Nile in Style: Aswan to Luxor
Three nights on the river between Aswan and Luxor, with Kom Ombo and Edfu unlocked along the way — the classic cruise, privately guided.
Overview
Two hundred kilometres of river separate Aswan from Luxor, and for three thousand years this was Egypt's highway of kings. This journey covers it the only way it should be covered: slowly, by water. You board in Aswan after visiting the island Temple of Philae and the High Dam, then sail north with stops at Kom Ombo — the twin temple shared by the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder — and Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. The cruise ends in Luxor with a full private programme across both banks: Karnak and Luxor Temple on the east, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's terraces on the west. Your Egyptologist sails with you, so every stop is guided privately even though the vessel itself is shared.
Itinerary
Aswan — Philae, the High Dam & embarkation
- Private meet in Aswan and morning visit to the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Motorboat to the island Temple of Philae, sanctuary of Isis
- Board your cruise ship before lunch; afternoon at leisure on the sundeck
Kom Ombo & Edfu
- Morning sail to Kom Ombo and its twin temple above the riverbank
- Continue to Edfu — the Temple of Horus, the most complete in Egypt
- Evening on board as the ship moors below the temple town
The Esna lock & arrival in Luxor
- Pass through the Esna lock as the valley widens toward Thebes
- Afternoon arrival in Luxor; optional evening visit to Luxor Temple illuminated
- Final night on board
Luxor — both banks & disembarkation
- Karnak's great hypostyle hall with your Egyptologist
- Cross to the West Bank — Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut
- Disembark and transfer to your Luxor hotel, station or airport
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 3-night full-board Nile cruise, Aswan to Luxor
- All shore excursions as private visits with your own guide
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
Is the cruise itself private?
The ship is shared with other guests; your sightseeing is not. Every shore excursion runs privately with your own Egyptologist and vehicle, and your cabin is of course your own.
Can this cruise be upgraded to a dahabiya?
Yes. A private dahabiya — a traditional sailing vessel for your party alone — covers the same route over four to five nights. Availability is limited, so ask early; we will quote it alongside the standard cruise.
How do I get to Aswan for embarkation?
Most guests fly from Cairo (1 hr 15 min) or take the overnight sleeper train. We arrange either as an add-on, timed to the ship's boarding window.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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