Luxor to Aswan: 2-Night Nile Cruise with Temples & Abu Simbel

Summary

Ancient tombs, riverside villages & temple stories along the Nile

You’ll step inside royal tombs at Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, drift along the Nile past villages and palm groves, explore temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo with your guide’s stories bringing them alive, then wake early for sunrise at Abu Simbel before ending in colorful Aswan. It’s not just history—it feels personal somehow.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured the Nile as something out of a storybook—so when we boarded our cruise in Luxor after an early pickup (I was still half-asleep), it felt surreal. Our guide, Hany, had this way of making hieroglyphics sound like gossip from a few thousand years ago. At the Valley of the Kings, he pointed out details I’d never have noticed—tiny blue paint still clinging to stone, the air inside cool and oddly sweet. I tried to imagine what it must’ve been like for those ancient workers carving in near-darkness. The morning sun outside was already sharp by the time we reached Hatshepsut’s temple—sand crunching underfoot, kids selling postcards in bursts of Arabic that made me smile.

The first lunch on board was better than I expected (I’m picky about rice), and drifting past palm trees and little villages felt peaceful in a way that surprised me. There was this moment up on deck where you could hear nothing but water lapping and distant voices from fishermen. The next day at Edfu Temple, we rode in these horse carriages—ours had a driver named Mahmoud who sang quietly to himself. I probably butchered “shukran” but he laughed anyway. Kom Ombo Temple was stranger than I’d thought—a crocodile museum? Who knew. The sandstone there felt warm even late in the day.

Our last morning started before sunrise (not my finest hour). But Abu Simbel really does hit differently at dawn—the light makes everything look carved from gold. The drive back to Aswan was quiet; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. I kept thinking about all those stories layered into the riverbanks—how much has changed and how much hasn’t. We ended at Aswan Market with its bright spices and calls from vendors—I bought hibiscus tea because Hany said it helps with the heat (can’t say if it works, but it tastes good).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor sightseeing and cruise boarding

• Hotel pick up in Luxor
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Hatshepsut Temple
• Explore Temple of Ramses III
• See Memnon statues and Karnak Temple
• Board Nile cruise and have lunch
• Enjoy scenery from boat roof

Day 2 — Temple visits and cruising

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage to Temple of Horus
• Return to boat for lunch
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 3 — Abu Simbel visit and departure

• Check out from boat early morning
• Visit Abu Simbel Temple
• Transfer to Aswan airport or train

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?

The cruise lasts 2 nights and 3 days between Luxor and Aswan.

Are meals included on this Nile cruise?

Yes, full-board meals are included except drinks.

What temples do you visit during this tour?

You visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Abu Simbel.

Is hotel pickup included for this cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup in Luxor is included at around 7:00 AM.

Do you get a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout.

Is transportation provided between sites?

All transportation during the tour is included.

Can infants join this Nile cruise?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Aswan with drop-off at either airport or train station.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Luxor, all site entry fees along the route from Karnak to Abu Simbel, accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full-board meals (excluding drinks), a friendly local guide throughout your trip, all necessary taxes and transport between locations—including final drop-off in Aswan—so you can just focus on what you’re seeing (and maybe tasting some hibiscus tea along the way).