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

Four days aboard a Nile cruise, eight ancient temples, one sunrise flight

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide, three nights' full-board accommodation aboard ship, and visits to Abu Simbel, Philae, Kom Ombo, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. A 50-minute hot-air balloon flight over Luxor is included. Pickup in Aswan, all transportation between sites and air-conditioned travel during sightseeing are part of the booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Aswan High Dam30m
2. Philae Temple2h
3. Abu Simbel Temples8h
4. Kom Ombo Temple50m
5. Karnak Temple2m
6. Luxor Temple1h
7. Valley of the Kings2h
8. Temple of Hatshepsut1h
9. Colossi of Memnonpassing by

Day 1: Visit Aswan and Abu Simbel

• See Aswan High Dam
• Explore Philae Temple
• Travel to Abu Simbel
• Visit Abu Simbel Temples

Day 2: Cruise and visit Kom Ombo and Edfu

• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 3: Explore Luxor temples and tombs

• Explore Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• See Temple of Hatshepsut
• Pass Colossi of Memnon

Day 4: Hot air balloon and disembark

• Ride hot air balloon over Luxor

The experience

Aswan High Dam marks the start: your guide explains its role in modern Egypt and the creation of Lake Nasser before the ship departs. From there the itinerary moves downriver through the temples: Philae's Greco-Roman architecture dedicated to Isis, then the rock-cut colossi of Abu Simbel, Ramses II and Queen Nefertari carved into the mountainside. Kom Ombo's double temple to Sobek and Horus rises from the riverbank as you sail, and Karnak's monumental gateways and Great Hypostyle Hall anchor a full morning on the west bank near Luxor.

The hot-air balloon flight departs at dawn over Luxor's landscape: 50 minutes aloft before you land and continue to Luxor Temple itself, then cross to the Valley of the Kings to walk among pharaonic tombs. Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon complete the west-bank circuit. Three nights you sleep aboard the cruise ship with full meals included. Air-conditioned transport moves you between each site and back to the vessel each evening.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish throughout. Pickup happens in Aswan, and all transportation to the attractions listed in the itinerary is covered: no separate tickets to arrange for the sites themselves, though entrance fees to the monuments are separate from the tour price.

What’s included

• Abu Simbel excursion.
• three nights' accommodation aboard a Nile cruise ship.
• pickup in Aswan.
• transportation to all attractions in the itinerary.
• hot-air balloon ride over Luxor lasting 50 minutes.
• air-conditioned transport during sightseeing and transfers.
• professional English- or Spanish-speaking tour guide.
• full-board meals throughout the cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and Friday5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (8 to 60 years) · Child (3 to 7 years): free · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 45 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 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sueño Travel Egipto

Is this one for you?Book this four-day cruise if you want Abu Simbel included in your temple route: shorter cruises skip it for the west-bank sites instead, and longer ones linger at each location rather than add new destinations.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years): free; Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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 is Abu Simbel and why is it on this itinerary?

Abu Simbel Temples are two rock-cut sanctuaries carved into a mountainside in southern Egypt, built by Ramses II and dedicated to himself and Queen Nefertari. They rank among the most remarkable archaeological sites in Upper Egypt and are included as a full-day excursion on day one of the cruise.

Does the hot-air balloon flight happen on a specific day?

The hot-air balloon ride takes place over Luxor and lasts 50 minutes. It is scheduled as part of the Luxor portion of the itinerary, typically at dawn when conditions are best for flight.

Are meals included during the four days?

Full-board meals are included throughout the three nights aboard the Nile cruise ship. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided as part of your accommodation.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup in Aswan is included in the tour price. All transportation to the attractions during the itinerary and transfers between sites are also covered.