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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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