Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor: Abu Simbel, Balloon & Temples

Summary

Drifting between Aswan & Luxor temples sunrise balloon rides and river life

You’ll drift along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star cruise with all meals included—visiting Philae Temple by boat, waking early for Abu Simbel’s colossal statues, riding a hot air balloon at sunrise over Luxor’s tombs and fields, and sharing laughs with your Egyptologist guide along the way. Expect moments of awe and plenty of small surprises between ancient stones and river breezes.

What’s the experience like?

We boarded the Nile cruise in Aswan just before lunch—bags still dusty from the train. I remember the first thing I noticed wasn’t the river or the boat, but the way our guide, Mahmoud, laughed when someone tried to pronounce “Philae.” He said it like “fee-lay,” soft and quick. That afternoon, we zipped across to Philae Temple by motorboat. The water smelled a bit metallic, but there was this breeze that felt ancient somehow. Inside the temple, I ran my hand over carvings that outlasted empires—hard not to feel small. Dinner back on board was noisy with a little band playing and kids running between tables. I slept early but woke up at 4:30am for Abu Simbel—no one tells you how cold it gets before sunrise in Egypt.

The road south to Abu Simbel was long and quiet; most of us nodded off against the window. When we finally arrived, those massive statues just sat there in the sand like they’d always been waiting for us. Our Egyptologist explained how they moved everything block by block when Lake Nasser threatened to swallow it—I can’t imagine having that kind of patience. On the way back to Aswan I tried Egyptian coffee for the first time (grainy, strong), then watched Kom Ombo Temple drift into view as we sailed north again. There’s something about seeing these places from the water—it feels different than driving up in a bus.

Next day started with horse-drawn carriages clattering through Edfu’s streets—our driver grinned every time he overtook another carriage (which was often). Edfu Temple was cool inside, even though outside it felt like walking into an oven. Back on deck, we drank sweet tea while villages slid by on both banks—kids waving from dusty fields, a donkey braying somewhere out of sight. Passing through Esna lock took forever (I think I counted seven boats ahead of us), but sunset over Luxor made up for it. We wandered Luxor market later—someone handed me sugarcane juice so sweet it made my teeth ache.

The last morning started before dawn again—this time for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank. Floating above tombs and green fields with the sun coming up…honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful up there (I’m not great with heights). After landing we stopped at Colossi of Memnon—the statues looked almost sleepy in that early light—and then visited Hatshepsut’s temple tucked into those cliffs like something half-remembered from a dream. By midday we were walking through Valley of the Kings; it was quieter than I expected inside those tombs, just echoes and dust motes floating in flashlight beams. It’s strange what sticks with you—I still think about that quiet sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Aswan and Nile Cruise Tour

• Pick up from hotel or airport
• Board 5-star Nile cruise before lunch
• Lunch on board
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple by motorboat
• Dinner on board
• Enjoy folkloric show
• Overnight on Nile cruise

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo Temples

• Early pick up for Abu Simbel temples
• Return to Aswan around 1 pm
• Cruise sails towards Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo temple
• Cruise sails towards Edfu
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor East Bank

• Breakfast on board
• Visit Edfu temple by horse and carriage
• Sail past local villages and Esna lock
• Arrive Luxor at sunset
• Visit Luxor temple on East Bank
• Dinner on board with belly dancing show
• Overnight on cruise

Day 4 — Hot Air Balloon and West Bank Tour

• Early pick up for hot air balloon ride
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut temple
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Transfer to Luxor station, airport, or hotel

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Aswan east bank; west bank pickups are possible for an extra fee.

Do I visit Abu Simbel during this cruise?

Yes, there is a group tour to Abu Simbel included on day two of the itinerary.

Are meals provided on board?

All meals are included starting with lunch on day one and ending with breakfast on day four.

Is there a hot air balloon ride in Luxor?

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank is part of this tour.

What temples are visited during this cruise?

You’ll see Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, and more.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; children under 6 cannot do the balloon ride.

Is an Egyptologist guide included throughout?

A qualified Egyptologist guide accompanies you during all excursions listed in the itinerary.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel or port pickup in Aswan (with drop-off in Luxor), three nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with all meals provided from lunch on arrival until breakfast on departure day. You’ll have guided visits led by an Egyptologist at every major site including Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple, Abu Simbel (by group tour), Valley of the Kings and more; plus transfers by air-conditioned vehicle throughout; sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank; horse-and-carriage transport at Edfu; entrance fees as per itinerary; plus onboard entertainment each evening before returning home or onto your next stop.