4-Day Nile Cruise Aswan-Luxor: Hot Air Balloon & Abu Simbel

Float above ancient Egypt, then walk through its temples

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a private Egyptologist guide, full-board accommodation, and an included sunrise hot air balloon flight. The itinerary covers Abu Simbel's colossal statues, the riverside temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple, with private transfers and all excursions included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple

• Meet at Aswan Airport or hotel
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Explore Philae Temple
• See the Unfinished Obelisk
• Board Nile cruise ship
• Enjoy welcome lunch on board
• Optional felucca sail and Nubian village visit
• Dinner on board

Day 2: Abu Simbel Excursion & Kom Ombo Temple

• Early Abu Simbel excursion
• Return to Aswan
• Relax on sundeck sailing north
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Sail toward Edfu
• Dinner on board

Day 3: Edfu Temple & Sailing to Luxor

• Early tea and coffee service
• Disembark at Edfu
• Horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple
• Breakfast on board
• Sail through Esna Lock
• Arrive in Luxor
• Explore local market
• Visit illuminated Luxor Temple
• Farewell dinner on board

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon & Luxor West and East Banks

• Sunrise hot air balloon flight
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Explore Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Transfer to hotel, train station, or airport

The experience

The cruise departs Aswan with a visit to Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, then sails south before dawn on Day 2 for an included excursion to Abu Simbel, the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. By early afternoon you're back aboard, watching the Nile banks drift past from the sundeck as the ship heads north toward Kom Ombo, where you'll explore the riverside temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. The ship continues through the night toward Edfu.

On Day 3, a traditional horse-drawn carriage carries you from Edfu to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved sanctuaries. After breakfast back on board, the final sail to Luxor includes lunch during the Esna Lock crossing, an engineering feat that lowers the ship to continue downriver. Evening brings time to wander the local souq before the ship docks and Luxor Temple glows against the night sky. Day 4 starts around 5:30 AM with your included sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings and West Bank. The single moment most travelers remember from the entire trip. After landing, you visit the Valley of the Kings itself, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, then cross to the East Bank for Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built. A private transfer ends the cruise at your hotel, the train station, or Luxor Airport.

A private Egyptologist guide travels with you throughout, speaking English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language. All meals are served aboard the luxury cruise ship on a full-board basis starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 4. Air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers handle every transfer from your arrival point in Aswan through your departure from Luxor. An Egyptian SIM card provides internet access during your stay, and complimentary water is provided daily.

What’s included

• Full-board accommodation aboard a luxury Nile cruise vessel for four days and three nights.
• all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle with experienced drivers from your arrival point through departure.
• services of a private Egyptologist guide in your chosen language.
• the included sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings.
• all excursions to Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, and Karnak Temple.
• afternoon tea on the top deck during sailing.
• an Egyptian SIM card for internet access.
• complimentary water daily.
• meet and assist services at arrival and departure.
• all service charges and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 525

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Perfect Day Tours

Is this one for you?Four days and three nights aboard the ship means you cover the Nile's major temples and Abu Simbel without rushing, yet the itinerary fits within a week-long Egypt trip when combined with time in Cairo or the Red Sea. If you have only two or three days, look at the shorter Aswan-Luxor cruises. If you want to add Dendera or spend more time in Luxor itself, consider the six-day option.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What exactly is included in the 4-day cruise price?

The cruise includes four days and three nights aboard a luxury Nile vessel; all meals from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 4; the sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor; all excursions to Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, and Karnak Temple; private transfers throughout; a private Egyptologist guide; an Egyptian SIM card; and daily complimentary water. Service charges and taxes are included.

Do I need to pay separately for entrance fees to the temples?

Entrance fees to the sightseeing sites between Aswan and Luxor are not included in the cruise price and are paid separately. The hot air balloon flight is included, though if the balloon is cancelled due to weather, a refund of 800 Egyptian pounds is provided.

Is the hot air balloon flight guaranteed, or could it be cancelled?

The sunrise hot air balloon flight is included in your itinerary. If weather or other conditions force a cancellation, the operator refunds 800 Egyptian pounds per person. The flight cannot be rescheduled during the four-day cruise window.

How does the Abu Simbel excursion work on Day 2?

Abu Simbel is visited as a small-group shared excursion, departing before dawn and returning to Aswan by early afternoon so you can rejoin the ship as it sails north. The temples (dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari) are Egypt's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site and sit deep in the desert along Lake Nasser.

What happens during the Esna Lock crossing on Day 3?

The Esna Lock is an engineering marvel where the ship is gently lowered to continue its journey downriver toward Luxor. Lunch is served aboard during the crossing, which takes place as part of the final sail from Edfu to Luxor.

Can I arrange a private guide instead of the shared Abu Simbel group?

The Abu Simbel excursion operates as a small-group shared tour. All other excursions (Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple) are conducted privately with your dedicated Egyptologist guide.