4-Day Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor: Hot Air Balloon Ride Included

Sunrise balloon flight, temple ruins by day, Nile nights aboard a luxury ship

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with an expert English-speaking Egyptologist guide, staying three nights in a 5-star ship with full board and a swimming pool. The itinerary moves through Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Karnak, and includes a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Luxor's West Bank before visiting the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. The balloon experience (subject to weather and age restrictions) is the centerpiece of the final morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Aswan's Night of Wonders

• Meet local tour representative
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Explore Philae Temple
• Enjoy gourmet lunch onboard
• Indulge in afternoon tea
• Dine with flavor-rich dinner
• Attend Nile disco party

Day 2: Abu Simbel and Nile Cruise

• Travel to Abu Simbel
• Explore Abu Simbel temples
• Cruise back on Nile
• Have lunch onboard
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Glide to Edfu
• Enjoy evening in Edfu

Day 3: Luxor and Temple Exploration

• Explore Edfu Temple
• Cruise Nile to Luxor via Esna
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Explore Karnak Temple complex
• Marvel at Hypostyle Hall
• Experience Luxor night charm

Day 4: Luxor Balloon and Ancient Sites

• Take hot air balloon ride
• Enjoy breakfast after balloon
• Visit Theban Necropolis
• Tour Valley of the Kings
• Explore Hatshepsut Temple
• View Colossi of Memnon
• Transfer to station, airport, or hotel

The experience

The cruise departs Aswan and moves south along the Nile toward Abu Simbel, stopping at Philae Temple before turning back north. You'll spend the first night aboard ship in Aswan, then sail past Kom Ombo and Edfu (where you explore the temple dedicated to Horus) before reaching Luxor on the third night. Each day includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner served onboard, plus access to the ship's swimming pool and evening entertainment.

On the final morning, you rise before dawn for the hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank. After landing and breakfast, the guide leads you through the Valley of the Kings to walk among the tombs of over 60 pharaohs, then to Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon: the massive statues that once guarded an ancient temple. The tour ends with a transfer to Luxor's station, airport or hotel. An air-conditioned minivan carries you throughout, and your guide provides context at each site.

Two purchase options let you choose whether entrance fees to the temples are included in the price or paid separately at each site. The balloon ride is not available for children under 6. If weather cancels the flight, the operator refunds 800 Egyptian pounds. The itinerary may shift slightly depending on cruise schedules and other operational factors.

What’s included

• Three nights in a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner).
• access to the ship's swimming pool and onboard entertainment.
• expert Egyptologist guide in English.
• hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Luxor's West Bank.
• entry to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple complex, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon (depending on your purchase option).
• air-conditioned minivan transport throughout.
• assistance and luggage help from tour staff.
• transfer to Luxor station, airport or hotel at the end.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cruise, entrance fees not includedGuide in 6 languages · 12:00Pickup is included

Cruise with entrance fees includedGuide in 6 languages · 31 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:30Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day31 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 00:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Egypt Cheap Holiday

Is this one for you?Book the option with entrance fees included if you want one clear price upfront and no stops to pay at each temple. Choose the option without fees if you prefer to decide at each site. The four-day span fits the major temples between Aswan and Luxor without rushing, and the balloon ride on the final morning means you leave with the most memorable moment fresh.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What temples do I actually visit on this Nile cruise?

Philae Temple near Aswan, Kom Ombo and Edfu along the river, Luxor Temple, and the vast Karnak Temple complex with its towering Hypostyle Hall. On the final day you also explore the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple on Luxor's West Bank.

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

The balloon flight is included, but it depends on weather conditions. If the flight is cancelled, the operator refunds 800 Egyptian pounds. Children under 6 are not permitted on the balloon.

What meals and drinks are provided each day?

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served aboard the ship every day. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not included and can be purchased onboard.

How does the guide communicate, and what is their background?

Your guide is an expert Egyptologist who speaks English. Guides in Spanish, Italian, French and other languages are also available depending on the option you book. The guide accompanies you at each temple and archaeological site.

What happens on the morning of the hot air balloon ride?

You depart the ship before sunrise, board the balloon for a flight over the West Bank, then land for breakfast. After eating, the guide takes you to the Valley of the Kings to explore the pharaonic tombs, then to Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon before your transfer to Luxor.