5-day Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan

The short answer

This is a deluxe 5-star Lake Nasser cruise package operating from Aswan towards Abu Simbel, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel supplied by a third-party cruise operator.

• Photography
• Archaeology & history
• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

A 5-day / 4-night trip

Travel style

Lake Nasser cruise package with a guide

Accommodation

4 Nights aboard a deluxe 5-star cruise vessel

Operated by

Organised by Discovery Tours Egypt

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

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

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

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.

Bundled in

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

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Use the sundeck for Kasr Ibrim photographs, where the fortress remains visible only from the lake.

2. 02

   For Abu Simbel facade photographs, arrive before the stronger midday light and heat.

3. 03

   Ask your Egyptologist to explain Kalabsha’s 1960s relocation before entering the temple.

4. 04

   Pack a light layer for the lake, particularly when wind increases after sunset.

5. 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.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist 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.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where

Arrivals, Aswan International AirportMap

On the ground

Your route

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Philae Temple9 km
• The High Dam at Aswan16 km
• Nubian Museum4 km
• Unfinished Obelisk7 km
• Kalabsha Temple24 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Start in Aswan before sailing south across Lake Nasser

2. 02

   See Nubian monuments beyond a direct Abu Simbel excursion

3. 03

   Explore the listed sites with an Egyptologist

– 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

·In summary

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

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

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