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

Summary

Float past ancient temples then rise over Luxor at dawn

You’ll drift down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a classic cruise ship, explore Abu Simbel at sunrise with a local guide, ride horses through Edfu’s old streets, and float over ancient tombs in a hot air balloon. Expect laughter over shared meals and quiet moments as you watch Egypt’s past slide by outside your window.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull as we boarded the Nile cruise in Aswan — that and the smell of strong coffee drifting from somewhere below deck. Our guide, Ahmed, waved us over with a smile that made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone he’d been waiting for. He pointed out the High Dam in the distance (“not much to look at, but it changed everything,” he said) before we climbed into a little boat to reach Philae Temple. The motor sputtered and I got splashed; my shirt still smelled faintly of river by dinner.

Abu Simbel meant waking up when it was still dark — not my best hour. Everyone in our small group was half asleep on the van except Ahmed, who kept telling stories about Ramses II and Nefertari. When we finally stood in front of those giant statues, sun just touching their faces, I felt tiny but weirdly calm. Onboard again by noon, lunch tasted better than usual (maybe because I’d barely eaten breakfast). Sailing north toward Kom Ombo, I watched kids waving from muddy banks and tried to catch what they were shouting. No luck — my Arabic’s hopeless.

The next day had this odd rhythm: horse carriages clattering through Edfu’s streets at breakfast time (the driver called his horse “Pepsi,” which cracked everyone up), then cool stone under my hands inside Horus Temple. Later on deck, tea in hand, I watched the Nile slide by — green fields on one side, desert haze on the other. By Luxor we’d all gotten sunburned noses and a little too used to afternoon naps. That night’s belly dancing show was… well, let’s just say I’m glad there aren’t photos of me trying to dance along.

I didn’t expect to love floating above Luxor in a hot air balloon so much — but honestly? Seeing the Valley of the Kings from above at sunrise is something I still think about when mornings are gray back home. After landing (bit bumpy), we wandered among tombs carved into rock and listened as Ahmed explained why some pharaohs hid their treasures so deep underground. It’s hard not to touch everything even though you know you shouldn’t.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet guide at Aswan arrival point
• Transfer to 5-star Nile Cruise
• Check in and have 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 rock-cut temples
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Sail to Kom Ombo city
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on cruise and sail to Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor arrival

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

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and Luxor tour

• Early pick up for hot air balloon flight
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple on East Bank
• Transfer to Luxor hotel, airport, or station

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

Yes, pickup from Aswan east bank hotels is included; west bank pickups are available for an extra fee.

How long does the day trip to Abu Simbel take?

The trip starts around 4:30 am and returns by noon—about 7-8 hours total including travel time.

Is the hot air balloon ride in Luxor part of this tour?

Yes, a 30-45 minute hot air balloon flight over Luxor is included (weather permitting).

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Full board meals are included during your three nights onboard the Nile cruise ship.

What sites will we see between Aswan and Luxor?

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

Are entry fees covered in this tour package?

No explicit mention; check with your operator if entry fees are included or paid separately onsite.

Can children join the hot air balloon ride?

Children under 6 years old are not allowed on the balloon ride for safety reasons.

How many people will be in my group for Abu Simbel?

The Abu Simbel excursion is shared with a small group led by an English-speaking guide.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Aswan (with optional pickup from west bank hotels for an extra fee), all transfers by air-conditioned vehicles with qualified drivers, three nights’ accommodation on a five-star Nile cruise ship with full board meals throughout your stay, guided visits with an Egyptologist at each major site including Abu Simbel (shared small group), entry to temples along the route between Aswan and Luxor such as Philae and Kom Ombo (entry fees may vary), plus a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor if weather allows before drop-off at your chosen spot in Luxor city.