Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise: Ancient Temples & Local Guide

Summary

Explore Egypt’s ancient wonders by Nile cruise with expert guide

You’ll travel from Aswan to Luxor by Nile cruise with an Egyptologist guide, visiting temples like Philae and Kom Ombo, exploring Karnak at sunset, and descending into tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Expect real moments: local food on deck, laughter with fellow travelers, and quiet awe among ancient stones.

What’s the experience like?

We boarded the cruise in Aswan just after lunch — I still remember the faint smell of cardamom tea drifting through the lounge. Our guide, Ahmed, greeted us with this easy warmth that made me relax right away. He joked about how everyone always tries to pronounce “Philae” differently (I definitely did). The afternoon sun was sharp but not harsh as we set off for Philae Temple. The boat ride there was quiet except for the slap of water against the hull and a few kids waving from the bank. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing among those columns — you could almost hear stories echoing off the stone.

The next morning started early — like, before sunrise early — for Abu Simbel. Honestly, I almost skipped it because I’m not a morning person, but seeing those colossal statues in that pale pink light? Worth every yawn. Back on board, we drifted past villages where laundry flapped on lines and fishermen called out to each other. Lunch was simple but good (the eggplant stew surprised me), and then we stopped at Kom Ombo Temple. There’s something about touching those old carvings that makes history feel less like a museum and more like a memory you can almost reach.

By the time we reached Luxor, I’d lost track of days a bit. Karnak Temple is just massive — Ahmed pointed out details I’d never have noticed alone, like tiny chisel marks or faded paint in shadowy corners. At sunset in Luxor Temple, everything glowed gold and orange; even the air felt different somehow. That night on deck was noisy with laughter from our little group (and maybe too much hibiscus tea). The river at night is quieter than you’d think.

The last day hit me harder than expected. Walking through the Valley of the Kings felt heavy — it’s silent down there except for your own footsteps and sometimes your breath catching when you see those painted ceilings up close. Hatshepsut’s temple rises out of the rock like it grew there by accident; our guide told stories about her reign that made her seem less distant than any textbook ever did. And then those two giant statues — Colossi of Memnon — just sitting there watching over everything. It’s hard to explain what lingers after a trip like this… but I still think about that river light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan Highlights

• Check in and lunch on cruise
• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo

• Optional trip to Abu Simbel Temples
• Cruise to Kom Ombo and visit temple
• Cruise to Edfu, dinner and oriental party

Day 3 — Edfu and Luxor Temples

• Visit Edfu Temple
• Tour Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple at sunset

Day 4 — Valley of the Kings and Monuments

• Visit Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues

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 an Egyptologist guide included on this tour?

Yes, an Egyptologist tour guide accompanies you throughout.

Are meals included during the Nile cruise?

Full board is included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served onboard.

What temples do you visit between Aswan and Luxor?

You visit Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, plus Valley of the Kings and Colossi of Memnon.

Is pickup provided for this Nile cruise tour?

Pickup is included upon arrival in Aswan for check-in to your cruise ship.

Can you visit Abu Simbel during this itinerary?

An optional early-morning trip to Abu Simbel is available with private vehicle transfer.

Are public transportation options nearby at embarkation/disembarkation?

Yes, public transportation options are available near both Aswan and Luxor ports.

Is this tour suitable for families or all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup in Aswan upon arrival, three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with all meals provided (full board), guided tours led by an Egyptologist at every major site from Philae to Karnak and beyond, comfortable air-conditioned transport for excursions—including an optional trip to Abu Simbel—and plenty of time to soak up river life between ancient wonders before checkout in Luxor.