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

Summary

Four days on the Nile—temples, sunrise balloon flight, and river life

You’ll float down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star cruise ship with an Egyptologist guide—exploring temples like Philae and Edfu, waking early for Abu Simbel’s giant statues, and drifting above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon. Expect laughter over shared meals and moments where ancient Egypt feels strangely close.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to sit outside,” our guide Hassan grinned as we shuffled onto the deck of our Nile cruise ship in Aswan. He was right. The air smelled faintly of river reeds and diesel; I could hear vendors calling out somewhere along the bank. We’d barely dropped our bags before lunch was served—flatbread still warm, something lemony in the salad—and then we were off to see the High Dam and Philae Temple by boat. The motor sputtered as we crossed over; I kept watching a heron pick its way through the shallows. At Philae, Hassan told us how they moved the whole temple stone by stone when the dam went up. I tried to imagine that kind of patience.

The next morning was a blur—4:30 am pickup for Abu Simbel (I almost forgot my passport). Three hours south, sun barely up, we stumbled out into that first glimpse of those massive statues. Honestly, I’d seen photos but standing under Ramesses’ feet is something else—sand crunching underfoot, heat already rising off the stone even that early. Back on board by lunchtime, drifting north toward Kom Ombo with cold juice in hand. There’s a crocodile museum there (I skipped it), but seeing carvings of Sobek and Horus side by side felt stranger than I expected.

By Edfu I’d lost track of time—horse carriages rattling past as kids waved at us from doorways. The Temple of Horus is huge; you can still see soot from old fires inside. Our guide pointed out graffiti left by 19th-century travelers (“Victorian Instagram,” he joked). That afternoon on deck was quiet—just water slapping against the hull and sugarcane fields sliding past. We made Luxor by sunset; colors went gold then pink so fast I almost missed it fiddling with my phone camera.

The last day started before dawn again—this time for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank. I’m not great with heights but honestly? Floating above the Valley of the Kings while everything below glowed orange… yeah, it’s hard to explain without sounding dramatic. After landing (with a bump), there was breakfast and then all those names from history class: Karnak Temple’s forest of pillars, Hatshepsut’s terraces cut into rock, Colossi of Memnon staring blankly at traffic. It was hot and dusty and sometimes overwhelming—but I still think about that river light at dusk or how quiet it got inside those tombs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Aswan sightseeing

• Meet guide at Aswan arrival
• Transfer to 5-star Nile Cruise
• Check in and have lunch on board
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple by motorboat
• Dinner and folkloric show on cruise

Day 2 — Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo visit

• Early pick up for Abu Simbel trip
• Visit Abu Simbel rock-cut temples
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Sail to Kom Ombo city
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on cruise and sail to Edfu

Day 3 — Edfu Temple and Luxor arrival

• Breakfast on board
• Horse carriage ride to Edfu Temple
• Return to cruise and sail to Luxor
• Cross Esna Lock and have lunch
• Afternoon tea on sundeck
• Arrive Luxor and visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner and belly dancing show on cruise

Day 4 — Balloon ride and Luxor tours

• Early morning hot air balloon flight
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple on East Bank
• Transfer to Luxor hotel or airport

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this Nile cruise?

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

Does this tour include a visit to Abu Simbel?

Yes, there’s an early morning group trip to Abu Simbel included.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, full board meals are included throughout your stay on the ship.

Can children go on the hot air balloon ride in Luxor?

Children under 6 are not allowed on the balloon trip; ages 6-11 must be accompanied by an adult.

What temples will we see along the way?

You’ll visit Philae Temple in Aswan, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus), Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, plus Valley of the Kings.

Is there free time during the cruise?

You’ll have some downtime onboard between excursions or while sailing between stops.

If bad weather cancels my balloon ride will I get refunded?

If your hot air balloon trip is canceled due to weather you’ll receive $25 USD per person back.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Aswan (with drop-off in Luxor), three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full board meals, guided visits to major temples like Philae and Karnak plus Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple—with all entry fees covered—a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor (weather permitting), group trip to Abu Simbel with transport and English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout.