Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel: 3-Night Nile Cruise with Temples

Summary

Ancient wonders by river, sunrise at Abu Simbel and temple stories

You’ll drift along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 3-night cruise, waking early for Abu Simbel’s sunrise magic and exploring ancient temples with local guides who bring history alive. Expect laughter over dinner, cool stone beneath your fingers, and moments that linger long after you leave Egypt’s riverbanks.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how quiet the Nile could be until that first night on the ship. There was this soft hum from the water against the hull and somewhere nearby, someone laughed — probably one of the crew. We’d just arrived in Aswan and our guide, Ahmed, met us right at the dock. He had this easy way of explaining things; when we took the little motorboat out to Philae Temple, he pointed out birds I’d never seen and told us about Isis like she was an old friend. The stone felt cool under my hands even though it was already warm outside.

The day trip to Abu Simbel started before sunrise — 4am pickup (I’m not a morning person but somehow it felt worth it). The breakfast box was simple but I still remember the taste of those sweet dates as we watched the desert go by through dusty windows. At the temples, our group clustered around a local guide who spoke about Ramses II as if he might walk past any minute. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared at how sunlight hit those giant statues. The drive back to Aswan was quiet; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or maybe just tired.

Sailing downriver after lunch felt almost lazy — we passed tiny villages where kids waved from muddy banks and women carried baskets balanced perfectly on their heads. At Kom Ombo Temple, there was this smell of incense mixed with river air. Ahmed joked about crocodile mummies (“No live ones here now!”) and showed us carvings I’d have missed on my own. Evenings on board were relaxed: buffet dinners (the lentil soup was surprisingly good), music drifting up from below deck, people swapping stories over tea.

By Luxor, I’d stopped trying to keep track of which pharaoh built what — Karnak Temple just kind of swallowed me up with its columns and sunlight slanting through dust. Our guide handed us tickets for Valley of the Kings (“Pick your three tombs wisely,” he grinned) and helped me pronounce Hatshepsut without totally embarrassing myself (almost). I still think about that moment standing in a tomb painted blue with stars overhead — it’s strange what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet guide after arrival
• Visit Philae Temple on Agilica Island
• Free time for photos at temple
• Drive to Aswan High Dam
• Enjoy view of Lake Naser
• Check in to Nile cruise ship
• Lunch on board

Day 2 — Abusimbel and Kom Ombo tour

• Receive breakfast box
• Depart at 4 am for Abusimbel temples
• Guided tour of Abusimbel temples
• Drive back to Aswan
• Lunch on board
• Sail to Kom Ombo city
• Tour Kom Ombo Temple and crocodile museum
• Dinner on board
• Sail to Edfu city

Day 3 — Edfu temple and Nile sailing

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage to Temple of Horus
• Visit Temple of Horus
• Return to ship by horse carriage
• Enjoy sailing along Nile river
• Cross Esna lock
• Continue sailing to Luxor city

Day 4 — Luxor full day tour

• Breakfast on board
• Check out and store luggage
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Tour Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Drop off at hotel, train station, or airport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

No, but you’re met by your guide upon arrival in Aswan and transfers between sites are included during the tour.

How long is the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?

It’s about 290 kilometers each way; expect roughly 3-4 hours each direction for the Abu Simbel day trip.

Are all entry fees covered during this tour?

Yes, all monument entry tickets are included in your booking price—no hidden fees.

Is food provided on board?

Yes, meals are served buffet-style on the cruise ship with options suitable for most diets; breakfast boxes are provided for early excursions like Abu Simbel.

Can infants or wheelchair users join this cruise?

Yes, both infants (with special seats available) and wheelchair users can join; most areas are accessible.

What’s included in the Abu Simbel day trip?

A group-guided tour with transportation from your ship lobby at 4am, entry tickets, and a breakfast box are all included.

Where does the cruise start and end?

The cruise starts in Aswan and ends in Luxor; drop-off is available at Luxor hotels, train station or airport.

Are private transfers to Hurghada or Marsa Alam possible after?

Yes—just let them know at least a day before if you want help arranging a transfer after your tour ends in Luxor.

What’s included

Your journey covers all monument entry fees—including Philae Temple, Abu Simbel temples (with guided group tour), Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu’s Horus Temple, Valley of the Kings (three tombs), Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple—plus daily meals aboard a five-star deluxe Nile cruise ship. Early morning excursions include breakfast boxes; transportation between sites is handled throughout your stay.