Luxor to Aswan: Guided Day Tour with Temples & Lunch

Summary

Explore ancient temples from Luxor to Aswan with a local guide

You’ll travel from Luxor to Aswan with a local guide, exploring Edfu’s ancient carvings and Kom Ombo’s twin temples before crossing to Philae Island by boat. Enjoy an authentic Egyptian lunch along the way and relax with included hotel pickup—plus stories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the morning air felt—cool but already hinting at the heat to come—as we climbed into the van outside our hotel in Luxor. Our guide, Hossam, greeted us with this easy smile and handed out bottles of water before we set off toward Edfu. The road was quiet at that hour, just a few farmers waving as we passed fields that looked almost gold in the early light. I tried to nap but kept peeking out at the Nile flickering through gaps in the sugarcane.

Stopping at the Temple of Horus in Edfu was like stepping into another world—massive stone walls covered in carvings that Hossam translated for us (I still can’t get over how he remembered all those stories). He pointed out a falcon shape I’d have missed completely. There was this faint smell of dust and incense inside, and honestly, it made me feel small in a good way. Afterward, driving on to Kom Ombo, I got hungry and started wondering what lunch would be like—maybe too early for that thought but there it was.

Kom Ombo’s double temple surprised me; half for Sobek (the crocodile god) and half for Haroeris. Hossam joked about which side had better luck—he said he always picked Sobek because he liked crocodiles as a kid. The sun was high by then and everything felt sharper: colors, sounds from the river nearby, even my own footsteps echoing off stone. Lunch came just after we reached Aswan—a simple meal in a local spot where someone’s grandmother might’ve been cooking (the bread was warm and soft; I ate too much).

Philae Temple was my favorite part—reached by boat across still water that reflected everything twice over. It’s hard to describe how quiet it felt there except for birds calling somewhere behind the columns. We ended at the Aswan High Dam, which is massive but somehow less mysterious than all those ancient stones. On the drive back (or you can stay in Aswan if you want), I watched kids playing by the roadside and thought about how many lives have passed along this stretch of river. That feeling sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor to Edfu and Kom Ombo

• Pickup in Luxor and transfer to Edfu
• Visit Temple of Horus in Edfu
• Additional visit at Temple of Horus
• Explore temple inscriptions and history
• Drive to Kom Ombo and visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 2 — Aswan Highlights and Return

• Drive to Aswan and lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Transfer back to Luxor or stay in Aswan

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Luxor to Aswan?

The tour starts around 6:00 am and lasts until about 3:00 pm or later depending on traffic and stops.

Which temples are visited during this tour?

The tour visits Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan.

Is lunch included on this Luxor to Aswan day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included if you select that option when booking.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entry fees are included if you choose that option during booking; otherwise they are extra.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation in Luxor or Aswan.

Can I stay overnight in Aswan instead of returning to Luxor?

Yes, you can end your tour in Aswan if you prefer not to return to Luxor.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

A licensed local guide accompanies you throughout the tour; English-speaking guides are available.

What kind of vehicle is used for transfers?

A private air-conditioned vehicle is used for all transfers between sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees if selected during booking, bottled water throughout the journey, a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant (if option chosen), plus guiding from a licensed local expert before returning to your hotel or staying overnight in Aswan if you wish.