8-Day Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Nile Cruise Holiday
Visit Philae, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist, and travel by road from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
The short answer
8-Day Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Nile Cruise Holiday is an 8-day, 7-night trip to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel: 7 nights on a Nile cruise. Starts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at £1,436 per person, two sharing (Essential, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentialfrom £1,436well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsNephtis · Magic I | £1,436May–Sep: from £1,234 | |
| Comfortfrom £1,6725★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsRoyal Princess Amira · Tower Prestige | £1,672May–Sep: from £1,369 | |
| Classicfrom £1,9075★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsGrand Sun · Stephanie | £1,907May–Sep: from £1,369 | |
| Prestigefrom £2,3455★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Serenity | £2,345May–Sep: from £1,840 | |
| Luxuryfrom £3,7905★ luxury Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsSonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | £3,790May–Sep: from £2,176 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom £5,270Iconic heritage vessels | Nile Cruise · 7 nightsHistoria | £5,270May–Sep: from £3,521 |
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
8 Days / 7 Nights · Abu Simbel Temples · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo Temple · Edfu Temple · Valley of the Kings, Luxor
- 1
We collect you from your Hurghada hotel in a private air-conditioned car and drive west through the Eastern Desert mountains to Luxor. The journey takes four to five hours, with a break for tea halfway. You board your Nile cruise ship, settle into your cabin and sit down to lunch.
Your Egyptologist joins you in the afternoon to run through the week, and the evening is yours on deck while the ship stays moored in Luxor.
- 2
We set off early for the West Bank, when it is cooler and quieter. Your ticket for the Valley of the Kings includes three tombs, picked on the day from those open; your guide explains each one outside, as guiding is not allowed inside. Then on to Queen Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari, built in three terraces against the cliffs, and a stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back.
Lunch is on board as the ship begins sailing south.
- 3
This morning's visit is the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, roof and all. Back on board, the afternoon passes slowly as the ship sails between sugar-cane fields and palm groves. At Kom Ombo you go ashore to see the riverside temple built for two gods, Sobek and Horus, with a twin set of halls, and the crocodile museum beside it.
- 4
Aswan is the southern end of the sailing. You start at the High Dam, which holds back Lake Nasser, then see the Unfinished Obelisk still lying in the granite quarry where it split. A motorboat takes you out to Philae, the temple of Isis, which was rescued from the floodwaters and rebuilt on a nearby island. You have the afternoon free; the souk and a felucca on the river are both easy to arrange.
- 5
An early alarm, at around 4 am, for the drive to Abu Simbel near the Sudanese border: roughly three and a half hours each way in a private car, with a breakfast box to take with you. Your guide takes you round the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, both moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser. You are back on the ship in Aswan by mid-afternoon.
- 6
The ship turns north today, and there is nothing on the programme but the river. Take a book to the sun deck, have a swim, or simply watch the banks go by: fishermen, feluccas and villages much as they have looked for centuries. After yesterday's early start, most guests are glad of a quiet day.
- 7
Back in Luxor, you visit Karnak, the largest temple complex in Egypt, walking through the forest of columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall to the Sacred Lake. Later in the day your guide takes you to Luxor Temple, once linked to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, part of which you can walk today. The temple is lovely in the late afternoon light. Your final dinner is on board.
- 8
After breakfast you leave your cabin and your driver meets you at the ship for the four-to-five-hour drive back to your hotel in Hurghada. Flying home from Hurghada the same day? Let us know your flight time when you book and we will time the transfer to suit.
02Overview
A first look
An eight-day Nile cruise holiday designed for travellers staying on the Red Sea: private road transfers from Hurghada to Luxor and back, a full-board cruise to Aswan, and Egyptologist-guided sightseeing at the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Edfu, and Kom Ombo along the way.
What lingers
- 017 nights onboard a Nile cruise with full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- 02Certified Egyptologist for all shore excursions – our guides accompany the group each day
- 03Abu Simbel full-day excursion from Aswan by private road transfer (c. 280 km / c. 3 hours each way)
- 04Hassle-free transfers Hurghada ⇄ Luxor: road transfer at start and end of cruise (c. 290 km / c. 4 hours)
- 05Standard site entrance fees included – Valley of the Kings ticket covers 3 tombs
- 06Operated on the ground by Discovery Tours Egypt, licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA)
- 07Small-group or private options and customizable upgrades available on request
Bundled in
- Private transfer
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor at the start of the cruise
- Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada at the end of the cruise
- Seven nights’ accommodation aboard a Nile cruise vessel
- Full-day guided visit to Abu Simbel by road from Aswan, with transport
- Daily sightseeing tours listed in the itinerary with a certified Egyptologist guide
- Full-board meals aboard the cruise: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Bottled water during excursions and aboard the cruise
- Standard entrance fees for sites in the itinerary. The standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers three general tombs; standard Giza entry covers the plateau and the Sphinx
- Cruise and included-tour port dues, service fees and local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Entry to the interiors of the Pyramids
- Entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Optional extras and personal activities, such as a hot-air balloon flight in Luxor
- Beverages other than bottled water and bar bills aboard the cruise
- An Egyptian entry visa and any travel documents required
- International flights to and from Egypt and airport departure taxes
- Personal expenses, travel insurance and other personal items
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Abu Simbel, take sun protection and water for the exposed approach to the temples.
- 02
Wear shoes with grip at the Valley of the Kings, where paths and tomb entrances have uneven surfaces.
- 03
Ask your Egyptologist which general tombs are open on your visit, as access can vary.
- 04
Keep small notes for local purchases and tips; gratuities are not included in the listed price.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The listing offers private or small-group arrangements and mentions upgrades to cars, cabins and excursions, subject to availability and confirmation. Optional activities, including a Luxor hot-air balloon flight, can be enquired about separately; the itinerary can also be discussed if you want to add time in Luxor or Aswan.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children, roughly 10 and over, who want guided access to major temples and tombs without planning each stop themselves. Choose it if you are comfortable with long road journeys and several hours of walking on uneven ground
- unlike shorter Nile cruises, the itinerary includes Abu Simbel by road.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access, dislike long drives or struggle with heat and uneven ancient paving. Travellers wanting a mostly restful holiday or a brief cruise should choose a shorter, less sightseeing-intensive option.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Abu Simbel is included as a road excursion from Aswan.
- Named temples and tombs give the sightseeing a clear focus.
- An Egyptologist explains the sites during guided visits.
- Full-board meals reduce the need to plan meals onboard.
Things to Consider
- The Abu Simbel road excursion makes for a long day.
- Ancient sites have uneven stone, steps and limited shade.
- Summer heat can make midday sightseeing tiring.
- Drinks beyond bottled water and gratuities cost extra.
Where it fits
This eight-day cruise fits between a Red Sea stay in Hurghada and onward travel from Luxor or Aswan. It can also follow a Cairo visit, though the Hurghada to Luxor road transfer makes this a substantial travel day.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many standard Nile cruise itineraries end at Aswan or include Abu Simbel only as an optional excursion. This itinerary includes the Abu Simbel road visit in its stated programme. Unlike large-group shore excursions, the supplied product is described as privately guided, although the cruise vessel is assigned through a third-party supplier.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Abu Simbel Temples · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo Temple · Edfu Temple · Valley of the Kings, Luxor · Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Nile River
- Includes
- Seven nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel · Transfers between Hurghada and Luxor · Abu Simbel road excursion from Aswan · Daily sightseeing with an Egyptologist · Standard site entrance fees · Full-board meals aboard the cruise · Bottled water on excursions and aboard the boat · Cruise and tour taxes and service charges
- Best for
- History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families · Small groups
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip
- SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Light day bag for personal items and water
- Reusable water bottle
- Prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit
- A photocopy of your passport and a spare payment card
What to wear
- Light, breathable clothes for hot days
- Covered shoulders and knees at religious sites
- A light scarf for sun protection and modest dress
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes for sand and uneven stone
- A light layer for cooler evenings
Children & families
The stated minimum age for this itinerary is 6 years, reflecting the long road journey to Abu Simbel. Child prices depend on the child’s age and cabin occupancy; send us the children’s ages for a quotation. A pushchair can be useful on flat areas but is difficult to manage over sand, steps and uneven ancient stone. High chairs and cots depend on the cruise supplier’s availability, so request them before booking and we will check.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves uneven ancient stone, sand, steps and long periods of walking at sites including the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. The road journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel is a full-day excursion, with time spent getting in and out of the vehicle as well as walking at the site. Transfers use vehicles with steps; tell us in advance if you need help boarding or have limited mobility so we can discuss arrangements with the transport suppliers. Wheelchair access is restricted at many archaeological areas, and rough ground or steps can prevent access to tomb interiors. A companion may be needed for stairs and uneven surfaces. Our Egyptologists can explain the demands of each visit and discuss possible alternatives, but we cannot promise step-free access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The itinerary uses road transfers between Hurghada and Luxor and for the full-day journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Excursion vehicles are arranged through local transport suppliers; the vehicle type may vary with group size. We also arrange visits with local Egyptologists and drivers, keeping these services with people working in Egypt. Cruise operations are run by third-party suppliers, so we cannot verify their fuel use, food sourcing or recycling arrangements. Bottled water is provided during excursions and on board for health and practical reasons. If you bring a reusable bottle, ask the guide or cruise staff where it can be refilled safely. We do not claim that the road journeys or cruise have a measured environmental benefit.
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 long is the Hurghada to Luxor and Aswan Nile cruise?
The itinerary lasts eight days, including seven nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel. The route combines sailing on the Nile with visits in Luxor and Aswan, plus a road excursion to Abu Simbel. The exact daily sequence and sailing times depend on the confirmed cruise arrangements.02How can I get between Hurghada and the Nile cruise?
The package includes road transfers between Hurghada and Luxor at the start and end of the cruise. The journey takes several hours, so plan for a substantial transfer day. We confirm collection details and timings with you once the arrangements are finalised.03What is included in this Nile cruise package?
The package includes seven cruise nights, full-board meals, bottled water during excursions and on board, and daily sightseeing with an Egyptologist. Standard entrance fees for the listed sites, the Abu Simbel road excursion, transfers and applicable tour and cruise taxes are also included.04What is not included in the Nile cruise?
Gratuities, international flights, your Egypt visa, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. Drinks other than bottled water and bar bills are extra, as are optional activities such as a Luxor hot-air balloon flight. Tutankhamun’s tomb and Seti I’s tomb require separate tickets.05How much walking is involved, and is the cruise suitable for limited mobility?
Expect walking over uneven ancient stone, steps and exposed site paths at places such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The Abu Simbel visit also involves walking around the temple complex. Step-free access and assistance cannot be confirmed from the available details, so tell us about mobility needs before booking.06Can children join this Nile cruise?
Children are welcome, but the available details do not set out age limits or child rates. These can depend on the child’s age and cabin arrangements. Temple visits involve walking and sun exposure, so consider your family’s pace and ask us to check the booking arrangements for your children.07What should I wear and bring for the cruise and temple visits?
Bring comfortable shoes with a firm grip, light clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples; modest dress is required at religious sites such as Philae Temple. A light layer is useful on cooler winter evenings, and bottled water is provided.08Can I take photographs at the temples and tombs?
Photography rules vary between sites and can change, particularly inside tombs. Follow signs and instructions from site staff, and ask before photographing people. The standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers three general tombs, but the available information does not confirm the current photography rules or any camera charges.09When is the best time of year for this Nile cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for walking around temples and tombs. Summer brings stronger heat, especially at exposed sites such as Abu Simbel. Sightseeing times and conditions can vary by season, so we confirm the schedule for your travel dates.10How is Abu Simbel visited on this itinerary?
Abu Simbel is reached on a full-day road excursion from Aswan, with transport and a guided visit included. The temples were built under Ramesses II and relocated in the 1960s during the creation of Lake Nasser. Expect a long day and time walking in the sun.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-NIL-759710
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Starts
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat or Sun
- Route
- Hurghada → Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan → Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers