5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Lake Nasser Cruise Holiday
Sail from Aswan to Abu Simbel with guided visits to Nubian temples, full-board meals and four nights aboard a 5-star cruiser
The short answer
5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Lake Nasser Cruise Holiday is a 5-day, 4-night trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel: 4 nights on a Lake Nasser cruise. Starts on Mondays. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at £676 per person, two sharing (Classic, October–April).
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation at the properties listed or similar.
| Comfort level | Where you stay or similar | Per personfrom, Oct–Apr | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classicfrom £6765★ Nile cruises | Lake Nasser Cruise · 4 nightsNubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise | £676May–Sep: from £503 | |
| Prestigefrom £9445★ deluxe Nile cruises | Lake Nasser Cruise · 4 nightsMovenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise | £944May–Sep: from £591 |
Nile cruise on full board. You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 5-day / 4-night trip · Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr
- 1
On arrival at Aswan Airport, meet our representative for the transfer to Aswan or the Nile cruise departure point. Your cruise team will explain the dining areas and onboard facilities, while your guide outlines the sailing schedule and practical arrangements. The afternoon gives you time to settle into the river setting and watch Aswan’s granite islands and feluccas from the Nile.
Unlike a rushed river visit arranged around a short excursion, today allows a calmer introduction to the cruise before sightseeing begins.
- 2
Begin with a guided visit to Kalabsha Temple, a Roman-period sanctuary dedicated to Mandulis, the Nubian god. Your Egyptologist explains how the monument was transferred to New Kalabsha during the 1960s, before Lake Nasser reached its original location following construction of the Aswan High Dam. Later, cruise across Lake Nasser towards Wadi El Seboua.
Sandstone temples line the western shore, while the route passes isolated lake scenery and Nubian desert. Unlike bus-based sightseeing, the journey itself forms part of the day.
- 3
Begin with a morning visit to Wadi El Seboua, where temples relocated during the creation of Lake Nasser include the sanctuary of Ramses II. At Amada Temple, your guide points out painted reliefs from the reigns of Thutmose III, Amenhotep II and Thutmose IV. Continue to Derr, a rock-cut temple commissioned by Ramses II for Amun-Ra and Ra-Horakhty.
You will also see the Tomb of Pennut, a New Kingdom official’s burial site moved from the rising waters. Later, a Nubian show presents local music and dance.
- 4
During the morning, your guide identifies Kasr Ibrim from the water, where the remains of a Nubian fortress stand above Lake Nasser. You then pause at a viewpoint for a wide view of Abu Simbel and its rock-cut façades. At the site, your Egyptologist explains the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
Both temples were moved in the 1960s to prevent the rising waters of Lake Nasser from covering them. The route combines a quiet landscape view with close study of the monuments.
- 5
After completing cruise check-out arrangements, you’ll leave Abu Simbel by road for Aswan. The route follows Lake Nasser, the reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam, with wide desert landscapes beyond the road.
If your schedule includes time at the Abu Simbel temple area, your guide can explain how Ramses II commissioned the temples in the 13th century BCE and how they were moved in the 1960s to protect them from rising water. On arrival, our coordinator confirms the onward transfer arrangements for Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, granite islands frame Aswan as the Nile cruiser leaves the river for the open desert horizons of Lake Nasser. The deck becomes your viewing point as submerged Nubian landscapes give way to temples moved stone by stone, with Kalabsha and Wadi El Seboua offering different perspectives on the region’s sacred architecture.
Our Egyptologists guide you ashore at Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, then help you read the distant outline of Kasr Ibrim before the sandstone temples of Abu Simbel. We arrange the vehicle movements, guided visits and cruise services in advance, so the rhythm is unhurried where it can be and practical where it must be. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
What lingers
- 01Visit Kalabsha Temple, a Nubian monument relocated during the creation of Lake Nasser
- 02Discover the temples of Wadi El Seboua
- 03Explore Amada and Derr temples, along with the Tomb of Pennut
- 04Discover Abu Simbel's temples
- 05View Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck
- 06Hear site context from an Egyptologist guide during the cruise
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- All meals
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Assistance from our team throughout the cruise
- All transfers in a modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Four nights in a 5-star cruise ship cabin with full-board meals
- Cruise excursions and guided visits included in the programme
- Entrance fees for the sights included in the programme
- An Egyptologist guide during the cruise
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Personal spending and extras not specified in the programme
- Meals, visits and services not included in the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Use the sundeck for Kasr Ibrim photographs, where the fortress remains visible only from the lake.
- 02
For Abu Simbel facade photographs, arrive before the stronger midday light and heat.
- 03
Ask your Egyptologist to explain Kalabsha’s 1960s relocation before entering the temple.
- 04
Pack a light layer for the lake, particularly when wind increases after sunset.
- 05
Wear closed walking shoes because ancient temple surfaces can be uneven and dusty.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The package can be arranged with private or shared transfers and can be tailored around pre- or post-cruise stays in Aswan or Abu Simbel. Travellers may request additional hotel nights, a private Egyptologist, alternative transfer arrangements or the optional Abu Simbel sound and light show, subject to availability and extra cost.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise package suits adults and families interested in ancient Nubian monuments, relocated temples and a slower alternative to a direct Abu Simbel road excursion. Travellers should be comfortable with boarding a vessel, walking over uneven archaeological ground and using steps at temples and during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- It is not suited to travellers needing step-free access throughout, as temple steps, tomb passages and uneven ancient stone are involved. Families with very young children may prefer a shorter itinerary because of early starts and long days ashore.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Four nights in a full-board cruise cabin
- Guided visits to Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua and Amada
- Abu Simbel visit included, not only a distant view
- Kasr Ibrim photographed from the sundeck
- Egyptologist accompanies site visits and onboard briefings
Things to Consider
- Early Abu Simbel departure, typically before sunrise
- Limited shade at archaeological sites around midday
- Uneven stone floors and temple steps
- Tipping is excluded from the programme price
Where it fits
This 5-day Lake Nasser cruise fits well as an Aswan extension before or after a longer Egypt itinerary. Pair it with Cairo sightseeing or a classic Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise for a wider route through southern Egypt.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a direct Abu Simbel day excursion by road, this itinerary spends four nights on a cruise vessel and includes several relocated Nubian monuments along Lake Nasser. It provides guided visits to Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, as well as Abu Simbel, rather than focusing only on the two Abu Simbel temples.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Lake Nasser cruise package with a guide
- Accommodation
- 4 Nights aboard a deluxe 5-star cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr · Tomb of Pennut · Kasr Ibrim · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Four nights aboard a 5-star cruise vessel · Full-board meals during the cruise · Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned deluxe vehicle transfers · Guided visits listed in the itinerary · Entrance fees to included sights · Cruise assistance · Service charges and taxes
- Best for
- Ancient-history enthusiasts · Travellers seeking more than a direct Abu Simbel excursion · Couples and families with older children · Travellers interested in Nubian monuments · Visitors preferring a full-board cruise itinerary
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Arrivals, Aswan International AirportMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and the documents needed to enter Egypt
- Secure, comfortable walking shoes
- Sun cream with SPF 50 or above
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Any regular medication and a small first-aid kit
- Cash for tips and personal spending
What to wear
- Choose light, loose clothes to stay cool in the daytime heat
- Wear breathable layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for sand and uneven ground
- Bring a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong sun
- Keep shoulders and knees covered at temples and religious sites
Children & families
Children of any age are welcome on this cruise. Pricing usually depends on the child's age, cabin arrangement and the cruise operator's conditions, so please include each child's date of birth when requesting a quotation. Strollers are impractical at many monuments because of sand, steps and uneven surfaces. Confirm high-chair availability before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise programme requires boarding and leaving a passenger ship, using gangways and stairs, and walking across uneven archaeological ground. Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr, the Tomb of Pennut and Abu Simbel may involve sand, rough paths, steps and limited shade. Sundeck access and some ship facilities may require stairs, and a lift cannot be assumed. Wheelchair access is not guaranteed on board or at the monuments. Some vehicle transfers may accommodate a wheelchair, subject to size and storage space. Please contact us before booking with your walking distance, wheelchair dimensions and assistance needs so our team can check what is practical.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Road transfers use modern air-conditioned vehicles, while the sightseeing route uses a passenger cruise ship on the Nile and Lake Nasser. We arrange services with Egyptian drivers, Egyptologists, cruise staff and local site suppliers, so guiding, transport and visitor spending support businesses operating in Aswan and Nubia. Travelling by ship reduces repeated road journeys between the archaeological sites. Meals are served on board during the cruise. Please use the ship or vehicle waste facilities, carry a refillable bottle where practical and do not remove stones, pottery or other material from Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr or Abu Simbel. Site rules protect these monuments and their surrounding landscape.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How many days does the Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel cruise from Aswan last?
The cruise package lasts five days, with four nights aboard a cruise ship. It starts in Aswan and includes visits along Lake Nasser before the journey concludes with arrangements towards Aswan after check-out in Abu Simbel. The precise timings depend on the sailing schedule confirmed for your departure.02How do transfers work on the 5-day Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise?
Transfers are arranged in modern, air-conditioned vehicles between Aswan Airport, the cruise departure point and the route’s sightseeing locations. The programme also includes road travel from Abu Simbel towards Aswan after cruise check-out. We confirm your meeting point and transfer details with your final arrangements.03Which things are included in the Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise package?
The package includes four nights on a five-star cruise ship with full-board meals, an Egyptologist, transfers, listed guided excursions and entrance fees for the included sights. Service charges and taxes are also included. The vessel is assigned at booking, so no specific ship name can be confirmed in advance.04What is excluded from the 5-day Lake Nasser cruise?
Tipping, personal spending and extras are not included in the package. Meals, visits or services outside the stated inclusions are also excluded. Check the final programme for the precise meal and sightseeing arrangements, and set aside money for gratuities if you wish to tip the guide or cruise staff.05How much walking is involved at Abu Simbel and the Lake Nasser temples?
Expect walking over uneven ground, sand and ancient stone, with steps at some temple areas. Cruise vessels may also have stairs between decks. The route may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility, and access varies by site. Tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can check the arrangements.06Can children join the Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise?
Children can travel on this cruise, but the suitability depends on their age, mobility and comfort with the sailing schedule and temple visits. The itinerary includes walking in sun and on uneven surfaces. Ask us to confirm cabin arrangements and any age-related requirements for your chosen departure before booking.07What should I pack and wear for a Lake Nasser cruise?
Pack breathable clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes. Take water for the temple visits and a light layer for cooler evenings on deck, particularly in winter. Choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples, and avoid footwear that is difficult on sand or stone.08Are photographs allowed at Abu Simbel and Kasr Ibrim?
Photography rules can differ between monuments and may change, so follow signs and your Egyptologist’s advice at each site. The itinerary includes a photo stop at Kasr Ibrim viewed from the sundeck. Ask before using flash or photographing restricted areas, and check locally if a separate camera permit applies.09When is the best time to take a Lake Nasser cruise?
The cooler months, generally October to April, are more comfortable for outdoor visits at Abu Simbel and the temples beside Lake Nasser. Summer heat can make walking on exposed ground demanding. Temperatures vary by date, so plan for strong sun in every season and check conditions before travelling.10How is this cruise different from a direct trip to Abu Simbel?
This five-day route includes Nubian monuments beyond Abu Simbel, including Kalabsha Temple, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut. A direct Abu Simbel excursion concentrates on the two temples there, while this cruise allows visits across Lake Nasser. Kasr Ibrim is viewed from the water.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-ASW-419748
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Starts
- Mondays only
- Route
- Aswan → Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers