Luxor to Aswan: Nile Cruise, Temples & Hot Air Balloon Ride

Summary

Hot air balloon sunrise then temple after temple along the Nile

You’ll float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, wander through Karnak and Hatshepsut’s temples with an Egyptologist guide, sail down the Nile on a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals, and end up exploring Aswan’s markets and Philae Temple as dusk settles in. Every day feels different—and somehow familiar—by the river.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we stepped onto the cruise in Luxor—mostly just excitement and a bit of that nervous energy you get before something big. The city was already humming when our Egyptologist met us (he had this way of making even the most complicated hieroglyphs sound like gossip). Karnak Temple felt almost too massive to take in at first. I remember touching one of the columns—warm from the morning sun—and thinking about how many hands had done the same over centuries. Our felucca ride after that was quieter than I expected; just water lapping, and a faint smell of river reeds drifting by.

The hot air balloon ride over Luxor was... well, honestly, I’m not sure words do it justice. There’s this moment when you’re above the Valley of the Kings and everything is gold and blue and silent except for the burners flaring now and then. My breakfast box got a little squished but sitting there with coffee while watching tombs from above—worth it. Back on land, our guide led us through Hatshepsut’s temple, explaining how she’d carved out her place in history (I tried to imagine her here, plotting). The Colossi of Memnon looked both lonely and proud against all that open sky.

Days started blending together in a good way—temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo, each with their own stories (the crocodile god Sobek still gives me chills). Our guide always seemed to appear right when we needed him, waving us over with a grin or sharing some myth about falcons or ancient curses. Lunches on board were noisy with laughter from other travelers; I kept reaching for more of that eggplant dish whose name I never quite caught.

By the time we reached Aswan, I was tired but happy in that deep-travel way. Standing at Philae Temple as dusk crept in, listening to our guide talk about Isis and Osiris while boats drifted past—it felt like being inside someone else’s memory for a minute. Even now, weeks later, flashes of sunlight on stone or the smell of cardamom from Aswan Market come back out of nowhere. There’s something about floating down this stretch of river that lingers long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pickup, temples, felucca, cruise boarding

• Pickup from Luxor accommodation
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Enjoy felucca ride on Nile
• Board the cruise ship

Day 2 — Balloon ride and Westbank tour

• Early morning hot air balloon ride
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Cruise departs Luxor at 2 pm

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo temples

• Visit Edfu Temple in morning
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple in afternoon

Day 4 — High Dam, obelisk, and Philae temple

• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Visit Philae Temple
• Return to cruise for lunch and rest

Day 5 — Abu Simbel temples group tour

• Early morning pickup for Abu Simbel
• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Return to Aswan ship and collect luggage
• Drop off at Aswan accommodation

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?

The cruise lasts 5 days and 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

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

Do I get a hot air balloon ride during this tour?

Yes, there is an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor included.

Are meals provided on board?

The cruise includes full-board meals throughout your journey.

What temples will we visit on this trip?

You’ll see Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and more.

Is there a local guide during tours?

A professional Egyptologist guide accompanies you at each major site.

How do we travel between sites?

You’ll use air-conditioned vehicles for excursions off-ship; all transportation is arranged.

Does this tour include Abu Simbel?

Yes, there’s a group tour to Abu Simbel temples on the last day before drop-off in Aswan.

Can infants join this Nile cruise tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Luxor by private driver, four nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star cruise ship with all meals provided daily (full-board), guided tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist at every major temple from Karnak to Philae plus Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel; all entry fees covered; relaxing felucca ride; comfortable A/C transport throughout; plus drop-off at your chosen location in Aswan when it’s time to say goodbye to the river.