Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise: 5 Days with Temples & Guided Tours

Summary

Guided Nile River Cruise: Karnak, Valley of the Kings & More

You’ll travel Egypt’s legendary Nile in comfort—visiting ancient temples with an expert guide, tasting local food, and soaking up river life from Luxor to Aswan. This cruise blends history with real moments: quiet tombs, lively markets, sunsets on deck.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping onto the cruise ship in Luxor, I felt that first wave of dry desert heat and a faint scent of jasmine from a nearby vendor. Our Egyptologist guide—Ahmed—met us at the dock, already chatting about ancient pharaohs as we checked into our cabins. The Karnak Temple complex was our first stop. Walking beneath those massive columns, you can almost hear echoes from thousands of years ago. Ahmed pointed out tiny carvings I’d have missed on my own—one looked like a little bird tucked away near the base. By sunset, we wandered through Luxor Temple, where the sandstone glowed gold and local kids played soccer just outside the gates. That night, back on board, dinner was served with plenty of fresh bread and tahini—simple but perfect after a long day.

The next morning started early with breakfast and strong coffee before heading to the West Bank. The Valley of the Kings felt quiet except for the soft crunch of gravel under our shoes. Inside Tutankhamun’s tomb, it was cooler and smelled faintly musty—like old paper. We saw Queen Hatshepsut’s temple rising out of the cliffs; honestly, it looks almost modern from a distance. The Colossi of Memnon were swarmed by birds at sunrise. Later that afternoon, as our ship sailed toward Edfu, we passed through Esna Lock—a slow process where you can watch fishermen waving from their little boats.

In Edfu, horse-drawn carriages lined up along the road to take us to the Temple of Horus. The ride was bumpy but fun; our driver sang quietly in Arabic as we rattled along. The temple itself is huge and surprisingly well-preserved—the roof still shades you from the midday sun. At Kom Ombo Temple later that day, I noticed locals selling spiced peanuts just outside—couldn’t resist grabbing a handful before heading back to the ship.

Aswan was calmer than Luxor—palms everywhere and slower traffic. Breakfast on deck with views of Elephantine Island was something I won’t forget. We visited Philae Temple by boat; dragonflies hovered over the water lilies near the dock. There was time for a felucca ride in the afternoon—wind in your face and nothing but river sounds for a while. If you want more adventure, there’s an optional trip to Abu Simbel (worth it if you’ve got energy left). Each night on board included some kind of entertainment—one evening it was a Nubian dance show with lots of laughter and clapping along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Nile Cruise and Temples

• Transfer to Nile Cruise and visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Papyrus Institute and demonstration

Day 2 — West Bank Tour and Sail to Edfu

• Visit Valley of the Kings and sail to Edfu
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari
• Visit Tomb of Tutankhamun
• Visit Tomb KV17 (Seti I)

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

• Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 4 — Aswan Free Day and Felucca Trip

• Visit High Dam and Philae Temple, felucca trip around islands

Day 5 — Aswan Tour and Optional Abu Simbel

• Free time in Aswan, optional Abu Simbel tour

Top questions

Is this Nile cruise suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes—it’s designed for all ages and fitness levels. The pace is relaxed and guides help everyone feel comfortable during tours.

Are meals included on board?

Absolutely—all meals are provided from lunch on your first day through breakfast on your last morning.

Can I visit Abu Simbel during this trip?

You can! There’s an optional excursion to Abu Simbel available when you reach Aswan (extra fee applies).

What should I pack for this cruise?

Light clothes for daytime heat, something warmer for evenings on deck, comfy shoes for walking at sites—and don’t forget sunscreen!

What’s included

Your cruise covers four nights’ accommodation in a comfortable cabin (with all facilities), all meals onboard (from lunch first day to breakfast last day), guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (including Tutankhamun’s tomb), Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Philae Temple in Aswan, plus entrance fees and all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water is provided during tours—and there’s always someone around if you need help or advice along the way.