Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel & Balloon

Summary

Sail the nile from aswan to luxor with temples and balloon ride

You’ll sail from Aswan to Luxor on a classic Nile cruise with a local guide — exploring Abu Simbel at sunrise, wandering ancient temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu, sipping tea on deck as villages slip by, then soaring over Luxor in a hot air balloon before breakfast. It’s a journey full of small surprises and moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that bend in the river? My grandfather used to fish there,” our guide Mahmoud said, pointing out over the deck rail as we left Aswan behind. The Nile looked almost lazy in the late morning light — green islands drifting by, kids waving from the banks. I’d never been on a river cruise before (not counting that one time on the Seine, which doesn’t count), so I didn’t really know what to expect. The boat itself was fancier than I thought — soft sheets, proper showers, even a disco ball for later (which made me laugh). Lunch was served just as we started moving; I can still taste that first spoonful of lentil soup, warm and earthy with cumin. I tried saying “shukran” for thank you — Mahmoud grinned and corrected my accent gently.

The day started early — like, before-the-sun early — with a drive south to Abu Simbel. It’s a long way (almost 3 hours each direction), but honestly, seeing those giant statues at dawn was worth every minute of lost sleep. There’s something about standing under stone that old while birds chatter in the cool air that makes you feel small in a good way. Back on board, we sailed past Nubian villages where women worked in fields and little boats darted between reeds. At Kom Ombo temple, crocodile carvings stared down at us; Mahmoud told us stories about Sobek that made me wish I’d paid more attention in history class.

The next morning brought horse-drawn carriages rattling through Edfu’s streets — not exactly smooth but kind of fun if you don’t mind dust in your hair. The Temple of Horus is huge and surprisingly well-kept; sunlight slanted through columns while our group shuffled quietly behind Mahmoud’s explanations. By afternoon we were back on deck with sweet tea and sticky fingers from date pastries, watching the river turn gold as we drifted towards Luxor. There’s this moment just before sunset when everything goes quiet except for the slap of water against hull — I still think about that sometimes.

Our last day started even earlier (I know!) for the hot air balloon over Luxor. No cameras allowed up there except phones, which felt weirdly freeing — just you and the view: green fields below, ancient ruins poking through mist, city waking up slow. Landing felt like coming back from another world. After breakfast it was time to go our separate ways: some to hotels, others to trains or flights. It all went by fast but left me with this odd mix of tiredness and awe… hard to explain unless you’ve floated above Luxor yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo & Sailing

• Visit Abu Simbel temple and sail Nile cruise
• Visit Kom Ombo temple at sunset

Day 2 — Edfu Temple & Sailing to Luxor

• Visit Edfu temple by horse and carriage

Day 3 — Luxor & Hot Air Balloon

• Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 2 nights, starting in Aswan and ending in Luxor.

Is Abu Simbel included in this tour?

Yes, an early morning trip to Abu Simbel is included with pickup from your hotel or cruise.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the third day.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, door-to-door transfers are included at both Aswan and Luxor ends.

Are entrance fees for temples included?

The tour includes guided visits; entry fees are covered as per itinerary details.

Is there a hot air balloon ride over Luxor?

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

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay two nights onboard a 5-star Nile cruise boat with private cabin facilities.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are welcome; special arrangements exist for infants and young kids regarding seating and room sharing.

If weather cancels Abu Simbel or balloon ride do I get refunded?

If either is canceled due to weather, you’ll receive $30 USD per person refund for each activity missed.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus at both ends; two nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship; all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day three; guided tours of Abu Simbel (with early morning transfer), Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple (by horse carriage), plus a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor; all taxes and handling fees are covered too—so you can just show up ready for adventure.