Aswan to Luxor: Nile Cruise with Temples & Valley of Kings

Summary

Four days drifting past temples, laughter and Nile sunsets

You’ll drift along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor with a local guide, exploring Philae Temple by boat, wandering through Kom Ombo and Edfu’s carvings, tasting Egyptian meals onboard, and standing in awe inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings. This isn’t just about monuments — it’s about feeling part of something ancient every time you step ashore.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought four days on a Nile cruise might feel slow — but it turns out I barely had time to process one ancient wonder before we were off to the next. We started in Aswan, where our guide Samira met us at the airport with this easy smile like she’d been waiting for us all week. The ship itself felt more like a moving hotel than a boat (soft beds, air conditioning that actually works), and lunch was already waiting — spiced chicken, rice that tasted faintly of cardamom. I still think about that first bite as we drifted past palm trees and little kids waving from the riverbank.

The first afternoon we visited Philae Temple. You get there by boat — which is funny because you’re already on a bigger boat — but anyway, the temple just sort of rises out of the water. Samira told us how they moved it stone by stone when the dam was built. There’s something about hearing stories like that while you’re standing in the heat, sweat trickling down your back, that makes history feel less like a museum and more like someone’s memory. Later, back on deck, we watched feluccas glide by as the sun set behind them. The air smelled faintly sweet and dusty at once.

Next day was Kom Ombo and Edfu — crocodile gods carved into sandstone, columns so tall my neck hurt looking up. There was this moment at Edfu when an old man selling postcards tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Arabic (shukran). I probably butchered it; he just laughed and handed me an extra card anyway. In between temples there was always tea on deck or someone offering dates or strong coffee — honestly, I lost track of time somewhere after Esna lock.

By Luxor, my head was spinning with names: Karnak Temple’s endless halls, Luxor Temple glowing gold at dusk. At night there was music on board — not really my thing but somehow everyone ended up dancing (even me). Last morning came too soon: Valley of the Kings before breakfast (the tombs are cool and silent inside; you can almost hear your own heart), then Hatshepsut’s temple pressed against those cliffs. It all felt both massive and strangely personal at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet and assist at Aswan arrival
• Transfer to Nile Cruise and check in
• Lunch on board
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple
• Felucca ride on the Nile
• Dinner on board
• Overnight in Aswan

Day 2 — Kom-Ombo and Edfu temples

• Breakfast on board
• Sail to Kom-Ombo
• Visit Kom-Ombo Temple
• Sail to Edfu
• Lunch on board
• Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu
• Sail to Luxor via Esna
• Cross Esna lock
• Afternoon tea on sun deck
• Free time on board
• Dinner on board
• Galabiya party
• Overnight on Nile Cruise

Day 3 — Luxor east bank temples visit

• Breakfast on board
• Free time on board
• Lunch on board
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner on board
• Disco and music evening
• Overnight in Luxor

Day 4 — Luxor west bank and departure

• Breakfast on board
• Disembark after breakfast
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Transfer to Luxor hotel, airport or station

Top questions

How many nights is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

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

Are meals included during the Nile cruise?

Yes, all meals are included onboard: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

Which temples do you visit on this cruise?

You visit Philae Temple in Aswan, Kom Ombo Temple, Temple of Horus at Edfu, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut's temple, plus see Colossi of Memnon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

Yes, pickup is available from your hotel or arrival point in Aswan.

Do you get free time during the tour?

Yes, there is free time onboard between sightseeing stops for relaxing or enjoying afternoon tea.

Is a local guide provided throughout the trip?

A tour guide accompanies you throughout all visits during the cruise.

Are entry fees to sites included?

All entry fees for listed attractions are included in your booking.

What type of accommodation is offered on board?

The cruise offers 5-star standard cabins with full board service.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Aswan (or transfer from airport or train), all entry fees for temples and monuments along the way such as Philae and Karnak Temples plus Valley of the Kings, full-board meals served onboard with Egyptian flavors each day, private transportation for excursions with a knowledgeable local guide by your side throughout—ending with drop-off in Luxor after breakfast on day four.