Egypt Nile Cruises
The Nile: Aswan to Luxor Cruise
Sail downstream along the historic river route between Aswan and Luxor on a classic river cruise, touring Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Theban temples.
A closer look.
Board an agreed river vessel in Aswan and drift through the heart of Upper Egypt, taking in four days of iconic monuments and pastoral scenery.
Step ashore with your guide to explore Ptolemaic temples and royal burial valleys before disembarking among the towering colonnades of Luxor.
Offered as a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor or as a 5-day voyage in the reverse direction from Luxor to Aswan.
- Philae Island Temple of Isis
- Riverside dual temple of Kom Ombo
- Temple of Horus at Edfu
- Valley of the Kings in Luxor
- Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak
A glimpse of the journey.
Destination photographs for inspiration. Select a photo to view it full size in a new tab. Photo credits and image changes.
Your itinerary.
A proposed sequence to discuss, with availability and practical arrangements confirmed before booking.
Day 1 · Aswan, Philae and embarkation
Meet your transfer in Aswan and take a motorboat out to the island temple of Philae. Embark on your agreed river vessel, check into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board.
Day 2 · Kom Ombo and Edfu
Sail north towards Kom Ombo to visit its unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Edfu to explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus.
Day 3 · Esna passage and Luxor's East Bank
Pass through the river lock at Esna and cruise onwards into Luxor. In the afternoon, tour the immense temple complex of Karnak and wander through Luxor Temple's royal courts.
Day 4 · West Bank visits and disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast and cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple. Conclude with a transfer to Luxor airport or station.
Included in the proposal.
- Three cruise nights in the vessel and cabin category confirmed in writing
- Onboard meals specified in the selected plan
- Aswan embarkation and Luxor disembarkation transfers on the agreed routes
- Shore guiding for the visits and service format expressly quoted
- Standard entrance tickets specifically named in the quotation
- Planning of the confirmed sailing and onward transfer sequence
Not included unless quoted.
- Flights, train tickets and hotel nights before or after the cruise
- Private charter and a resident private guide unless separately quoted
- Drinks, laundry, internet and other onboard purchases unless listed
- Special tomb tickets and optional excursions not included in writing
- Changes or transfers outside the agreed pickup area
- Travel insurance, personal expenses and gratuities
The practical details.
Check the actual vessel
Ask for recent vessel information, cabin category, deck, bed setup and facilities. A category label is not a guarantee of a pool, balcony, Wi-Fi performance or a particular view.
Three nights is a compact format
Provide transport details before confirmation. Arriving after the Aswan sightseeing window or departing Luxor too early can remove important visits; add a hotel night when needed.
Private visits need confirmation
The ship and its timetable are shared. Request private shore guiding explicitly; any operator-group excursions must be identified as shared in your final quote. A guide does not remain privately available between visits unless contracted.
The written quotation takes precedence over this suggested programme. Check the final services, guiding arrangements and any optional costs before confirming.
Good to know.
Does the ship sail continuously?
No. Time aboard includes berthing for visits, meals and overnight stops as well as moving along the river. Mooring positions can place other boats alongside your vessel.
Can we choose a different direction?
Ask us to compare verified departures. A Luxor–Aswan route may have a different number of nights; it is not assumed to fit this four-day outline.
Are all Valley of the Kings tombs included?
No. The quote identifies the standard ticket arrangement and any special tomb supplements. Open tombs and site access can change.
Where will we be picked up?
The embarkation point stated in your confirmed sailing proposal. Your exact meeting details are agreed before travel.
How is my booking confirmed?
Send an enquiry first. We review availability and provide a written quotation with the itinerary, services, price and booking conditions. Sending the form does not reserve a service.