Luxor to Aswan: 5-Day Nile Cruise with Temples & Full Board

Summary

Temple columns sunrise over the nile laughter with guides and ancient stories

You’ll float down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan with all meals included, stopping for temple tours with a real Egyptologist guide and lively evenings on board. Expect moments of silence on deck at sunrise, laughter during local parties, and stories carved into stone walls older than memory itself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how quiet it got as we first pulled away from Luxor — just the slow churn of the river and a breeze that smelled faintly sweet, like dates and something I couldn’t name. Our Egyptologist guide, Hany, grinned at us as we tried (and failed) to pronounce “Karnak” the right way. He said my version sounded like a type of bread. We started at Karnak Temple that afternoon, weaving through those massive columns while Hany pointed out graffiti left by ancient priests. It was hotter than I expected — I mean, really hot — but somehow that made the shade under those stone arches feel almost sacred. Lunch back on board tasted better than it probably should have (I think I was just starving). There was a belly dance show after dinner; some people joined in but I just watched and laughed along.

The second morning in Luxor was all about the West Bank. If you ever get a chance to do the optional hot air balloon at sunrise — do it. I didn’t (bit too chicken), but folks who did came back glowing. We walked through the Valley of the Kings with dust crunching under our shoes and Hany telling stories about tomb curses and lost treasures. The Temple of Hatshepsut looked almost unreal against those cliffs; you could smell limestone baking in the sun. At one point, an old man selling postcards winked at me and called me “Cleopatra.” I still have no idea why.

By day three, sailing south felt hypnotic — hours drifted by between Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, watching life along the banks: kids waving, women doing laundry in bright scarves. The temple of Horus had falcon carvings so sharp they looked new. That night there was a Galabia party on board (think: everyone in loose Egyptian robes), which got silly fast when someone tried to teach us local dance steps. My feet are not made for that rhythm.

Aswan’s quieter than Luxor somehow — maybe it’s just slower? Visiting Philae Temple by boat felt different; water everywhere, birds calling from reeds. The Unfinished Obelisk is massive up close — you can run your hand over ancient chisel marks if you want (I did). Last morning was bittersweet packing up after breakfast; some people went off to Abu Simbel but I stayed behind for one last tea on deck before we disembarked. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Embark cruise and visit Luxor temples

• Arrive in Luxor
• Transfer to Nile Cruise
• Lunch on board
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Belly dance show

Day 2 — West Bank Luxor and Valley of Kings

• Breakfast on board
• Optional hot air balloon ride
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Sail to Edfu via Esna

Day 3 — Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo temples

• Visit Edfu Temple
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Sail to Aswan
• Galabia party after dinner

Day 4 — Aswan sightseeing and Nile felucca ride

• Breakfast on board
• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Lunch on board
• Felucca ride around Kitchener Island

Day 5 — Disembark and optional Abu Simbel tour

• Breakfast on board
• Check-out from cruise
• Optional Abu Simbel tour
• Transfer to Aswan hotel, airport, or train station

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Nile cruise tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel, Luxor airport or train station at the start of your cruise.

Are meals provided during the 5-day Nile cruise?

Yes, full board is included—breakfast, lunch, dinner plus afternoon tea are all served onboard.

Does this tour include visits to Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings?

Yes, both Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings are part of the itinerary with guided visits.

Is there an Egyptologist guide during excursions?

Yes, a qualified Egyptologist guide leads all temple tours and excursions throughout the cruise.

Are transfers between sites private or shared?

This tour uses private deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this cruise?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available if requested at time of booking.

Is this Nile cruise wheelchair accessible?

The cruise ship and transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the trip.

What is included in the price besides accommodation?

The price includes all meals onboard, guided tours to major temples, bottled water during visits, taxes and service charges.

What’s included

Your journey includes four nights’ accommodation on a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise ship with full board—breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard—plus afternoon tea each day. You’ll have all transfers handled by private air-conditioned vehicle from arrival in Luxor to departure in Aswan. Guided temple visits come with a professional Egyptologist leading every step; bottled water is provided during excursions too.