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Nile Cruise | Luxor to Aswan
5 Day Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan with Hot Air Balloon and Abu Simbel
Sail the ancient river, soar above the west bank, and stand before the temples of eternity.
This 5 day Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan combines the most celebrated monuments of Upper Egypt with a dawn hot air balloon flight and a dedicated excursion to the Abu Simbel temple complex, creating one of the most comprehensive journeys available along the river.
Guided by an experienced Egyptologist, travelers move between UNESCO-listed sites on both banks of the Nile, board a traditional motor-boat to reach Philae Temple Island, and ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Edfu, all while the cruise vessel drifts through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for millennia.
Evenings bring the chance to explore the souks of Luxor and Aswan, sample local drinks on the sun deck, and watch the light fade over Nubian villages lining the riverbanks. The itinerary is rated Easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Tour Highlights
Rise at dawn for a hot air balloon flight over the west bank of Luxor, with views across the Valley of the Kings and the Theban hills.
Walk through Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious complex ever built, and continue to the adjacent Luxor Temple on the east bank.
Descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where the burial chamber of Tutankhamun was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.
Cruise the full stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, passing local islands, the Esna lock, and traditional feluccas along the way.
Visit the Abu Simbel temple complex, carved into the sandstone cliffs by Ramesses II and now relocated above Lake Nasser.
Explore Kom Ombo Temple at sunset and the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, arriving by traditional horse-drawn carriage from the riverbank.
Discover Philae Temple on its island setting in Aswan, accessible by motor-boat across the waters of the First Cataract.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Check-In
Your Egyptologist guide collects you and crosses to the west bank by motor-boat. The day covers the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari, Howard Carter's house, and the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the east bank to board and check in to the cruise. The evening is free to browse Luxor's markets.
2
Hot Air Balloon, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and Sailing toward Edfu
An early motor-boat transfer brings you to the west bank for a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. The cruise then visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the east bank before casting off. The vessel passes through the Esna lock and continues south, with open-deck views of rural Egypt throughout the afternoon.
3
Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple at Sunset, and Arrival in Aswan
After breakfast, a horse-carriage ride from the dock leads to the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. The cruise resumes southward, and around sunset the ship moors at Kom Ombo for a visit to the twin-deity temple overlooking the Nile. Overnight sailing brings the vessel into Aswan.
4
Abu Simbel Temple Complex and Aswan Local Market
Departure by road at approximately 5:00 AM reaches Abu Simbel before the midday heat, allowing time to study the facades of Ramesses II and Nefertari's temples in detail. The group returns to Aswan around 1:00 PM. The afternoon is free to rest, and the evening offers a walk through Aswan's famous local market.
5
Philae Temple Island and Aswan High Dam, then Departure
A motor-boat crosses to Philae Island for a guided tour of the Temple of Isis, followed by a drive to the Aswan High Dam. The guide then transfers you to your Aswan hotel, the railway station, or the airport according to your onward travel arrangements.
What Is Included
Included
4 nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel (full board)
Hot air balloon flight over Luxor west bank
All guided tours: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Philae, and Aswan High Dam
Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
Motor-boat transfers to west bank and Philae Island
Horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple
All entrance fees to listed sites
Road transport to and from Abu Simbel
Final transfer to Aswan hotel, station, or airport
Not Included
International or domestic flights
Travel insurance
Personal spending and gratuities
Optional purchases at markets
Any meals or drinks outside full-board program
Items of a personal nature
Important Information
This tour operates at an Easy difficulty level and is suitable for most travelers. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing for temple visits are strongly recommended. The Abu Simbel excursion departs very early in the morning.
Duration
5 days / 4 nights aboard the cruise, concluding with a morning transfer in Aswan on day 5.
What to Bring
Light, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple entry, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, and a valid passport for Abu Simbel.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy provided at checkout, as conditions vary by booking date and season.
Accessibility
Several sites involve uneven terrain and stairs, including the Valley of the Kings and Philae Island. Guests with limited mobility should contact the operator before booking.
Age Range
The tour welcomes travelers of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The hot air balloon may have minimum age or weight requirements set by the balloon operator.
Reserve Your Place on the Nile
Spaces on this cruise-based itinerary are limited. Secure your dates now and receive full confirmation with all logistical details ahead of your trip.
What type of vessel is used for the Nile cruise? ▼
The itinerary operates aboard a standard Nile cruise ship with cabin accommodation, a restaurant serving full board meals, and a sun deck for open-air sailing. Specific vessel details are confirmed at booking.
Is the hot air balloon flight guaranteed on every departure? ▼
Hot air balloon flights are subject to weather and wind conditions on the morning of operation. In the event a flight cannot proceed safely, your guide will advise on alternatives.
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan, and how do we travel there? ▼
Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometers south of Aswan. The excursion travels by road in an air-conditioned vehicle, departing around 5:00 AM and returning by early afternoon.
Are entrance fees to all sites included in the tour price? ▼
Yes, entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary are included, covering the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Philae, and the Aswan High Dam.
Can the final transfer destination on day 5 be customized? ▼
Yes. At the end of the tour the guide arranges transfer to Aswan Airport, Aswan Railway Station, or a hotel in Aswan according to each traveler's onward plans. Please specify your preference at the time of booking.
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt? ▼
The tour is designed with an Easy difficulty rating and a licensed Egyptologist guide accompanies the group throughout, making it well-suited to first-time visitors who want structured access to the major monuments of Upper Egypt.
Nile CruiseLuxor to AswanHot Air Balloon EgyptAbu SimbelValley of the KingsKarnak TemplePhilae TempleEdfu TempleKom OmboEgypt TourUpper EgyptEgyptologist Guide
This tour operates entirely within Upper Egypt, beginning in Luxor (ancient Thebes) on the east bank of the Nile and concluding in Aswan, the southernmost city of the Egyptian mainland. Key waypoints include the west bank necropolis of Luxor, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temple towns midway along the route, and the Nubian heritage city of Aswan near the First Cataract. An overland excursion extends south to Abu Simbel on the shores of Lake Nasser, close to the Sudanese border. The Nile corridor covered spans roughly 300 kilometers and passes through one of the world's highest concentrations of ancient monumental architecture.
Region: Upper Egypt | Countries: Egypt | Cities: Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel | River: Nile | Sites: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut, Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel Temple Complex, Aswan High Dam | Activity Types: Nile Cruise, Hot Air Balloon, Guided Temple Tours, Cultural Sightseeing | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights | Suitable For: First-time visitors, history enthusiasts, families, couples
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