5 Days Nile cruise from luxor to Aswan, Abu Simbel

About this activity

Experience the magic of ancient Egypt on an unforgettable Nile cruise combining history, culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Your journey begins in Luxor, where you explore the magnificent temples of the East Bank before enjoying a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. From the sky, admire panoramic views of the Nile Valley, ancient monuments, green fields, and surrounding desert landscapes.

Continue your cruise along the legendary Nile and discover the impressive temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. As you reach Aswan, visit the High Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, located on an island surrounded by the Nile. The journey continues to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, where colossal statues and detailed carvings showcase the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization. This memorable experience combines iconic landmarks, peaceful Nile views, and unforgettable moments throughout your Egyptian adventure.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Hot Air Balloon Rides Historical Tours Multi-day Cruises

At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Egypt Nile Cruise

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: 4-night 5 stars Nile cruise with full board meals
Included: Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Included: Sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor
Included: Entrance tickets

Not included

Not included: Tipping to Guide, Drivers, and cruise crew

Itinerary

Day 1 · Luxor East Bank & Nile Cruise Departure

Luxor

30 min

Your journey begins with a private hotel pickup in Luxor.
The Karnak Temple

2 hours Admission included

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.
Luxor Temple

1 h 30 min Admission included

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.
Luxor

Passing by

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.

Nile Cruise

Day 2 · Sunrise Hot Air Balloon & Luxor West Bank

Stop 1

45 min Admission included

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.
Valley of the Kings

2 hours Admission included

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.
Temple of Hatshepsut

1 h 30 min Admission included

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

30 min

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

Passing by

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.

Nile Cruise

Day 3 · Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

Statue of Horus - Edfu

2 hours Admission included

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.
Kom Ombo

Passing by

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

2 hours Admission included

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.
Aswan

Passing by

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

Nile Cruise

Day 4 · Abu Simbel Excursion & Return to Aswan

Abu Simbel Temple

8 hours Admission included

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.
Aswan

Passing by

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.

Nile Cruise

Day 5 · Aswan Highlights & Departure

Aswan High Dam

1 h 30 min Admission included

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

2 hours Admission included

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.
Unfinished Obelisk

Passing by

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

30 min

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.