4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor | Discovery Tours Egypt
Sail through Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor, with Philae Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple included
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The assigned deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser is a vessel sailing from Aswan to Luxor, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party cruise supplier.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Travel style
- Guided Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser, 3 Nights
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the Nile vessel is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
- Destinations
- Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Unfinished Obelisk · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Colossi of Memnon · Luxor East Bank · Karnak Temple
- Includes
- Three nights in an assigned deluxe 5-star Nile cruise cabin · Full-board cruise meals · Air-conditioned transfers · Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to listed sights · Cruise excursions between Aswan and Luxor · Service charges and taxes
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking an organized Upper Egypt itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Upper Egypt are generally milder, although popular temples can be busy during winter holidays. May through September is hotter, often exceeding 35°C in Luxor and Aswan; travelers should plan for sun protection and hydration. Ramadan can affect meal timing and opening routines, while Christmas, New Year and Easter periods may bring higher demand.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- An Egyptologist guide accompanies the listed sightseeing program.
- Transfers are arranged in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- The cruise vessel is booked and arranged through a third-party supplier; Discovery Tours Egypt does not operate the vessel.
- Standard entrance fees for listed sights are included, while gratuities and personal expenses are stated separately.
02Overview
A first look
Granite dust still clings to the Unfinished Obelisk as the Nile glints beyond Aswan’s quarry walls. From the deck, the river narrows into a moving landscape of palms, desert and village life, then opens into the carved courts of Kom Ombo and Edfu. In Luxor, our Egyptologist helps you make sense of the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Karnak Temple without rushing past the details. We arrange the transfers, cabin, sightseeing and meals, and explain the practicalities before each visit. Expect early starts, strong midday sun and uneven ancient stone, particularly on Luxor West Bank. A licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinates the journey from shore to shore.
Background
The facts
This 4-day Nile cruise package travels north from Aswan to Luxor, combining guided sightseeing with three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser. The vessel is assigned at booking and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party cruise supplier. The package includes cruise accommodation, full-board meals, transfers, listed entrance fees and an Egyptologist guide; gratuities and personal expenses are excluded.
Named in this entry
Aswan·Aswan High Dam·Philae Temple·Unfinished Obelisk·Kom Ombo Temple·Edfu Temple·Luxor·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut Temple·Deir el-Bahari·Colossi of Memnon·Karnak Temple·Nile River·Upper Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travelers who want to combine Aswan, the Nile Valley and Luxor in one organized journey. It is appropriate for adults and older children who can manage early starts, hot weather, walking and uneven surfaces at ancient sites.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring step-free access or long-term wheelchair use, as many ancient sites have uneven stone and stairs. Not recommended for travelers on very tight budgets who need to avoid included cruise accommodation upgrades or optional excursions.
What lingers
- 01Visit Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan High Dam
- 02See the Ptolemaic temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu
- 03Explore the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple on Luxor West Bank
- 04Stand before the Colossi of Memnon
- 05Visit Karnak Temple on Luxor East Bank
- 06Three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board meals
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Direct visits to Aswan and Luxor highlights in four days
- Egyptologist-led guided visits at each major site
- Three nights accommodation on board simplifies transfers
- Entrance fees to listed sights are included
- Balanced pace, combining guided tours and sailing time
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone and steps at many sites
- Early starts on some days to avoid crowds
- Limited shade at midday at outdoor temples
- Tipping and personal extras are not included
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short Aswan or Luxor day trip, this package includes three nights of sailing and connects major Upper Egypt sites by river. Compared with an independently arranged cruise, it combines cruise accommodation with airport or city transfers, listed entrance fees and Egyptologist-guided excursions. The vessel is assigned at booking rather than being a permanently named ship.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Unfinished Obelisk · Kom Ombo · Edfu
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.
Comfort
from £421 ppClassic
from £421 ppPrestige
from £768 ppLuxury
from £1,030 ppLand only — no accommodationfrom £421 pp
Tour, transfers and guiding only; you arrange your own hotels and the Nile cruise.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Assistance throughout the tour
- All transfers in a modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board meals
- All Nile cruise excursions listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all listed sights between Aswan and Luxor
- Egyptologist guide throughout the journey
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Tipping and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Extras not mentioned in the programme
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and optional activities unless specifically requested
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Philae, late afternoon often gives softer light and fewer day-trip crowds.
- 02
Karnak's open courts are hottest at midday, so start the East Bank early if possible.
- 03
At the Valley of the Kings, wear shoes with grip, the paths can be dusty and uneven.
- 04
Kom Ombo is one of the easiest sites for clear river-view photos from the approach road.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared guiding, subject to availability, and can adapt transfers around flights or pre- and post-cruise stays. Optional activities, premium tombs and other additions can be requested, while cruise category upgrades may be available among the assigned third-party vessels. Exact vessel allocation is confirmed at booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best paired with 2 nights in Aswan before departure and 2 nights in Luxor after arrival, especially if you want the Nile Valley sites in a single south to north route. It also fits neatly after a Cairo stay, because Aswan has domestic flight access and Luxor works well as the next stop for temples and West Bank sightseeing.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves uneven stone, sand, steps and occasional steep or narrow access points at Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Karnak Temple. Boarding the cruiser uses a gangway, which can become steep depending on river level and dock position. Vehicles are air-conditioned but may not have wheelchair lifts. Wheelchair access inside ancient sites is limited. Travellers with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so our licensed Egyptian tour operator can assess walking distances, porter assistance and practical arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and visa documents
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- SPF50 sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Small day bag for excursions
- Personal medication and basic toiletries
- Egyptian pounds for optional purchases and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned vehicles and cooler evenings
- Swimwear with a cover-up if using the cruiser pool
- Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
Children & families
Children may join this tour, but no minimum age or fixed child-fare schedule has been supplied. Pricing usually depends on age, sharing arrangements and the third-party cruise supplier’s rules, so request a family quotation before booking. Strollers are difficult to use on sand, uneven ancient paving, steps and cruiser gangways. High-chair availability is not confirmed and should be requested in advance.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport, ArrivalsMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
See Luxor sites after the cruise arrival schedule
02
Guided visits at Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Edfu
03
Entrance fees and meals are already included
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transfers using modern, air-conditioned vehicles with locally based drivers and work with Egyptian guides, cruise staff and excursion providers between Aswan and Luxor. Entrance fees, local transport, guiding and food support businesses in Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor. River travel can reduce separate road journeys between the main sightseeing areas, although the cruiser is operated by a third-party supplier. We do not claim carbon neutrality because emissions data and offset arrangements have not been provided. A refillable bottle and careful use of water and plastic help reduce waste.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This 4-day Aswan-to-Luxor Nile cruise includes three nights in a deluxe 5-star cruise cabin, full-board meals, air-conditioned transfers, listed entrance fees and Egyptologist-guided visits. Sightseeing covers Aswan’s High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple; Kom Ombo and Edfu temples; and Luxor attractions including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of this Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor?
This Nile River cruise package spans 4 days and 3 nights, travelling north from Aswan to Luxor. You will spend all three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser, with daily excursions to ancient sites along the river.02What kind of cruise ship will I be on?
You will be aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser. The specific vessel is assigned at the time of booking, ensuring a comfortable and well-appointed experience as you sail between Aswan and Luxor.03What is included in the price of this Nile cruise?
The cruise includes 3 nights on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full board, all listed excursions, entrance fees to the specified sights, an Egyptologist guide, and all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle. All service charges and taxes are also covered.04What is not included in the cruise package?
The package excludes tipping and gratuities, personal expenses, and any extras not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary. Entrance to pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and optional activities are also not included unless specifically requested.05What are the accessibility considerations for this cruise?
While the cruise ship itself offers modern amenities, excursions to ancient sites involve walking on uneven surfaces, sand, and some stairs. Guests should be prepared for varying terrain and limited shade at midday during temple visits.06Is this cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, this cruise is suitable for families. Children often enjoy the experience of sailing on the Nile and exploring the ancient temples. We recommend supervising children closely at archaeological sites due to uneven ground and open areas.07What should I wear and bring on the Nile cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sun cream. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications.08What is the photography policy at the sites visited?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, though some areas, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist guide will advise you on specific rules at each location.09What is the best time of year to take this Nile cruise?
The cooler months from October to April offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the sites. Temperatures are milder, making the daytime excursions more enjoyable. Summer months, May to September, are very hot.10Which specific sites will I visit on the West Bank in Luxor?
On the Luxor West Bank, you will visit the Valley of the Kings, which includes entry to three tombs, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. Your Egyptologist guide will provide context at each location.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 26 July 2026Product ID: TOU-ASW-759477
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