Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise: Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon

Summary

Drift the Nile from Aswan to Luxor with sunrise skies and ancient stones

You’ll glide down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a full-board cruise with an Egyptologist guide, explore Abu Simbel’s towering temples at sunrise, ride a hot air balloon above ancient tombs, and wander legendary sites like Karnak and Philae. Expect early mornings, new friends, and moments that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to watch the Nile slide past at dawn, coffee in hand? I didn’t realize how quiet it could get on that deck—just the low hum of the boat and a few birds somewhere off in the reeds. Our Egyptologist guide, Ahmed, met us in Aswan right after we landed (he somehow recognized us before we even waved). He had this way of making every story sound like he’d lived it himself. First stop: Philae Temple. The little motorboat ride out there was louder than I expected, but once you step onto that island, it’s just old stone and sunlight everywhere. Smelled faintly of river mud and incense.

The next morning was Abu Simbel—early start, still dark when we left. I tried sleeping on the bus but gave up; too much nervous energy, I guess. Standing in front of those giant statues after all that driving…well, you feel small. Ahmed explained how they moved the whole thing to save it from flooding (I still can’t picture how). Back on board for lunch as we sailed toward Kom Ombo—crocodile god temple—and then Edfu later by horse carriage. The driver grinned when my scarf blew off; he just handed it back like he sees this every day.

By the time we reached Luxor, I’d lost track of days a bit. Late afternoon light made Luxor Temple look almost golden—kids playing football nearby while we wandered under those columns. And then came the hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. That’s something I still think about: floating above Valley of the Kings as everything turned pinkish-orange below us. No cameras allowed except phones; everyone just whispering or laughing quietly as we drifted over fields and tombs.

I didn’t expect to get attached to our little group or even to the rhythm of cruise life—meals together, random conversations about hieroglyphs or Egyptian tea (which is strong, by the way). When it ended at Karnak Temple and we all went our separate ways in Luxor around 4pm, it felt abrupt somehow…like waking up from a long dream where you’d been living inside history for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet guide at Aswan arrival
• Transfer to Nile Cruise and check in
• Lunch on board
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple by motorboat
• Dinner and folkloric show on cruise

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo visit

• Early pick up for Abu Simbel trip
• Visit Abu Simbel temples outside
• Return to cruise and lunch
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on board and sail to Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor arrival

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage to Edfu Temple
• Return to cruise and sail to Luxor
• Cross Esna Lock and lunch on board
• Afternoon tea on sundeck
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner and belly dancing show on cruise

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and Luxor tour

• Early morning hot air balloon flight
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Transfer to Luxor hotel or station

Top questions

What’s included in the Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise?

The tour includes hotel or airport pickup in Aswan, three nights on a five-star cruise ship with full board meals, guided visits to sites like Abu Simbel and Karnak Temple, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor (weather permitting), transfers between attractions by AC vehicle, and an English-speaking Egyptologist guide.

How early do I need to arrive in Aswan for this tour?

You should arrive before 12:01 pm on the first day so you can check into the cruise before lunch and start sightseeing as planned.

Is hotel pickup available for both Aswan and Luxor?

Yes—pickup is included from your hotel or arrival point in Aswan at the start and drop-off is provided at your hotel or transport hub in Luxor at tour end.

Are entrance fees included?

No—most entrance fees must be paid separately by card (except High Dam and Philae motorboat which are cash only).

Is this cruise suitable for children?

Yes—children aged 5-11 sharing with parents are welcome; however children under 6 cannot join the hot air balloon ride.

What happens if weather cancels Abu Simbel or balloon rides?

If either activity is canceled due to weather you’ll receive a partial refund ($30 per adult for each canceled experience).

When does the tour end in Luxor?

The tour ends around 3:30–4:30 pm on the last day; evening departures from Luxor are recommended.

Can I request another language for guiding?

Guiding is available in other languages upon request for an extra charge; English is standard.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport or hotel pickup in Aswan, three nights aboard a five-star Nile cruise with all meals provided from lunch on arrival through breakfast at departure, guided tours led by an Egyptologist including Abu Simbel (in a small group), entry to major temples along the route (fees not included), transfers between sites by air-conditioned vehicle, plus an early morning hot air balloon flight over Luxor if weather allows before drop-off anywhere central in Luxor city.