Aswan - Luxor: Nile cruise with temples & guide

Summary

Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with ancient temples and local stories

You’ll sail between Aswan and Luxor on a classic Nile cruise, exploring ancient temples like Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and Luxor with an expert local guide. Wander through tombs in the Valley of the Kings and watch daily life unfold along the riverbanks — moments you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

We boarded the boat in Aswan just after sunrise, still rubbing sleep from our eyes. The Nile was quiet, almost glassy, and the air had that faint dusty sweetness you only get in Egypt. Our guide, Ahmed, met us at the dock — he grinned when I tried to pronounce “Philae” (I definitely didn’t nail it). First stop was Philae Temple, where the carvings felt cool under my fingertips and incense drifted from somewhere nearby. I remember standing there, trying to picture Isis worshippers walking these same stones. It’s strange how old everything feels but also alive.

After the High Dam (which is honestly bigger than I expected) and the Unfinished Obelisk — you can still see tool marks in the granite — we settled onto the deck for tea as we started sailing north. The riverbanks slid by: kids waving from palm groves, egrets picking through reeds. At Kom Ombo Temple, Ahmed told us about Sobek, the crocodile god. There’s a whole room of mummified crocs (not kidding), which made me laugh but also gave me goosebumps. Edfu Temple came next; it’s massive and somehow even quieter inside than outside. We had afternoon tea as we floated towards Luxor — I think that’s when it really hit me how much history is packed along this stretch of water.

The day trip into the Valley of the Kings was something else entirely. The tombs are painted in colors that shouldn’t have survived this long — blues and golds that almost glow in your flashlight beam. Ahmed pointed out little details: graffiti left by ancient workers, tiny bats fluttering overhead. Hatshepsut’s temple sits against sheer cliffs; I tried to imagine what it looked like new but couldn’t quite manage it. The Colossi of Memnon were just standing there in a field, battered by time and traffic noise from the road behind them.

On our last morning we visited Karnak and Luxor Temples before saying goodbye to the boat crew (who remembered how I take my coffee by then). Karnak is so big you lose your sense of direction — columns everywhere, sunlight flickering through dust motes. Luxor Temple felt more intimate somehow; maybe because people still gather there at night or maybe just because it was our last stop. Even now I can hear Ahmed’s voice echoing facts about Amun-Ra while tourists snapped photos around us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan: Temples and High Dam

• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk

Day 2 — Sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu

• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu

Day 3 — Luxor West Bank Sightseeing

• Explore Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• See Colossi of Memnon

Day 4 — Karnak and Luxor Temples

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights between Aswan and Luxor.

Are entry fees to temples included in this tour?

Yes, admission to all listed sites such as Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and others are included.

Is there a local guide during excursions?

Yes, an Egyptologist guide accompanies you during all excursions.

Are meals included on board?

Full board is provided for all three nights on the cruise boat.

Does this tour include pickup in Aswan?

Yes, pickup service is included at your starting point in Aswan.

Can infants or small children join this Nile cruise?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller and specialized infant seats are available.

Is vegetarian food available on this cruise?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

What main attractions are visited during this Nile cruise?

You’ll visit Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam (Aswan), Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple (Horus), Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup in Aswan by air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees for temples and sites along the route like Karnak and Valley of the Kings, three nights’ accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise with full board meals each day, bottled water during trips ashore, plus an expert Egyptologist guide throughout every excursion before drop-off at your final stop in Luxor.