LanguagesArabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian
5-Star Private Nile Cruise
5-Day Private Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-Star Deluxe Ship
Sail the river that shaped civilization, guided every step of the way.
This 5-day private Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan places you aboard a fully all-inclusive 5-star deluxe ship for four nights while a dedicated private guide and vehicle escort you through the most significant ancient monuments in Upper Egypt. The itinerary balances active exploration with the quiet pleasure of watching the river's palm-lined banks glide past from the deck.
From the colossal columns of Karnak to the rock-cut sanctuary of Abu Simbel (optional extension), every stop is rich with context that transforms ruins into living history. Onboard, the experience shifts toward relaxation and culture, with an evening galabia party, a belly-dance show, and all meals included.
The route follows the classic south-bound course through Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo before arriving in Aswan, where the felucca ride around Kitchener Island and visits to Philae Temple and the High Dam round out a remarkably complete introduction to ancient and modern Egypt.
Tour Highlights
Walk the vast Precinct of Amun-Ra at Karnak, one of the largest religious complexes ever built, and continue to nearby Luxor Temple in the same afternoon.
Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank, where royal tombs carved over a span of nearly 500 years still hold their painted chambers.
Visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu and the dual-deity Temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo, both accessible only by river cruise.
Drift around Kitchener Island on a traditional felucca sailboat, one of the most peaceful experiences available on the Nile in Aswan.
Enjoy an onboard galabia party and a professional belly-dance performance, giving cultural depth to evenings spent on the river.
All transfers between your hotel, airport, or train station and the cruise ship are private and fully included, removing any logistical uncertainty.
An optional hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank of Luxor at sunrise is available on Day 2 for guests seeking an aerial perspective of the Theban Necropolis.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Embarkation in Luxor — Karnak and Luxor Temples
Your representative meets you at your Luxor hotel, the airport, or the train station and transfers you to the cruise ship in time for lunch on board. The afternoon is dedicated to the East Bank: Karnak Temple complex, including all four precincts and the iconic Hypostyle Hall, followed by Luxor Temple. An onboard belly-dance show rounds out the first evening.
2
West Bank of Luxor — Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon
An optional hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank is available at sunrise. After breakfast, a private vehicle takes you to the Valley of the Kings, the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the twin seated Colossi of Memnon. The ship then sails south through the Esna Lock toward Edfu.
3
Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples — Sailing to Aswan
Morning brings a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient sanctuaries. The cruise continues to Kom Ombo for the riverside Temple of Sobek and Haroeris before sailing onward to Aswan. A galabia party with traditional dress is held on board after dinner.
4
Aswan Sightseeing — Philae Temple, High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk
A full day in Aswan covers Philae Temple, relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam, the dam itself, and the ancient granite Unfinished Obelisk in the quarries. The afternoon features a felucca sailboat ride around Kitchener Island on the Nile.
5
Disembarkation — Optional Abu Simbel Extension
Breakfast is served on board before check-out. A complimentary private transfer delivers you to your Aswan hotel, the Aswan Airport, or the train station. An optional day trip to the temples of Abu Simbel is available for guests wishing to extend their experience before departure.
What Is Included
Included
4 nights aboard a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise ship
All meals on board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Afternoon tea service on board
Private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing
Private air-conditioned vehicle for land transfers
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Felucca sailboat ride in Aswan
Galabia party and belly-dance show on board
Private transfers to and from hotel, airport, or train station in Luxor and Aswan
Not Included
International or domestic flights
Egypt entry visa
Optional hot-air balloon flight over Luxor West Bank
Optional Abu Simbel day trip
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides and crew
Alcoholic and soft drinks beyond included meals
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Please note that sailing schedules may vary between cruise ships. Some vessels depart early on the following morning while others sail later in the day. The precise timing depends on the individual ship's itinerary confirmed at booking. This program is subject to minor adjustments for reasons beyond the operator's control.
Duration
5 days and 4 nights. Departures operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Luxor.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight and modest clothing for temple visits, sunscreen, a hat, and a valid photo ID or passport for site entry.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Please review your booking confirmation for specific deadlines and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Many archaeological sites involve uneven terrain, stairs, and unpaved surfaces. The tour is rated Easy but guests with limited mobility should consult the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. Children are welcome. Parents should note that some tomb interiors in the Valley of the Kings involve narrow passages and uneven steps.
Reserve Your Place on the Nile
This private, fully guided cruise departs on fixed days and space is limited to ensure an exclusive experience. Secure your cabin to avoid disappointment.
Departures are available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Your specific sailing date is confirmed at the time of booking.
Is the hot-air balloon ride included in the price?▼
No. The sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Luxor's West Bank is an optional add-on available at an extra cost. Availability should be confirmed with the operator in advance.
Are meals included throughout the entire cruise?▼
All main meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — are included on board for all four nights, along with afternoon tea. On Day 5, only breakfast is included before disembarkation.
Can I visit Abu Simbel as part of this tour?▼
Abu Simbel is available as an optional excursion on Day 5, after disembarkation from the cruise. It is not included in the standard itinerary and carries an additional cost.
Where does the tour end and how do I get to my next destination?▼
The tour concludes in Aswan on Day 5. A complimentary private transfer is provided to Aswan Airport, Aswan Train Station, or your Aswan hotel, depending on your onward travel plans.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?▼
Yes. The itinerary is rated Easy, includes a private Egyptologist guide at every site, and covers the most significant monuments in Upper Egypt, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.
Nile CruiseLuxor to AswanPrivate Tour Egypt5 Star CruiseKarnak TempleValley of the KingsPhilae TempleEdfu TempleKom OmboEgypt SightseeingUpper EgyptAncient Egypt Tour
This tour operates entirely within Upper Egypt, traveling south along the Nile River from Luxor (ancient Thebes) to Aswan. Key destinations include Luxor's East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temples) and West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon), the river-port towns of Esna and Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo (Temple of Sobek and Haroeris), and the city of Aswan (Philae Temple, the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Kitchener Island). The route covers approximately 230 kilometers of the Nile Valley, a UNESCO-recognized landscape dense with ancient monuments from the New Kingdom period (circa 1550–1070 BC). Aswan marks the southern gateway to Nubia and is within day-trip distance of the Abu Simbel temples near the Sudanese border.
Region: Upper Egypt | Country: Egypt | River: Nile | Start City: Luxor | End City: Aswan | Tour Type: Private Guided Nile Cruise | Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights | Difficulty: Easy | Accommodation: 5-Star Deluxe Cruise Ship | Sites Covered: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk | Optional: Hot Air Balloon Luxor, Abu Simbel Day Trip | Meal Plan: Full Board | Transfer Type: Private
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
