5-Day Private Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan with Egyptologist Guide

Summary

Private Nile River Cruise: Temples & Tombs with Local Guide

You’ll travel from Luxor to Aswan in comfort on a luxury Nile cruise, exploring ancient temples and tombs with a private Egyptologist guide. Expect real insight into Egypt’s history plus moments you can’t get from guidebooks—like sunset felucca rides or spotting faded paint inside Edfu Temple. This trip is for anyone who wants more than just sightseeing—it’s about feeling part of Egypt’s story.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping off the plane in Luxor was the dry warmth—like opening an oven door, but not unpleasant. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right outside baggage claim with a grin and a cold bottle of water (you’ll want that). Before I knew it, we were winding through Luxor’s streets toward the cruise ship. The boat itself felt more like a boutique hotel than anything else—polished wood floors, big windows looking out over the river, and staff who remembered my name by dinner.

Karnak Temple was our first real stop. I’d seen photos before, but nothing prepares you for those columns—so tall you have to lean back just to see the tops. Ahmed pointed out tiny chisel marks left by workers thousands of years ago. Later at Luxor Temple, as dusk crept in and bats darted overhead, I could almost picture ancient processions moving through those same stone halls.

The next morning started early—Valley of the Kings before it got too hot. There’s a hush there that’s hard to describe; even with other visitors around, it feels quiet. Ducking into Tutankhamun’s tomb was surreal. It’s smaller than you’d expect but seeing his golden mask up close is something I’ll never forget. On the way back we stopped at Hatshepsut’s temple—its terraces cut right into the cliffside—and then snapped some photos at the Colossi of Memnon while local kids tried to sell us postcards.

Sailing south toward Edfu and Kom Ombo is where the pace really slows down. There’s something hypnotic about watching life along the Nile drift by: farmers leading donkeys, kids waving from the banks. At Edfu Temple, horse-drawn carriages clattered us through town (hold on tight—it’s bumpy). The temple itself is so well preserved you can still see traces of paint on some carvings if you look close. Kom Ombo was quieter; crocodile mummies in glass cases gave me chills.

By the time we reached Aswan, I’d lost track of days. The High Dam is massive—modern Egypt flexing its muscles—but Philae Temple stole the show for me. It sits on an island surrounded by water so blue it almost looks fake. We took a felucca ride at sunset; there’s this moment when everything goes quiet except for the flap of canvas and distant calls to prayer echoing across the river. That’s when it really hit me—I was floating between worlds old and new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Luxor Temples

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Lunch onboard cruise
• Dinner onboard cruise

Day 2 — West Bank and Royal Tombs

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Tomb of Tutankhamun
• Breakfast onboard cruise
• Lunch onboard cruise
• Dinner onboard cruise

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

• Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Breakfast onboard cruise
• Lunch onboard cruise
• Dinner onboard cruise

Day 4 — Aswan Sights and Felucca Ride

• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Felucca ride on Nile
• Breakfast onboard cruise
• Lunch onboard cruise
• Dinner onboard cruise

Day 5 — Disembark and Departure

• Check out and transfer to airport/train/hotel
• Breakfast onboard cruise

Top questions

Is this Nile cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?

Yes, most parts of the ship and sites are wheelchair accessible or have ramps available. Let us know your needs ahead of time so we can help arrange smooth access throughout your journey.

What kind of food is served onboard?

You’ll find both Egyptian classics (think grilled meats and fresh salads) and international dishes at every meal. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, just let us know—we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes—all entrance fees for listed attractions are covered in your package price. No need to worry about extra tickets along the way.

Will we have free time during the cruise?

Absolutely! There’s downtime each afternoon for relaxing on deck or exploring local markets if you wish. Your guide will give suggestions based on your interests.

What’s included

Your package covers four nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star luxury Nile cruise (full board), all site entrance fees listed in the itinerary, daily bottled water, private Egyptologist guide throughout, airport/train/hotel transfers in Luxor and Aswan, deluxe air-conditioned transport for excursions, service charges and taxes—and yes, wheelchair access is available if needed.