Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise: Temples, Balloon Ride & Full Board

Summary

Three days sailing Egypt’s Nile past temples, tombs & sunrise skies

You’ll drift down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor with an Egyptologist guide, explore temples like Abu Simbel and Karnak, ride a hot air balloon over ancient tombs at sunrise, and share meals on board as river life passes by. Every moment feels both ordinary and magical — especially when you catch yourself grinning for no reason at all.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the light hit Abu Simbel that first morning — kind of pinkish gold, like someone had painted it on. Our guide, Youssef, explained how Ramses II built it so the sun would line up just right twice a year. I was mostly just staring at those giant statues and trying to imagine what it sounded like when they carved them out. There was this faint smell of dust and something sweet from a vendor’s cart nearby. We shuffled back onto the bus and then onto our cruise ship, which honestly felt more comfortable than I expected (the sheets were crisp, not scratchy — small win).

The Nile itself is quieter than I thought. Sometimes you hear kids laughing on the banks or see fishermen waving as you drift by. At Kom Ombo Temple, Youssef pointed out carvings of ancient surgical tools — I’d never noticed those in photos before. Dinner back on board was noisy with clinking plates and people swapping stories about what surprised them most that day. The next morning we rode in a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple; I tried to thank our driver in Arabic but he just grinned and gave me a thumbs-up.

I didn’t sleep much that last night because I kept thinking about the hot air balloon ride over Luxor. It’s hard to describe what it feels like floating above the Valley of the Kings as everything turns blue-grey below you — kind of peaceful but also unreal. After landing (a bit bumpy), we wandered through Hatshepsut’s temple and I touched one of the cool stone columns when no one was looking. By the time we reached Karnak Temple, my phone battery was dead but honestly, some things are better left unfiltered anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo Temples

• Pickup and travel to Abu Simbel Temple
• Guided tour of Abu Simbel Temple
• Board cruise ship
• Sail to Kom Ombo Temple
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Return to ship for dinner

Day 2 — Visit Edfu Temple by carriage

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

Day 3 — Hot air balloon and Luxor sights

• Pickup from cruise ship
• Hot air balloon flight
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Felucca sail on Nile
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in both Aswan and Luxor.

How long is the cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 2 nights and 3 days.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included while on board the cruise ship.

Does this tour include entry to Abu Simbel?

Yes, there is a guided visit to Abu Simbel Temple after pickup.

Is there a hot air balloon ride over Luxor?

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor is part of this tour.

Do we get a private cabin on the boat?

Yes, each guest has a private cabin with full amenities on the cruise ship.

Is transportation between sites air-conditioned?

Yes, all ground transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle.

Are infants or small children allowed on this cruise?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off in both Aswan and Luxor, guided tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist at every major site (Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple), private cabins aboard a five-star Nile cruise ship with all meals provided throughout your stay, plus a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Horse carriage rides at Edfu are covered too — so you really just have to show up ready for adventure.