8-day Nile cruise from Luxor: Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel

Seven nights aboard a luxury cruise, waking each morning to a new temple or village along the Nile.

An 8-day Nile cruise from Luxor aboard a 5-star ship with seven nights' accommodation, visiting the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan, and smaller villages. The itinerary includes an Egyptology guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French; a hot air balloon ride at sunrise; motor boat and horse-carriage transport to sites; all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on the final day; and hotel or airport pickup. Children from age 1 are welcome, though entrance fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Luxor and board cruise

• Pickup by Egyptology tour guide
• Take motor boat to west bank
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut Temple
• Visit Carter House
• Return to east bank and check in cruise
• Visit Luxor old market
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2: Hot air balloon and sail to Esna

• Early morning hot air balloon ride
• Return to cruise
• Sail along Nile past villages and islands
• Arrive at Esna city and pass Esna lock
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3: Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo temples

• Stop at Edfu city
• Ride horse carriage to Edfu temple
• Return to cruise and sail to Kom Ombo
• Enjoy drinks on sun deck
• Visit Kom Ombo temple at sunset
• Overnight on cruise

Day 4: Tour Aswan and Philae Island

• Arrive at Aswan city
• Take motor boat to Philae Island temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Rest on cruise
• Visit Aswan old market
• Overnight on cruise

Day 5: Visit Abu Simbel temples

• Early morning visit Abu Simbel temples
• Return to cruise
• Overnight on cruise

Day 6: Sail back towards Luxor

• Sail from Aswan towards Luxor
• Enjoy Nubian and Egyptian culture views
• Overnight on cruise

Day 7: Leisure day sailing to Luxor

• Day at leisure on cruise
• Overnight on cruise

Day 8: Luxor East Bank tour and end

• Breakfast on cruise
• Visit Karnak temple
• Visit Luxor temple
• End of service

The experience

The cruise departs Luxor and sails south toward Aswan over seven nights, then returns north to Luxor on the eighth day. You'll board in the afternoon of day one after visiting the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the west bank, plus the old market in Luxor. A hot air balloon flight at dawn on day two gives you a bird's-eye view of the river and its settlements before the ship continues sailing. Days three and four take you to Edfu and Kom Ombo, where you'll ride a traditional horse and carriage to the temples, then return to the ship for meals and rest on deck.

The journey reaches Aswan by day four, where a motorboat carries you to Philae Island Temple and the Aswan High Dam. Day five is devoted to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most significant temples. You'll depart around 5 a.m. to reach it. The return voyage on days six and seven passes through Nubian villages and islands, with a leisure day built in. On the final morning, you visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the east bank before the tour ends. Your Egyptology guide travels with the group throughout, and the ship provides cabin accommodation with all facilities, meals, and an air-conditioned minibus for transfers.

What’s included

• The 8-day package includes seven nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise with cabin accommodation and all facilities.
• an Egyptology guide in your chosen language.
• entrance to the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temples, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Island Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.
• a hot air balloon flight at sunrise.
• motorboat and horse-carriage transport to sites.
• all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day eight.
• and pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus from your hotel or airport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 to 58 years) · Senior (59 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charming Egypt Tours

Is this one for you?Eight days is long enough to reach Abu Simbel and return without rushing, but it ties up most of a week. Book this if you're spending at least that much time in Egypt and want the Nile temples as your main focus. The fixed sailing schedule and early departures (particularly the 5 a.m. Abu Simbel trip) mean you'll need to keep pace with the group. If you prefer a slower rhythm or want flexibility to linger at one site, a shorter cruise or land-based tour may suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What is included in the 8-day cruise price?

The cruise includes seven nights aboard a 5-star ship, all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day eight, an Egyptology guide, entrance to the sites listed in the itinerary, a hot air balloon ride, motorboat and horse-carriage transport, pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus, and cabin accommodation with facilities. Entrance fees to individual sites and gratuities are not included.

How does the hot air balloon flight work?

The balloon departs at dawn on day two, before the ship resumes sailing. You'll take off from near Luxor to photograph the river, temples, and surrounding landscape from above, then return to the cruise for breakfast.

What happens on the final day?

After breakfast on day eight, the group visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the east bank of Luxor, then the tour ends. You'll be dropped off at your hotel or airport by minibus.

Is the itinerary suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, the itinerary involves walking at archaeological sites, climbing temple steps, and early morning departures: particularly for the Abu Simbel visit at 5 a.m. The ship provides cabin accommodation and meals, minimizing daily logistics.