursions.
What to Expect
- Comfortable private transfer from/to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
- Two hours cruising slowly on the Nile — ideal for photos and relaxed conversation.
- Generous open buffet with both local and international choices.
- Live performances: Belly dance, Egyptian folklore, Tanoura (Sufi) show.
- Professional crew, English-speaking staff and all service charges included.
Why choose the Nile Dinner Cruise?
Compared with noisy city restaurants or crowded tourist shows, the Dinner Cruise offers a balanced evening: good food, authentic live performances and the romance of the Nile — all in one convenient package with hotel transfers included. It’s an excellent option for couples, families and small groups who want a polished, stress-free night out.
Inclusions & Exclusions
| ✅ Included | ❌ Excluded |
|---|---|
| Private pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle. | Beverages during dinner. |
| Open buffet dinner on board. | Optional upgrades or private tables. |
| Live Belly Dance, Folklore & Tanoura shows. | Gratuities / tipping. |
Dinner Cruise in Cairo vs. Luxor–Aswan Nile Cruises
👉 Swipe left to compare
| Feature | Cairo Dinner Cruise | Luxor–Aswan Nile Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours (evening only) | 3–5 nights sailing between Luxor & Aswan |
| Purpose | Entertainment & dining experience | Full sightseeing journey with guided tours |
| Accommodation | No overnight stay | Cabins with full-board accommodation |
| Best for | Short stay, Cairo evenings | In-depth exploration of Upper Egypt |
| Learn more | This page | View Nile Cruises |
FAQ — Dinner Cruise on the Nile
1. How long is the cruise and what time does it leave?
The cruise lasts about two hours in the evening. Typical boarding times are after sunset (exact time depends on season). We’ll confirm the boarding time when we send your booking voucher.
2. Are drinks included in the buffet price?
Standard non-alcoholic drinks and water may be available for purchase; unless the tour option you choose specifies ‘drinks included’, beverages are not covered in the basic price. We always list beverage policy clearly at booking.
3. Do you pick up from hotels in Giza (near the Pyramids)?
Yes — pickup is available from hotels in both Cairo and Giza. Please provide your full hotel name and address at booking so our representative can meet you on time.
4. Is the entertainment guaranteed every night?
Shows are scheduled nightly, but programs can change due to special events or ship availability. We work with reputable operators to ensure consistent entertainment; if a specific show element is essential for you, ask us to confirm before booking.
5. Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Access varies between boats. If mobility access is required, tell us at the time of booking and we will arrange a suitable boat or advise alternatives.
6. What should I wear?
Smart casual is ideal. Evenings on the Nile can be breezy, so bring a light wrap. Avoid high heels on gangways for easier boarding.
How this compares to other Cairo night experiences
- Sound & Light at Giza: Great for history lovers — focused on the Pyramids with a dramatic narration. The Dinner Cruise is better if you want food + variety entertainment + relaxed social atmosphere.
- Cairo Tower dinner: Offers panoramic city views and a restaurant setting. Choose the Dinner Cruise for the romantic river setting and traditional Egyptian performance lineup.
- Private Nile dinner (exclusive boat): More intimate but pricier — our standard Dinner Cruise offers the best value for couples or small groups seeking a full evening program.
Booking & Practical Info
To reserve your spot, contact Nile Empire with your preferred date and hotel details. This experience can also be seamlessly added to fully customized itineraries through our
Tailor-Made Egypt Tours.
Ready for a relaxed, memorable night on the Nile?
Contact us to check availability and secure your cruise.
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