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

Summary

Sailing aswan to luxor temples tombs & sunrise balloon

You’ll drift along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor on a 4-day cruise with stops at Abu Simbel’s colossal statues, Kom Ombo’s crocodile temple, Edfu’s falcon walls, and Luxor’s ancient tombs. With an Egyptologist guide sharing stories and all meals included, you’ll taste local flavors and maybe catch sunrise over temples from a hot air balloon—the kind of moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d wanted to see the Nile since I was a kid, but nothing really prepared me for that first morning on the water. The ship left Aswan after we’d wandered through the old market—spices everywhere, and a guy selling dates who insisted I try one (sticky, sweet, almost smoky). Our Egyptologist guide, Samir, kept tossing out stories about pharaohs like they were gossip. At the High Dam, he pointed out where the old river used to run. I remember thinking it was weirdly quiet up there except for the wind and some distant birds. Then we took a little boat over to Philae Temple—Isis’s island. The stones still felt cool even in the sun.

The day we went to Abu Simbel started before sunrise (I’m not a morning person, but somehow didn’t mind). Everyone was half-asleep on the bus except Samir, who passed around strong coffee and told us why Ramses built those massive statues. When we finally stood in front of them—honestly, you feel tiny. Back on board, there was this lazy rhythm: watching green banks drift by from my cabin window, hearing laughter from other travelers upstairs. Later we stopped at Kom Ombo Temple; crocodile carvings everywhere. The air smelled faintly of river mud and incense from someone’s pocket shrine.

By day three I’d lost track of time in that good way travel sometimes does. Edfu Temple had these huge walls covered in falcons—Samir said Horus was “the superhero of ancient Egypt,” which made everyone laugh. The cruise kept gliding north toward Luxor while we ate lunch (I still crave that eggplant stew). That night I sat outside as dusk fell over the water—just this soft pink haze and distant calls to prayer echoing off both banks.

Luxor is something else entirely. We crossed early for the Valley of the Kings; it’s quiet there in a way that gets under your skin—cool tunnels painted with stars and gods nobody worships anymore but somehow still feel present. The hot air balloon ride over Luxor wasn’t even on my list at first but floating above those temples at sunrise…I don’t know how to describe it without sounding cheesy. It just felt right. By afternoon we were wandering Karnak’s columns and then ended at Luxor Temple as golden light hit everything sideways. Hard not to feel small—and lucky—to have seen it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan guided tour and cruise boarding

• Pick up from Aswan hotel or station
• Transfer to 5-star Nile Cruise
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Boat to Philae Temple island
• Guided tour of Philae Temple
• Return to Nile Cruise for rest

Day 2 — Abu Simbel visit and Kom Ombo temple

• Early morning tour to Abu Simbel
• Explore Abu Simbel temples
• Return to Nile Cruise
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple with guide
• Continue sailing towards Edfu
• Overnight on Nile Cruise

Day 3 — Edfu temple visit and sail to Luxor

• Free time on cruise sailing Nile
• Visit Edfu Temple of Horus
• Sail towards Luxor
• Arrive in Luxor afternoon
• Overnight on Nile Cruise

Day 4 — Luxor temples tour and drop off

• Optional early hot air balloon ride
• Breakfast and check out
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Drop off at Luxor hotel or station

Top questions

How many days is this Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

This Nile cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights between Aswan and Luxor.

Is Abu Simbel included in this Nile cruise itinerary?

Yes, there’s a guided group trip to Abu Simbel included during your cruise.

Are meals provided on board the Nile cruise?

All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included during your stay on the 5-star ship.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Aswan?

Yes, pickup is available from hotels or train stations in Aswan (east bank included; west bank for an extra fee).

What major sites are visited between Aswan & Luxor?

You’ll visit Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple & more.

Is there an option for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor?

Yes—the hot air balloon ride over Luxor is offered as an optional activity on the last morning.

Where does this Nile cruise end?

The tour ends in Luxor with drop-off at your chosen hotel or train station by late afternoon.

Are guides licensed Egyptologists?

Your tour is led by an English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your trip includes door-to-door transfers between hotels or train stations in Aswan and Luxor (with options for both east and west banks), three nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full-board meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), guided visits with an English-speaking Egyptologist at every site including Abu Simbel by group transfer, entrance fees where specified, all local taxes and service charges—plus assistance from friendly local staff throughout your journey.