Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel & Balloon Ride

Summary

See ancient temples, Nubian culture, and sunrise views on the Nile

You’ll drift along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a small-group cruise, exploring ancient temples like Abu Simbel and Karnak with an expert guide. Taste local dishes onboard, meet Nubian families on Soheil Island, and float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon if you choose. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s feeling history under your feet and catching yourself smiling at strangers across centuries.

What’s the experience like?

Woke up in Aswan with that weird mix of nerves and excitement you get before something big. The air felt cooler than I expected as we stepped out—almost dusty sweet, like old stone baking in the sun. Our guide, Hany, met us right at the airport with this easy smile (I think he’s done this a thousand times). He got us onto the cruise ship in no time. Lunch was already waiting—rice with cumin, grilled chicken, and these little pickled things I still can’t name. I kept glancing out at the river, trying to believe I was really here.

The first day blurred by: the High Dam (honestly bigger than it looks in pictures), then a boat ride to Philae Temple where the motor sputtered and everyone laughed. Hany told stories about Isis and Osiris while we wandered through columns covered in carvings—he even pointed out graffiti from Victorian tourists. That night there was music on deck; some kids danced while their parents watched the river slip past. I tried hibiscus tea for the first time—tart and cold against all that warm air.

The next morning started early for Abu Simbel (optional but worth every minute of lost sleep). Four hours driving south as dawn crept over the desert. The temples just appear out of nowhere—colossal statues staring straight through you. Onboard again by noon, we sailed toward Kom Ombo Temple where crocodile mummies are lined up behind glass. There’s something strange about watching palm trees drift by while you’re thinking about ancient gods.

I loved Edfu most—the horse carriage ride through town felt almost too fast but our driver grinned every time we hit a bump. The temple is so well preserved it almost feels new. Later that afternoon we crossed Esna Lock; people waved from shore as we floated by. In Luxor, everything gets bigger: Karnak’s pillars make you feel tiny, and if you do the balloon ride at sunrise (I did), there’s this hush over the whole valley that made me forget to take photos for a minute or two.

The last morning was a blur of tombs and legends—the Valley of the Kings is quiet except for your footsteps echoing inside painted corridors. Hatshepsut’s temple stands sharp against blue sky; our guide explained her story with real pride (and a little gossip about her nephew). By afternoon I was tired but didn’t want it to end yet—you know that feeling? Even now I catch myself thinking about those slow mornings on deck with coffee and sunlight flickering off the Nile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet guide at Aswan Airport
• Transfer to 5-star Nile Cruise
• Lunch on board
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple by motorboat
• Dinner and folkloric show on cruise

Day 2 — Abu Simbel or Nubian village and Kom Ombo

• Optional Abu Simbel or Nubian village tour
• Lunch on board
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on board
• Sail to Edfu for overnight

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor arrival

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage to Edfu Temple
• Return to cruise and sail to Luxor
• Cross Esna Lock
• Lunch and afternoon tea on board
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner and belly dancing show

Day 4 — Luxor balloon ride and tours

• Optional hot air balloon ride
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Transfer to Luxor Hotel or Airport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from Aswan hotels or airport; drop-off is provided in Luxor.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, full board meals are included throughout your 4-day Nile cruise.

Can I visit Abu Simbel during this trip?

Yes, an optional excursion to Abu Simbel is available on day two (extra fee may apply).

Is there a hot air balloon ride over Luxor?

Yes, you can join an optional sunrise balloon flight over Luxor’s West Bank.

Are entrance fees to temples included?

Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary is included; some optional tours have extra fees.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, families with children are welcome; some age restrictions apply for balloon rides.

How many nights do we stay onboard?

You’ll spend three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship between Aswan and Luxor.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

An expert English-speaking Egyptologist guide accompanies all tours.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Aswan airport or hotel by air-conditioned vehicle, three nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with all meals provided daily, guided visits to major sites like Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and more—with all local taxes covered—and options for extra experiences like Abu Simbel or a sunrise hot air balloon ride before drop-off in Luxor.