Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel & Balloon Ride

Summary

Drifting between ancient temples and sunrise skies on the Nile

You’ll float down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star cruise with all meals included, explore Abu Simbel at sunrise with a local guide, stand beneath Karnak’s towering columns in Luxor, and soar above ancient tombs by hot air balloon. Expect early mornings, real Egyptian flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to wake up for this,” our guide Hossam whispered as we shuffled onto the deck in Aswan, still rubbing sleep from our eyes. The Nile was just starting to catch that soft pink light — kind of surreal, honestly. I could smell strong coffee coming from somewhere below deck (I should’ve grabbed a cup). We’d only just met the group but already felt like we were in this together, passing biscuits around while Hossam explained how the High Dam changed everything for people here. He pointed out little fishing boats that looked like toys from up there. I didn’t expect to feel so small — or so awake — before breakfast.

The next morning was Abu Simbel day. Our driver picked us up at 4:30 am (yeah, it’s early), and everyone tried not to look too grumpy. But seeing those giant statues of Ramesses II rise out of the desert? Worth every yawn. It’s wild how quiet it gets inside; even the kids in our group stopped talking for a minute. On the way back, someone handed me a sweet date pastry and I swear it tasted like relief after all that heat. Lunch on the boat felt extra good after that — cool air, river drifting by, plates of grilled chicken and tahini.

I kept thinking nothing could top Abu Simbel but Edfu Temple changed my mind. The walls there are so sharp you can run your fingers over carvings made thousands of years ago (I did). Later in Luxor, Hossam showed us Karnak’s columns — he called them “the stone forest.” There’s this moment when you walk through and sunlight slices between pillars; I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at home. That night we sat on the sundeck with mint tea while some folks danced below to music I didn’t recognize but liked anyway.

The last morning started before sunrise again (sorry), but floating over Luxor in a hot air balloon is something else entirely. The city wakes up slow under you — green fields, little villages, even donkeys trotting along dirt roads. After landing we visited tombs in the Valley of the Kings; you can actually see paint colors that survived centuries underground. By then we were tired but happy — dusty shoes, full memory cards, sunburned noses. Not sure I’ll ever get used to saying goodbye to places like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet local tour representative
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Afternoon tea and dinner
• Attend evening disco party

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and cruise to Edfu

• Early pickup for Abu Simbel trip
• Visit Abu Simbel temples
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Overnight navigation to Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu temple and Luxor temples

• Visit Edfu Temple in morning
• Sail to Luxor via Esna
• Visit Luxor Temple in afternoon
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Overnight in Luxor

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and West Bank tour

• Early morning hot air balloon ride
• Breakfast and disembarkation
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Transfer to Luxor departure point

Top questions

How many days is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights.

Is Abu Simbel included in this tour?

Yes, a group visit to Abu Simbel is included with early morning pickup from Aswan.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on board throughout your journey.

Does this tour include a hot air balloon ride in Luxor?

Yes, an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor is part of the itinerary.

Are transfers included at arrival and departure?

Pickup upon arrival in Aswan and transfer at departure from Luxor are included.

Is an Egyptologist guide provided?

Yes, a qualified English-speaking Egyptologist guide leads your visits.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise boat between Aswan and Luxor.

Are entrance fees covered for all sites?

The tour includes entry fees for all scheduled temple visits and attractions listed in the itinerary.

What’s included

Your trip includes meet-and-assist service upon arrival and departure in Aswan and Luxor; transport by air-conditioned minivan throughout; three nights’ accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise boat; all meals as per itinerary; guided tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist; entry fees for temples including Philae, Edfu, Karnak, Valley of Kings; a group excursion to Abu Simbel; an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor (with refund if canceled); plus portage assistance when needed before your final transfer out of Luxor.