Aswan to Kom Ombo, Edfu & Luxor – Day Tour
Hotel pickup in Aswan, guided by our Egyptologist, visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor temples, returning to Aswan the same day
At a glance
- Length
- 1 days · 0 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu & Luxor Day Tour is a one-day guided excursion from Aswan covering three Upper Egyptian temples, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Full day
- Travel style
- Private Guided Excursion
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan · Air-conditioned vehicle · A local guide with Egyptology expertise · Entrance fees to Kom Ombo Temple · Entrance fees to Edfu Temple · Entrance fees to Luxor Temple
- Best for
- Temple and archaeology enthusiasts · Travellers based in Aswan · Private sightseeing · History-focused travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The most comfortable months for this route are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Upper Egypt are generally milder and outdoor walking is easier. From May to September, heat can be intense, especially at midday, so early departures and water are important. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns may change, so timing should be reconfirmed in advance.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- A local Egyptologist guide accompanies the visits at each listed site.
- Entrance fees for Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple and Luxor Temple are included.
- The listed transport is an air-conditioned vehicle from and back to Aswan.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan are included.
02Overview
A first look
Before sunrise the Nile's papyrus-scented air feels cool along Aswan's quayside, fishing boats clacking as light slips over granite quays and pigeons wheel around the mosque minarets. Expect carved reliefs at eye level, steep stone steps, and the dry heat rising by mid-morning as we move between riverbank temples and shady porticoes.
We travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and our Egyptologists guide you at each stop, pointing out the inscriptions and architectural phases rather than lecturing from the coach. Unlike many cruise shore excursions, this departs from Aswan hotels in the morning and returns the same day; meeting point and pickup time are confirmed by our team before your excursion.
Background
The facts
This full-day excursion starts in Aswan and follows the Nile Valley north to Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor before returning to Aswan the same day. The route is a long overland journey, with Kom Ombo approximately 60 km north of Aswan, Edfu around 65 km beyond Kom Ombo, and Luxor roughly 115 km north of Edfu. Travellers should expect a long day with scheduled stops rather than unstructured free time.
Kom Ombo Temple is a Ptolemaic-period double temple on the east bank of the Nile, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Its unusual symmetrical plan reflects the dual cult, and the site also contains reliefs associated with ancient medical practice and ritual offerings. Edfu Temple is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt; it was built during the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to Horus, with inscriptions and reliefs that provide important evidence for temple ritual and mythological scenes.
Luxor Temple lies on the east bank of the Nile and was begun under Amenhotep III in the 18th Dynasty, then enlarged by Ramesses II and later rulers. The temple was a major centre for the Opet Festival and includes colonnades, courts and monumental statuary. Because this itinerary covers several major sites in one day, transport, timing and site order are organised carefully by the operator to fit daylight hours and road distances.
The excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees for the listed temples and a licensed Egyptologist guide at each site. It is arranged as a guided road excursion rather than a cruise-based shore excursion, and it returns to Aswan on the same day.
Named in this entry
Aswan·Kom Ombo Temple·Edfu Temple·Luxor Temple·Sobek·Haroeris·Horus the Elder·Horus·Amenhotep III·Ramesses II·18th Dynasty·Ptolemaic period
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is suited to travellers who want a concentrated archaeology-focused day and do not mind a long road journey. It works best for adults and older children who are comfortable with several hours in a vehicle and steady walking around temple courtyards, colonnades and paved paths.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who find long vehicle journeys tiring, need step-free routes or are travelling with very young children who cannot manage a full day out. A slower itinerary with fewer sites would allow more time at each temple.
What lingers
- 01Private motorboat from Aswan, stops at Kom Ombo – allow two hours ashore for temple visit and museum.
- 02Edfu's Temple of Horus visit: 90 minutes guided exploration of the pronaos, hypostyle hall, and reliefs.
- 03Transits by private air-conditioned car between sites; Kom Ombo–Edfu approximately 35–40 km, about 30–40 minutes.
- 04Includes English-speaking Egyptologist on board and at each temple, plus bottled water and portage.
- 05Unlike crowded coach excursions, we schedule departures to avoid the noon heat and tourist-boat queues.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Visits three major temples, from Kom Ombo to Luxor Temple, in one day
- An Egyptologist guide provides context at each archaeological site
- Entrance fees for the listed temples are included
- Air-conditioned transport is arranged from and back to Aswan
- Departs from Aswan hotels rather than joining a cruise shore excursion
Things to Consider
- Long road journey makes this a demanding day
- Several temple visits mean limited time at each site
- Uneven stone surfaces and steps can challenge mobility
- Meals and drinks are not included
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many cruise shore excursions begin and end at a river port. This excursion departs from Aswan hotels and returns to Aswan by road on the same day. The trade-off is a long drive with limited free time at each temple.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Transport between Aswan and the temples in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to the listed temples
- A local Egyptologist guide
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Optional extras, including carriage rides, felucca rides and private boat transfers
- Personal costs and porterage
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Allow for a long day on the road; the itinerary covers three temple sites between Aswan and Luxor.
- 02
Carry water and sun protection for time outdoors at the temple sites.
- 03
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around ancient stone surfaces.
- 04
Budget separately for meals, drinks and gratuities, which are excluded.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Meals and drinks are excluded, and gratuities, personal expenses and porterage are not included. Carriage rides, felucca rides and private boat transfers are listed as optional extras; ask when booking whether these can be arranged for your visit.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
This is an ambitious Aswan-based day linking three temples along the Nile corridor to Luxor. For a less compressed itinerary, visit Kom Ombo and Edfu on the way north, then allow separate time for Luxor Temple and the West Bank.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
This is a long, full-day programme with an early start and significant walking; we do not recommend it for children under six years. Child pricing typically applies for ages 2 to 11, with adult fares from age 12. Strollers and buggies are impractical on temple grounds because of steps, cobbles and uneven stone; travellers with toddlers should bring a lightweight carrier. Car seats are not supplied by default; request one at booking and we will try to provide a compatible seat subject to availability and local regulations.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Hotel pickup — Aswan hotels within 10 kmMap
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Kom Ombo Temple47 km
- Edfu Temple105 km
- Luxor Temple215 km
- Philae Temple8 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit three major temples from an Aswan base
02
Hear site-specific context from a local Egyptologist
03
Return to Aswan rather than joining a cruise excursion
·In summary
The route links three temples in Upper Egypt, from Kom Ombo and Edfu north to Luxor, before returning to Aswan on the same day. Kom Ombo honours Sobek and Haroeris, Edfu was built for Horus in the Ptolemaic period, and Luxor Temple was begun under Amenhotep III.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the day trip to Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor?
This is a full-day road transfer from Aswan to Luxor, visiting Kom Ombo and Edfu en route. Expect an early start and long driving sections between sites; the day finishes in Luxor rather than returning to Aswan. We plan steady, practical stop lengths so you see the main temple areas without rushing every doorway.02What is included and what is not included?
Standard entrance fees, private transfers and a licensed Egyptologist guide are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange lunch and bottled water on request; gratuities, special permits (tripods, commercial photography) and hotel drop-offs beyond the planned finish are extra.03Would visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor all in one day be too much?
You can visit Kom Ombo and Edfu en route and arrive in Luxor in one long day, but it is a fast-paced itinerary. Walking time at each temple is limited and there are several hours on the road. Distinctive to us: we run this as private guided road transfers rather than mass coach excursions, so you can prioritise what you want to see.04What should I pack and wear on the tour?
Bring sun protection, sturdy closed shoes, a hat, bottled water and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits. Also carry sunglasses, a small daypack, necessary medication and some Egyptian pounds for small purchases or toilet fees; it gets very hot at midday so light layers are useful early and late.05Are photography and tripods permitted at Kom Ombo and Edfu?
Personal photography is generally allowed at Kom Ombo and Edfu; tripod use may be restricted and sometimes needs a permit. Flash and close-up photography inside some inner chambers can be limited for conservation reasons; your guide will confirm current rules and can help request any necessary permits in advance.06Is this tour suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The temples include uneven ancient stone, steps and minimal shade; full wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. We can provide a private car and a helping hand if notified at booking, but many doorways and temple platforms are narrow or stepped and may require mobility support.
If plans change
Plans change? We make it easy.
- More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit towards a future holiday with us, or take a refund.
- Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand: hold on to the whole amount as credit, or have part of it refunded.
- Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't turn up, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
- Should we ever have to cancel, because of the weather or anything else beyond our control, you won't lose a penny.
Credit stays valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can go towards any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-ASW-314038
You Might Also Like
Aswan1 Days
Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan (Day Tour)
Travel by road from Aswan to Abu Simbel for a visit to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the adjacent Temple of Nefertari. The Great Temple’s façade is guarded by four seated colossi, each about 20 metres high. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Both temples were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after construction of the Aswan High Dam. The road route offers views of the desert and Lake Nasser that a flight does not. Abu Simbel entrance fees are included; hotel transfers, lunch and drinks are not included unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.
From £81
CairoAlexandria Day Tour, incl. Wadi Natrun Monasteries
A full-day tour from Cairo linking Alexandria's coastal antiquities with the Coptic monasteries of Wadi Natrun. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies the tour. We operate this as a private-car itinerary rather than a shared coach, which gives more time at each site. Unlike shore excursions run from Alexandria's port, this itinerary includes inland monastic visits away from the coast. Expect a long 12–14 hour day with approximately 220 km driving each way between Cairo and Alexandria and substantial time in the vehicle. Modest dress is required at monasteries (shoulders and knees covered; women should carry a scarf). Standard site entrance fees are included; optional donations and photography permits are not.
From £116
CairoCairo’s Old Treasures: Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan el‑Khalili
A private, guided visit connecting the Egyptian Museum, key monuments of Islamic Cairo and Khan el‑Khalili bazaar in central Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Cairo‑based Egyptologist leads the museum visit and a local-knowledge guide conducts the Islamic Cairo walk. Unlike larger coach tours, we do not run group-bus rotations and use a private air‑conditioned car so you set the pace. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are not part of this programme. Note: expect uneven cobbles, narrow streets and market noise during the bazaar section.
From £104