4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Hot Air Balloon and Abu Simbel
Sail through ancient Egypt on a five-star cruise, from the temples of Aswan to the royal tombs of Luxor.
This 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor takes you through the heart of southern Egypt, combining guided visits to UNESCO-listed temples, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and an optional excursion to Abu Simbel — all aboard a five-star floating hotel.
Each day unfolds along the banks of the world's longest river, with an Egyptologist guide providing context at every site. From the colossal statues guarding Abu Simbel to the painted walls of the Valley of the Kings, the itinerary covers the defining monuments of ancient Egypt without unnecessary detours.
Onboard life is equally considered. Meals, afternoon tea, and evening entertainment are included throughout the cruise. Personalized pickup from Aswan airport, train station, or hotel ensures a seamless start to the journey.
Tour Highlights
Cruise the Nile River aboard a five-star vessel with all meals and accommodation included.
Explore Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and Edfu Temple with an expert Egyptologist guide.
Soar above the West Bank of Luxor on a sunrise hot air balloon for panoramic views of the ancient landscape.
Visit the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, relocated by UNESCO to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Discover the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple on the west bank of Luxor.
Enjoy a personalized pickup from Aswan airport, train station, or hotel at the start of the tour.
Access in-depth historical commentary at each site from a qualified Egyptologist throughout the journey.
Itinerary
On arrival in Aswan, a local tour representative meets you and transfers you to the cruise. The day covers the Aswan High Dam, a twentieth-century engineering landmark built to control the Nile's floods and regulate irrigation across Egypt. Visits continue to the Philae Temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis and dating primarily to the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC), and the Unfinished Obelisk in the Aswan quarries, believed commissioned by Hatshepsut around 1473 BC. Meals, afternoon tea, dinner, and an evening disco party are included onboard.
An optional excursion departs for Abu Simbel, where two rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II stand facing the rising sun. The Great Temple is aligned so that sunlight illuminates its innermost statues on the 22nd of February and 22nd of October each year. The adjacent Small Temple honors Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, with her colossi uniquely matching those of the pharaoh in scale. In the afternoon, the cruise sails to Kom Ombo, arriving at a temple dedicated jointly to Sobek and Harwer, each with a separate axial passage and sanctuary.
The cruise continues north to Edfu, where the Temple of Horus — one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples — was uncovered by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1860. Its twin pylons, peristyle court, and two hypostyle halls are decorated with detailed scenes of Ptolemaic religious ritual. In the afternoon, the vessel arrives in Luxor for a guided visit to Luxor Temple, known to the ancient Egyptians as Ipet-resyt, the site of the celebrated Opet Festival that united the cult images of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Overnight on the five-star Nile cruise.
The final day opens with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor, offering aerial views of the ancient Theban landscape. Ground visits follow to the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs were buried beneath a natural pyramid-shaped peak sacred to the goddess Hathor, and to the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahari, a three-tiered structure designed by the chief steward Senenmut. The tour concludes in Luxor, with departure transfer assistance provided.
What Is Included
Included
- 4-day, 3-night accommodation on a five-star Nile cruise
- All meals onboard: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
- Egyptologist guide throughout all site visits
- Entrance fees to Philae Temple, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and Hatshepsut's Temple
- Hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion
- Personalized pickup from Aswan airport, train station, or hotel
- Evening entertainment onboard including disco party
Not Included
- International or domestic flights to and from Aswan or Luxor
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Any meals or drinks not specified in the program
- Entrance fees to tomb interiors not listed in the itinerary
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Nile
Spaces on this five-star Nile cruise are limited. Secure your itinerary today and journey through the monuments of ancient Egypt with expert guidance from start to finish.
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