Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise & Hot Air Balloon Tour

Summary

Nile River Cruise with Ancient Temples & Sunrise Balloon

This is your chance to float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, cruise down the Nile with an Egyptologist guide, and wander ancient temples from Karnak to Abu Simbel. With hotel pickup, all entry fees covered, and meals on board, you’ll experience Egypt’s history up close — and probably find yourself thinking about those river sunsets long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look down now,” our guide, Hossam, whispered as the balloon basket creaked softly beneath us. I was still half-asleep from the 4am pickup in Luxor, but suddenly wide awake — below us, the Valley of the Kings glowed gold in the early light. The air was cool and dry, and someone behind me gasped when we floated over the Colossi of Memnon. I tried to take a photo but my hands were shaking (not from fear, just... awe? Or maybe too much sweet tea at breakfast). That sunrise is still stuck in my head.

The days on the Nile cruise blurred together in a good way — slow mornings drifting past palm trees and kids waving from muddy banks, afternoons exploring places like Karnak Temple or Edfu’s massive columns. Hossam always had some story about pharaohs or gods; sometimes he’d pause mid-sentence to let us listen to the call to prayer echoing off stone walls. In Kom Ombo, I remember touching the carvings — they felt warm from the sun. Lunches were noisy and full of laughter (the falafel was better than I expected), and one evening we shared pomegranate juice with a Nubian family in their village near Aswan. My Arabic is terrible but they smiled anyway.

I didn’t expect how much I’d love just sitting on deck watching life go by — fishermen mending nets, women balancing baskets on their heads, that sort of thing. The boat itself was comfortable (the showers actually worked), and every night I fell asleep listening to water slapping gently against the hull. Abu Simbel was a long drive but worth it; those statues are even bigger than you think. On our last night back in Luxor, we sailed at sunset on a felucca while drinking mint tea — not sure if it was the light or just being tired-happy after so many temples, but everything felt softer somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Bank Historical Sites

• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Explore Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Luxor old market

Day 2 — Hot Air Balloon & Cruise to Esna

• Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

• Horse carriage to Edfu Temple
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple

Day 4 — Aswan & Philae Island

• Visit Philae Temple (Isis)
• Visit Aswan High Dam and market

Day 5 — Abu Simbel & Nubian Village

• Explore Abu Simbel Temple Complex
• Visit Nubian Villages

Day 6 — Leisure Day on Board

• Relax on the Nile cruise ship

Day 7 — Dendara and Abydos Temples

• Drive north from Luxor
• Explore Abydos Temple
• Visit Dendara Temple

Day 8 — East Bank & Sunset Felucca

• Tour Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Sunset felucca ride with tea

Day 9 — Check Out and Departure

• Check out and transfer from ship

Top questions

How long is this Nile River cruise from Luxor?

The cruise lasts 8 nights and covers major sites between Luxor and Aswan.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or airport in Luxor is included at the start of your trip.

Do I need to book tickets for attractions separately?

No, all entrance fees for temples and sites are included in your booking.

What kind of boat will we stay on?

You’ll stay on a 5-star standard Nile cruise ship with private cabins and meals provided.

Is there a guide during the whole trip?

Yes, an expert Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel or airport pickup in Luxor, all entrance fees for sites like Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel, guided tours with an Egyptologist, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank, private transportation between stops (including horse carriage rides), all meals on board your 5-star Nile cruise ship cabin with full facilities, plus sunset felucca sailing before drop-off at your final accommodation or airport.