Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise
Aswan to Abu Simbel aboard the dahabiya Nefertari
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise is a four-day cruise package focused on Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser in southern Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 days
- Travel style
- Deluxe Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- Deluxe Nile cruise and hotel accommodation
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Nile · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Accommodation in hotels and a cruise cabin · Transfers · Meals as specified in the itinerary · Standard site entrance fees · Egyptologist guide
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Abu Simbel visitors · Couples · Culture-focused travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
October to April is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing; daytime temperatures around Aswan are often about 23 to 32°C during these months, while summer days can exceed 40°C. November to February is cooler and popular with visitors, so expect more people at major sites. Ramadan dates change each year, and opening hours may vary; check the current schedule before travel.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The company plans the itinerary and arranges cruise and hotel suppliers; it does not own the vessel or accommodation.
- An Egyptologist guide is included in the tour context.
- The cruise vessel is assigned at booking.
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless the product states otherwise; premium access and gratuities are excluded unless requested.
02Overview
A first look
This cruise starts where most day trips end. You visit the two temples at Abu Simbel on the first day, then step aboard your ship at the lakeshore and sail north for three nights, calling at Nubian temples that were rebuilt above the waterline. Your Egyptologist is with you at every stop and meals are full board. On the last morning you disembark at Aswan and are driven to the airport. Ship, transfers and visits are arranged through trusted local partners.
Background
The facts
The Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise is a four-day cruise package in the Lake Nasser region of southern Egypt. Discovery Tours Egypt plans the itinerary and arranges accommodation, transport and a cruise vessel through third-party suppliers; the vessel is assigned at booking.
Lake Nasser extends south from the Aswan High Dam towards the Sudanese border. Abu Simbel lies about 280 km south of Aswan by road. Abu Simbel is a focus of the cruise.
The Abu Simbel temples were built for Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE. They form part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, relocated during the 1960s to avoid flooding after construction of the Aswan High Dam. Lake Nasser formed when the dam impounded the Nile.
Site opening hours and access arrangements can change by season and local conditions. We'll confirm accessibility arrangements before travel.
Named in this entry
Abu Simbel·Lake Nasser·Aswan High Dam·Aswan·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae·Ramesses II·Nile·Sudan
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This four-day cruise suits adults and older teenagers interested in Abu Simbel, ancient Egyptian temples and time on Lake Nasser, rather than a broad survey of Egypt. Couples, friends and independent travellers who value a compact itinerary may prefer it to a longer Nile holiday.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a longer itinerary if you want more time in Luxor, Cairo or elsewhere in Egypt. It may not suit travellers who need step-free access, as visits to ancient sites can involve uneven ground and stairs.
What lingers
- 01See both Abu Simbel temples on the day you board
- 02Spend three nights on Lake Nasser, sailing from Abu Simbel to Aswan
- 03Kasr Ibrim seen from the deck, then the temples of Amada and Derr and the tomb of Pennut
- 04Walk through Wadi el-Seboua, Dakka, Maharraqa and Kalabsha, each moved to higher ground when the lake filled
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A short cruise focused on the temples of Abu Simbel
- Lake Nasser sailing offers a different setting from the Nile
- Accommodation is arranged for the full four-day itinerary
- An Egyptologist guide provides context at included sightseeing
- We can discuss extra hotel nights to extend your stay
Things to Consider
- Four days leaves little time for other Egyptian regions
- Ancient sites have uneven paths, steps and limited shade
- The vessel is assigned at booking, so its name is not guaranteed
- Heat can make outdoor sightseeing tiring, especially from May to September
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruises follow the river corridor between Luxor and Aswan. This package is associated with Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel, a different southern route.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 days · Nile · Abu Simbel
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Lake Nasser Cruise Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise | October – April: from £541 | May – September: from £411 |
| Prestige | Lake Nasser Cruise Movenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise | October – April: from £742 | May – September: from £477 |
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
- Swimming pool
- Sun Deck
- Gymnasium
- Mini-bar
- Room service
- LCD TV
- Air conditioning
- Private bath with bathtub & hairdryer
- Safe box in each cabin
- Laundry service & housekeeping
- Doctor on call onboard
- Onboard entertainment and cultural shows
- Full board gourmet dining
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Support from Discovery Tours Egypt staff during your cruise
- Transfers in a modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Four nights’ accommodation aboard a 5-star Nile cruiser, with full-board meals
- Nile cruise excursions listed in the itinerary
- Admission to all sights on the route between Aswan and Abu Simbel
- An expert Egyptologist guide throughout the cruise
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Additional items not specified in the programme
- Gratuities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Bring sun protection for open deck time; shade can be limited during the middle of the day.
- 02
Keep a light layer handy for breezier conditions on deck after sunset.
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for local purchases and optional gratuities.
- 04
Check current Abu Simbel access and transfer arrangements shortly before departure, as the supplied schedule gives no timings.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Ask us about adding hotel nights before or after the cruise, or arranging additional visits, subject to availability and the confirmed itinerary. You can also tell us about dietary, mobility or family needs so we can check suitable arrangements before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
This four-day Lake Nasser cruise can sit alongside a stay in Aswan, either before or after a Nile itinerary between Aswan and Luxor. Allow time in Aswan to visit Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary includes extended coach journeys, boarding a Nile cruise by gangway and walking through ancient temple complexes. At Abu Simbel, expect long paved approaches, uneven stone and steps to the temple forecourts; ramp access is limited and shade is scarce around midday. Cruise boarding usually involves stepping up from the quay, and some vessels use a narrow, steep ramp. Coaches have one or two steps and are not described as wheelchair-accessible. Some temple interiors and archaeological paths cannot be reached by wheelchair. If you use a wheelchair or powered scooter, or have limited mobility, contact us before booking so we can check what is feasible. We can arrange porter assistance at airports and quays if requested in advance.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and a photocopy
- A sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Small daypack for temple visits
- Personal first-aid items, including plasters and rehydration sachets
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A lightweight layer for chillier mornings and evenings
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes
Children & families
The minimum age is 5 years because the Abu Simbel journey involves a long coach transfer and an early start. Children aged 2 to 11 normally receive child rates; infants under 2 must be declared at booking so we can advise on seating and safety restraints. Strollers can be used on the cruise but are impractical on temple approaches and inside archaeological sites, where steps and uneven surfaces are common. Tell us each child's age when you enquire so we can confirm the applicable price and any restrictions.
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Abu Simbel TemplesRight here
- Lake NasserRight here
- Aswan High DamRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Cruise vessel assigned at booking, with no unsupported ship name
02
Abu Simbel sightseeing arranged within a four-day cruise package
03
Hotel stays and cruise cabin coordinated in one itinerary
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Overland journeys between Aswan and Abu Simbel use air-conditioned Mercedes minibuses or tourist coaches. River travel is on locally operated Nile cruise vessels. We work with local suppliers and Egyptologists based in Aswan and Luxor, and cruise crews are hired from port communities. Onboard catering may use fruit and vegetables bought in markets around Aswan and Kom Ombo when available; this cannot be guaranteed for every sailing. Refillable water stations are provided on board, and bringing a reusable bottle helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic. Excursions may be scheduled early to limit vehicle idling and avoid the busiest periods at sites. Ask us before booking if you have specific supplier or environmental preferences, and we will confirm what can be arranged.
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
Abu Simbel is about 280 km south of Aswan by road, on the western shore of Lake Nasser. Its temples, built under Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE, are part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise?
It lasts four days and three nights. You drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel on day one and board there. You then sail on Lake Nasser for three nights and leave the ship at Aswan on day four.02How do transfers and embarkation work?
A driver takes you from your Aswan hotel or ship to Abu Simbel, where you board after visiting the temples. At the end, you are driven from the Aswan landing to Aswan airport. We confirm meeting times and places before you travel.03What is included in the Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise?
Three nights aboard with breakfast, lunch and dinner, the transfers at each end, guided visits with an Egyptologist, entrance fees for the sites in the programme, and service charges and taxes.04What is excluded?
Gratuities, drinks and anything not listed in the programme. Tipping the Egyptologist, driver and crew is optional but customary in Egypt.05Is the cruise suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
It involves boarding and leaving a ship, a long road transfer and walking at temple sites where the ground can be uneven and shade is scarce. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking and we will advise on what is practical.06Can children join the cruise?
Children can be considered, though cabin arrangements and any child rates depend on the ship and your dates. Temple visits involve walking in strong sun. Give us the children's ages when you enquire.07What should I wear and bring?
Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for cooler winter evenings. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. A refillable water bottle is useful ashore.08Can I take photographs during the cruise?
Usually yes outdoors, but rules vary from site to site and inside temple chambers. Follow signs and your Egyptologist's guidance, and ask before photographing people or using a tripod.09When is the best time to take this cruise?
The cooler months, November to March, are the most comfortable for visiting Lake Nasser's temples. Sun can still be strong and shade is limited, so in warmer months carry water and sun protection.10Which temples does the cruise visit?
Abu Simbel's two temples, then Amada, Derr, the Tomb of Pennut, Wadi el-Seboua, Dakka, Maharraqa and Kalabsha. Kasr Ibrim is seen from the deck only. Unlike the Luxor to Aswan route, every stop here lies south of the Aswan High Dam.
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-181218
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