Aswan & Luxor: Egyptologist-Led Temples Tour with Flights

Summary

Explore Aswan and Luxor temples on a guided multi-day trip

You’ll follow an Egyptologist guide through Aswan’s riverside temples and cross Lake Nasser by boat to Philae Temple before flying south for an early morning visit to Abu Simbel’s colossal statues. In Luxor, wander ancient tombs and temples with local insight—and maybe pick up some mint tea along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the Nile — not just seeing it, but hearing it. We’d landed in Aswan from Cairo early, still a bit groggy, and the river was just there, wide and slow, with that dusty blue color you only get in Egypt. Our guide, Ahmed, met us at the airport holding a sign (my name spelled wrong — made me laugh), and we were off to see the High Dam. The air smelled faintly of diesel and sweet tea from a vendor nearby. I didn’t expect to be so interested in a dam, but Ahmed explained how it changed everything for people here. He pointed out fishermen on little boats below — “their grandfathers fished before the dam too,” he said.

Philae Temple was next, which meant a short boat ride across shimmering water. There’s something about arriving by boat that makes you feel like you’re sneaking into history. The carvings of Isis were so sharp in the morning light — I ran my fingers over the stone when nobody was looking (probably not allowed). Later at the Unfinished Obelisk, I tried to imagine ancient workers chipping away in this heat. Ahmed told us stories about why they abandoned it; he had this way of making old legends sound like gossip from last week.

The day trip to Abu Simbel started before sunrise — honestly brutal for someone who likes sleep. But seeing those giant statues appear out of pink desert haze? Worth every yawn. Our group got quiet walking inside; even the loudest guy hushed up for once. On the train to Luxor later that afternoon, I watched palm trees flick past and tried to write down what I’d seen but gave up after two sentences — too much to process.

Luxor felt different: busier streets, more honking, kids waving as we drove past fields toward the Valley of the Kings. Standing in front of Hatshepsut’s temple with sun bouncing off pale cliffs, I felt tiny (and sweaty). The tombs inside were cooler — literally — and full of colors that haven’t faded after thousands of years. Our Egyptologist guide knew everyone; he stopped to chat with guards or wave at vendors selling mint tea. By the time we reached Karnak Temple on our last day, my phone battery was dead but it didn’t matter anymore. Some things you just keep in your head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan Highlights: Dam, Obelisk, Temple

• Visit Aswan High Dam
• See the Unfinished Obelisk
• Take motorboat to Philae Temple
• Tour Philae Temple

Day 2 — Abu Simbel Temples and Travel

• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Travel by train to Luxor

Day 3 — Luxor East and West Bank Tour

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Karnak Temple

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Aswan & Luxor tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cairo is included as part of your package.

Are flights between Cairo and Aswan/Luxor part of this package?

Yes, flights from Cairo are included for both directions during your tour.

Will we have a private Egyptologist guide throughout?

Yes, a private Egyptologist guide accompanies you during all visits.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in 4-star hotels—one night each in Aswan and Luxor—with breakfast included.

Is transportation between sites private or shared?

All transfers are by private modern air-conditioned vehicle.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

Bottled water is provided daily; meals beyond breakfast are not specified as included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the trip.

How long does the day trip to Abu Simbel take?

The Abu Simbel excursion starts early morning and returns by afternoon on Day 2.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and return in Cairo, all domestic flights between cities, private transfers by air-conditioned vehicle throughout Aswan and Luxor, bottled water each day (which honestly saved me), two nights’ accommodation at comfortable 4-star hotels with breakfast each morning, plus all service charges and taxes covered—so you can just focus on what’s right in front of you instead of logistics.