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

You start before sunrise at Abu Simbel, Egypt's most colossal temples, carved into a cliff face far south of Aswan.

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with an Egyptologist guide, staying aboard a 5-star cruise ship and visiting Abu Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. The itinerary includes a hot air balloon ride at dawn over Luxor's west bank, a motorboat visit to Philae Temple on day one, and a horse-carriage ride to Edfu Temple. Meals are provided throughout, and the route sails past Nubian villages and through the Esna lock.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Aswan and board Nile Cruise

• Arrive in Aswan and transfer
• Visit Philae Temple by motor-boat
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Check in Nile Cruise
• Enjoy lunch on cruise
• Rest and refresh
• Attend evening Nubian party

Day 2: Abu Simbel and sail to Edfu

• Early pick up for Abu Simbel temple
• Return to Aswan
• Start sailing towards Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo temple
• Sail towards Edfu

Day 3: Visit Edfu temple and sail to Luxor

• Breakfast on cruise
• Visit Edfu temple by horse-carriage
• Sail past local villages
• Drink Egyptian tea on sun deck
• Pass Esna lock
• Arrive Luxor at sunset
• Visit Luxor local market
• Drink sugar cane juice

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon and Luxor temples

• Hot Air Balloon ride over Luxor
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut temple
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Drive to east bank
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor temple
• Transfer to hotel, train station or airport

The experience

The cruise departs Aswan on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. After pickup from your hotel, airport, or train station, you'll take a motorboat to Philae Temple on the first afternoon, then check into your 5-star accommodation aboard the Nile cruise. That evening, the cruise staff hosts a Nubian party on deck. The ship sails overnight toward Kom Ombo.

Day two starts at 5:00 AM with a drive to Abu Simbel Temples, where four colossal statues of Ramesses II guard the entrance. You return to the cruise by 1:00 PM, and the ship sails south toward Kom Ombo, where you'll visit the temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Continuing north, the cruise reaches Edfu by evening. On day three, you travel by horse-carriage to Edfu Temple, then sail past local villages and through the Esna lock toward Luxor, arriving at sunset. There's time to explore Luxor's market and drink fresh sugar cane juice if you choose.

Day four begins at 5:30 AM with a hot air balloon flight above Luxor's west bank, offering views of the landscape before you land and head to the Valley of the Kings. You'll visit Queen Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then cross to the east bank for Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. The cruise ends with a transfer to your hotel, train station, or airport in Luxor. An Egyptologist guide accompanies the entire journey and speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

What’s included

• Hot air balloon ride above Luxor on day four.
• air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout the journey.
• entrance fees to all temples and attractions.
• 3 nights' accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise.
• all meals from first-day lunch through final-day breakfast.
• Egyptologist tour guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
• motorboat ride to Philae Temple.
• horse-carriage transport to Edfu Temple.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Luxor Cultural Tours & Package - Egypt 24 Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving in Aswan and want your accommodation and transport combined. The cruise departs Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and handles all transfers, so you move between temples without repacking.

Traveler reviews

4.53★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens on the morning of day two at Abu Simbel?

You depart at 5:00 AM for a drive to Abu Simbel Temples, where you'll see the four massive statues of Ramesses II carved into the cliff face. The return journey reaches the cruise by 1:00 PM, giving you the afternoon to rest aboard the ship as it sails toward Kom Ombo.

Does the hot air balloon ride happen every day?

The hot air balloon flies on the morning of day four above Luxor's west bank at 5:30 AM. If the balloon is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, the operator refunds 800 Egyptian pounds per person.

What is included in the meals during the cruise?

Meals are provided on a full board basis from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the final day. Drinks, including water, are not included in the cruise package.

How do you get to the cruise from the airport or hotel?

Pickup is included from your hotel, airport, or train station in Aswan. You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to meet the cruise on the first day.