viator nile cruise luxor to aswan

Nile Cruise Aswan Luxor: What to Know + How to Book (Affordably)

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Thinking of booking a Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor (or Luxor to Aswan) but stuck figuring out the best way forward? Don’t worry; I feel you. There’s not a lot of information out there and it’s difficult to discern what should be included and how much you should pay.

But don’t worry, my article is here to save you – from extra headaches and possibly overpaying (which you should start to become aware of NOW if you are heading to this region of Egypt… it’s famous for relentless salesmen!)

First, let’s make clear that a Nile river cruise is one of the BEST things to do in Egypt and is an absolute MUST in this country. If you are spending any time in Egypt and are interested in its rich history (who isn’t?), then visiting all the temples around Luxor and Aswan is a given. And the best way to see all these temples is with a Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor.

Aswan Luxor Nile Cruise FAQ’s

You can choose how many days you would like to cruise for! The shortest amount is 2 days, and the longest is 7. But remember, the itinerary doesn’t change depending on how many days you choose as the boats are on a fixed schedule. You either go from Aswan to Luxor (3 nights/4 days), Luxor to Aswan (4 nights/5 days), or Aswan to Aswan/Luxor to Luxor (7 days), or get off the boat early in one of the cities (2 nights/3 days). Also, keep in mind that you pay per night and per room, not per cruise.

This depends on your budget and your energy levels! The 3-night Aswan to Luxor cruise moves FAST, but is cheaper than the 4-night Luxor to Aswan. If you have the funds, I would say to do a 4 night/5 day Luxor to Aswan cruise so you have time to relax as well as see temples.

Yes, it is VERY safe – perhaps one of the safest tourist attractions in Egypt! This activity is protected by the ministry of tourism and receives thousands of foreigners weekly. Each boat has a metal detector and security.

What Should Be Included in an Aswan + Luxor Nile Cruise

This is the famous question! For some reason, it seems a lot more complicated than it should be, but I’ll break it down for you.

All the Nile River cruises have the same itinerary, so it’s just a matter of opting into the specific activities that are offered. And I would assume you are only doing this once-in-a-lifetime trip once, so you should do all of them. This is not a place to be skint – just do it all, or you’ll regret it (in my humble opinion).

All of the tours + optionals offered are (in Aswan-Luxor order):

• Abu Simbel Temple Tour, Driver, Guide
• Tour + Guide + Boat to Philae Temple (and possibly high dam)
• Guide at Kom Ombo temple + Crocodile Museum
• Horse + Carriage to Edfu Temple, Guide
• Karnak Temple + Luxor Temple Guide + Transport
• Valley of the Kings + Luxor West Bank Tour with other stops (usually Hatshepsut Temple, Colossus of Memnon, Valley of the Queens, and/or Medinet Habu Temple but can vary) and transport/guide
• Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride

For some reason, some tours let you add on each activity separately, or include some things and not others and try to upsell you on other things. My best advice is that, to save confusion and headaches, save up enough and do a Nile cruise that includes ALL OF IT! You don’t want to have to come back because you missed something.

Not everyone on the whole cruise has the same guide/tour of each destination. Nile cruises are strange like that. Depending on how you book your cruise, your tours are organized separately. More on that below.

It’s important to note that this USUALLY doesn’t include entry fees for each temple, which is between $10 to $17 for each temple. This adds up FAST. More on that in the cost section.

What to Know Before Booking a Nile Cruise Aswan Luxor

Here are some things nobody tells you about booking a Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor. For a tour of the boat I had, see below!

Also, make sure to know your Egypt visa requirements and apply ahead of time if you need to.

@kimmconn Nile cruise boat tour🚤 #nileriver #nilecruise #tiktoktravel #travel #egypt #aswan #fyp #foryou #tour #cruise ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

All the Cruises have the Same Itinerary

This is good to know because all cruises are pretty much the same, with the same itinerary, stops, and schedule. Boats leave from Aswan to Luxor 2 days a week (Wednesday/Sunday I think), and they leave from Luxor to Aswan 2 different days of the week (Monday/Saturday).

So, if you decide to spend more money on a ‘nicer’ boat, you’ll still be with the great herd of Nile Cruisers at each temple at the same time, spending the night in the same row of boats at the same time. This is a downside.

Many Companies Charge Per ROOM, not Per PERSON

If you are a solo traveler booking a Nile Cruise and are ASTONISHED at the price, it might be because the cruise would be the exact same price if you were two people. Try to join a group if you are solo (I link to one below), or make SURE you are booking a single occupancy room for a cheaper price.

Nile Cruise Boats also Charge Per NIGHT Rather than Per Cruise

Nile cruise ships are essentially floating hotels that stick to a fixed schedule. They will charge per room per night, and the cost may not change much depending on group size (it should a little, but it depends).

If you want to save money, do the 3-night Aswan Luxor Nile cruise, as it fits the same activities in 3 nights that the 4-night Luxor Aswan Nile cruise does in 4. You’ll hardly sleep, but you’ll do it all!

It’s Not Relaxing. It’s All Early Wakeups and Tours.

It’s true; the Nile River cruise is hardly relaxing at all, but it’s worth it. If you manage your expectations of this properly, you’ll be prepared for all the early wakeups and 2x/day tours, and you’ll have an incredible, fascinating, and enriching time.

I recommend trying to get to sleep as early as you can every night, because the wake-ups are at 3:30, 4, and 5:45am every morning. Check out the show on the boat, and then hit the hay! It’s not worth paying huge prices for drinks and staying up.

The First and Last Nights are in Port: Less Sailing Time

When you think about the Nile cruise, it seems like you’ll be in the middle of nowhere sailing around all the time like on a safari (at least it did to me). This is far from true. When you get on the boat, it doesn’t even move for the first night (as you’ll have an early activity the next day).

It moves for the first time when you return from your temple tour the next morning. It’s quite anticlimactic to get on a cruise that does not move for almost a day.

The next night is in Kom Ombo , and the third (and possibly fourth) nights are in the next port of Luxor or Aswan. So you only spend ONE night not in Luxor or Aswan. It’s essentially a floating hotel where you can enjoy views going by sometimes.

The sailing time really isn’t that much, unfortunately. You are only moving a few hours a day. I still think it’s worth doing though, but it’s good to be prepared for this as not to be let down.

It’s a Very Family-Friendly Travel Activity

Our boat had people of all ages (well, usually older because of the price) and families. There are not too many social activities or things to do at night (besides short shows on the boat around 830/9pm), so it’s a good opportunity to really enjoy the full extent of the days and sleep early.

Food + Drink on the Nile Cruises

Luxor + Aswan Nile Cruises are all FULL BOARD with food, so you can expect fabulous massive buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. On our boat, the food was pretty good; some things were hit and some miss.

In terms of DRINKS on Nile Cruises, they are VERY pricey. By that, I mean they were probably the most pricey of anywhere we had seen in Egypt – at least $10 for a basic alcoholic drink ranging up to $20USD. This must be how they make their money!

We didn’t drink on the cruise, but our friends said the drinks were decent, some better than others. But a it’s not a drinking culture, I wouldn’t expect anything amazing.

At the End of the Day, The Boats are Quite Similar

Okay, I know they have some super-crazy-luxury tours like the Abercrombie and Kent ones, but in my humble opinion, the boats are all quite similar at the end of the day. Any extra square footage in your room isn’t really worth paying THAT much more for, because you won’t even spend that much time in the room at all and only sail a few hours a day.

Many, if not most, boats say they are 5-star Nile River cruise boats, and I’m sure they all are. The staff are incredible and attentive, the hospitality is great, and the rooms are comfy. But it seems like a much of a muchness to me (I may be wrong about this, but personally, I think the point of the Nile cruise is seeing the temples so the boat is secondary).

Costs: How Much You Can Expect to Pay for Nile Cruise

FINAL COSTS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION:

• Check if your tours are private (more expensive) or with a group (cheaper).
• The Luxor-Aswan Cruise is 4 nights (more expensive), and the Aswan Luxor Cruise is 3 nights (cheaper)
• It’s almost twice as expensive over Christmas and New Years
• ENTRANCE FEES: If your cruise INCLUDES entrance fees to each temple (WIN), this is a game changer because they add up to maybe just under $100 per person on TOP of everything else. So take that into consideration. Check current fees here.

SO… let’s say you are in a room with someone else (which you should be) and you are signed up for all the tours in groups (which you should be).

If you want to do it as cheaply as you can, you should be looking to pay from about $400 to $650 per person for a fair price without entrance fees, and maybe $500 to $750 per person with entrance fees . Aswan-Luxor (3 nights) are cheaper than Luxor-Aswan (4 nights).

If you want to splurge, you can pay up to… thousands. There’s no upper limit for fancy Nile River Cruises!

Possible Optional Activities on a Nile River Cruise

Some of the activities that many cruises consider as additional optional are the Abu Simbel Temple tour from Aswan and the Luxor Hot Air Balloon sunrise. Both are worthwhile, in my opinion. Some cruises include these (win), but some try to charge you for an add-on.

Using the price of $375 to $450 plus entrances as a baseline, consider if you may be getting overcharged. The BEST way to see if you are getting overcharged is to compare the prices agents are charging you to prices on Viator. If there are any optionals that you are getting overcharged for, just book your tour on Viator for a fair price, and they will pick you up from your boat. See below:

Viator Abu Simbel Group Tour from Aswan: $35 Tours leave around 4am and drive to Abu Simbel and back

Luxor Hot Air Balloon: $40-$80 : I don’t know why they’re all so different in price. Like everything else on the Nile River Cruise, all the balloons take off together from the same place, have the same inclusions, and cannot be much different. We booked a cheap one and had a fantastic experience with a professional captain, but book what looks right to you! I think they’re all similar.

Luxor West Bank Tour: $54 (Valley of the Kings + Queens, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon): This is the tour you’d do on your day in Luxor.

Use the prices above as a guideline, and don’t forget to compare these prices to any prices you are given.

Best Ways to Book an Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise Affordably

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry. I’ll give you a few trustworthy links below.

How We Booked Our Cruise

PERSONALLY, we booked our tour through my friend Mustafa’s tour company, Egylust. He is well-connected all over Egypt, honest, and knowledgeable, and organizes tours all over Egypt for foreigners and backpackers.

I have had a lot of people book with him through this article and give positive feedback, and even people who continued to book more Egypt Travel thought Egylust. They can set you up with any tours and transport in all of Egypt.

His company can help you book the best price out of a lot of different boats, so it won’t be a certain guaranteed boat, but they will do the best they can for the time of year, availability, and . Make sure to select that Kimmie/Adventures&Sunsets sent you , and they’ll help you out as best they can. They can also help you organize trips around the whole country!

If you are ready to book, you can fill out this form . If you have more questions, message their Instagram page, @egylust or check out their google maps reviews . There’s no harm/cost in asking a few questions. You can also message me if you have any doubts and I’ll tell you more about my experience.

If you’d Rather Book Direct, Here are my Two Top Recommended Nile River Cruises

I did a TON of research on Aswan Luxor Nile Cruises before meeting Mustafa, and honestly wanted to pull out my hair. We were very close to booking the tour below before he got us a better deal.

The tour below is a FOUR night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan . It INCLUDES Abu Simbel AND the Luxor Hot Air Balloon (solid extra value) and includes all the regular tours that should be included with guides, from $585pp. It has recent, great reviews and photos and means with entrances, the total looks like around $685pp.

It doesn’t include entrances, but for a 4-night cruise and all the inclusions, this is a FAB deal (the best I could find), and you can book right on Viator, who protects your purchases.

CHEAPEST: If you want something with fewer days, the second-best-looking tour I found online is below. It has great reviews and starts quite cheap. Don’t expect the most incredible boat, but it’s affordable.

This one starts from $385 ( excluding entrances, but INCLUDING hot air balloon and Abu Simbel ) and is a 3-night 4-day river cruise from Aswan to Luxor. With entrance fees added on, you are looking at a total of around $485pp with this one.

I honestly still recommend booking the longer one above with everything included if you want to stop stressing, reading and rereading descriptions and inclusions, and comparing things nonstop like I was!

My Final Opinion on How to Book a Nile River Cruise MOST Affordably

If you ask me, you should first contact Egylust and see what price they can get you for your dates.

If you need to book right away and prefer Viator, and have more budget and time, book the 5 night Luxor to Aswan Cruise with everything included . It’s the most hassle-free.

If you need to book right away and prefer Viator, and are on more of a backpacking and DIY budget, book the 3-night Aswan to Luxor Cruise .

None of these options will leave you disappointed.

Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?

Let’s break it down. Luxor is closer to Cairo by train (9 hours-ish), and Aswan is farther away (14+). It makes the most technical sense to start in Luxor, as it is closer to take the train to, rather than take the train past Luxor to start in Aswan.

If you start in Luxor, you will do a 4-night cruise, not a 3-night cruise. This is a MUCH better pace; it’s nicer to have more time on the boat and not rush things, if you ask me. If you book the tour linked above, you’ll have the best of all worlds and then get to visit the amazing Nubian Village after Aswan.

How to Get to Luxor and Aswan for the Cruises

If you are coming from Cairo, you can take a train bus, or even a plane to Luxor/Aswan. I recommend the train.

For this, you’ll want to get the train from the Rameses train station in downtown Cairo. There are night trains every night to both Luxor and Aswan (same train) around 8:30 and 10:30. You’ll want to get first class for around 250 Egyptian Pounds (less than $20). You can also book online:

• Cairo to Aswan Transport Options
• Cairo to Luxor Overnight Train

Book an overnight train for the night before you are supposed to get on your boat (if you are short on time) or a day or two before (if you want to take it easy – recommended). You’ll arrive the next day in the morning (Luxor) or early afternoon (Aswan). Your cruise should be able to organize a pick-up for you from the station.

Let me know if this post helped you or overwhelmed you in the comments below – ask any more questions you have, or feel free to DM me on Instagram.

I truly hope this can be a great resource for people booking Aswan Luxor Nile Cruises so you don’t overpay and can learn how it works. Have fun, and don’t forget my other Egypt guides:

• Cairo Travel Guide: Things to Do in Cairo
• One Day in Alexandria Self-Guided Trip
• Most Unexpected Views of the Pyramids of Giza
• Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Privacy Overview

4-Night, 5-Star Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

• Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
• All transfers by a modern a/c deluxe vehicle
• 4 nights accommodation on board 5 star Nile cruise on full board basis
• All Nile Cruise excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sights between Luxor and Aswan
• Qualified Egyptologist tour guide during your excursions
• Assistance of our personnel during your stay and excursions
• All service charges and taxes
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Karnak
• Entry/Admission - Luxor Temple
• Entry/Admission - Valley of the Kings
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Hatshepsut
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Horus
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Kom Ombo
• Entry/Admission - Unfinished Obelisk
• Entry/Admission - Aswan High Dam
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Philae
• Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• Entry inside Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, Seti 1 tombs in the Valley of the Kings etc (Payable on spot)
• You will pick you up from Luxor Hotel, Train Station or Airport
• Luxor International Airport, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 85955, Egypt
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Passport should have at least six months
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

• RLC9 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice transfer and temple visits We could set our departure time, so we chose 9 am, and the driver was waiting for us right on time at our hotel, the Sonesta Nouba. Our car had good AC and tinted windows, and was clean, spacious, and comfortable. We stopped at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples, and leisurely spent about 1 - 1.5 hours at each place. Our driver was nice, and bought us water. I enjoyed the drive, and thought it was interesting seeing the little towns, sugar cane factory, people riding donkeys, and the truck full of camels. There were a lot of speed bumps, so driving was slow. We arrived at the Hilton Luxor around 4:30 pm. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• Seuledr6616 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Only Ok Make sure to print out any brochures or itineraries you see at the time of booking. We booked a 4 day Nile cruise through NileHoliday and were a little disappointed. The cruise itself on the M/S Premium was great and the staff on board were excellent, however some of the things that were promised when we booked the trip had changed when the trip actually happened. We were originally supposed to be picked up from our hotel, but then found out we had to make our own way to the cruise ferry station. We also had written down that we were supposed to get waters with each trip but that never happened. Our guide seemed to only want to do the bare minimum and seemed only interested in this as a job for the money and was rushing everywhere and doing personal things during our tours as well. Our last day was supposed to include lunch as well but we also didn't get that either and had to buy our own. When we checked the website against the notes we originally took they had changed it so make sure to confirm everything and print it out. I'm not 100% sure but I think we were supposed to go to the Valley of the Queens as well as part of our package but on that last day we were informed by our guide that it wasn't included apparently too. The payment methods to use also seemed sketchy but did end up working out, it just wasn't very professional (had to use PayPal and a Wise.com app that was confusing). It was almost impossible to book directly through any of the ships themselves so we had to use NileHoliday and the experience was only ok. Mostly it was our guide who made some of us a little uncomfortable and the other things weren't as important, but still added to the annoyance. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• Dono1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 Star - Better than promised and hassle free Took the Lake Nasser Prince Abbas cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel. What a great experience. Sites to see, great food and service in an iconic location. Hats off to Nile Holidays and Khaled dealing with airline changing flights and hotel changes ensuring all went well. Will book with Khaled and his team at Nile Holidays. next time. This was our second experience with Nile Holidays and will not be our last. Read more Written March 7, 2024
• N9701QBgeorgef 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable My wife and I had a wonderful time. The tour is private, only us two. The organization is great. We had assistants, drivers, guides all to ourself. The people are polite, very punctual. The tour has planned to visit all highlights without hassle, no wait lines. The food is out of this world. Had I planned it by myself, U wouldn't be able to visit so many places for their very reasonable cost. I will definitely visit again, with this tour. Read more Written February 29, 2024
• josedanielg755 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 100% recommended excellent service, punctuality, kindness, 100% reliable, decisive, excellent guides, very friendly, very attentive to everything and above all the safety of the tourist, very comfortable transfers and very clean transportation, accompaniment from arrival to the airport and farewell 100% recommended thank you for your services Read more Written February 26, 2024
• 459leylaa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Nile Cruise Khaled did an amazing job setting up a 5 day Nile Cruise for our family of three from Luxor to Aswan. First of all, his communication was timely and clear, he was very respectful and knowledgeable. I had many questions and he answered them all! We did a cruise on Merit Dahabiya, it was simply amazing. The boat staff was friendly and kind. The food was absolutely delicious, big selection and fresh food every day. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of time we got to spend sailing on the boat and enjoying the beautiful views. The program was just right for us to enjoy at a relaxed pace with our 6 months old. I’m very grateful to Khaled who made this trip a breeze. I highly recommend it. Read more Written February 26, 2024
• Richard_Harpum 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fascinating tour My wife and I took a guided tour of Abydos and Dendera Temples with Nile Holiday from Luxor during a 17-day holiday in Egypt. Our guide, Walid, arrived on time and we were pleased by the modern, clean, comfortable car. Muhammed was a safe driver. Walid spoke good English and was a fountain of knowledge, as well as being a qualified reader of Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is a long way to Abydos but the drive was quite interesting, as we saw a lot of the local scenery and local population. Abydos is quite unique and is one of Walid’s favourite Egyptian temples. Although it was about 22 years since our last visit, this was a wonderful refresher and there were a lot of improvements to the site since our last visit. We then headed to Dendera which we had also visited before. Once again, there have been significant improvements to the site, notably cleaning of the ceiling in the first hypostyle hall, which has amazing colours. Other ceilings are due for similar treatment. Although this was a long day, we really enjoyed it and found it very interesting. Highly recommended. Read more Written February 23, 2024
• wendyhX5974PX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A packed itinerary immaculately executed by Nile Holidays at a very fair price. We had a remarkable holiday with the help of Nile Holidays. We had 6 nights in Egypt, 3 in Cairo/Giza and 3 on a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Nile Holidays organised everything from the moment we landed at Cairo airport (thank you Ayman) to the moment we checked in to fly home. Every transfer and escorted visit was immaculately organised and our guides in Cairo and on the Nile Cruise (which covered Aswan, Philae, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings) were knowledgeable, warm and spoke excellent English. Particular thanks to Walid for his great company up the Nile and showing us all the best bits of the amazing monuments we visited. It was an ambitious itinerary because we wanted to see as much as possible, and the clever planning and clear communication of the Nile Holidays team made it stress-free (other than the traffic in Cairo which was an experience in itself !). I couldnt recommend this tour company more highly. Trust them, they will do as they say ! Read more Written February 18, 2024
• gaoze95 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice Cruise experience Nice Cruise journey with a tour guide dedicated for two of us. They even helped me to get my jacket I left on the cruise after the tour finished. Thank you all. Read more Written January 26, 2024
• viviantG4908CU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once-in-a-lifetime travel experience!!! We joined a 8-day private tour with Nile Holiday as a group of 7 friends travelling to Egypt for the very first time. The tour operator, Khaled, was very responsive via emails and WhatsApp since the day that we asked for a quotation online. He always made sure our queries are addressed in a timely manner. Every arrangement and relevant fees are made clear to us. Upon our arrival, everything was handled smoothly. Walid, the tour guide who was with us for the longest part of the tour (ie the cruise from Aswan to Luxor), was clearly passionate about the history and culture of his country. We all enjoyed listening to the fun stories that he shared about Egyptian myths. He also made sure we have enough time to take photos and wander around each site at our own pace. Although we encountered an unfortunate cancellation of flight on our way back from Hurghada to Cairo (due to peak holiday travels), Khaled helped make sure we have everything we need to continue with the tour and helped us make the most out of our remaining time. Overall, we are very thankful for everyone working for Nile Holiday, who helped bring this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to reality. Read more Written January 7, 2024
• abajooka 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Reliable and communicate company! Driver arrived on time and took us to the beautiful temples on the way to Aswan. Smooth and reliable company! Read more Written January 6, 2024
• Dianaeb1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dendara and Abydos with tourguide Mahmoud Bekhit on Tuesday 05.12.23. We went to Dendara and Abydos with Mahmoud Bekhit on Tuesday 05.12.23. Mahmoud is a friendly and cultured man. He has a lot of knowledge and knew how to share this with us in a nice way. We will definitely recommend the tour to Dendara and Abydos, with Mahmoud as tour guide. Read more Written December 9, 2023
• keidys2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! Amazing experience with Nile Holiday!! From our arrival, staff member were waiting for us at the airport. Everyone were very helpful, friendly and kind at all time. Khaled always answered our needs when we have it. He and all the staff members help us until our last minute before boarding our flight back home. We ask for special tour guides who speaks Spanish and all of them had good accent. Special acknowledgment to Gamal, he was our tour guide who always helps us when needed. I recommend all travelers 100%!! Definitely would take the tour again if I come back to Egypt! Read more Written November 28, 2023
• 35eleanorw 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Very Expensive-you can do better. Aswan to Luxor. Four days, three nights. Not really four full days unless you book Abu Simbel. I would not recommend doing so. Not worth the drive. This trip is very expensive for a solo traveler. You will have different tour guides and drivers. You are constantly tipping. The communication is not great. The method of payment through PayPal charges the customer a huge transaction fee. I paid over €80 in transaction fees for a trip that was almost €1300 for a three night cruise. The food on the ship is repetitive & mediocre. There is a constant feeling of being under pressure to pay overprice & a great lack of transparency. This is everywhere in Egypt Read more Written November 19, 2023
• 35eleanorw 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles I think you can do better For a single person this is very expensive. The food was pretty much the same each day and was mediocre at best. I had different tour guides and drivers frequently. Tips are enforced, regardless of service. Paying online is like nothing I have ever seen before with extra charges. They charge such a large fee, it is really overpriced. Read more Written November 16, 2023

More to explore in Luxor

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

4-Night, 5-Star Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan provided by Nile Holiday

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Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

• 6.90 / 10 986 reviews | 13,368 travellers Excellent trip, an unforgettable experience without a doubt. Thanks to our crane Ahmed Abdel Fattah who made the group a family, creating friendship with everyone and understanding every detail of the temples and places visited, 5-star treatment, punctuality and kindness, as well as perfect Spanish. The boat experience was also very good, all the people were very friendly, and the food had variety, everyone always with the best service attitude. Recommended 100% 10 Jose Matias
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts
• Hotel pick up

Embark on a 4-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan , for an enchanting Egyptian adventure. Explore iconic temples and sail through the wonders of the Nile River !

What to Expect

Day 1: luxor - the start of your nile adventure.

Welcome to Luxor! Upon arrival at  Luxor airport , we'll pick you up. We can also pick you up at the train station, at a hotel or any other place. From there you'll be transported to a luxurious cruise ship, where your full room and board experience begins.

Day 2: Luxor - Esna - Edfu

After a delicious breakfast , check out the majestic city of Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times. Visit two of Egypt's most awe-inspiring temples : the Luxor and Karnak Temple , connected by the Avenue of Sphynxes . 

Venture to the imposing necropolises near Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings (with access to three tombs), the Temple of Hatshepsut (dedicated to Egypt's only female ruler), and the Colossi of Memnon (two monumental stone statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III).

After returning to the boat we'll set sail towards Edfu , where we'll dock for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

After a hearty breakfast, we'll take a horse and carriage tour of Edfu and visit its famous temple , which is dedicated to Horus . We'll then head to Kom Ombo to explore its remarkable temple, honoring the gods Sobek and Hareoris .

As the day unfolds, we'll cruise up the Nile to Aswan to spend the night.

Day 4: Aswan - A Day of Marvels

Following breakfast, visit one of Egypt's most exquisite temples, the Philae Temple , devoted to the Goddess Isis . If you wish, after visiting Philae , a visit to the Abu Simbel temples is highly recommended.

In the evening, we'll take you on a tranquil journey down the Nile in a traditional felucca boat , allowing you to absorb the region's natural beauty, volcanic islands, and abundant flora and fauna. Another night in Aswan awaits.

Day 5: Aswan - Departure

After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a bit of free time . We'll be ready to transport you to your departing mode of transport location. If your departure is in the evening, you can enjoy lunch onboard .

Included Tours

Our 4-night Luxor to Aswan cruise includes a range of tours, all guided by English-speaking experts . You'll explore Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Philae Temple, and the Temple of Kom Ombo , along with a serene traditional felucca boat cruise .

Additional Tours

If you're looking for a shorter but still thrilling adventure down the Nile River, check out our 3-night cruise . Or, check out our dinner show activity along the historic waters of the Nile River.

Boats and Categories

The cruise can be done on 2 categories of cruise ships:

• 5* Standard : MS Pioneer II, MS Mirage, MS Nile Delta, Miss Egypt, Beaurivage II, Grand Princess, Voyager, MS Jasimn, MS Grand Princess or similar.
• 5* Premium : MS Nile Dolfine, MS Zeina, Royal Esadora, MS Tuya, Royal Princess, Crown Jewel, MS TiYi, MS Liberty, MS Renissance, MS Stéphane, MS Jaz C. Jubilee, MS Nile Marquiz or similar.

Specific boat assignments will be provided 10 days before the cruise sets sail .

Important Information

• Please note that the order of activities may vary depending on the boat, but all listed activities will be included.
• During the cruise, you can also book additional visits not mentioned in the standard itinerary, such as the Valley of the Queens or the unfinished obelisk.
• The price indicated is per person in a double cabin . Individuals traveling alone will have to pay a single supplement.

Cancellation

• During the Christmas holiday season (20th December to 2nd January) and Easter, refunds will not be available in the event of cancellation.

If, instead of the airport or the train station in Luxor, you would like to be picked up at an accommodation in the city, please note that this activity only includes pickup and drop-off from hotels and boats in Luxor located on the east bank (right bank) of the Nile River .

If your hotel or boat in Luxor is located on the west bank (left bank) of the Nile River, we'll arrange a meeting point on the east bank.

Reservation of rooms with children

Please note that there are no triple or quadruple rooms or cribs. Therefore, sharing a room between 3 or more adults is not allowed. There are doubles or doubles with an extra bed if the 3rd person is a baby or a child. If you require this additional bed, you must indicate it during the reservation process. 

The reduced children's rate is valid only when the child is sharing a room with two adults.

If you have any doubts during the booking process, you can contact our Customer Service team directly.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Pickup from the airport, Luxor train station or hotels on the east bank of the Nile

4 nights full board cruise

Tickets to all monuments visited

English–speaking guide

Transfer to Aswan airport

7% discount on the official ticket price.

Not included

Boat service fee: € 25 ( US$ 26.70) for adults and € 12.50 ( US$ 13.40) for children aged 6 to 11

Tips ( € 10 ( US$ 10.70) per person approx)

Entry to Tutankamon's tomb ( € 12 ( US$ 12.90))

When to book?

You can book up until 3 days before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Dunas Travel Show more

Corporate name: Dunas Travel

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - When is the room available on the first day of the tour?

A - From midday.

Q - Can we check in and then get off the ship to visit Luxor on our own on the first day?

A - Yes, you can check in and then explore Luxor.

Q - Is there WIFI on board the ship?

A - Yes, you'll be able to purchase WIFI on board.

Q - Can an Egyptian national take this cruise?

A - Yes, of course.

Q - Does the boat have a pool?

Q - Can we stay on the boat instead of doing the excursions?

A - Sí. Podéis quedaros en el barco disfrutando de las instalaciones si no queréis participar en el resto de actividades, pero el precio del tour será el mismo, no conlleva ningún descuento ni devolución.

Q - Is there a crib available in the room and is there a charge for it?

A - Yes, a crib is available at no extra cost.

Q - Is it possible to book a hot air balloon ride in Luxor?

A - Yes, you must choose the second day of the cruise in order to go on the hot air balloon ride.

Q - If we book a triple room, will there be three beds?

A - No, in hotels and on ships, triple rooms have two beds and a sofa bed. If you want three beds, you will have to reserve two different rooms: one double and one single.

Q - What kind of beds do the Luxury superior cabins have?

A - Superior luxury accommodation includes two separate beds or one double bed.

Q - Can I stay in the same room as my partner although we're not married?

A - Yes, you can stay with your partner or another person in the same cabin as long as you do not have Egyptian nationality.

Q - Is it possible to spend an extra night on board?

A - Yes, but you must pay a supplement in the destination.

Q - When do the boats set off?

A - The majority of the boats set off on the day after you embark, and in the evening - that is to say in the evening of day 2.

Q - At what time are the meals?

A - Breakfast is between 6 and 8 am (depending on the time of the trips), lunch at 1 pm and dinner at 8 pm.

Q - How does the itinerary change if we reserve the option which includes a trip to Abu Simbel?

A - If you choose this option, we'll leave for Abu Simbel between 4 am and return at 12 midday. In this case, the visit to the temple of Philae will take place in the avening or the following day, depending on when the flight leaves. If you do not choose the option visiting Abu Simbel, the visit to the Philae temple will take place at 8 am.

Q - Is it possible to arrive for the second day to immediately begin the activities?

A - If you arrive on the sceond day you might miss the visit to Luxor, because the activities begin very early, around 6 am.

Q - Can we check in, and then leave the boat to see Luxor on the first day?

A - Yes, you can leave the boat after check in to see Luxor.

Q - Is the first day full board also?

A - The duration of the full board depends on the hour of arrival. If you arrive in time for lunch you'll finish the final day with breakfast, if you arrive in time for dinner you'll finish the final day with lunch.

Q - Is it possible to bring your own food on the boat?

A - No, it is not possible.

Q - Is there a special New Year's Eve celebration?

A - Yes, there is a special New Year's Eve party on the ship with a show and dinner.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

You may also be interested in.

Complete Guided Tour of Luxor

Luxor Hot Air Balloon

Abydos and Dendera Temple Excursion

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• Best Egypt Vacation, Tours & Travel Packages
• 4 Days Egypt Short Holidays Packages

4 Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise

Description.

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Looking for a Nile cruise Aswan to Luxor 3 nights? Leave the bump and grind of daily life behind you with one of our spectacular 4 Day Nile cruises. All our Nile cruise holiday packages feature only the very best cruises, thereby ensuring that you get to enjoy a 5-Star world-class experience from beginning to end.

Enjoy onboard entertainment; delicious meals; luxurious accommodation, and daily sightseeing tours to ancient monuments that serve to remind us of mighty civilizations. Stand before King Tutankhamen's tomb; walk through ancient ruins and majestic temples which have been standing for thousands of years; explore ancient Egypt in a way you never thought possible, and leave with memories which you will carry with you forever.

Tour Details

Why you'll love this trip:.

• Sail along River Nile over 4 days
• Explore and relax on 4 days’ trip to cover the sights in Luxor, Aswan, Edfu and Kom Ombu.
• All meals are Included.
• Your private, Egyptologist guide provides undivided attention and an insider’s perspective of all the historical sightseeing’s
• Savor the timeless experience that is a Nile cruise as you sail from Aswan to Luxor on an indulgent ship
• Tour is suitable for all ages and all genders.

Attractions highlight

Valley of the kings.

Situated on the ancient site of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings is the ancient burial ground of many of Egypt's New Kingdom rulers, most famed collection tombs.

Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut temple is a reflection of the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II and was constructed alongside that 11th dynasty structure.

Karnak Temple

Located on the east bank of the Nile, Karnak Temple Complex consists of a number of temples. Its name was given as in Arabic Karnak means fortified village.

Luxor Temple

Where is Luxor Temple located?  This temple might be the greatest testament to why Luxor has earned its nickname, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Museum”.

Edfu Temple

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is widely considered to be the most impressive of all of the Nile-side temples along the journey between Luxor and Aswan. It is a required stop by all of the cruise ships that make the trip, also stopping at Esna and Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo is located approx. 40 Km north from Aswan. The temple of Kom Ombo was built on the honor of two deities the crocodile-headed Sobek, and Haroeris.

Philae Temple

Philae Temple one of the most picturesque in all of Egypt. It sits on Aglika Island just south of the old Aswan Dam and you must ride a water taxi to the island to get to the ruins.

Aswan High Dam

he High Dam was built 1960, and it was the most heralded part of President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s effort to develop Egypt for all Egyptians.

Day 1: Nile Cruise Embarkation and Aswan Sightseeing

When you arrive in Aswan for your very special 4-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise, one of our professional tour representatives will be standing by to meet you at the airport or the railway station. Then will be more than happy to assist you in any way they can.

Then you will join your Egyptologist tour guide to discover the great city of Aswan, including The High Dam, which has been erected by the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to protect Egypt from the Nile flood.

After that you will enjoy sailing on the Nile River by a motor boat till reach Agilika Island, where you will visit Temple of Philae, which was erected during the Gaeco-Roman period and was dedicated to goddess Isis (mother of god Horus).

Finally you will be escorted to visit one of the marvelous sightseeing in Aswan, The Unfinished Obelisk, which was made out of red granite and was dedicated to god Amun Ra.

After finishing your day tour, you will transfer to your Nile cruise for check in and overnight.

Meals Included:

Day 2: koum oumbo & edfu.

Breakfast will be served on board your ship. After that you will join your Egyptologist tour guide to visit one of the most wonderful temples in Egypt, Temple of Kom Ombo, where the two gods Sobek & Haroeris were worshipped for a while. Get back to your ship and enjoy your lunch on the sun deck, watching the unique landscape of the great river Nile.

Afternoon, enjoy chariot riding to Temple of Horus in Edfu, which is considered to be one of the most well preserved temples in Egypt. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your ship.

Enjoy relaxing on board your ship. Dinner will be served on board. At night Egyptian Folkloric Show party will be operated by staff on board.

Meals included:

Day 3: luxor west bank – luxor on.

Breakfast on the Nile cruise. After that you will start your magical tour in Thebes, the sacred land by exploring the wet bank of Luxor including Valley of the Kings, which considers as the royal cemetery of the Theban kings and rulers of ancient Egypt, and the place where our Pharaohs were buried.

After that, you will proceed to visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari. This temple is considered as one of the most wonderful examples of the Architecture in ancient Egypt, because it was totally carved inside the mountain.

At the end of the tour you will visit Colossi of Memnon, which is belonging to king Amenhotep III. After that you will return to your ship to have your lunch. Afternoon, free at leisure. Dinner and overnight on the cruise

Day 4: Check out – Luxor East Bank

Check out after breakfast (at 08:00 AM). After that you will enjoy your tour discovering the East Bank of Luxor, including the most wonderful Karnak Temples Complex, which is considered to be the biggest complex construction in the world covering an area of a hundred.

Finish your lovely tour in Temple of Luxor,built by one of the kings of the 12th dynasty & completed by the well know king Ramses II.

Finally, with all the sightseeing behind you, you will be escorted to Luxor’s airport or railway for your onward journey.

What's Included

3 nights at 5-Star Standard Nile Cruise

Private air-conditioned vehicle, Cruise boat

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

• Meet and Greet Service – One of our tour representatives will meet you on arrival in Aswan, and another one will be there to bid you farewell when you depart from Luxor.
• Full Personal Assistance – Our team of tour professionals will be available to offer assistance throughout the duration of your cruise in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
• All Excursions – All excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price.
• Entrance Fees – Any and all entrance fees to the various sites visited are included.
• English Speaking Guide – A fully certified English-speaking Egyptologist guide will accompany you on all excursions. Our guides are extremely knowledgeable, and visitors are encouraged to ask question during excursions.
• All Service Charges and Taxes – The price of your cruise is inclusive of all taxes, services charges, and etc. With us, there are NO hidden charges along the way.

Not Included

• Pre-Arrival and Post-Departure Travel - The Tour price does not include travel to Aswan or onward travel from Luxor.
• Tipping - Tour price does not include money for tipping guides, waitresses, waiters, and etc.
• Tipping is not required or expected, but always appreciated if you feel it is well-deserved.

Standard Accommodations

May to august from : $ 489, per person in triple room, per person in double room, per person in single room, september to april from : $ 599, deluxe accommodations, may to august from : $ 611, september to april from : $ 749, ultra deluxe accommodations, may to august from : $ 880, september to april from : $ 1078, luxury accommodations, may to august from : $ 978, september to april from : $ 1198.

Prices Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Children Policy 0 - 01.99 Free of Charge 2 - 05.99 pay 25% of tour price 6 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price 12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.

Notes : Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 2 Children in one Room)

Essential trip information

“Want an in-depth insight into our trips? Essential Trip Information provides detailed information about all of that is linked to our itineraries, visa info, what is mainly included & excluded, the most important info regarding your transfers & accommodation with us, and almost everything you need to know about the amazing adventures we arrange”.

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• 3 Nights, 4 Days Nile Cruise From Aswan to Luxor Including Abu Simbel Temple

Starting at $1.000,00

Spend 4 days relaxing on a leisurely Nile River cruise from Aswan on full board accommodation. Accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide, you’ll explore the wonders of ancient Egypt. All you need do is sit back and enjoy the scenery. The Nile cruise features a swimming pool with a sun-lounger terrace, opulent lounge and bar, reading areas and a discotheque. The luxurious cabins with panoramic views have en-suite shower room, individually controlled air-conditioning, TV, minibar, climate control and telephones. The restaurant offers a mix of local and international buffet-style cuisine. Guests can enjoy their drinks while soaking up the sun by the pool bar. Room service is available 24 hours. This Nile cruise itinerary includes the Temple of Abu Simbel.

Availability Type

Groups up to.

Tour Itinerary

UUpon arrival at Aswan Airport you will be transferred to your luxurious cruise ship for a 3 night Nile cruise. After check-in, you will begin a guided day tour, starting with a boat trip to the Temple of Philae, which was built in honour of goddess Isis. After this visit you will go to the High Dam, an engineering miracle used as an embankment dam situated across the Nile River, built in the 1960’s to protect Egypt from annual floods. You will be transferred back to the cruise ship for lunch, where you can also enjoy cruise activities and dinner in the evening. You spend the night on board in Aswan (Meals included: Lunch and dinner).

Early in the morning you will enjoy a guided tour of Abu Simbel Temple. After coming back from Abu Simbel the ship will sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu. In Kom Ombo you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. After this visit you will sail toward Edfu. There, you will be taken to see the Temple of Horus, which is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. This relatively young pharaonic temple is well-preserved and therefore very impressive. In the evening you will have dinner on board and spend the night (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner).

As the ship sails on toward Luxor, you will pass the city of Esna. Today you can just enjoy the view relaxing on the sundeck while watching the local life on the river and its banks. After arrival in Luxor you have the option of seeing the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temples in the evening (additional cost). You spend your last night on board in Luxor (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner).

After breakfast on board, you will check out at 8 AM to start your day tour of the West Bank of Luxor. First you will be transported to the Necropolis of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. This ancient necropolis is a must-see for Luxor travelers. It consists of tombs embedded in the mountain Thebes. Here you visit 3 tombs of various dynasties. Your Egyptologist tour guide will be on hand to recommend and advise you as to which tombs to visit. After visiting the tombs you will be transported to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Afterwards, you will be taken to see the Colossi of Memnon, the two largest ancient statues in Egypt. To conclude your Nile cruise, you visit Karnak Temples on the East Bank of Luxor. Karnak beats every other pharaonic monument: it is simply one of the most beautiful ancient monuments in Egypt. At every site you will get information from your Egyptologist tour guide and you will get free time to explore the ancient monuments by yourself (Meals included: Breakfast).

Program includes

- All entrance fees included - Qualified Egyptologist guide - Transport by air-conditioned vehicle - Sightseeing cruise - All taxes, fees and handling charges - Hotel/port pickup drop-off

Program excludes

- Beverages - Any extras not mentioned - Gratuities (recommended)

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Day Tour to Luxor from Hurghada

Day tour from Hurghada to see the best monuments of the ancient West Bank and East Bank in Luxor. These highlights include Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temples. You will be guided by a licensed Egyptologist tour guide and transported to all the sites by a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Private The Best of Giza and Cairo in 2 Days

Private guided two days tour to see the highlights of Giza and Cairo. These highlights include the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, Mohammed Ali mosque .

Private The Best of Luxor in 2 Days from Luxor

Private guided two days tour to see the best ancient monuments Luxor has to offer. These sights include Valley of the Kings (Necropolis of Thebes), the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Artisans, the Temple of Ramses III (Medinat Habu), Karnak Temples, Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum.

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Everything You Need To Know Before Embarking On A Nile River Cruise

A Nile cruise is on nearly every international traveler’s wish list. The wonders of ancient Egypt go way beyond the pyramids and the sphinx, with countless treasures lying further south, a stretch away from Cairo, lying either within reach of Luxor or Aswan, which is why most people opt for a cruise between the two cities, stopping off at the most important sites along the way.

Having visited Cairo before, a Nile cruise had been on my wish list for years until I finally found the right ship, which I knew I would enjoy, together with the right duration of cruise and itinerary to suit me. It took a lot of research and some luck to chance upon the cruise that was right for me: very small, few people, historic connections, a touch of the glamor of 1920s- and 1930s-style travel, and plenty of class. I found my ideal cruise on the SS Sudan , the last true paddle steamer on the Nile, the one Agatha Christie sailed on and where she wrote Death on the Nile — and where the subsequent movies were filmed. Small enough to allow for privacy, large enough for comfort, with a five-night, six-day itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

But what is perfect for me isn’t necessarily perfect for everybody else. Some might want a pool, a shop, more people to socialize with, or maybe more modern cabins, and probably going from Aswan to Luxor, or even cruising the whole way from Cairo to Aswan. Timing is crucial as well, as is deciding what to do at either end. There are many things to consider before embarking on a Nile cruise, so, here I have listed a few points to mull over and research before you book yourself that trip of a lifetime.

Up Or Down River?

Let’s start with some nomenclature you will need to go along the right route: Cruising up the Nile means you are going south, toward the source of the Nile, which, by the way, I recently discovered in Uganda. Cruising down the Nile is sailing toward the estuary in the Mediterranean. But, just to confuse things, Upper Egypt is in fact southern Egypt, while Lower Egypt is in the north, by the coast.

Most Nile Cruises, except for the ones setting off from Cairo and cruising all the way up the Nile, actually sail only in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan.

I am unsure about what the statistics are when it comes to preferences, but all the cruise ships in Upper Egypt either cruise from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Luxor. Both Luxor and Aswan have airports you can fly into from Cairo, the main international airport in Egypt, so the choice really is yours. That said, personally, I felt that going from Luxor to Aswan was my preferred option simply because — in my mind — Aswan is so much prettier than Luxor. And from Aswan, you can travel to the temples in Abu Simbel, leaving you with the best bit at the end of your journey. But many people would argue the opposite and there really is no right or wrong.

Hotels At Either End

While many travelers, mostly those who are time poor, head straight from the airport to the cruise ship and, once docked after the cruise, fly straight back out again, I would like to plead for a night or two at either end. Not only does it give you the option of overcoming any jet lag or travel fatigue, but also there are some lovely historic hotels that are worth spending a night in. In Luxor, the famous Winter Palace is a historic hotel, a little frayed around the edges, but with a fabulous garden and a pedigree of former guests that is hard to beat. The only place that can beat the guest list of the Winter Palace is the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan where Agatha Christie stayed at the end of her cruise, and you can take a tour through numerous suites named after illustrious guests who stayed there over the last century. And the hotel offers rooms with some of my favorite views in the world .

What Kind Of Boat

There are essentially four types of boats on the Nile that can take you from A to B. There are modern cruise ships, relatively small when compared to ocean-going cruise ships with around 50 cabins, but many with swimming pools, cabins with balconies, and shops and restaurants on board. There is the SS Sudan , alone in its class, without amenities such as pools or shops, but with only five suites and 18 cabins, plus a superb sundeck, a bar, and a restaurant. Then there are the dahabiyas, beautiful boats with a sail at either end — and even more private with many only catering to around 12 passengers. The dahabiyas come without engines, but often have a tugboat for added speed, and offer the most tranquil and secluded cruises. Lastly, there are the feluccas, small sailboats, where in some cases you can spend one night on board, but generally, these lovely and traditional sailboats are only used for day trips.

Where Are The Stops?

Between the most popular cruise harbors of Luxor and Aswan lie the most amazing sights, most of which are taken in by all the various cruises, because, after all, that is why everybody is there. The main stops are Qena, a little downriver from Luxor, with the Dendera and Abydos temples; Luxor , with the various valleys of tombs; Edfu with the fabulous Kom Ombo temple; and lastly Aswan, with a visit to Philae. On a five-night cruise upriver (so going south), you will stay overnight in Qena, Luxor, Edfu, and two nights in Aswan.

Length Of Cruise

Most cruises between Luxor and Aswan take between three and seven days, the shorter ones skipping Qena and only staying one night in Aswan, the longer ones adding extra nights, usually in Luxor.

If you are lucky enough to have the time to sail from Cairo to Aswan , the itinerary takes a minimum of 11 nights, but more often than not 14 nights, with sightseeing in Cairo included, usually reaching Luxor on Day 11. Despite the current of the Nile, which is evident but quite slow, the cruises up or down the river take the same amount of time.

When Best To Travel

The best time to visit Upper (southern) Egypt is between October and April. That said, I went at the end of October, and the temperatures were still in the 90s Fahrenheit, making sightseeing a bit of an exhausting undertaking. In the summer, these temperatures are much, much worse, so travel then is best avoided. In December and January, the coldest months, the temperatures hover around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. As for rain, the rainy season is between October and April, with a negligible spike at less than an inch of rain in October.

What You Must Pack

Even if yours is a fancy cruise, pack light, pack layers, and pack sensible shoes. It will be hot and sandy whenever you go exploring. In the Valley of the Kings, for example, there is much sand, no shade, and plenty of stairs and steps to conquer, so light clothing but good shoes that keep you firmly on the ground are useful. Bring a light cover for the evening and something nice for the boat. A clothes brush to get the sand and dust off you at the end of the outing and a handheld fan to bring you some air when it gets warm are essential. And, if you like a tipple or two, know that in Egypt imported wine and champagne are extortionately expensive, so, get your full allowance in the duty-free shop and enjoy along the way.

What To Do Before (Or After)

Chances are that you will fly into Cairo, and unless you are embarking in Cairo, some sightseeing is a must. Allow at least two extra days to see the main sights before heading south. And once you are in the south, note that all cruise ships stop at Aswan because of the dams. If you want to see Abu Simbel, you can either fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel or take a tour either by bus or private car , but you will need to book the car in advance. This is because the tourist road caravan sets off first thing in the morning and is escorted by police all the way between Aswan and Abu Simbel because of potential bandits, and all travelers need to be registered and accounted for by the day before at the latest.

What To Read And Watch About The Nile

To get you in the mood and keep you going while you’re there, here are some books and films set in exactly the places you will be visiting, so you can go, “Oh, I know that place!” as you read or watch.

• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
• The films Death on the Nile from 1978 with Peter Ustinov , 2004 with David Suchet , and 2022 with Kenneth Branagh
• Some very light but fun mysteries by Elizabeth Peters , with lots of places to be recognized
• The superb old travel book by Amelia B. Edwards A Thousand Miles up the Nile , first published in 1877

One fantastic historical TV series presented by Bettany Hughes is entitled The Nile and is full of information, making for perfect viewing before and after your trip.

Pro Tip: In many places, you will either have to pay for a photography permit, or, at times, won’t be able to take photographs. But don’t let that stop you from carrying your camera everywhere with you!

Related Reading:

• How This River Cruise Allowed Me To Get To Know My Mom Again
• 7 Best River Cruise Lines Around The World
• American Cruise Lines Unveils Its Longest U.S. River Cruise — The Four Rivers You’ll Explore In 60 Days

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits