A Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor is one of the easiest ways to see the temples of southern Egypt: you unpack once, meals and transport are included and the boat sails while you rest. This guide describes a typical 3 to 4 night Aswan and Luxor Nile cruise, what you see each day and how to choose. Itineraries and stops vary by boat and season, so confirm them with your operator.
Most cruises sail between Aswan and Luxor, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Aswan to Luxor is a downstream trip, and Luxor to Aswan goes upstream. Compare our 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor from $525 and our 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan from $775.
Cruising from Aswan to Luxor usually takes 3 nights, because the boat sails with the current; from Luxor to Aswan usually takes 4 nights. Both routes visit the same temples. Some boats also stop at Esna, where the temple of Khnum has a beautifully restored painted ceiling, and boats wait their turn to pass through the Esna lock.
Visits are usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, with a guide from the boat. At Kom Ombo, do not miss the crocodile museum beside the temple, and at Edfu the boat often moors close enough for a short horse-carriage ride to the temple gate.
Boats usually have a restaurant, a sun deck, and some have a pool and evening entertainment such as a galabeya party. Cabin size and facilities vary, so check what is included. Drinks are often extra.
Life on board is relaxed: breakfast as the boat sails, a temple visit, lunch on board and an afternoon on the sun deck watching villages, palm groves and fishermen pass by. Dress is casual by day; some boats suggest smarter clothes for dinner. Cabins usually have a large window or a small balcony facing the river, air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Three or four nights between Aswan and Luxor.
October to April.
Usually full board, but drinks and some excursions may be extra. Check your package.
Yes, especially shorter cruises with shore visits that are not too long.
| Day | Where | Typical visits |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Aswan | Board at midday; Philae Temple, the High Dam or the Unfinished Obelisk; felucca in the evening |
| Day 2 | Kom Ombo and Edfu | Sail north; visit Kom Ombo, then Edfu |
| Day 3 | Esna and Luxor | Pass the Esna lock; arrive in Luxor; Karnak and Luxor Temple |
| Day 4 | Luxor | Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple, then disembark |
Exact visits and timings depend on the boat and the season. Read our guides to Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak.
From Aswan, add the early-morning trip to Abu Simbel, a felucca at sunset or a visit to a Nubian village. In Luxor, add a sunrise hot air balloon over the West Bank or an evening at Luxor Temple.
Light, modest clothes for the temples, a swimsuit for the pool, a warm layer for evenings on deck from November to February, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a small torch for the tombs, cash in small notes for tips and drinks, and any medicines you need, since pharmacies are only available in the towns.
Tipping on board: most boats collect a shared tip for the crew at the end of the cruise, often in an envelope at reception, and guides are tipped separately. Ask on the first day how it works on your boat, and keep small notes ready.
For a first trip, a 3 or 4 night cruise is a comfortable way to see the main temples. Book early in winter and check the itinerary and cabin class.
Book this experience: 3 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor from $525.
See our Egypt tour packages for guided trips with transfers and hotels arranged for you.
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