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

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

5 days

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

Accessibility

Who can join this

This 5-day, 4-night Nile cruise itinerary includes guided walking at archaeological sites and embarkation/disembarkation from a river vessel. Expect uneven ancient stone, steps at temple entrances, narrow paths on the Luxor West Bank, and sand at some sites. Boarding the Nile vessel typically requires a short gangway with several steps; some boats have ladders rather than ramps. Transfers use standard coaches with steps to board. Wheelchair access is limited: most major temples do not have step-free routes from the road to the main monuments. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, we can request assistance and plan alternative sightseeing on flat routes, but we cannot guarantee step-free access at every site. Please tell us about mobility needs when you book so we can advise and arrange the most appropriate support.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We arrange travel using regular air-conditioned coaches and smaller saloon cars for transfers between sites and ports, which reduces multiple private vehicles on the same routes. The Nile vessels we book are locally owned and employ Egyptian crew and crew-related suppliers; fees and site tickets are paid directly to Egyptian authorities and local site staff. Our Egyptologists are locally based professionals hired per tour, which channels income into local specialist livelihoods. We ask guests to use refillable water bottles where possible, to follow site rules about litter and photography, and to avoid removing or touching fragile masonry. For private events or extras, we prioritise local caterers and suppliers to retain revenue in the communities visited. We monitor supplier practices, and where a vessel or supplier cannot provide basic waste separation or responsible waste disposal, we ask them to improve those practices before booking with them again.

• 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