5-Day Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan | Egyptologist Guide

The short answer

Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan is a five-day guided tour covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan in Upper Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural
• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

Five days / four nights

Travel style

Guided tour over several days, including accommodation

Accommodation

Comfort / Classic / Prestige / Luxury accommodation options

Operated by

Tours with Discovery Tours Egypt

Destinations

Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Nile

Includes

Accommodation for 4 nights · All transfers as specified · Egyptologist guide speaking English · Entrance charges where specified · Daily breakfast · Selected lunches · Local levies and service fees

Best for

History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Upper Egypt · Couples · Adults seeking a paced itinerary · Travellers wanting included accommodation

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Explore Karnak Temple, a complex built and expanded by successive pharaohs.
• 02Visit Luxor West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings.
• 03See the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu.
• 04Visit Kom Ombo, the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
• 05Visit Philae Temple on Agilkia Island and the Aswan High Dam.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a short 3-night Nile cruise, this 4-night itinerary includes both Edfu and Kom Ombo with time ashore at each site rather than abbreviated stops. Compared with large coach-based day trips, it uses a multi-day format with included accommodation and guided sightseeing across Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The tour is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with an Egyptologist guide for the included visits.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   At the Valley of the Kings, ask which three tombs are open that day; access can change.

2. 02

   Tutankhamun’s tomb requires a separate ticket, so decide before joining the Valley of the Kings queue.

3. 03

   At Philae, allow time to look closely at the reliefs inside the temple, not only the island setting.

4. 04

   At Kom Ombo, look for the paired sanctuaries that reflect its dedication to both Sobek and Horus.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The itinerary can be booked as a private or small-group style arrangement depending on availability and preference. Common adjustments include adding extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, extending the programme with Cairo, or upgrading selected meals and accommodation level. Optional activities such as a felucca sail in Aswan can be added on request.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary involves regular walking on uneven stone, cobbles and loose sand, with short boat landings and steps at island temples. Expect standing, uphill approaches and low, narrow tomb entrances on the Luxor West Bank, plus stepped stairways at many temple complexes. Wheelchair users can use an accessible vehicle for road transfers on request, but independent access at many sites is limited: ramps exist at some modern entrances, while tomb interiors and temple inner chambers often have steps and low ceilings. We can arrange porter assistance and a trained escort for guests with reduced mobility, but you must contact us before booking so we can confirm specific lift or ramp availability, on-site support and whether a given site visit is practical on your dates. Some river landings use temporary gangways which are not suitable for heavy electric wheelchairs.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where

Luxor International Airport — ArrivalsMap

On the ground

Your route

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak Temple3 km
• The Valley of the Kings6 km
• The temple at Edfu100 km
• The temple at Kom Ombo165 km
• Philae Temple215 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Full visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo, not brief stopovers

2. 02

   English-speaking Egyptologist guides at the listed sites

3. 03

   Four nights allow a slower Luxor-to-Aswan itinerary

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

Transfers between Luxor and Aswan use air-conditioned coaches that meet local emissions standards where available; short water transfers to Agilkia Island and other river landings use licensed local motorboats. The optional felucca sail is operated by local boatmen using traditional craft. We contract Egyptologists, drivers and boat crews directly and pay locally agreed rates to support regional livelihoods; hotels and restaurants used on route are nearby businesses chosen to keep spending in the communities visited. To reduce single-use plastic we encourage refillable bottles and our coaches carry sealed drinking water on request. We also brief guests on staying on marked paths to protect fragile archaeological surfaces and time visits to reduce queuing at sensitive sites where possible.

• 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 Luxor to Aswan Nile itinerary?

   The itinerary runs for five days, from Luxor to Aswan, with four overnight stays. The day-by-day route includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and sites in Aswan. Accommodation arrangements can vary by itinerary, so check the final programme for the specific hotels and any cruise segment.
2. 02What transfers are included on the Luxor to Aswan itinerary?

   Transfers between airports, hotels and sightseeing sites are included where listed in the itinerary. The programme specifies a short transfer from Luxor Airport and transport between the route’s visits. Exact timings and the collection point depend on your arrival details; we confirm these with you before travel.
3. 03What is included in the Luxor to Aswan tour?

   The stated inclusions cover accommodation, listed transfers, an English-speaking Egyptologist for guided visits and entrance fees for the sites named in the itinerary. Meals include daily breakfast and selected lunches, as specified in the day-by-day programme. Check the final itinerary for which meals and site tickets apply to each day.
4. 04What is not included in the Luxor to Aswan itinerary?

   International flights, drinks, personal spending, optional activities, gratuities, visa fees and travel insurance are excluded. A single-room supplement may also apply. Pyramid interior tickets are not relevant to this route, and premium tomb tickets are not listed as included, so ask us to confirm any extra ticket costs before you travel.
5. 05How much walking is there on the Luxor to Aswan itinerary?

   Expect walking over uneven stone at temples and archaeological sites, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Some visits involve stairs or exposed ground, with limited shade in places. The route may be challenging for travellers with reduced mobility; tell us about access needs so we can check what can be adjusted.
6. 06Is the Luxor to Aswan itinerary suitable for children?

   Families can visit the temples and tombs with an Egyptologist, but the itinerary includes substantial outdoor sightseeing and walking. Children’s enjoyment will depend on their interest and stamina, particularly during visits to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Ask us to confirm any age rules for accommodation or optional activities.
7. 07What should I wear and bring for the Luxor to Aswan tour?

   Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for Egypt’s strong sun. Choose modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees; this is also suitable for religious sites. A refillable water bottle is useful, though drinks are not included unless the final programme says otherwise.
8. 08Can I take photographs at the sites on the Luxor to Aswan itinerary?

   Photography rules vary between sites and may differ for indoor areas or individual tombs. The Valley of the Kings can have separate restrictions or ticket requirements for photography, so follow signs and your Egyptologist’s advice. Do not use flash where it is prohibited, and check current rules on the day of each visit.
9. 09When is the best time to travel from Luxor to Aswan?

   The cooler months, roughly October to April, are generally more comfortable for outdoor visits in Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. Summer temperatures can make exposed sites tiring, especially around midday. The programme’s sightseeing times may vary; carry sun protection and water in every season.
10. 10Does the four-night Luxor to Aswan route include Edfu and Kom Ombo?

    Yes, the itinerary includes guided visits to both the Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu is dedicated to Horus, while Kom Ombo has twin sanctuaries associated with Sobek and Haroeris. Compared with shorter three-night cruise itineraries, this route allows more time ashore at both temples.

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