5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan
Three nights aboard a Nile cruise, guided visits to Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, entrance fees and an Egyptologist included.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Departs
- Daily
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a five-day cruise package arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Five days and four nights
- Travel style
- Cruise Package with Hotel Nights in Luxor
- Accommodation
- Hotel stays in Luxor + a cabin on a Nile Cruise
- Operated by
- Organised by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Luxor · Valley of the Kings (Luxor West Bank) · Karnak Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple (Agilkia Island) · Aswan · Nile
- Includes
- Accommodation throughout · Transfers between airport, hotel and cruise points · Meals as stated in itinerary · Entrance fees to scheduled sites · Egyptologist guide
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Those visiting Egypt for the first time · Couples · Families travelling with children of school age
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The best time for a Luxor-to-Aswan Nile cruise is generally October to April, when daytime temperatures are more comfortable for temple visits and walking tours. December and January are the busiest months, while summer can be extremely hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Travel during Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays is still possible, but some opening hours, meal timings and service patterns may be adjusted.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator with on-the-ground planning for transfers, guiding and sightseeing.
- Qualified Egyptologist guide services are included during scheduled visits.
- Hotel rooms and Nile cruise cabins are arranged through local third-party suppliers, with logistics coordinated in advance.
- Standard entrance fees to listed sites are included unless stated otherwise.
- Private transfers and timed sightseeing help reduce waiting and improve day-to-day coordination.
- 24/7 local support is available for travel assistance and schedule changes where required.
02Overview
A first look
Spend four nights afloat and the whole of Upper Egypt comes to you. The ship is your base from the first afternoon in Luxor, where Karnak and Luxor Temple fill day one, to the last morning in Aswan.
Between the two, a morning among the royal tombs of the West Bank is followed by a slow passage upriver to Edfu and Kom Ombo, then Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. An Egyptologist accompanies every visit, and we arrange the transfers, cabin and entrance tickets with trusted local partners. Ships range from simple to five-star, so there is a choice for most budgets.
Background
The facts
This five-day Nile cruise package combines hotel nights in Luxor with three nights in a cruise cabin while travelling downstream to Aswan. The route typically follows the Upper Nile between Luxor and Aswan, a distance of roughly 200 kilometres by river, with sightseeing concentrated at major monuments along the way. Transfers between airport, hotel and embarkation/disembarkation points are arranged as part of the programme.
In Luxor, the itinerary includes the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, the royal necropolis used primarily during Egypt’s New Kingdom, and Karnak Temple on the east bank, a vast temple complex expanded over many centuries, particularly during the 18th Dynasty and later. Visitors usually cross to the West Bank by road for tomb visits, then return to the city for hotel check-in before the cruise segment begins. Standard site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated, but premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically booked.
During the cruise portion, the vessel calls at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu is associated with the Ptolemaic period and the cult of Horus, while Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder; both are reached by short shore transfers from the mooring point. The itinerary concludes at Aswan with a visit to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat ride after the original island was relocated due to the Aswan High Dam project in the 20th century.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Valley of the Kings·Luxor West Bank·Karnak Temple·Hypostyle Hall·Avenue of Sphinxes·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Aswan·Nile·Horus·Sobek·New Kingdom·Ptolemaic period·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits travellers who want a paced introduction to Upper Egypt rather than a compressed one-day or overnight programme. It is a strong fit for adults and older children interested in tombs, temples and river travel, and for visitors who prefer guided sightseeing with accommodation arranged in advance.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a slower, step-free holiday if you have difficulty walking on uneven paths or managing steps. The daytime heat from May to September can also make open-air sightseeing demanding.
What lingers
- 01Three tombs in the Valley of the Kings, with Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- 02Karnak and Luxor Temple on the afternoon you arrive
- 03Edfu and Kom Ombo temples seen from the river's own route to Aswan
- 04Philae by boat, then the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk
- 05Four nights aboard on full board, with no hotel changes
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple in Luxor.
- Includes Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple near Aswan.
- Combines hotel rooms in Luxor with nights in a cruise cabin.
- Spreads major sightseeing across several mornings, unlike single-day coach runs.
- Scheduled site entrance fees and an Egyptologist guide are included.
Things to Consider
- Uneven paths and steps at several archaeological sites.
- Limited shade in open temple courtyards and at midday.
- Cruise vessel and hotel are assigned through suppliers.
- Drinks, gratuities and optional excursions are not included.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike shorter Luxor day tours, this itinerary spreads major visits across several mornings and includes both hotel nights and cruise cabin nights. That reduces the pace at each site and avoids the same-day rush common on compressed coach-based programmes. It also combines river travel with guided temple and tomb visits rather than treating Luxor and Aswan as separate day trips.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Five days and four nights · Luxor · Valley of the Kings (Luxor West Bank) · Karnak Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple (Agilkia Island)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Where you stay | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Nile Cruise Nephtis · Magic I | October – April: from £701 | May – September: from £585 |
| Comfort | Nile Cruise Royal Princess Amira · Tower Prestige | October – April: from £835 | May – September: from £662 |
| Classic | Nile Cruise Grand Sun · Stephanie | October – April: from £970 | May – September: from £662 |
| Prestige | Nile Cruise Sonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Serenity | October – April: from £1,220 | May – September: from £931 |
| Luxury | Nile Cruise Sonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | October – April: from £2,046 | May – September: from £1,123 |
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Wi-Fi (in public areas)
- Restaurant (gourmet restaurant)
- Gymnasium
- Lounge Bar
- 24-hour reception
- Doctor on call
- Laundry service
- LCD TV
- Mini-bar
- Safe box in each cabin
- Airport transfer
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Hotel nights in Luxor and cruise-cabin nights on the Nile, for the duration specified in the itinerary
- Transfers between airport, hotels and the cruise embarkation and disembarkation points
- Meals shown in the full itinerary, with full board on cruise days where indicated
- Admission fees for the archaeological sites and museums listed in the itinerary
- Guided sightseeing with a qualified Egyptologist for the scheduled visits
Not included
- Flights between Egypt and your home country
- Egyptian entry visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Tips for cruise staff, drivers and guides; while not included, they are recommended
- Admission to premium tombs and pyramid interiors, such as Tutankhamun’s tomb or the interior of Khufu’s pyramid, unless booked separately
- Beverages, personal spending and any optional trips beyond the itinerary
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Karnak, allow time to look up in the Great Hypostyle Hall; the scale of its columns is easiest to read from within the hall.
- 02
Wear shoes with a firm grip at the Valley of the Kings, where paths and tomb entrances can be uneven.
- 03
Keep small Egyptian pound notes available for toilets and incidental purchases at visitor sites.
- 04
At Philae, ask your Egyptologist where to stand for a clear view of the temple from the boat.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can usually be arranged as a private or small-group programme, depending on availability and budget. Add-ons may include extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, optional excursions, upgraded meals where available, or a longer Egypt itinerary that combines Cairo with Upper Egypt. Premium tomb visits and other special entries can be added if requested and available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
This Luxor-to-Aswan cruise fits between a Cairo stay and onward travel from Aswan. Add Cairo before the cruise for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau, or continue from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary requires walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand at temple approaches, and cobbled surfaces on the Luxor West Bank. Many tombs in the Valley of the Kings have steep, narrow stairs and low passages; tomb floors can be uneven and slippery after rain. Boarding and disembarking the cruise involves gangways and steps, and cabin door thresholds may be raised. Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses with a step to enter. Wheelchair users should note that most tombs and Philae Temple island approaches are not wheelchair accessible without substantial assistance. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange a meet-and-assist service at Luxor International Airport and advise on vehicle modifications where feasible. Please contact us at booking with mobility details at least 14 days before travel so we can confirm what is possible and which sites to adapt.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking confirmation
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Sun cream and a sun hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for water and personal items
- Personal medicines
- Light rain jacket for cooler or wet weather
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Sturdy, closed walking shoes
- Light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- A pair of sunglasses and a hat with a brim
Children & families
The stated minimum age is 5, reflecting the stairs, tomb descents and uneven walking surfaces. Children aged 5 to 11 may qualify for a child fare when sharing a room with two adults; travellers aged 12 and over are charged the adult rate. Strollers can be useful on flat promenades but are impractical inside most tombs and on cruise gangways. A lightweight carrier may be easier to manage. Cots or extra beds can be requested where available. Give us each child's age when enquiring so we can check the applicable arrangements and price.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor International Airport (LXR) — Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Edfu TempleRight here
- The Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visits Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae on one route
02
Combines Luxor hotel stays with three cruise-cabin nights
03
Scheduled-site entrance fees and Egyptologist guiding are included
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers on this itinerary use air-conditioned minibuses with seating for up to 16 passengers rather than large coaches, which reduces per-person fuel use on small-group runs. Egyptologists and boat crews for each sailing season are contracted directly by us using local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, so fees and wages remain in the communities that rely on Nile tourism. Cruise moorings use established overnight anchorages to avoid fragile riverbank habitats. We provide potable water refill points on board and at included hotels and encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. Site visits follow local site-management rules, for example using designated walkways at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings to limit wear on archaeological surfaces.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
·In summary
This tour includes hotel accommodation in Luxor, three nights in a Nile cruise cabin, transfers, meals as stated in the itinerary, entrance fees to scheduled sites, and an Egyptologist guide. It visits the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple, with river travel between Luxor and Aswan.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How many nights does the Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise last?
Four nights over five days. You join the ship on day one in Luxor and sleep aboard each night until you leave in Aswan on day five, so there are no hotel nights.02How are the airport transfers arranged?
You are met at Luxor Airport and taken to the ship on the first day. On the last day you are taken from the ship to Aswan Airport. Please send us your flight times when booking. Flights themselves are not included.03What does the price of the 5-day Nile cruise cover?
A cabin for four nights, full board aboard, both airport transfers, entrance fees for the sites listed (including three tombs in the Valley of the Kings) and an Egyptologist for the sightseeing. A choice of ships, from simple to five-star, is offered.04What is not covered on this Nile cruise?
Flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips, drinks and personal spending are extra. Premium tombs such as Tutankhamun's, pyramid interiors and optional excursions are also charged separately.05How much walking is involved?
Expect uneven ancient paving, some steps and plenty of sun at each site, plus stairs between decks on the ship. The pace is gentle, but anyone with reduced mobility should tell us before booking so we can advise.06Can children join the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?
Yes, many families do. Children often love the ship, though long days at temples in the heat can be tiring for the youngest. Cabin and entrance arrangements depend on age, so please give their ages when you enquire.07What should I pack for a Nile cruise?
Comfortable walking shoes, light clothes, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and a water bottle. Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples. A light jumper is handy for winter evenings on deck.08May I take photographs at the sites?
Mostly, yes, outdoors. Some tombs and museums prohibit flash or charge for a camera ticket, and a few interiors allow no photography at all. Your Egyptologist will explain the rules as you go.09When is the best season for this Nile cruise?
From October to April the weather is kindest for sightseeing. Summers in Upper Egypt are very hot around midday, though the ships are air-conditioned.10Which temples and tombs does the cruise visit?
Karnak and Luxor Temple on day one; the Colossi of Memnon, three tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple on day two; Edfu and Kom Ombo on day three; Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk on day four.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TOU-NIL-463129
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