Luxor to Aswan: Nile cruise with temples & guide

Summary

Sailing the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, ancient stones and quiet mornings

You’ll sail from Luxor to Aswan on a Nile cruise with an expert local guide, exploring ancient temples like Karnak and Philae, tasting Egyptian food on board, and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks. From sunrise over Abu Simbel to laughter over tea on deck, this is a journey you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Nile to be so quiet at sunrise — just a few birds skimming the water and that soft, earthy smell you get near riverbanks. Our Egyptologist guide, Hany, met us right at the airport in Luxor (I was relieved, honestly — airports here can be a bit much). He had this way of making even the drive to Karnak Temple feel like a story. The first time I saw those massive columns in the Hypostyle Hall, I just stood there, hand on cool stone, trying to imagine what it sounded like when priests walked through thousands of years ago. Hany pointed out some faded paint high up — “original,” he said, grinning. I probably would’ve missed it.

Lunches on board were always a bit of a surprise — one day grilled chicken with cumin and something green I never figured out (tasted good though). Between temples we’d sit on deck with sweet tea and watch farmers leading donkeys along the banks. At Edfu’s Temple of Horus, our group tried reading some hieroglyphs together (badly), which made our guide laugh. There’s something about seeing these places by boat that makes them feel connected — you drift from one story to another. The heat at Kom Ombo hit me hard but then there was shade inside, and crocodile carvings everywhere.

Aswan felt different: slower somehow, more golden light in the evenings. We visited Philae Temple by boat — the water around it looked almost blue-black against the stone. On our last morning we drove out early for Abu Simbel (long ride but worth every minute). The faces of Ramses II catch sunrise first; it’s oddly quiet except for camera shutters and someone whispering in Italian nearby. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor East Bank Tour

• Pick up and board Nile cruise
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Day 2 — Luxor West Bank Tour

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

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

Day 4 — Aswan Highlights

• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Visit Philae Temple and felucca sail

Day 5 — Abu Simbel Excursion

• Visit Abu Simbel Temples and return

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Nile cruise from Luxor?

Yes, pickup is available from any hotel or even Luxor airport before boarding.

Are entrance fees covered during the tour?

All entrance fees to sites like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings are included.

How many nights does this Nile cruise last?

The cruise lasts 4 nights and 5 days between Luxor and Aswan.

Is there an English-speaking guide on board?

Yes, an Egyptologist tour guide who speaks English accompanies you throughout.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Full-board meals are included: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner each day.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Do we visit Abu Simbel during this trip?

Yes, there is a day trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel included in the itinerary.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants may sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel or airport pickup in Luxor, all entrance fees for temples and sites along the route, private transportation between stops (including wheelchair access), four nights’ accommodation onboard with all meals provided daily—plus an expert Egyptologist guide sharing stories as you travel from Luxor to Aswan and back again after visiting Abu Simbel.