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

Hot air balloon sunrise over Luxor temples, cruise to Aswan and Abu Simbel with local guides

You’ll soar above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, walk through Karnak’s ancient columns with an Egyptologist guide, cruise down the Nile past Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, and stand before Abu Simbel’s massive statues—all with flights, hotel pickup, and meals sorted for you. It’s equal parts awe and small moments you’ll keep thinking about long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fly to Luxor and visit temples

• Drive to Cairo airport
• Fly from Cairo to Luxor
• Meet driver at Luxor airport
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Enjoy felucca ride with tea
• Board the cruise ship

Day 2 — Hot air balloon and West Bank tour

• Take sunrise hot air balloon flight
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Return to ship for dinner

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo temples visit

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage to Edfu
• Visit Temple of Horus in Edfu
• Buffet lunch on board
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Return to ship for dinner and free time

Day 4 — Abu Simbel and fly back to Cairo

• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Meet guide at Abu Simbel
• Return to cruise and collect luggage
• Transfer to Aswan airport
• Fly from Aswan to Cairo
• Driver transfer to hotel in Cairo

The Experience

I didn’t expect Cairo’s airport to be so lively at dawn—felt like half the city was awake already. The flight to Luxor was quick, but my nerves kicked in when we landed; there’s something about stepping onto new ground that always gets me. Our guide, Ahmed, was waiting outside with this easy smile. He took us straight to Karnak Temple first thing—honestly, it’s so huge you almost feel lost inside it. I remember the smell of dust and old stone in the air, and Ahmed quietly pointing out where ancient workers carved their names into a column. I tried tracing one with my finger (probably not allowed, oops). After that we wandered through Luxor Temple as the sun started dipping lower—everything turned gold for a minute or two. Then came a felucca ride on the river; someone handed me tea so sweet it made my teeth ache.

The next morning started before sunrise—no exaggeration. They bundled us into a van half-asleep for the hot air balloon ride over Luxor. There was this weird hush up there: just burners hissing and then sudden silence as we floated above fields and temples. I still think about that view sometimes—how tiny everything looked from above, even those massive statues at Colossi of Memnon later on. Our Egyptologist explained how Hatshepsut ruled for twenty years; I tried repeating her name in Arabic and got a laugh from our driver (I definitely butchered it). The Valley of the Kings felt heavy somehow—air thick with heat and history.

On day three we rattled along in a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu’s Temple of Horus—a bit touristy but honestly kind of fun after all that walking. The temple itself is wild: walls covered in stories you can’t quite read but somehow feel anyway. Lunch back on board as we drifted toward Kom Ombo—the river breeze actually felt cool for once. The Kom Ombo Temple sits right on the water; crocodile carvings everywhere (apparently they worshipped them here). By now I’d gotten used to drifting off during dinner while watching lights flicker along the Nile banks.

The last day meant an early drive out to Abu Simbel—everyone quiet at first, maybe too tired or maybe just taking it all in. Those temples are carved straight into rock cliffs; standing there you can almost hear how loud it must’ve been when they built them thousands of years ago. Our guide told us stories about Ramesses II and Nefertari like he knew them personally. Afterward we flew back to Cairo—felt like waking up from a long dream, honestly.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, round-trip domestic flights between Cairo and Upper Egypt, all transportation between sites (including a horse-drawn carriage ride in Edfu), three nights’ accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise with all meals except drinks, guided visits by an English-speaking Egyptologist at every stop—from Karnak Temple to Abu Simbel—and even a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor before returning comfortably to your hotel at journey’s end.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Nice tours

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Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cairo as part of your booking.

Do I get flights between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan?

Both departure and return flights between Cairo and Upper Egypt are included.

Is the hot air balloon ride over Luxor really at sunrise?

Yes, the balloon flight is scheduled before sunrise for views over Luxor’s temples.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Your cruise includes full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinks not included.

How do we get to Edfu Temple?

You’ll take a horse-drawn carriage from the boat to Edfu Temple with your group.

Is an English-speaking guide provided throughout?

A professional private Egyptologist English-speaking guide accompanies you at all sites.

Are entrance fees included?

No mention is made of entrance fees being included; check when booking for details.

Can children join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can use prams or strollers onboard.