5-Day Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan with Abu Simbel Option

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Marvel at the grandeur of Karnak and Luxor Temple
• 02 Explore the Valley of the Kings and Edfu Temple
• 03 Discover the unique temples of Kom Ombo and Philae
• 04 Drift along the peaceful Nile aboard a traditional felucca
• 05 Experience the fascinating passage through the Esna Lock
• 06 Enjoy optional visits to a Nubian Village and Abu Simbel

Embark on a 5-day Nile cruise through Egypt's ancient wonders, from Luxor to Aswan. Discover Karnak and Luxor Temples, explore the Valley of the Kings and Medinet Habu, and sail onward to Edfu and Kom Ombo to visit their magnificent temples. In Aswan, experience the beauty of Philae Temple and the High Dam, and enjoy a traditional felucca ride around the tranquil islands. You can also opt for a visit to a Nubian Village or extend your journey with an excursion to Abu Simbel before departure.

Start your day with a tour of Philae Temple, the beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, followed by a visit to the High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Esna, Abu Simbel

Languages Arabic, Dutch, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Luxor and Ancient Temple Discoveries

• Your adventure begins in Luxor, where we will meet and assist you at the airport, train station, or bus station. After transferring to the cruise ship and checking in, savour a delicious lunch on board before visiting two of Egypt's most impressive temples:
  • Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the ancient world, with towering columns and a labyrinth of history.
  • Luxor Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship.
• After an insightful afternoon exploring Luxor's heritage, enjoy dinner on board and settle in for the night.

2

Day 02

Luxor West Bank and Sailing Through Esna to Edfu

• In the morning, explore Luxor's West Bank with visits to:
  • The Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun, are hidden in the mountains.
  • Medinet Habu Temple, known for its vivid reliefs and colossal statues, built to honour Ramses III.
• After lunch on board, the cruise sets sail from Luxor between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, passing through the famous Esna Lock. Relax as you watch the serene Nile landscapes unfold. We dock in Edfu for the night.

3

Day 03

Edfu Temple Visit and Kom Ombo Exploration

• Begin your day with a horse carriage ride to Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
• In the afternoon, sail to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, shared by two gods-Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.
• By evening, the cruise will continue its journey, arriving in Aswan, where you will spend the night.

4

Day 04

Philae Temple, High Dam and Aswan Islands

• Start your day with a tour of Philae Temple, the beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, followed by a visit to the High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering.
• After lunch, enjoy a traditional felucca ride around Aswan's tranquil islands. For those seeking more adventure, there is an optional Nubian Village visit.
• You will travel by motorboat through the stunning First Cataract islands, where you will get a glimpse of Nubian life and culture, including opportunities to swim in the Nile or take a camel ride.
• Return to the cruise for your final overnight stay in Aswan.

5

Day 05

Departure from Aswan with Optional Abu Simbel

• After breakfast, check out and prepare for your departure.
• If you wish to extend your exploration, you can opt for a visit to the majestic Abu Simbel temples, one of Egypt's most iconic monuments, known for its giant statues of Ramses II.
• We will assist with transfers to the airport, train station, or bus station for your journey home, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation: Full board (F.B.) without beverages, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
• Transportation: Transfers from the airport, train station, or bus station upon arrival and departure.
• Guided Tours: Professional Egyptologist guide throughout the cruise.
• Sailing: Luxor to Aswan, including scenic stops along the way.
• The price paid on the website covers the per-person, per-day rate for one day of the cruise.

What's Not Included

• Entrance Fees: Tickets to sites such as temples, tombs, and other attractions.
• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, beverages, and other extras.
• Tipping: Recommended tips for the crew and guides.
• Optional Tours: Abu Simbel and the Nubian Village visit.
• Remaining payment for the other 4 days of the cruise, to be paid on board by cash, credit card, or bank transfer.

What to bring

• Comfortable Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics for warm days, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen (high SPF) to protect against the strong Egyptian sun.
• Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or sandals for temple visits and exploring uneven terrain.
• Swimwear: For swimming in the pool on the cruise or in the Nile (optional).
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during tours (water is available on board).
• Camera or Smartphone: To capture the stunning sites and landscapes; bring extra memory cards or batteries.
• Travel Adapter: Egypt uses a 220V, 50Hz electrical system with European-style two-pin plugs.
• Personal Toiletries: Although most essentials are available on board, bring your preferred items.
• Medication: Bring any necessary prescription medication, along with basic travel first-aid items (motion sickness pills, pain relievers, etc.).
• Cash and Credit Cards: For tipping, souvenirs, and entrance fees. Most sites accept credit cards, but some places prefer cash.

Know before you go

• Health Precautions: Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues.
• Tipping: It is customary to tip cruise staff, guides, and drivers; plan to budget for tips.
• Weather: Egypt is hot, especially in the summer months (June-August). Be prepared for temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Respect local customs and traditions.
• Photography: Photography is allowed at most sites, but flash photography is often prohibited inside tombs and temples. Some sites charge extra for cameras.
• Time Management: Egypt operates on GMT +2; plan accordingly for flight and transportation schedules.
• Shopping: You may visit local shops or galleries (such as papyrus and perfume palaces); bargaining is common, so feel free to negotiate prices.
• Security: Egypt is generally safe for tourists, and there is visible security at major tourist sites and on cruises.
• Optional Tours: Make sure to book optional tours (like Abu Simbel or the Nubian Village) in advance or upon check-in to avoid disappointment.
• Payment Structure: The price listed on the website is per person per day. The amount you pay on the website reflects this rate, and the remaining balance will be settled on board via cash, credit card, or bank transfer.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Luxor Airport Rd, Monshaat Al Amari, Luxor, Egypt

Tour start

Luxor, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.