3-Day Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor: Hot Air Balloon & Temples

You see the temples from the air before you walk through them.

A 3-day private Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor includes a 5-star cabin, all meals, a professional Egyptologist guide in English, and a hot air balloon ride over the west bank. The itinerary covers Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple, with a felucca sailing boat ride and a horse carriage excursion at Edfu. Temple entry fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Abu Simbel, Cruise Boarding, Kom Ombo

• Pick up at 4 am
• Visit Abu Simbel temple
• Board cruise ship
• Visit Kom Ombo temple
• Return to ship for dinner

Day 2: Edfu Temple Visit

• Breakfast on cruise
• Visit Edfu Temple by horse carriage
• Return to cruise ship
• Lunch on cruise
• Dinner on cruise

Day 3: Hot Air Balloon and Luxor Sights

• Pick up from cruise ship
• Hot air balloon flight
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Sail Nile on felucca boat
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

You're picked up at 4 am from Aswan and driven to Abu Simbel, the grandest temple commissioned during Ramesses II's reign. After a guided tour, you board the cruise ship and sail to Kom Ombo Temple, which stands unique for its dual dedication to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Dinner happens on deck as the Nile carries you south.

Day two moves at a slower pace. After breakfast, you travel by horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple, one of Egypt's best-preserved shrines, then return to the ship. The real shift comes on day three: you rise early for a 45–80 minute hot air balloon flight at over 1500 feet, where the Valley of the Kings and the surrounding desert unfold below you. After landing, you visit the valley itself on foot, then move through the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut with its three massive terraces rising from the desert floor. The Colossi of Memnon come next, followed by a traditional felucca sailing boat ride on the Nile where you can relax with a drink. You finish at Karnak Temple (the greatest example of ancient worship, dedicated to the triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu), and end at Luxor Temple before being dropped at your hotel.

Your cabin stays on the ship all three nights, so you unpack once. A private Egyptologist guide walks you through each site in English, and the ship's kitchen handles all meals. An air-conditioned vehicle moves you between the boat and the temples. The only logistics you arrange are your own arrival in Aswan and your choice of ship class at checkout.

What’s included

• Professional private Egyptologist guide in English.
• 2 nights and 3 days accommodation in a private cabin on a 5-star cruise ship.
• all meals on board.
• air-conditioned vehicle for ground transport.
• horse carriage ride at Edfu.
• 45–80 minute hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings.
• guided tours at Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.
• traditional felucca sailing boat ride on the Nile.

Options for this experience

3 options

Standard ShipGuide in English · 04:00Includes pickup

Deluxe ShipGuide in English · 04:00Includes pickup

Luxury ShipGuide in English · 04:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 04:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Nice tours

Is this one for you?Choose the ship class that matches your budget and comfort level: all three sail the same route and visit the same temples, so the itinerary and the balloon flight don't change. The early morning pickup and full day of walking on day three suit travelers who can manage an active pace. If you prefer a gentler rhythm, a slower-paced 5-day cruise might work better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).

What's included in the 3-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise includes your private cabin on the ship for 2 nights, all meals, a professional Egyptologist guide, an air-conditioned vehicle for ground transport, a horse carriage ride at Edfu, and the hot air balloon flight. Temple entrance fees are paid separately.

When does the hot air balloon flight happen, and how long does it last?

The hot air balloon flight occurs on day three and runs 45–80 minutes at a height of over 1500 feet, giving you views of the Valley of the Kings and the surrounding landscape before you visit the temples on foot.

What temples do I visit on this 3-day cruise?

You visit Abu Simbel on day one, Kom Ombo the same day, Edfu on day two, and on day three the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Each has a guided tour included.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to and from Aswan?

Pickup is included in the cruise package, so you're collected from your Aswan location on day one at around 4 am. On day three, you're dropped at your hotel in Luxor after the final temple visit.

Can I choose which ship I sail on?

Yes, you select your ship class at checkout: Luxury, Deluxe, or Standard. All three options include the same itinerary, guide, meals, and activities. The difference is the cabin and onboard amenities.