5-Day Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser Cruise from Aswan | DTE
Sail from Aswan to Abu Simbel with guided visits to Nubian temples, full-board meals and four nights aboard a 5-star cruiser
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The assigned vessel is a deluxe 5-star Lake Nasser cruise vessel operating from Aswan toward Abu Simbel, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Travel style
- Guided Lake Nasser Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-Star Lake Cruise Vessel
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the cruise vessel is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
- Destinations
- Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr · Tomb of Pennut · Kasr Ibrim · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Four nights on a 5-star cruise vessel · Full-board meals as stated · Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned deluxe vehicle transfers · Cruise excursions and listed sightseeing · Entrance fees to included sights · Cruise assistance, service charges, and taxes
- Best for
- Ancient-history enthusiasts · First-time Egypt visitors · Travelers seeking Abu Simbel beyond a day trip · Couples and families with older children · Travelers interested in Nubian monuments
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan and Abu Simbel are generally milder than in summer. November through February can bring higher demand around Christmas, New Year, and winter holidays; Ramadan may affect daytime dining schedules and opening arrangements, so confirm the current operating plan before booking.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the itinerary, transfers, guides, and third-party cruise services.
- The company is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Sightseeing is accompanied by an Egyptologist guide.
- The package includes arranged ground assistance, service charges, and taxes.
- Cruise accommodation is supplied and operated by a third-party vessel provider; Discovery Tours Egypt does not operate the vessel.
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.
Background
The facts
This five-day, four-night cruise package begins in Aswan and follows Lake Nasser toward Abu Simbel. The itinerary includes Kalabsha Temple, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr, the Tomb of Pennut, a sundeck photo stop at Kasr Ibrim, and the temples of Abu Simbel. A deluxe 5-star cruise vessel, full-board meals, transfers, listed entrance fees, and Egyptologist-guided sightseeing are arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
Kalabsha Temple stands near Aswan and was relocated to higher ground in the 1960s before the Aswan High Dam reservoir flooded its original location. The Roman-period temple is primarily associated with the Nubian solar deity Mandulis. Wadi El Seboua, meaning “Valley of the Lions,” contains temples relocated during the creation of Lake Nasser, including the temple of Ramesses II.
The Amada complex includes the Temple of Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty, one of Nubia’s oldest surviving temples, with decoration associated with the New Kingdom. The program also visits Derr Temple and the Tomb of Pennut, a decorated rock-cut tomb dating to the reign of Ramesses VI. Kasr Ibrim remains on its original hill and is viewed from the vessel because visitor access is generally restricted.
Abu Simbel consists of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and Hathor. Both temples were moved approximately 65 metres higher and about 200 metres inland between 1964 and 1968 during the UNESCO-coordinated Nubian salvage campaign. Travel between sites is by cruise vessel and arranged air-conditioned vehicle transfers, with the final day ending after breakfast and cruise check-out.
Named in this entry
Aswan·Lake Nasser·Abu Simbel Temples·Great Temple of Ramesses II·Temple of Nefertari·Kalabsha Temple·Wadi El Seboua·Amada Temple·Derr Temple·Tomb of Pennut·Kasr Ibrim·Aswan High Dam·Ramesses II·Queen Nefertari·UNESCO Nubian Campaign
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This package suits first-time Egypt visitors, archaeology and ancient-history enthusiasts, and travelers who want to see several relocated Nubian monuments rather than make only a direct road or flight excursion to Abu Simbel. Most sightseeing requires walking on uneven temple grounds, so it is best for travelers with moderate mobility who enjoy a structured cruise itinerary.
Maybe not, if
- Not suited for travelers needing step-free access throughout, due to temple steps and uneven ancient stone. Also not ideal for families with very young children who cannot manage early 05:00 starts and long days ashore.
What lingers
- 01Visit Kalabsha Temple, a major Nubian monument near Aswan
- 02Explore the temples at Wadi El Seboua
- 03See Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut
- 04Visit the temples of Abu Simbel
- 05Photograph Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck
- 06Spend four nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Four nights onboard a full board cruise cabin included
- Guided visits to Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Abu Simbel
- Photo stop at Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck
- Egyptologist present for all onboard briefings and site visits
Things to Consider
- Early morning departure for Abu Simbel, typically before sunrise
- Limited shade at archaeological sites during midday hours
- Uneven stone floors and steps inside temples and tombs
- Tipping not included in the program price
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a direct Abu Simbel day excursion from Aswan, this package spends four nights cruising Lake Nasser and visits several relocated Nubian monuments, including Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and Derr. It combines scheduled onboard meals and facilities with guided shore excursions, while the cruise vessel itself is operated by a third-party supplier.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
5 Days / 4 Nights · Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.
Classic
from £560 ppPrestige
from £1,071 ppBundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- All meals
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
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
Kasr Ibrim is usually best for photos from the sundeck in clear morning light.
- 02
Abu Simbel is less harsh before 9am, especially for facade shots.
- 03
At Kalabsha, the relocated setting reads better when your guide explains the 1960s move first.
- 04
Carry a light layer for the lake crossing, wind can pick up after sunset.
- 05
Wear closed walking shoes, the temple surfaces can be uneven and dusty.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared transfers, additional Aswan or Abu Simbel hotel nights, and pre- or post-cruise sightseeing subject to vessel schedules. Optional experiences such as the Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show can be added, while dietary requirements and selected transfer arrangements should be requested in advance.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best as a southbound Lake Nasser and Aswan add-on before or after a longer Egypt itinerary. It also works well after a few nights in Cairo, because the cruise begins and ends in Aswan with fixed transfers and guided sightseeing arranged on the ground.
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.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required Egypt entry documents
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with a secure grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Any required medication and a small personal first-aid kit
- Cash for gratuities and personal purchases
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for sand and uneven ground
- Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
Children & families
Children may join this cruise programme, but no minimum age or fixed child fare has been supplied. 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.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport, ArrivalsMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Aswan embarkation keeps the first day calm
02
Longer Abu Simbel visit than day trips
03
Egyptologist-led visits at every major site
– 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 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
This five-day Lake Nasser cruise package includes four nights on a deluxe 5-star cruise vessel, full-board meals, air-conditioned transfers, an Egyptologist guide, and entrance fees for the listed visits. The itinerary covers Kalabsha Temple, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr, the Tomb of Pennut, a Kasr Ibrim photo stop, and Abu Simbel Temples.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise package?
This cruise package is 5 days and 4 nights, beginning in Aswan and concluding in Abu Simbel. It includes four nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship, allowing for a thorough exploration of the Lake Nasser monuments.02What is included in this 5-day Abu Simbel cruise package?
The package covers all transfers by modern air-conditioned vehicle, four nights on a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals, guided excursions, entrance fees to listed sights, an Egyptologist guide, and all service charges and taxes. Our team provides assistance throughout your holiday.03What is not included in this Lake Nasser cruise?
Exclusions typically cover gratuities for your guide and cruise staff, personal expenses, and any meals, visits, or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list. Premium tomb entries or specific pyramid interiors are also generally excluded.04What kind of cruise ship will I be on for this package?
You will be accommodated on a deluxe 5-star cruise ship for four nights. The specific vessel is assigned at the time of booking, ensuring a comfortable and well-appointed experience on Lake Nasser.05What are the pick-up and transfer arrangements for this cruise?
All transfers are arranged by modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles. This includes your arrival transfer from Aswan Airport to your cruise ship or hotel, and your departure transfer from Abu Simbel to Aswan at the end of the cruise.06Is this cruise package suitable for children and families?
Yes, this cruise can be suitable for families. Children often enjoy the experience of sailing on Lake Nasser and visiting the ancient temples. We recommend discussing specific family needs with our travel advisors to ensure the best fit.07What should I wear and bring for the Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for site visits. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended for temple visits. Bring a reusable water bottle.08What is the accessibility like for this cruise and its excursions?
Cruise ships generally have stairs between decks, and some ancient sites involve walking on uneven terrain, sand, or steps. While transfers are accessible, the sites themselves may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Please enquire about specific needs.09What is the best time of year to take this Lake Nasser cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Lake Nasser cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, especially at sites like Abu Simbel.10How does this cruise differ from a direct day trip to Abu Simbel?
Unlike a direct day trip, this 5-day cruise allows you to visit multiple relocated Nubian monuments along Lake Nasser, including Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and Derr, providing a more in-depth cultural experience beyond just Abu Simbel.
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
Last updated 27 July 2026Product ID: TOU-ASW-419748
You Might Also Like
Nile5 Days
Deluxe 5-Star 4 Nights Nile Cruise
A four-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the guided visits throughout. You embark in Luxor after a morning visit to Karnak, dine onboard as the boat sails, then continue with guided walks and short drives to major sites. We use Egyptologist-led guiding throughout rather than audio guides or unaccompanied site visits. Unlike fly-in Abu Simbel options, this programme includes an early road transfer from the cruise for a full guided visit to the temples. Accommodation is full board on a five-star deluxe Nile cruise, with meals served onboard and local transfers organised by us.
Nile5 Days
4-Night Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan (5 days)
We operate this 4-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with on-the-ground support from our licensed Egyptian team. You spend four nights on board with full board meals, guided shore excursions led by our English-speaking, licensed Egyptologists, and transfers by air-conditioned coach. Highlights include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor (part of the Ancient Thebes World Heritage Site), the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple on the West Bank, the temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. Standard site entrance fees are included for the sites listed below. We are licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA) and operate as your local destination management company in Egypt.
Luxor5 Days
5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise Solar Eclipse 2027 | DTE
Sail from Luxor to Aswan during the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, with reserved viewing from the vessel’s sun deck on Day 3. The route links ancient sites on both banks of the Nile, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the cruise programme, shore transport and an Egyptologist guide. Four nights of full-board cabin accommodation are included, with meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation. Monument entrance fees, drinks, gratuities and visas remain separate costs.
From £4,647