5 Days Nile cruise from luxor to Aswan

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Luxor East Bank & Nile Cruise Departure⌄

   Your journey begins with a private hotel pickup in Luxor.

   Start with a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world. Explore its colossal columns, towering obelisks, and intricate hieroglyphics that tell stories of ancient pharaohs. The Hypostyle Hall alone is a breathtaking sight, with 134 massive columns adorned with detailed carvings.

   Next, visit Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city. This temple is famous for its avenue of sphinxes, grand pylons, and illuminated evening atmosphere.

   After the tour, transfer to your luxury Nile cruise ship and check into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome lunch on board while the cruise sets sail. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck, admiring the Nile scenery with its lush riverbanks, villages, and palm groves. The evening includes a welcome dinner.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Nile Cruise

2. 2Sunrise Hot Air Balloon & Luxor West Bank⌄

   Rise early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor. Drift above the sprawling desert, ancient tombs, and monuments, capturing spectacular aerial views of the Nile and surrounding landscapes.

   Continue with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of ancient pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Explore the tombs adorned with vivid wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicting the journey to the afterlife.

   Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), an architectural marvel built into the cliffs, dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh.

   Nearby, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues standing guard over the Theban plains.

   Return to your cruise ship for lunch, then begin sailing toward Edfu. Afternoon and evening at leisure on the deck, enjoying the passing Nile scenery, and dinner.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Nile Cruise

3. 3Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples⌄

   After breakfast, disembark at Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Marvel at its towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and the central sanctuary dedicated to the falcon-headed god. Learn about the temple’s history, rituals, and legends of Horus and Seth.

   Return to the cruise for lunch as the ship sails toward Kom Ombo.

   In the afternoon, explore the Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Discover the beautifully preserved reliefs, crocodile mummies, and the ancient surgical instruments displayed in the temple’s small museum.

   Continue sailing toward Aswan, enjoying the calm Nile waters and picturesque sunsets. Dinner and evening entertainment onboard complete the day.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Nile Cruise

4. 4Abu Simbel Excursion & Return to Aswan⌄

   Depart early for a full-day guided excursion to Abu Simbel, located near the Sudanese border. Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II, famous for its colossal seated statues and intricately carved interior chambers. Learn about the temple’s alignment, designed so that sunlight illuminates the inner sanctum twice a year. Next, visit the Temple of Hathor (Abu Simbel Small Temple), dedicated to Ramses II’s queen, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. Admire its beautifully carved statues and detailed reliefs.

   After the tour, return to Aswan in the afternoon, passing scenic Nile landscapes along the way. Onboard lunch and dinner are served during the return journey, with evening relaxation under the stars.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Nile Cruise

5. 5Aswan Highlights & Departure⌄

   After breakfast, explore the city of Aswan. Visit the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s irrigation and electricity production.

   Next, take a boat trip to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on Agilkia Island. Walk through its tranquil courtyards, colonnades, and shrines while learning about its fascinating relocation to save it from flooding.

   Optionally, explore the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s granite quarries, providing insight into ancient Egyptian stone-carving techniques.

   After completing your Aswan tour, enjoy a farewell lunch on board or in a local restaurant. Finally, transfer to your hotel, train station, or airport for onward travel, concluding a memorable Nile cruise experience filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

   Meals: Breakfast