Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise, Valley of the Kings & Private Egyptologist

Philae at sunrise, Kom Ombo’s carvings, Karnak’s columns and quiet Nile nights

You’ll wake up with Nile views outside your window and step into ancient temples with a private Egyptologist who brings every carving alive. From Philae’s island sunrise to Karnak’s golden pillars and silent tombs in the Valley of the Kings, you’ll feel both taken care of and completely transported: like history is happening right under your feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple

• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Explore Philae Temple
• Check-in Nile Cruise

Day 2: Kom Ombo Temple and Sailing to Edfu

• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Sail to Edfu

Day 3: Edfu Temple and Luxor Arrival

• Visit Edfu Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Overnight Nile Cruise

Day 4: Luxor West Bank and Departure

• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Visit Karnak Temple

The experience

I still remember the way the light hit Philae Temple that first morning outside Aswan. It was almost too early for my brain to work, but our Egyptologist guide (his name was Ahmed, he joked it’s always Ahmed in Egypt) handed me a tiny cup of thick coffee as we stepped onto the boat to Agilkia Island. The air smelled like river water and diesel. I kept staring at those carved columns, half-listening as Ahmed explained how they moved the whole temple after the dam was built. I’d read about that before, but seeing it: well, it just felt different.

The cruise itself was quieter than I expected. At Kom Ombo Temple, we wandered past reliefs of crocodiles and falcons while two local kids tried to sell us little clay Sobeks (I bought one, he’s now missing an eye). There was this odd silence inside the temple. Just our footsteps echoing off stone. Lunch on board meant grilled fish and rice with cumin. I ate too fast because I wanted to get back out on deck and watch the banks slide by. The Nile is slower than you think. Sometimes you just sit there watching farmers wave from their fields or listening to nothing but water slapping against the hull.

Edfu Temple surprised me. It’s massive and somehow still feels hidden away. Our guide pointed out battle scenes between Horus and Seth. He made a joke about family drama in ancient times (I laughed too loud). By Luxor, my head was spinning from all the stories: Ramses here, Hatshepsut there. We walked through Karnak Temple’s forest of pillars in late afternoon when everything glowed gold. At Valley of the Kings, standing in front of tomb paintings so bright they looked fake. I got goosebumps. You can’t really prepare for that.

I didn’t expect to sleep so well on a boat, but maybe it was all that sun or maybe just knowing everything was sorted for us: transfers, entry tickets, even cold drinks after dusty walks. Sometimes I still think about floating down the Nile at night with nothing but stars overhead and wonder if those old gods are still watching.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel or airport pickup in Aswan (or even from your previous cruise port), private sightseeing tours led by an Egyptologist guide who actually knows how to make hieroglyphics interesting (trust me), private air-conditioned transfers between every site so you never have to sweat logistics, all taxes and service charges handled behind-the-scenes so you don’t get surprise fees later, plus three nights full-board accommodation in your own Nile-view cabin before drop-off in Luxor, or wherever you need next.

Options for this experience

3 options

Standard Nile CruiseGuide in English · 31 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 21:00Standard Nile Cruise, pickup is included

Deluxe Nile CruiseGuide in English · 28 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 19:30Deluxe Nile Cruise, includes pickup

Luxury Nile CruiseGuide in English · 25 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 18:30Luxury Nile Cruise, pickup is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and Friday31 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 21:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by ERT Nile Cruises

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 4 days with 3 nights onboard a 5-star ship.

What temples do you visit during this Aswan to Luxor cruise?

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

Is there a private guide included on this Nile cruise?

Yes, a licensed English-speaking Egyptologist accompanies you throughout.

Are transfers included between sites?

Private air-conditioned transfers are included for all sightseeing stops.

Is food included on board?

Yes, full-board meals are provided in your private cabin during the cruise.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Aswan?

Pickup is available from hotels, airports or cruise ports in Aswan.

Can travelers visit tombs inside Valley of the Kings?

Guided visits include access to several tombs within Valley of the Kings.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for travelers of all physical fitness levels.