Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise: Abu Simbel & Balloon Ride

Summary

Sailing the nile between aswan and luxor temples sunrise over the valley

You’ll drift down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star cruise boat, visit Abu Simbel at sunrise with a local guide, ride horseback through Edfu’s streets to Horus Temple, and float above Luxor in a hot air balloon as dawn breaks over ancient tombs. Expect laughter, quiet moments by the riverbank, and memories that sneak up on you later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of water slapping gently against the hull before sunrise — I was still half-asleep when our guide, Khaled, handed me a cup of cardamom tea on the deck. We’d just left Aswan behind, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so calm watching the palm trees slide by. The air smelled faintly of diesel mixed with river mud and something sweet from breakfast downstairs. Khaled pointed out little fishing boats drifting past; he said most families here have fished these banks for generations. I tried to imagine what that’s like, growing up with the Nile right outside your window.

Abu Simbel was a blur of early-morning yawns and nervous excitement — we set off before dawn in a minibus (the stars were still out), and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen stone look so alive as those giant statues at first light. Our group was small enough that we could actually hear our guide’s stories echoing off the walls inside. There’s this hush in those chambers, broken only by someone’s footsteps or a camera beep (I forgot to turn mine off, oops). Back on board, lunch tasted better than it should’ve after such an early start — maybe it was just relief or maybe cruise food is secretly good?

I loved how each stop along the Nile had its own rhythm. At Edfu, we rattled through town in horse-drawn carriages; my driver grinned at my clumsy attempts at Arabic (“shukran!” — he laughed every time). The Temple of Horus felt impossibly tall and cool inside compared to the heat outside. Later, drifting past Kom Ombo at sunset, there was this orange glow on everything — even the crocodile mummies looked less creepy somehow. It all felt strangely timeless.

The balloon ride over Luxor is still hard to believe happened. Five in the morning and suddenly you’re floating above fields and tombs with other balloons dotting the sky like confetti. My hands shook a little (not sure if it was nerves or just cold) but seeing Karnak and the Valley of the Kings from above… well, you know how some things just stick with you? That view does. We landed with sand in our shoes and everyone grinning like kids.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Visit Philae Temple by motorboat
• Visit Aswan High Dam

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo visit

• Early morning trip to Abu Simbel Temple
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on cruise and sail to Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor arrival

• Horse carriage ride to Edfu Temple
• Return to cruise and sail to Luxor
• Cross Esna Lock
• Lunch and afternoon tea on board
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner on board with belly dancing

Day 4 — Luxor balloon ride and tours

• Hot air balloon flight over Luxor
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Transfer to hotel, airport, or station

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

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

Is Abu Simbel included in this Nile cruise?

Yes, there is a guided day trip to Abu Simbel included (unless starting on Saturday, Tuesday or Thursday).

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

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor is included with a flight certificate.

Are transfers included for all temple visits?

Yes, transfers to and from all temples are included during the tour.

What kind of accommodation is provided on this cruise?

You stay aboard a 5-star cruise boat for three nights.

Is lunch provided during excursions?

Lunches are served onboard; there’s also an optional lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor.

Can children join the hot air balloon ride?

Children under 6 years old are not allowed on the balloon trip.

If my hotel is on Luxor’s west bank will I be dropped off there?

Drop-off at west bank hotels is available for an extra $10 per person after the cruise ends.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your Aswan hotel (east or west bank), all transfers between temples like Philae and Karnak, entry fees for sites including Abu Simbel (unless replaced by Habu Temple), three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise boat with meals onboard, guided tours with an experienced local guide throughout Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Luxor stops; plus an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor with certificate. Horse-drawn carriage rides are covered too — so you can just focus on soaking it all in along Egypt’s legendary riverbanks.