4-day Nile cruise Aswan to Luxor: Abu Simbel sunrise

Sunrise at Abu Simbel's colossal statues, then four days down the Nile to Luxor

This 4-day Nile cruise departs Aswan and ends in Luxor, traveling by 5-star cruise ship with guided visits to Abu Simbel Temples at sunrise, the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak, Luxor Temple, and smaller temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. You rise before dawn on day two to reach Abu Simbel, spend days three and four exploring Luxor's West and East banks by hot air balloon and on foot, and travel between sites by motorboat and air-conditioned vehicle with an Egyptologist guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Aswan tours - Philae and High Dam

• Pick up in Aswan
• Visit Philae Temple by boat
• Explore Aswan High Dam
• Visit Nubian villages

Day 2: Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo temples

• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 3: Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu

• Visit Temple of Horus in Edfu

Day 4: Hot air balloon and Luxor temples

• Hot air balloon ride over Luxor
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Explore Valley of the Kings
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Drop off in Luxor

The experience

You start in Aswan on day one, picked up at your hotel or any location in the city. The first afternoon takes you to Philae Temple, approached by motorboat across the Nile to an island sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, then to the Aswan High Dam and a visit to a Nubian village along the riverbank. That night you board the 5-star cruise ship, which becomes your base for the next three nights.

Day two begins before sunrise for the drive to Abu Simbel, where four colossal statues of Ramses II carved into the cliff face greet the dawn. After exploring the temple complex, you return to the ship and sail toward Edfu, stopping at Kom Ombo Temple, which sits on the Nile's edge and is dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Horus. The adjacent crocodile museum holds mummified remains. You overnight at Edfu on the cruise.

Day three takes you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, then the ship continues to Luxor. On the final day, a hot air balloon lifts off at sunrise over Luxor's West Bank, giving you an aerial view of the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut carved into the cliffs, and the Colossi of Memnon. After landing, you visit the Valley of the Kings on foot, then cross to Luxor's East Bank to see Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, the sprawling complex with its famous Hypostyle Hall. Drop-off is at any location in Luxor.

What’s included

• Cabin accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise for three nights.
• all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day four.
• hot air balloon trip at sunrise over Luxor's West Bank.
• entry to all temples and sites listed in the itinerary (Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Temple of Horus, Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple).
• motorboat rides on the Nile.
• all transfers and pickup/drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional Egyptologist guide in your chosen language.
• horse and carriage rides.
• free Wi-Fi up to 4GB.
• all taxes and service charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 103

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Destover Travel

Is this one for you?This tour is shared and fully guided, so you travel with other guests and move on a fixed schedule set by the ship's itinerary. The early start on day two for Abu Simbel sunrise is what makes that temple visit possible. If you prefer to sleep in, a later departure would mean missing it. The hot air balloon on day four is included and departs at sunrise, which is when the light is best for both the flight and the temples below.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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 visit it at sunrise?

Abu Simbel is a temple complex carved into a cliff in southern Egypt, guarded by four massive statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, each over 18 meters tall. The sunrise visit lets you see the temples in their quietest hours and witness the golden light illuminate the carved reliefs and colossal statues before crowds arrive.

How does the hot air balloon ride work on the last day?

The balloon departs at sunrise from Luxor's West Bank and floats above the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon, giving you an aerial view of the ancient sites spread across the desert and the Nile below. After landing, you continue exploring these sites on foot with your guide.

What temples do you visit and where are they located?

You visit Philae Temple on an island near Aswan; Abu Simbel far south near the Sudanese border; Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus at Edfu along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor; and in Luxor itself, the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings tombs, Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple on the East Bank.

Do I need to arrange my own transport between sites?

No. All transfers are included: pickup and drop-off in Aswan and Luxor by air-conditioned vehicle, motorboat rides on the Nile, and the hot air balloon on day four. A professional Egyptologist guide travels with you throughout, and the 5-star cruise ship handles accommodation and meals between Aswan and Luxor.

What meals and accommodations are provided?

You stay three nights in a cabin aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with all onboard facilities. Meals begin with lunch on day one and end with breakfast on day four, covering all meals during your time on the ship. Free Wi-Fi up to 4GB is included, and the ship serves as your base while you explore by day.