Karnak while you are fresh
Karnak is vast and asks for concentration. Sailing south it falls on the first day, before the week has caught up with you. Some guests would rather have the largest temple first than last.
Sailing south · upstream
Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruises
The classic direction: Karnak on the first day, and Aswan to wind down in.
220 kilometres, five moorings, one direction.
- 01
Luxor
Board in time for lunch, included on the day you arrive. Karnak and Luxor Temple are minutes from the mooring, and the West Bank fills the first full morning.
- 02
Esna
The lock, and the reason the first night's sailing runs late — worth being on deck for.
- 03
Edfu
The Temple of Horus by horse-carriage, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.
- 04
Kom Ombo
Sobek and Horus share a single temple on the bank, reached straight off the gangway at dusk.
- 05
Aswan
Disembark after breakfast for Philae, the High Dam and a felucca past Elephantine Island. Abu Simbel is a day trip from here.
Sailing south is the older itinerary and still the more common one. You begin with the largest thing on the river, Karnak, and work towards the quieter end — Edfu, Kom Ombo, then Philae and the Nubian islands at Aswan. Because you are working against the current it usually takes four nights rather than three.
It suits more people than you might think. Most long-haul arrivals come through Luxor, and finishing in Aswan means finishing somewhere slow, which is welcome after Cairo.
Why sail south
It suits the usual flights
Most routings into Upper Egypt arrive at Luxor. Heading south means no positioning flight down to Aswan, which on a short holiday is worth more than the extra night aboard.
You finish somewhere calm
Aswan is the gentler of the two cities: islands, feluccas, Nubian villages and far less traffic than Luxor. Ending there rather than beginning there changes the whole shape of the week.
Abu Simbel as a finale
Abu Simbel is a day trip from Aswan, so heading south it becomes the closing act rather than something taken before you board. Its scale holds up as an ending.
What you stop at
Sailing this route
99 ships sail this route, across our tiers, typically 4 nights.
Comfort5-Star Standard
28 ships
Comfort
A Sara Nile Cruise
A Sarah Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river cruise arranged for sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel offers a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, swimming pool and Wi-Fi, with shore excursions forming part of the cruise programme. Sailing takes place weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. While sailing, you can view the Nile from the deck, then visit 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. Drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra.
Comfort
Emilio Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Emilio, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days balance guided temple visits with relaxed afternoons on deck as the river passes cultivated islands and riverside villages. All guided visits are led by our Egyptologists, who explain the archaeology and chronology at each site. We limit excursions to small groups, maximum eight participants, so time ashore is unhurried and personal. Unlike short-stop cruise schedules, this itinerary allocates proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo for meaningful visits. Evening life onboard is simple and classic, with dinner, local entertainment and clear river views. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate transfers, Egyptologists, sightseeing, and hotel and cruise bookings on the ground.
Comfort
Grand Rose Nile Cruise
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades. Several cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies. On board, facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, concierge, rooftop terrace and pool. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are generally extra. Weekly sailings run between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions. The programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, the cruise combines time on the river with visits at several historic sites.
Comfort
Jamila Nile Cruise
Jamila Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, alternating visits with sailing on the Nile. Cabins are available in graded classes, from Standard to Suite; higher grades have Nile-view balconies, while lower grades have panoramic windows. The sun deck has seating and shaded areas, and the vessel also has a lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. We select this vessel for its programme of time ashore at major temples, rather than coach-led sightseeing between ports.
Comfort
Kontiki Nile Cruise
Kontiki Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with cabins graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with a shore-excursion programme that includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Most cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies; on board, guests can use the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike a fast transfer between the cities, a Nile cruise allows time to sail between visits. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise line.
Comfort
Lady Carol Nile Cruise
Lady Carol is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We arrange private transfers and our Egyptologists lead all ashore visits. Unlike many larger 7-night cruises, this short cruise concentrates on principal river temples and keeps sailing time compact, which means shorter days ashore at smaller sites. Expect early starts for cooler visits and simpler onboard facilities rather than a full floating resort. Site entrance fees are included unless the itinerary states otherwise; premium tombs and gratuities are extra. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Classic5-Star Deluxe
28 ships
Classic
Alma Nile Cruise
Alma Nile Cruise is a 5-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a pool on the sun deck are listed among its facilities. The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike a Nile visit based in one city, this cruise links sites along the river between Luxor and Aswan. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and laundry are not included; check the final arrangements for any other charges.
Classic
Alyssa Nile Cruise
Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae Temple. We arrange small-group cruises with English-speaking Egyptologists, full-board meals, airport and port transfers, and entrance fees for the listed sites. Groups are capped at eight participants, so visits are quieter and queuing times are typically shorter than on larger cruise programmes. The itinerary includes a horse-drawn chariot visit to Edfu and a folkloric evening ashore. Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel from Aswan, can be added. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Cairo-based team coordinates every detail on the ground, from meet-and-assist to transfers and local guides.
Classic
Amada Nile Cruise
Amada Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in either city. Full-board meals run from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals are extra. Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, a cruise lets you travel between the main sites without changing accommodation each night. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise provider.
Classic
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel is a classic, five-star cruise with a sun deck, pool and evening entertainment on board. Days combine guided visits to named sites, including a chariot ride to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, with relaxed afternoons watching the river. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, meet-and-assist and English-speaking Egyptologist guides for the excursions. We do not run group bus tours, excursions are private and led by an Egyptologist. Unlike many short packaged cruises that rush temple visits, this programme schedules fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Optional Abu Simbel excursions are available from Aswan on selected departures.
Classic
Concerto Plus Nile Cruise
Concerto Plus Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Sailing days alternate with shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in either city, according to the selected sailing. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are offered subject to availability, with prices based on two people sharing. Unlike a land-based sightseeing programme, the cruise combines accommodation on the Nile with travel between Upper Egypt’s archaeological sites.
Classic
Farida Nile Cruise
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its programme alternates sailing with shared shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in some cabins. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. On board, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide places to spend time between visits. Unlike coach-based tours, this cruise links the sites through sailing on the river.
Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe
19 ships
Prestige
Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
Movenpick Royal Lotus is a 5-star Nile river cruise vessel with a pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi. It sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, according to the booked package. Unlike a stay based in one city, a Nile cruise combines time on the river with visits to sites along its banks. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are offered, subject to availability; an upper-deck cabin carries a 15% supplement.
Prestige
Acamar Nile Cruise
Acamar Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or private balconies depending on category. On board, you can use the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and a scheduled shore-excursion programme visits major sites along the route. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a coach-led circuit, this cruise links river sailing with visits to temples and archaeological sites. We arrange the cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
Prestige
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Six-night Prestige Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star vessel. 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. Unlike many four-night packages, this six-night voyage gives longer calls and more cruising time.
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 beyond water with meals 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
Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Board MS Le Fayan at the Luxor Corniche pier and step aboard a compact Nile cruise that runs four days downriver to Aswan. I guide the shore excursions myself when available; we move with the light – morning visits to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple when tombs are coolest, late-afternoon walk through Karnak's Hypostyle Hall if crowds thin. Cabins are Nile-cruise size and practical, with private en suite bathrooms and wardrobe space; this is intimate, not an ocean liner. Each afternoon you sit on the shaded sun deck and watch feluccas, fishermen and river markets pass close to the bank. We stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo for temple walks; plan on 60–90 minute shore calls in Edfu and a short market visit at Kom Ombo's quay. In Aswan we moor on the Corniche and arrange the motorboat transfer to Philae Temple. Meals follow local rhythms: breakfasts and lunches on board, an evening of grilled fish when the catch is good. Note practical details up front: luggage transfers use the pier gangway, mobile signal is patchy between Nile bends, and some tombs require extra-permit fees. If you like quiet mornings in old temples and direct commentary from an Egyptologist, this four-day downriver cruise keeps logistics simple and the day-to-day focused on sites and sunlight.
Prestige
Medea Nile Cruise
You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travellers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.
Luxury5-Star Luxury
21 ships
Luxury
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
Sonesta St. George I is a 5-star river cruise vessel sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals are extra. Unlike a visit based in one city, the cruise links major sites along the river. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning cruise line, with cabin category and sailing details confirmed at booking.
Luxury
Cleopatra Nile Cruise
The Cleopatra Nile Cruise is a five-day sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Accommodation aboard the Cleopatra, all meals, guided Egyptologist-led visits and entrance fees are included in the programme. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers and on-the-ground logistics so your days ashore run to plan. Unlike many rushed excursions, this itinerary allocates full visits at Luxor and Aswan and stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo en route, which gives more time for each temple visit than a single-day run.
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
Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Farah, operating the standard Luxor–Aswan route with guided shore visits. 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. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
Luxury
Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
Movenpick MS Hamees is a five-star Nile cruise operating between Aswan and Luxor, offered as 3, 4 or 7 nights on a full board basis. We arrange guided sightseeing with licensed, English-speaking Egyptologists and include entrance fees to listed attractions. Sightseeing groups are limited to eight guests, which keeps visits more conversational than coach-led excursions. Embarkation is in Aswan, disembarkation in Luxor, and we provide meet and assist plus transfers in air-conditioned vehicles. WiFi is available in most public areas, though signal strength varies along the river. Vegetarian and special-diet requests can be accommodated with advance notice. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate the on-the-ground arrangements for the vessel and the guided excursions.
Signature CollectionSignature Collection
3 ships
Signature Collection
Historia Nile Cruise
Our Historia Nile Cruise operates daily with flexible itinerary options – 4-, 5- and 8-day cruises. 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.
Signature Collection
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS The Oberoi Phiale with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide our Egyptologists for shore excursions and time visits early or late to avoid the midday sun. Unlike larger motor-vessel programmes, we keep longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief drive-by visits. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on sun decks; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun's are excluded unless requested. We arrange private transfers and bespoke extensions in Luxor or Aswan.
Signature Collection
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS The Oberoi Zahra with Egyptologist-led shore excursions and private transfers arranged by our team. We don't bundle premium tombs and pyramid interiors into the fixed cruise price; we add them on request to keep the base price transparent. Compared with rushed three-day packages, a four-day schedule gives proper time ashore at Luxor West Bank and the Aswan temples. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Trade-offs include early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday temple visits.
15 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise
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 (2 on this route)
When to sail north instead
Sail Aswan to Luxor if you would rather the week built towards Karnak than opened with it, or if your days are short — northbound is three nights rather than four, because the current carries you. It also leaves you in Luxor, where the airport and the Cairo sleeper train sit closest to the mooring.
Questions we get about the direction
01How many nights is a Luxor to Aswan cruise?
Four nights aboard a standard river ship. That is one night longer than the same route northbound, because sailing upstream against the current takes longer between moorings. Dahabiyas take seven or eight nights over the same stretch.
02Which direction is more common?
Southbound, Luxor to Aswan, is the more commonly sold direction and the one most fixed departures advertise. Northbound is shorter and, for most travellers, the one we favour — though if your flights land at Luxor, sailing south saves a positioning flight.
03What do you see sailing south?
Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank at the start; the Esna lock; the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the double temple at Kom Ombo; then Philae, the High Dam and the Nubian islands at Aswan. Abu Simbel is added as a day trip from Aswan at the end.
04Can Abu Simbel be included?
Yes, and sailing south it falls at the end. It is a day trip from Aswan by short flight or road convoy, taken after you disembark. Our Aswan office holds the flight seats and the guide, so it slots in without a second hotel move.
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.