Nile Cruise Aswan & Luxor: Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel, Temples

Summary

Float above Luxor, sail the Nile, feel Egypt’s ancient pulse

You’ll step onto your Nile cruise in Aswan with a local guide by your side, wander ancient temples at Abu Simbel and Edfu, sail past riverside villages, taste real Egyptian food onboard, float above Luxor in a hot air balloon at sunrise, and finish among pharaohs’ tombs in the Valley of the Kings — all with meals and transfers sorted so you can just soak it up.

What’s the experience like?

We landed in Aswan just after sunrise — I still remember the dry warmth on my face as we stepped out. Our guide, Mahmoud, was waiting (he spotted us before we spotted him), and he had this easy way of making the city feel familiar. The Nile looked impossibly wide from the dock. We took a little motorboat out to Philae Temple — the stone felt cool under my hand, and I could hear Nubian music drifting from somewhere upriver. Lunch on the cruise was loud with laughter from a family at the next table. Later that night, there was a Nubian party on deck; I tried their dance steps and probably looked ridiculous but nobody cared.

The second day started early — like really early. We piled into a van for Abu Simbel while it was still dark. I slept most of the way but woke up right as we pulled in: those massive statues staring down at us in the morning haze. It’s hard to explain how quiet it feels there, even with other groups around. Back on board, we sailed past Kom Ombo temple; our Egyptology guide told stories about crocodile gods while kids waved from the riverbank. I kept thinking how different life must be here compared to home.

By day three, we were getting used to ship life — breakfast with strong coffee as palm trees slid by outside. In Edfu, we took a horse carriage through town (the driver grinned every time he caught me gawking at street vendors). The Temple of Horus is huge; inside smelled faintly of incense and dust. We passed through Esna lock at sunset — everyone gathered at the railings for photos but honestly, I just watched the colors change over the water for a while. That night in Luxor’s market I tried sugar cane juice for the first time (sweet enough to make your teeth ache).

The last morning they woke us before dawn for the hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Floating above the Valley of the Kings felt unreal — gold light spilling over tombs and fields below us. No cameras allowed except phones; I fumbled mine trying not to drop it overboard. After landing (with shaky legs), we toured Karnak and Luxor temples — Mahmoud pointed out little details I’d never have noticed alone, like chisel marks or old graffiti hidden in corners. By late afternoon it was already time to say goodbye; everything felt both fast and strangely timeless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan city tour

• Pick up in Aswan
• Visit Philae temple by motor boat
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Check in Nile cruise
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Rest and refresh
• Attend evening Nubian party

Day 2 — Abu Simbel visit and sailing

• Early pick up for Abu Simbel temples
• Return to Aswan
• Cruise sails towards Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo temple
• Cruise sails towards Edfu
• Enjoy sailing and natural views

Day 3 — Edfu temple and Nile sailing

• Breakfast on board
• Visit Edfu temple by horse and carriage
• Sail past local Nile villages
• Drink Egyptian tea on sun deck
• Pass Esna lock
• Arrive Luxor at sunset
• Visit Luxor local market
• Drink sugar cane juice

Day 4 — Luxor temples and hot air balloon

• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut temple
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Drive to east bank
• Visit Karnak temple
• Visit Luxor temple
• Transfer to hotel, train station, or airport

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Nile cruise tour?

Yes, door-to-door transfers are included from hotels or stations in Aswan at arrival and back to your hotel or airport in Luxor at departure.

How long is this Nile cruise between Aswan & Luxor?

The cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights between Aswan and Luxor.

Does this tour include visiting Abu Simbel?

Yes, there is an early morning trip to Abu Simbel included on day two.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included onboard during your stay.

Is there a hot air balloon ride over Luxor?

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor is included on the last morning (weather permitting).

Do you visit both Edfu and Kom Ombo temples?

Yes, stops are made at both Edfu Temple (by horse carriage) and Kom Ombo Temple along the way.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with private cabins.

Are guides provided at each site?

A qualified Egyptology guide accompanies you throughout all main sites on this itinerary.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Aswan plus drop-off in Luxor or vice versa if needed; three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full-board meals; guided tours of Philae Temple, Abu Simbel temples, Kom Ombo temple, Edfu temple by horse carriage; sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor; visits to Karnak temple and Valley of the Kings; all entry fees; licensed drivers; taxes; plus plenty of time to relax on deck watching life drift by along both banks of Egypt’s famous river.