Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise with Balloon & Abu Simbel

Summary

Nile Cruise Adventure: Hot Air Balloon & Ancient Temples

You’ll float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, explore ancient temples with an Egyptologist guide, cruise past riverside villages from Luxor to Aswan, and stand beneath Abu Simbel’s colossal statues. With local meals and hotel pickup included, this journey lets you feel Egypt’s history up close — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to wake up before sunrise in Luxor, half-awake and shuffling onto a little boat across the Nile? I didn’t expect the river to be so quiet at that hour — just the slap of water against wood and a faint smell of diesel from the motor. Our Egyptologist guide, Hossam, handed out sweet tea in tiny glasses. He grinned when I tried to say “shukran” properly (I still think I got it wrong). That first morning set the tone for the whole cruise: a mix of ancient stories and small, unexpected comforts.

The hot air balloon ride over Luxor was something else. I’m not great with heights, but floating above the Valley of the Kings as the sun cracked open over the desert — well, my hands were shaking but I couldn’t stop staring. The fields below looked almost painted on, green squares stitched between sand and river. After landing (with a bump), we went straight to Karnak Temple. It’s massive, almost too much to take in at once. Hossam pointed out carvings I’d have missed on my own — he seemed genuinely proud every time someone asked about a detail.

Days blurred into each other in that good way travel sometimes does. We’d eat lunch on deck as villages drifted by — kids waving from donkeys, laundry flapping on lines. Edfu Temple was reached by horse carriage; our driver sang quietly under his breath while we clattered through town. In Kom Ombo at sunset, bats swooped overhead while we wandered among columns older than anything back home. The cruise itself felt relaxed but never dull — one night there was a Nubian show and everyone ended up dancing (badly) in galabiyas they handed out.

The last day started early again for Abu Simbel — hours south of Aswan by road but worth every minute. The temples are huge and strangely peaceful inside; I found myself whispering without meaning to. By afternoon we were back on the Nile for Philae Island temple (another boat ride), then finally dropped off in Aswan with sand still stuck in my shoes. Even now, weeks later, I keep thinking about that first silent morning crossing the river — how old everything felt, and how alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor West Bank Tour and Nile Cruise

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut Temple
• See Memnon Colossi
• Check in Nile cruise
• Explore Luxor markets
• Evening disco party on cruise

Day 2 — Hot Air Balloon and East Bank Temples

• Hot air balloon ride over Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Sail cruise to Esna and Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

• Visit Edfu Temple by horse carriage
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple at sunset
• Sail to Aswan

Day 4 — Abu Simbel, High Dam and Philae Temple

• Visit Abu Simbel Temple early morning
• Boat to Philae Island Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Transfer to Aswan airport or hotel

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?

The cruise lasts 3 nights, starting in Luxor and ending in Aswan after about four days.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels on Luxor’s east bank; west bank pickups are available for an extra fee.

Does this tour include a hot air balloon ride?

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor is included in the itinerary.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Your meals are included from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the last day aboard the 5-star Nile cruise ship.

Do I visit Abu Simbel on this trip?

Yes, there’s an early morning excursion from Aswan to visit Abu Simbel temples before returning around midday.

What happens if weather cancels the balloon or Abu Simbel trip?

If either is canceled due to weather, you’ll receive a partial refund for that activity.

Are guides provided at each site?

A qualified Egyptology guide accompanies you throughout all major sites listed in the itinerary.

Is transportation between sites included?

All transport between sites is provided by air-conditioned coach or boat as needed during your tour.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup in Luxor (with options for both east and west banks), all entry fees for sites like Valley of the Kings and Edfu Temple, three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise with full facilities, daily meals starting with lunch on arrival day through breakfast at departure, guided tours led by an Egyptologist throughout Luxor and Aswan highlights (including Karnak Temple and Philae Island), horse carriage rides at Edfu, sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor (weather permitting), an early morning excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan with return transport, plus all taxes and charges before drop-off at your chosen location in Aswan.