8-day Nile Cruise from Hurghada to Luxor & Aswan – 7 nights on board

The short answer

This is an eight-day guided Nile cruise tour from Hurghada covering Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural
• Desert safari
• Diving & snorkelling
• Budget

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Travel style

Private Guided Nile Cruise

Accommodation

Nile Cruise Cabin

Operated by

Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt

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

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

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

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.

Bundled in

• 🚖Private transfer
• 🍽Full board
• ◈Private Egyptologist
• 🎟All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   At Abu Simbel, take sun protection and water for the exposed approach to the temples.

2. 02

   Wear shoes with grip at the Valley of the Kings, where paths and tomb entrances have uneven surfaces.

3. 03

   Ask your Egyptologist which general tombs are open on your visit, as access can vary.

4. 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.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

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.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

On the ground

Your route

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak Temple290 km
• Luxor Temple290 km
• The Kings’ Valley300 km
• Philae Temple500 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Abu Simbel visit by road from Aswan

2. 02

   Combines major temples with a full Nile sailing itinerary

3. 03

   Standard entrance fees included at listed sites

– 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 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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday

15–30 days

50% back, or 75% kept as credit

7–14 days

25% back, or 50% kept as credit

2–6 days

Nothing back; 25% kept as credit

Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up

No refund and no credit

Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy