5-Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan Temples & Ancient Sites

Summary

Nile River Cruise: Ancient Egypt Temples & Guided Sightseeing

You’ll sail Egypt’s legendary Nile from Luxor to Aswan, exploring ancient temples and royal tombs with an expert guide who brings history to life. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s feeling part of something timeless.

What’s the experience like?

Landing at Luxor airport, the first thing that hit me was the warmth—both from the sun and the easy smiles of our guide waiting just outside arrivals. The drive into town was quick, but I still caught glimpses of donkey carts and kids waving from dusty side streets. After check-in, we boarded the cruise ship and grabbed lunch on deck. The Nile looked almost unreal—wide, greenish, with little boats drifting by. That afternoon, we walked through Luxor Temple as dusk crept in. Our Egyptologist, Ahmed, pointed out faded hieroglyphs I’d have missed on my own. The air smelled faintly of incense from a nearby vendor. Later, at Karnak Temple, the sheer size of those columns made me feel tiny. I remember touching the cool stone and thinking about how old everything was—thousands of years, right under my fingers.

The next morning started early with breakfast on board—fresh bread, strong coffee, and dates. Crossing to Luxor’s West Bank, we entered the Valley of the Kings just as the sun started to warm up. The tombs were quiet except for our footsteps echoing down painted corridors. Ahmed explained how each symbol told a story; I could almost picture ancient workers carving by torchlight. At Hatshepsut’s temple, swallows darted overhead while we stood in the shade, listening to tales of Egypt’s only female pharaoh. The Colossi of Memnon were our last stop before lunch—a quick photo op, but impressive up close. That afternoon, we sailed toward Edfu. There’s something hypnotic about watching palm trees slip by as you lounge on deck.

Day three brought us to Edfu Temple after breakfast. The place felt alive with history—the falcon statues guarding the entrance looked fierce even after centuries. Inside, Ahmed shared stories about Horus and Seth that made all those carvings make sense. Later, at Kom Ombo Temple, crocodile mummies lined up in glass cases gave me chills (in a good way). Lunch back on board tasted extra good after all that walking. By evening, we’d reached Aswan; city lights flickered along the riverbank as we ate dinner outside.

Our last full day started with a short boat ride to Agilika Island. The breeze off the water was welcome after days in the desert heat. Philae Temple sits right on the edge of the island—columns reflected in blue water. Ahmed explained how they moved it stone by stone when Lake Nasser flooded its original site. I snapped photos but also just stood there for a bit, soaking up the quiet except for birds calling somewhere nearby.

On departure day, breakfast felt bittersweet—good coffee again, but nobody wanted to leave just yet. Our driver got us to Aswan airport with time to spare (Egyptian traffic is unpredictable), and I found myself already scrolling through photos before takeoff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and East Bank Tour

• Transfer to lodge and check-in
• Lunch on Nile Cruise
• Visit Luxor Temple and Karnak Temples
• Dinner on cruise

Day 2 — West Bank and Sailing to Edfu

• Breakfast on cruise
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple at Deir El Bahari
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch on cruise
• Sail to Esna and Edfu
• Overnight relaxation on cruise

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

• Sail to Horus Temple in Edfu
• Visit Horus Temple
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Sobek Temple in Kom Ombo
• Lunch on cruise
• Sail to Aswan
• Dinner on board

Day 4 — Aswan and Philae Temple

• Breakfast on cruise
• Visit Agilika Island
• Lunch
• Visit Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)
• Return to Nile cruise for rest

Day 5 — Departure from Aswan

• Breakfast at lodge
• Transfer to Aswan Airport
• Flight home

Top questions

Is this Nile cruise suitable for travelers with mobility needs?

Yes, most areas are wheelchair accessible and there are options for service animals and specialized infant seats if needed.

What kind of food is served on board?

You’ll get full-board meals featuring Egyptian classics like grilled meats, fresh bread, salads—and plenty of coffee at breakfast!

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

All entrance fees to listed attractions are covered in your booking—no surprise costs at each site.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

An Egyptologist guide fluent in English will accompany you throughout your journey.

Can children join this tour?

Absolutely! Kids aged 3-11 get a discounted rate and families are welcome aboard.

What’s included

Your trip covers a private Egyptologist guide, all transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, entrance fees for every major site (Luxor Temple, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Philae), plus four nights’ accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise with all meals included. Wheelchair access and family-friendly options are available too.