Abu Simbel at either end
Abu Simbel is a day trip from Aswan and nowhere else. Beginning and finishing here means taking it before you board or after you return, whichever suits the flights.
Seven nights · out and back ·
Aswan Round-Trip Nile Cruises
Base yourself in the quieter city, with Abu Simbel at either end.
220 kilometres, five moorings, one direction.
- 01
Aswan
Board in time for lunch, included on the day you arrive. Philae, the High Dam and the islands from here; Abu Simbel fits the day before boarding.
- 02
Kom Ombo
Sobek and Horus on the bank, straight off the gangway.
- 03
Edfu
The Temple of Horus by horse-carriage — northbound arrivals tend to be early, ahead of the crowds.
- 04
Esna
The lock, taken both ways.
- 05
Luxor
The turn: Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank before sailing back south.
- 06
Aswan
Back where you began. Disembark after breakfast, with Abu Simbel still available if you left it until now.
The Aswan round trip sails north to Luxor and back across seven nights. Same temples as the Luxor version and the same no-internal-flight logic — what differs is which city you sleep in first and last, and Aswan is comfortably the calmer of the two.
It also makes Abu Simbel straightforward. It is a day trip from Aswan, so on this shape it sits before you sail or after you return, rather than being squeezed into a one-way itinerary.
Why turn at Luxor rather than begin there
Aswan is the calmer base
Luxor is busier, hotter in the streets and heavier with traffic. If your first day in Upper Egypt is also your first off a long-haul flight, Aswan is a gentler place to arrive.
No internal flight
As with any round trip, you fly into one airport and out of the same one. No positioning flight, no second set of transfers, no luggage moved mid-holiday.
Karnak mid-week
On this shape Karnak falls in the middle rather than as an opener or a finale. Some guests prefer the largest temple when they are neither jet-lagged nor packing.
What you stop at
Sailing this route
103 ships sail this route, across our tiers, typically 7 nights.
Comfort5-Star Standard
30 ships
Comfort
Royal Esadora Nile Cruise
Sail between Aswan and Luxor on board Royal Esadora, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The vessel provides a shaded sun deck with a small pool, an air-conditioned lounge, an on-board massage room and a boutique. We provide English-speaking Egyptologists who lead excursions for groups capped at eight guests. Unlike many large coach sightseeing packages, excursions are run in small guided groups. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate transfers and onshore logistics while you travel in Egypt. Guided visits include the temple complexes at Kom Ombo and Edfu; optional visits to Abu Simbel can be arranged by road or by flight for an extra fee. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at some open-air sites, so bring sun protection and comfortable shoes.
Comfort
Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and an on-board programme of shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel has a sun deck with pool, a lounge bar, a rooftop terrace, a spa and cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. We arrange sailings weekly in both directions, and the itinerary alternates sailing days with visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike mass coach cruises, this vessel runs a regular weekly programme, so you see each major site across several sailing days.
Comfort
Royal Princess Nile Cruise
The Royal Princess Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The route focuses on temple visits and short shore excursions, with mornings allocated for landings before the midday heat. We limit groups to a maximum of eight participants, so you will not travel on a large coach-style tour. Unlike many short cruises that rush Edfu and Kom Ombo, this itinerary allows unhurried visits to both sites. Onboard the vessel you will find a sun deck with pool, social lounges and cabins with panoramic Nile views, making river travel an uninterrupted way to move between Upper Egypt’s principal temples. We arrange local transfers, Egyptologists for guided visits and meet-and-assist at embarkation and disembarkation.
Comfort
Royal Ruby Nile Cruise
Sail between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Royal Ruby, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor's West Bank and East Bank temples. The itinerary alternates short, site-centred mornings with relaxed sailing periods, so you have time on deck and time at the monuments. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits, explaining pharaonic inscriptions and architectural phases at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, as well as the temple complexes at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We limit cabin numbers to keep groups small, maximum eight passengers, which avoids the coach-party model common on larger river cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate all local arrangements on your behalf.
Comfort
Ruby 1 Nile Cruise
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private transfers, luggage handling and Egyptologist-guided shore visits. Trade-offs include fewer stops ashore, more early starts for excursions, and more walking on uneven ancient stone during visits. Ask us about adding pre- or post-cruise nights in Cairo or Luxor.
Comfort
Semiramis II Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Semiramis II, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on the Luxor banks. Departures run from Aswan and from Luxor on fixed days, with guided shore visits led by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Full board accommodation, airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed sites, and service charges are included. We limit guided shore groups to a maximum of eight participants, which keeps visits calmer and reduces time spent queuing. Unlike larger motor-cruise schedules, this programme allows more relaxed calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange your meet and assist service, transfers and Egyptologist briefing on the ground.
Classic5-Star Deluxe
28 shipsClassic
Renaissance Nile Cruise
Renaissance Nile Cruise is a river cruise package on the Nile, with the vessel assigned when you book. The shore-excursion programme includes stops at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing between visits. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra. Unlike a single fixed sailing, this package can be arranged in either direction; ask which vessel and cabin class are available for your dates before confirming.
Classic
Royal Liberty Nile Cruise
We operate MS Liberty as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can include our Egyptologist on selected departures. We don't run tight bus timetables; the vessel spends proper time ashore at key sites rather than the rapid 40-minute turnarounds common on some itineraries. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on the sun deck at midday. Cabins vary in size; please tell us your cabin preference when you enquire so we can reserve the best available.
Classic
Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
We organise private guided visits rather than scheduled coach excursions, so you have longer ashore and smaller groups. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private transfers, cruising permits and licensed Egyptologists for each visit. Expect early starts for West Bank tombs and some walking on uneven ancient stone; shade on deck is limited at midday. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a light sunhat.
Classic
Stephanie Nile Cruise
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise combines river sailing with shore excursions at major sites between Luxor and Aswan. The programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, subject to availability. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, this format pairs time on the river with visits to archaeological sites. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
Classic
Sun Times Nile Cruise
We provide cabin accommodation, daytime navigation and shore excursions led by our Egyptologists. We don't run crowded coach transfers; excursions are escorted by our Egyptologists and scheduled to avoid the largest coach arrivals when possible. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at temple sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can tailor cabin grade, private guide or added Cairo nights.
Classic
Tiyi Nile Cruise
Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Tiyi Nile Cruise, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Guided tours with a licensed Egyptologist and entrance fees to the mentioned sites are included. Full-board meals are served on board, and evenings on deck give uninterrupted views of the river and its villages. We provide a licensed Egyptologist on every shore visit rather than hiring guides only for single sites. Optional extensions to Abu Simbel, Cairo or Hurghada can be arranged if you wish to extend your trip.
Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe
21 ships
Prestige
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Typical calls include Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and shore excursions. We don't run group bus tours, we favour paced days so you see Edfu and Kom Ombo properly, not in 40 minutes.
Prestige
Amwaj Nile Cruise
Amwaj Living Stone is a five-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view options varying by cabin. On board, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide space to relax between shore excursions. The excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing days between visits. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are excluded unless the vessel states otherwise. We arrange the cruise, while the vessel and its crew are operated by the cruise provider. Premium site extras and gratuities are not bundled.
Prestige
Concerto II Nile Cruise
Concerto II is a river cruise vessel on the Nile, with sailing and shore excursions forming part of the cruise programme. Excursions may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Concerto II is a vessel rather than a single fixed sailing; the exact sailing and programme depend on your booking.
Prestige
Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Le Fayan is a five-star ship sailing between Luxor and Aswan every week, in both directions, on a full-board basis. On board you will find a sun deck with pool, a lounge bar and air-conditioned cabins ranging from Standard to Suite, some with Nile-view balconies and others with panoramic windows. Days alternate between time on the river and organised visits ashore, typically Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We handle the booking and the excursions; please note that drinks (including water), and entry to premium tombs, are normally charged separately.
Prestige
Medea Nile Cruise
Board at Luxor’s Nile pier, where you’ll meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We head straight to Karnak’s Hypostyle Hall for a carefully paced visit before the midday heat, then call at Luxor Temple as the lights appear after dusk. We pass through the Esna lock in the late afternoon; as the gates close, engine noise can be expected for 10–20 minutes. The itinerary intentionally allows two hours at Edfu’s Temple of Horus – many cruises give this site little time, so we moor overnight for a more peaceful visit. In Aswan, we take a motorboat to Philae, view the High Dam from the causeway, then leave the vessel at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist takes care of the commentary, schedule and short walks over uneven stone; sensible shoes and a small daypack are advisable. Meals are full board on board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a blend of local and continental dishes. Bar bills, gratuities and optional extras are not part of the itinerary. If you would like a hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank, let me know beforehand – it requires an earlier start and an additional fee. This cruise is ideal for travellers looking for leisurely temple visits, an easy pace on the river and a clear plan for each day.
Prestige
Miriam Nile Cruise
Board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier in mid-afternoon and settle into a compact cabin on the river before your first walk to Karnak. I’ll meet you on the quay as the Egyptologist guiding this journey, then take you directly to the temple avenues, where sandals on sandstone and the scent of date-syrup stalls still shape the day’s pace. We set off early for the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, when the light is soft and visitor numbers are low, to see the panels explaining the painted ceilings at close quarters. Back aboard, watch the Nile change colour as the ship passes through the Esna lock. We moor near Edfu for the night, allowing two hours for the temple visit instead of a hurried stop. On day three, explore Kom Ombo’s twin shrines and see the Nile at dusk. Once in Aswan, I’ll take you to Philae’s hypostyle hall and show you how the High Dam’s concrete scale meets the river. Cabins are compact (around 12 m²)—traditional river-boat proportions rather than an ocean liner. Full board covers three meals each day, with early breakfasts timed to suit excursions. A few practical tips: take a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and be prepared for short walks and steps at most sites. I’ll accompany you throughout, highlight masons’ marks and later graffiti, and keep to the schedule so there’s time for photographs in the right light.
Luxury5-Star Luxury
21 ships
Luxury
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.
Luxury
Esplanade Nile Cruise
This cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS Esplanade, with guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Accommodation is full board on MS Esplanade, and we provide an English-speaking Egyptologist for groups of no more than eight guests. All sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan is included, with private air-conditioned transfers at embarkation and disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate arrival and departure meet-and-assist, onboard meals and excursions. Unlike shorter itineraries that compress temple visits, this schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to avoid the midday heat. An optional Abu Simbel excursion is available from Aswan on disembarkation day.
Luxury
Farah Nile Cruise
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange cabins, transfers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than running large coach tours. Unlike many packaged cruises, we prioritise private or small-group shore time so visits are less rushed. Expect honest trade-offs: early starts, walking on uneven temple stone, and limited shade on open decks at midday.
Luxury
Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
Jaz Regent is a five-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile views in higher grades. On board, guests can use the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. These can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike coach-based touring, the cruise combines river travel with visits arranged through the vessel’s excursion programme. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges bookings; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
Luxury
Jaz Elite Viceroy Nile Cruise
Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise is a river-cruise product on the Nile, with sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise programme combines time sailing with shore excursions at major sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings are scheduled weekly in both directions. Full Board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.
Luxury
MayFair Nile Cruise
Board the MayFair Nile Cruise for a five-star voyage along the Nile, sailing from Luxor to Aswan. It sails from Luxor to Aswan. The cruise follows the river corridor where Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are the classic stops along this stretch. We arrange guided visits, local transfers and Egyptologists to join you at the sites. We arrange private guided visits rather than large coach tours, which keeps group sizes smaller and timings more flexible. Unlike day trips run from Luxor, a multi-day cruise moves you between sites instead of returning each evening to one base. Evenings are typically spent on deck, watching river life and hearing short briefings from your Egyptologist. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate embarkation in Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
Signature CollectionSignature Collection
3 ships
Signature Collection
Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
The cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The Jaz Elite Senator is an all-suite Nile vessel offering full-board dining and guided excursions. An English-speaking Egyptologist leads small-group visits, limited to a maximum of eight guests per guide. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange meet-and-assist services, private deluxe air-conditioned transfers and the on-the-ground excursions listed. Unlike larger mass-market Nile ships, the Jaz Elite Senator provides all-suite accommodation and typically operates with smaller guided groups, which reduces time waiting at sites. Practical departures run from Luxor or Aswan, with a variety of itinerary lengths available.
Signature Collection
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Trade-offs include early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday temple visits.
Signature Collection
Historia Nile Cruise
A welcome drink on arrival, a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian choices, English-speaking onboard commentary and roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered. All port fees, taxes and service charges are included. The cruise operates aboard the MS Historia. Entrance fees to archaeological sites, optional land excursions and gratuities are not included.
17 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Or sail it over seven nights instead of three.
A dahabiya covers the same stretch under sail with six to twelve guests aboard, mooring at El Kab and Gebel Silsila where the larger vessels carry on past. It costs more per night and takes twice as long, which is rather the point.
Dahabiya cruises
When to begin from Luxor instead
If your flights route through Luxor, begin there — a positioning flight down to Aswan to gain nothing is a poor trade. The Luxor round trip is the same seven nights and the same temples; only the order and the base city change. And if you have three or four nights rather than seven, take a one-way.
Questions we get about the direction
01How many nights is an Aswan round-trip cruise?
Seven, sailing Aswan to Luxor and back to Aswan. The same length as the Luxor round trip, covering the same temples; what changes is the city you begin and end in.
02Is Abu Simbel included?
It is an add-on rather than part of the sailing, but this is the shape that suits it best. Abu Simbel is a day trip from Aswan by short flight or road convoy, so it fits either before boarding or after you return.
03Aswan or Luxor as the base?
Aswan is quieter, smaller and easier on a first day in Upper Egypt, and it is the only end from which Abu Simbel works as a day trip. Luxor has more flights and sits nearer the Cairo sleeper train. Base yourself where your flights actually land.
04How much of the week is spent sailing?
Roughly half. A seven-night round trip has genuine sailing time built in rather than a run of dock-and-go stops, which is much of the appeal — the stretch between Edfu and Esna is the part guests remember.
Tell us your dates and we'll pick the direction.
Our Aswan and Luxor offices look after both ends of this route. Egypt travel specialists since 1988, with offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.