4 Day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Sail from Aswan to Luxor via Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings with full-board meals included
The short answer
4-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise is a 4-day, 3-night trip to Luxor and Aswan: 3 nights on a Nile cruise. Starts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $785 per person, two sharing (Classic, May–September).
02Overview
A first look
At first light in Aswan, the Nile reflects the granite islands and felucca sails while the air still carries the coolness of the river. From the deck, you watch the desert edge slide past before stepping ashore at Philae Temple, where our Egyptologist connects the carved scenes to the island’s relocation.
Days follow the river’s changing character: the quiet symmetry of Kom Ombo, the towering gateway at Edfu, and Luxor’s open limestone landscapes. You can take in the views between visits, then return to your cabin as the vessel sails north. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cruise, vehicles, and Egyptologist support so each shore visit runs clearly and comfortably.
What lingers
- 01Visit Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan High Dam
- 02Explore the Ptolemaic temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu
- 03Enter the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 04See Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- 05Visit Karnak Temple on Luxor East Bank
- 06Sail aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board meals
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation at the properties listed or similar.
| Comfort level | Where you stay or similar | Per personfrom, Oct–Apr | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentialfrom $785well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSemiramis III · Magic I | $785May–Sep: from $707 | |
| Comfortfrom $9025★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsLady Mary · Tower Prestige | $902May–Sep: from $785 | |
| Classicfrom $1,0585★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsJaz Crown Jubilee · Stephanie | $1,058May–Sep: from $785 | |
| Prestigefrom $1,2535★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsNile Excellence · Nile Serenity | $1,253May–Sep: from $1,058 | |
| Luxuryfrom $2,1895★ luxury Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | $2,189May–Sep: from $1,253 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom $3,047Iconic heritage vessels | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsHistoria | $3,047May–Sep: from $2,033 |
Nile cruise on full board. 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.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Unfinished Obelisk · Kom Ombo · Edfu
- 1
On arrival at Aswan Airport, our driver transfers you to the Nile embarkation point. Your guide introduces Aswan’s riverside setting before the sightseeing program begins. Visit the High Dam, completed in 1970, to see how it transformed Nile water management and created Lake Nasser.
Continue by boat to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, where inscriptions honor Isis and other ancient Egyptian deities. The day also includes the Unfinished Obelisk, a 42-meter granite monument that remains attached to its quarry bed.
- 2
Your guide leads a morning visit to Kom Ombo Temple, a Ptolemaic sanctuary dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus. Continue along the Nile toward Edfu, where an afternoon visit explores the Temple of Horus, built between 237 and 57 BCE. Your Egyptologist explains the temple’s reliefs, courtyards, and preserved columns while you walk across uneven ancient stone.
Unlike shorter cruise itineraries, this route includes both temple visits on the same sailing day, with time to see their distinct religious traditions.
- 3
During the morning, your guide introduces Luxor Temple, whose surviving monuments include the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Great Court of Ramesses II, and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III. Later, visit Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious complex in Egypt, where the Hypostyle Hall contains 134 columns. The tour also includes the Sacred Lake, used by priests for ritual purification.
Set aside time for uneven stone surfaces and limited shade, particularly during the warmer afternoon hours.
- 4
Begin the morning on Luxor’s West Bank, where your guide introduces the Valley of the Kings and the three included royal tombs open on your visit. Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built for Egypt’s female pharaoh against the cliffs. At the Colossi of Memnon, see the two quartzite statues that once guarded Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple.
Later, we arrange your transfer from downtown Luxor to Luxor Airport for departure.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Assistance during the tour
- All transfers by modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board meals
- All Nile cruise excursions listed in the program
- Entrance fees to all listed sights between Aswan and Luxor
- Egyptologist guide throughout the journey
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Tipping and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Extras not mentioned in the program
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and optional activities unless specifically requested
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Philae, late afternoon often gives softer light and fewer day-trip crowds.
- 02
Karnak's open courts are hottest at midday, so start the East Bank early if possible.
- 03
At the Valley of the Kings, wear shoes with grip, the paths can be dusty and uneven.
- 04
Kom Ombo is one of the easiest sites for clear river-view photos from the approach road.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise package as a private or shared guided experience, subject to vessel availability and supplier terms. Travelers may request additional Luxor or Aswan sightseeing, premium tomb tickets, private transfers, dietary requirements or extra hotel nights before or after the cruise. The assigned Nile cruiser is confirmed at booking from the available third-party supplier options.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travelers aged roughly The itinerary involves early starts, walking on uneven temple surfaces and boarding or leaving a vessel, so a moderate level of mobility is useful. It is appropriate for travelers who prefer a structured route with guided visits rather than arranging independent transport between Aswan, Luxor and intermediate sites.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring step-free access or long-term wheelchair use, as many ancient sites have uneven stone and stairs. Not recommended for travelers on very tight budgets who need to avoid included cruise accommodation upgrades or optional excursions.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Direct visits to Aswan and Luxor highlights in four days
- Egyptologist-led guided visits at each major site
- Three nights accommodation on board simplifies transfers
- Entrance fees to listed sights are included
- Balanced pace, combining guided tours and sailing time
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone and steps at many sites
- Early starts on some days to avoid crowds
- Limited shade at midday at outdoor temples
- Tipping and personal extras are not included
Where it fits
Best paired with 2 nights in Aswan before departure and 2 nights in Luxor after arrival, especially if you want the Nile Valley sites in a single south to north route. It also fits neatly after a Cairo stay, because Aswan has domestic flight access and Luxor works well as the next stop for temples and West Bank sightseeing.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Aswan-to-Luxor itinerary, this package combines transportation, accommodation and sightseeing during a three-night Nile sailing. Compared with an independent cruise booking, it includes arranged transfers, listed entrance fees and Egyptologist-guided excursions, while the vessel itself is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Guided Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser, 3 Nights
- Destinations
- Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Unfinished Obelisk · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Colossi of Memnon · Karnak Temple
- Includes
- Three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser · Full-board cruise meals · Air-conditioned vehicle transfers · Egyptologist guide · Listed Nile cruise excursions · Entrance fees to listed sights · Service charges and taxes
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with school-age children · Travelers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport, ArrivalsMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sun hat and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medication and basic first-aid items
- Light daypack
- Camera or phone with spare battery
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for personal purchases and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for warm daytime conditions and cooler mornings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Light scarf or cover-up for additional modesty
Children & families
Children may join this tour. Child pricing depends on the cruise cabin and sharing rules. We’ll confirm the minimum age, child price and high-chair availability before you book. Strollers are not practical at several sites because of sand, steps, uneven ancient stone, and gangways.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves uneven stone surfaces, sand, steps, gangways, and walking in open sun at Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple. Nile cruiser access normally requires using a gangway and may include stairs between decks. Modern air-conditioned vehicles are used for transfers, but wheelchair lifts are not confirmed. A folding wheelchair may be possible with advance notice, subject to vehicle and vessel space. The Valley of the Kings and several temple areas are not fully wheelchair accessible. Please discuss mobility needs before booking so we can confirm practical arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transport for road transfers uses modern air-conditioned vehicles, while the Nile section uses a locally operated passenger cruiser. We work with Egyptian guides, drivers, cruise staff, excursion providers, and site-service teams based in the Nile Valley, keeping tour spending with businesses in Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor. The itinerary combines several sights during each scheduled stop, which limits repeated road journeys between the same destinations. We do not claim that the cruiser or vehicles are low-emission, and fuel use is part of operating the route. Guests can help by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding single-use plastic, and following site rules that protect ancient stonework.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the 4-day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor?
This cruise package is 4 days and 3 nights, traveling north along the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor. You will spend all three nights aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser.02What are the typical pick-up and drop-off arrangements for this cruise?
We arrange transfers by modern air-conditioned vehicle from Aswan Airport to your cruise ship on Day 1. On Day 4, you will be transferred from the cruise ship in Luxor to Luxor Airport for your departure.03What is included in the 4-day Nile River Cruise package?
The package includes 3 nights on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full board, all listed excursions with entrance fees, an Egyptologist guide, and all transfers. All service charges and taxes are also covered.04What is not included in the cruise package price?
The package excludes tipping and gratuities, personal expenses, and any extras not specified in the itinerary. Entrance to pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and optional activities are also not included unless requested.05Is this Nile cruise accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise ships generally have stairs between decks, and gangways can be steep depending on water levels. Some ancient sites involve walking on uneven terrain, sand, or steps. Please contact us to discuss specific mobility needs.06Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, families with children often enjoy Nile cruises. The pace is generally relaxed, and the sites are engaging. Children typically receive discounted rates, and our Egyptologists can tailor explanations to different age groups.07What should I wear and bring for the Nile cruise and excursions?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ancient sites. Bring a reusable water bottle.08What is the photography policy at the ancient sites visited on the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites without flash. Some tombs and museum exhibits may prohibit photography or require a special ticket. Your Egyptologist guide will advise on specific rules at each location.09What is the best time of year to take this 4-day Nile cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are ideal for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, are hotter, with early morning excursions being particularly important.10Which specific sites will I visit on the Luxor West Bank during this cruise?
On the Luxor West Bank, you will explore the Valley of the Kings, including entry to three tombs, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-ASW-759477
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Starts
- Mon, Wed, Thu or Fri
- Route
- Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers