4-Night Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan (5 days)

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

5 days

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Four nights on board a Nile cruise vessel sailing south from Luxor to Aswan with daily shore excursions
• 02Visit Karnak Temple (approximately 2.5 km north of Luxor Temple; 10–15-minute drive) and Luxor Temple on the East Bank
• 03Explore the Valley of the Kings (West Bank; about 4 km from Luxor East Bank; 15–25-minute drive) and Deir el-Bahari (Temple of Hatshepsut) next door
• 04See the temple of Horus at Edfu (visit usually by motorboat or horse-drawn carriage from the river berth)
• 05Visit Kom Ombo – the dual temple of Sobek and Haroeris – en route to Aswan
• 06In Aswan, visit Philae Temple on Agilkia Island (part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO listing), the Unfinished Obelisk in the stone quarries, and the Aswan High Dam
• 07Optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan (Abu Simbel is ~280 km south of Aswan: about a 3-hour road transfer each way, or ~45-minute scheduled flight each way)

Bundled in

• 🍽Full board
• ◈Group Egyptologist
• 🎟All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Luxor to Aswan cruise involves walking over uneven ancient stone, sand and narrow paths, including on the Luxor West Bank. Temple entrances may have steps, and routes to the main monuments are rarely step-free. Boarding the river vessel usually involves a gangway and steps; some vessels use ladders rather than ramps. Transfers are by standard coaches or cars, which may have high steps and may not have wheelchair lifts. Wheelchair access is therefore limited, and step-free access cannot be guaranteed at every site or on board. We can discuss mobility needs and possible alternatives before booking, but please tell us about them early so we can check what support is available.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We arrange transfers using air-conditioned coaches and smaller saloon cars between sites and ports. The Nile vessels we book are locally owned and employ Egyptian crew and local suppliers. Our Egyptologists are locally based professionals engaged for tours, and site fees are paid to Egyptian authorities and local site staff. These arrangements support local livelihoods, though they do not remove the environmental impact of road and river travel. We encourage guests to carry a refillable water bottle, follow site rules on litter and photography, and avoid touching or removing stonework. Where we arrange private events or extras, we prioritise local caterers and suppliers. We also ask suppliers about waste disposal and seek improvements where basic practices are lacking.

• 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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01What is included in the price?

   Full-board meals on the cruise, guided shore excursions with a licensed Egyptologist, and standard entrance fees at the listed sites (the Valley of the Kings and Karnak in Luxor, Edfu, and Kom Ombo). Drinks and gratuities for the guide and crew are not included.
2. 02What is the route?

   Four nights sailing the classic stretch from Luxor south to Aswan, with guided Luxor sightseeing before departure, temple calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo en route, and Aswan’s highlights at the end.
3. 03Can I add Abu Simbel?

   Yes. An excursion to the twin temples of Abu Simbel can be arranged from Aswan as an optional add-on — most guests visit by road in the early morning. Ask us to include it when you enquire.
4. 04Is this suitable for children?

   Yes — families cruise the Nile year-round and children are welcome on board. Child rates depend on age and cabin arrangement; tell us your family setup and we will price it for you.
5. 05Are tips included?

   No — tipping is customary in Egypt but always at your discretion. Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide, driver, and cruise crew are not included in the price.
6. 06What should I pack and wear?

   Light, breathable layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated when visiting temples. Evenings on the river can be cool in winter, so bring a light jacket.

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