4-Day Nile Cruise: Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel with Train from Cairo

Summary

Nile River Cruise with Guided Temples Tour & Train Tickets

You’ll travel Egypt’s legendary Nile by 5-star cruise, explore ancient temples with a local guide, visit Abu Simbel at sunrise, and experience real Egyptian life—from bustling markets to quiet river villages—all with easy round-trip train travel from Cairo included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we boarded the overnight train in Giza was the hum of excitement—locals chatting, vendors selling tea in tiny paper cups, and that faint scent of engine oil mixed with cardamom. We left Cairo behind just after sunset, watching city lights flicker out through the window before settling into our seats for the long ride south to Aswan.

By morning, Aswan felt like a different world. Our guide—Ahmed, who seemed to know everyone in town—met us right at the platform. He whisked us straight to the High Dam and then onto a small motorboat for Philae Temple. The temple itself sits on an island; you can hear birds echoing off ancient stone as you step ashore. Lunch back on the cruise was simple but good—lots of tahini and grilled chicken—and later we wandered through Aswan’s market where I picked up some hibiscus tea from a stall near Sharia el Souk. That night, there was music and a disco party on board; I’ll admit, I didn’t last long on the dance floor but it was fun to watch.

The next morning started early—like 5am early—for Abu Simbel. The drive is long but quiet, and seeing those massive statues at sunrise is something I won’t forget soon. Back on the ship as we sailed north, I spent most of my time out on deck just watching life along the river: kids waving from tiny boats, laundry flapping in Nubian villages along the banks. We stopped at Kom Ombo Temple (the one with crocodile mummies), then drifted toward Edfu as dusk set in.

In Edfu, we took a horse-drawn carriage through town before reaching the Temple of Horus—the best preserved temple I’ve ever seen. The carvings are so sharp you can still see details in Horus’s feathers. Later that day we reached Luxor and explored Karnak Temple’s Hypostyle Hall; those columns really do make you feel small. By evening, I’d lost count of how many photos I’d taken.

The last day started with breakfast overlooking the Nile before heading out to Luxor’s west bank. Walking through the Valley of the Kings is surreal—there’s this hush inside each tomb that makes you lower your voice without thinking about it. We also saw Hatshepsut’s temple tucked against pink cliffs and stopped by the Colossi of Memnon where local kids were selling postcards for a few pounds each. After all that history, it was back to Luxor station for another overnight train ride north—tired but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Train to Aswan

• Pickup from hotel and drive to Cairo train station
• Overnight train to Aswan

Day 2 — Aswan sightseeing

• Visit High Dam and Philae Temple
• Lunch on board
• Afternoon tea and dinner
• Evening disco party

Day 3 — Abu Simbel and Nile cruise

• Visit Abu Simbel temples
• Return to cruise and sail
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Navigate to Edfu
• Overnight cruise

Day 4 — Edfu and Luxor temples

• Visit Edfu Temple
• Navigate to Luxor via Esna
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Overnight cruise in Luxor

Day 5 — Luxor West and East Banks

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Transfer to Luxor train station
• Overnight train to Cairo

Day 6 — Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive Cairo train station and transfer to hotel

Top questions

Is there an option to upgrade from sitting to sleeping train?

Yes! You can upgrade to a sleeper train for an extra charge if you prefer more comfort during your journey between Cairo and Upper Egypt.

Are meals included during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included while you're onboard: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are served daily on the cruise ship.

How early do we visit Abu Simbel?

The trip to Abu Simbel starts around 5am so you can arrive before crowds and enjoy cooler morning temperatures at the site.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Absolutely! The itinerary is designed for all fitness levels and there are specialized infant seats available if needed.

What’s included

Your trip covers three nights’ accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise (all meals included), guided visits to sites like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, entrance fees as listed in your itinerary, round-trip first-class train tickets between Cairo and Upper Egypt (with an option to upgrade), horse carriage ride in Edfu, motorboat transfer in Aswan, group tour to Abu Simbel with an English-speaking guide throughout—all transfers handled door-to-door so you can just relax and enjoy every moment along the Nile.