Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Guide & Temples

Summary

Aswan to Luxor Nile Journey: Temples, Stories & River Life

This is your chance to float between Aswan and Luxor on a classic Nile cruise with an Egyptologist guide. Visit Kom Ombo and Edfu temples, enjoy all meals onboard, and relax in your own cabin as river life unfolds around you — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You want tea?” our guide, Mahmoud, asked as we leaned on the rail, watching the Nile slide past Aswan’s green islands. The air smelled faintly of river mud and something sweet — maybe hibiscus? I’d just arrived from the train station (pickup was smooth, which honestly surprised me), and suddenly I was on this 5-star boat, surrounded by families in galabiyas and kids waving from tiny fishing boats. The captain steered us out so slowly it felt like time stretched. I kept trying to snap photos but none of them caught how wide the river feels here.

We stopped at Kom Ombo temple just as the sun started dipping — that kind of gold light you only get near water. Mahmoud told us about crocodile gods (I probably missed half of it because I was distracted by a group of local kids selling bracelets outside). The stone under my hand was still warm from the day. Back on board, there was a disco party later — not really my thing but I ended up laughing with two sisters from Cairo who insisted I try some local dance steps. My feet were hopeless.

The next morning, after breakfast (Egyptian bread is so chewy — in a good way), we rode horse carriages through Edfu town to reach the Temple of Horus. Our driver sang quietly in Arabic; I didn’t catch any words but it felt peaceful somehow. Passing through Esna lock took longer than expected — boats everywhere, horns echoing off the water. Mahmoud poured us strong tea on deck while we waited. It’s funny how quickly you settle into river pace; everything slows down and you start noticing things like palm shadows or how locals wave as you pass.

Arriving in Luxor felt almost abrupt after all that drifting. We had breakfast on deck one last time before disembarking — there’s an option for extra tours like Karnak or even a hot air balloon ride (I skipped those, but maybe next time). Even now, weeks later, I still think about that first evening on the Nile: quiet except for Mahmoud’s stories and the distant call to prayer drifting over the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan and Kom Ombo Temple

• Pickup from Aswan train station, hotels, or airport
• Optional tour: Philae temple, high dam
• Board Nile cruise and start sailing at 2 pm
• Enjoy views of Aswan islands and Nubian culture
• Evening disco party on cruise
• Visit Kom Ombo temple at sunset
• Continue sailing to Edfu

Day 2 — Edfu Temple and Sailing to Luxor

• Breakfast on cruise
• Horse and carriage ride to Edfu temple
• Sail towards Esna, pass Esna lock
• Enjoy local Egyptian tea on sun deck
• Arrive Luxor around 6 pm
• Overnight on cruise in Luxor

Day 3 — Luxor Historical City Tour

• Breakfast on cruise and disembark
• Transfer to destination in Luxor
• Optional tours: West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut temple, Colossi of Memnon)
• Optional tours: East Bank (Karnak temple, Luxor temple)
• Optional hot air balloon ride

Top questions

How long is the Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise lasts 2 nights and covers all travel between Aswan and Luxor by boat.

Are meals included during the Nile cruise?

Yes, all meals are included from lunch on day one through breakfast on day three.

What temples do we visit during this tour?

You’ll visit Kom Ombo temple and Edfu temple with your guide during the cruise.

Is hotel pickup available in both Aswan and Luxor?

Pickup is included from hotels or stations in Aswan; drop-off is provided in Luxor after disembarkation.

Can families with children join this Nile cruise?

Yes, families are welcome — children can share cabins with parents and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your trip includes door-to-door pickup in Aswan (from hotel or train/airport), two nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship with all meals provided, guided visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu temples led by an Egyptologist, access to cruise facilities like the swimming pool and evening entertainment, plus comfortable transfer to your destination in Luxor at journey’s end.