Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise Temples & Ancient Tombs Private Tour

Summary

Drifting from Aswan to Luxor past temples, tombs and Nile mornings

You’ll board a Nile cruise in Aswan with an Egyptologist guide and sail past riverside villages toward Luxor. Expect boat rides to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo’s double sanctuaries, evenings on deck watching life along the riverbanks, and time inside ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It’s not just history — it’s quiet moments between temples that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat in Aswan, still a bit dazed from the early pickup and the noise of the city. The Nile was quieter than I expected — just a few birds and that slow ripple against the hull. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned at us like he’d seen this nervous excitement a thousand times. First stop: Philae Temple. I remember the motorboat ride there, wind sticky on my face, and Ahmed telling us about Isis — honestly, I didn’t catch half of it because I was distracted by the scent of diesel and hibiscus tea someone was pouring nearby. The temple itself felt almost unreal, rising out of the water like some movie set. Kids waved at us from another boat; one shouted “Welcome!” and I waved back, probably looking ridiculous.

The days kind of blurred together after that — in a good way. Kom Ombo Temple had these crocodile mummies (yes, actual crocodiles) and the stone under my hand was warm from hours of sun. Edfu Temple was massive; our Egyptologist explained some story about Horus avenging his father but honestly, my brain was still stuck on how blue the sky looked above those columns. Meals on board were better than I expected (I kept sneaking extra bread), and every night we’d sit on deck watching villages drift by — sometimes you’d hear music or laughter from shore if you listened hard enough.

By Luxor I thought maybe I’d gotten used to ancient ruins but then we walked into Karnak Temple and it just swallowed us up — those columns are so huge you can’t really photograph them right. Ahmed pointed out tiny chisel marks left by workers thousands of years ago; for some reason that detail stuck with me more than any statue. On our last morning we visited Valley of the Kings — cool air in the tombs even though it was already hot outside, colors on the walls still bright after all these centuries. My shoes got full of sand but I didn’t care; it felt strange leaving after only four days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Aswan landmarks and temples

• Take motor boat to Philae Temple
• Visit Philae Temple on island
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk

Day 2 — Sail to Kom Ombo and optional Abu Simbel

• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Optional tour to Abu Simbel Temples

Day 3 — Visit Edfu and Luxor temples

• Visit Edfu Temple of Horus
• Sail to Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Day 4 — Disembark and explore Luxor sites

• Optional early morning tour
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• See Colossi of Memnon

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

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

Are entrance fees included in this private tour?

Yes, all entrance fees for mentioned sites are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup for this Nile cruise?

Pickup is included at your hotel or preferred location in Aswan.

What main attractions are visited during this cruise?

You’ll see Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and more.

Is an Egyptologist guide provided throughout?

Yes, a private Egyptologist guide accompanies you for all tours.

Are meals included on board?

Your accommodation includes full board meals during your 3-night cruise.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

How many people will be on this private tour?

This is a private tour for your group only; no strangers join your party.

Is public transportation available near embarkation points?

Yes, public transport options are available near embarkation locations in Aswan.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup in Aswan by air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees to temples and tombs along the route (including Philae Temple and Valley of the Kings), bottled water each day (I usually grabbed two), three nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise with full board meals—plus guidance from a real Egyptologist who actually answers your weirdest questions without blinking.