5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Lake Nasser Cruise
Sail past Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Kasr Ibrim aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser with full-board meals
The short answer
5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Lake Nasser Cruise is a 5-day, 4-night trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel: 4 nights on a Lake Nasser cruise. Starts on Mondays. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $914 per person, two sharing (Classic, October–April).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classicfrom $9145★ Nile cruises | Lake Nasser Cruise · 4 nightsNubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise | $914May–Sep: from $680 | |
| Prestigefrom $1,2775★ deluxe Nile cruises | Lake Nasser Cruise · 4 nightsMovenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise | $1,277May–Sep: from $800 |
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
5 Days / 4 Nights · Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr
- 1
Arrive in Aswan and meet our representative for the transfer from Aswan Airport to the city or Nile cruise departure point. After boarding, your crew introduces the dining areas and onboard facilities while your guide explains the sailing schedule and practical details for the journey.
The afternoon is available to settle in and enjoy views along the Nile near Aswan, where granite islands and traditional feluccas shape the river landscape. Unlike rushed same-day river visits, this opening allows time to become familiar with the cruise setting before sightseeing begins.
- 2
In the morning, you’ll visit Kalabsha Temple, a Roman-period sanctuary dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. Your guide explains how the temple was moved to New Kalabsha in the 1960s to protect it from Lake Nasser after construction of the Aswan High Dam. Later, continue by Nile cruise toward Wadi El Seboua, where sandstone temples stand along the western shore of Lake Nasser.
The route offers changing views of Nubian desert landscapes and the lake’s isolated shoreline. Your Egyptologist places each monument within the broader history of Nubia and its relocation.
- 3
Your guide leads a morning visit to Wadi El Seboua, where the relocated temples of Ramses II stand beside Lake Nasser. Continue to Amada Temple, built mainly during the reigns of Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, and Thutmose IV, with preserved painted reliefs. At Derr, see the rock-cut temple dedicated by Ramses II to Amun-Ra and Ra-Horakhty.
You will also visit the Tomb of Pennut, a New Kingdom official’s burial site moved during the creation of Lake Nasser. In the evening, a Nubian show introduces local music and dance traditions.
- 4
During the morning, your guide points out Kasr Ibrim from the water, the only remaining Nubian fortress site that rises above Lake Nasser. Continue to a panorama stop overlooking Abu Simbel, where the temples’ rock-cut façades are visible across the landscape. At Abu Simbel Temple, explore the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor, built for Queen Nefertari.
Your Egyptologist explains the relocation of both temples in the 1960s to protect them from rising Lake Nasser waters.
- 5
After cruise check-out, travel from Abu Simbel toward Aswan by arranged road transfer. If sightseeing is scheduled, your guide can explain the Abu Simbel temples, which Ramses II commissioned during the 13th century BCE and which were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from Lake Nasser. The journey ends in Aswan, where arrangements continue according to your selected tour plan.
Your coordinator confirms the final drop-off details before departure.
02Overview
A first look
At first light in Aswan, the Nile carries the sound of boat engines past granite islands and palm-lined banks. From the deck, the landscape gradually opens into Lake Nasser, where Nubian temples appear against wide stretches of water and desert.
Our Egyptologists guide you through Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr, and the Tomb of Pennut, while the approach to Abu Simbel brings a quieter sense of scale beneath the sandstone cliffs. We arrange your vehicle transfers, cruise services, guided visits, and entrance arrangements in advance, with a licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinating the details on the ground.
What lingers
- 01Visit Kalabsha Temple, a major Nubian monument near Aswan
- 02Explore the temples at Wadi El Seboua
- 03See Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut
- 04Visit the temples of Abu Simbel
- 05Photograph Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck
- 06Spend four nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- All meals
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Assistance from our personnel throughout the cruise
- All transfers in a modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Four nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals
- Cruise excursions and guided sightseeing listed in the program
- Entrance fees to the included sights listed in the program
- An Egyptologist guide throughout the cruise
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Tipping
- Personal expenses and extras not mentioned in the program
- Meals, visits, or services not listed in the inclusions
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Kasr Ibrim is usually best for photos from the sundeck in clear morning light.
- 02
Abu Simbel is less harsh before 9am, especially for facade shots.
- 03
At Kalabsha, the relocated setting reads better when your guide explains the 1960s move first.
- 04
Carry a light layer for the lake crossing, wind can pick up after sunset.
- 05
Wear closed walking shoes, the temple surfaces can be uneven and dusty.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared transfers, additional Aswan or Abu Simbel hotel nights, and pre- or post-cruise sightseeing subject to vessel schedules. Optional experiences such as the Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show can be added, while dietary requirements and selected transfer arrangements should be requested in advance.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This package suits first-time Egypt visitors, archaeology and ancient-history enthusiasts, and travelers who want to see several relocated Nubian monuments rather than make only a direct road or flight excursion to Abu Simbel. Most sightseeing requires walking on uneven temple grounds, so it is best for travelers with moderate mobility who enjoy a structured cruise itinerary.
Maybe not, if
- Not suited for travelers needing step-free access throughout, due to temple steps and uneven ancient stone. Also not ideal for families with very young children who cannot manage early 05:00 starts and long days ashore.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Four nights onboard a full board cruise cabin included
- Guided visits to Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Abu Simbel
- Photo stop at Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck
- Egyptologist present for all onboard briefings and site visits
Things to Consider
- Early morning departure for Abu Simbel, typically before sunrise
- Limited shade at archaeological sites during midday hours
- Uneven stone floors and steps inside temples and tombs
- Tipping not included in the program price
Where it fits
Best as a southbound Lake Nasser and Aswan add-on before or after a longer Egypt itinerary. It also works well after a few nights in Cairo, because the cruise begins and ends in Aswan with fixed transfers and guided sightseeing arranged on the ground.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a direct Abu Simbel day excursion from Aswan, this package spends four nights cruising Lake Nasser and visits several relocated Nubian monuments, including Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and Derr. It combines scheduled onboard meals and facilities with guided shore excursions, while the cruise vessel itself is operated by a third-party supplier.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Guided Lake Nasser Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Deluxe 5-Star Lake Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Aswan · Lake Nasser · Kalabsha Temple · Wadi El Seboua · Amada · Derr · Tomb of Pennut · Kasr Ibrim · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Four nights on a 5-star cruise vessel · Full-board meals as stated · Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned deluxe vehicle transfers · Cruise excursions and listed sightseeing · Entrance fees to included sights · Cruise assistance, service charges, and taxes
- Best for
- Ancient-history enthusiasts · First-time Egypt visitors · Travelers seeking Abu Simbel beyond a day trip · Couples and families with older children · Travelers interested in Nubian monuments
- 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 and required Egypt entry documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent for evening use
- Any required medication and a small personal first-aid kit
- Cash for gratuities and personal purchases
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for ship facilities
Children & families
Children of any age are welcome on this cruise. Child pricing normally depends on age, cabin arrangements and the cruise operator's rules, so please request a quotation with each child's date of birth. Strollers are not practical at many monuments because of sand, steps and uneven surfaces. High-chair availability on board should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise program involves boarding and leaving a ship, transfers by vehicle, gangways, stairs and walking across uneven ground at archaeological sites. Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Derr and Abu Simbel may include sand, rough paths, steps and limited shade. The sundeck and some ship facilities are reached by stairs, and lifts cannot be assumed. A wheelchair may be possible on some transfers, but independent access on the ship and at the monuments is not guaranteed. Please contact us before booking with details of mobility needs, walking distance, wheelchair size and assistance requirements so we can confirm what can be arranged.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The program uses modern air-conditioned vehicles for road transfers and a passenger cruise ship for the Nile and Lake Nasser route. We arrange services with local Egyptian drivers, guides, cruise staff and site suppliers, keeping transport, guiding and visitor spending with businesses operating in the destinations visited. Meals are provided on board, which reduces the need for repeated road transfers during the sightseeing program. Please follow site rules, avoid removing stones or other material, carry reusable water bottles where practical, and dispose of waste through the ship or vehicle crew rather than at archaeological sites.
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 Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise package?
This cruise package is 5 days and 4 nights, starting in Aswan and concluding in Abu Simbel. It includes four nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship, allowing for comprehensive exploration of the Lake Nasser monuments.02What is included in the 5-day Abu Simbel cruise package?
The package includes all transfers by modern air-conditioned vehicle, four nights on a 5-star cruise ship with full-board meals, guided excursions, entrance fees to listed sights, an Egyptologist guide, and all service charges and taxes. Our personnel provide assistance throughout the cruise.03What is not included in this Lake Nasser cruise?
Exclusions typically cover tipping for your guide and cruise staff, personal expenses, and any meals, visits, or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list. Premium tomb entries or specific pyramid interiors are also generally excluded.04What kind of cruise ship will I be on for this package?
You will be accommodated on a deluxe 5-star cruise ship for four nights. The specific vessel is assigned at the time of booking, ensuring a comfortable and well-appointed experience on Lake Nasser.05What are the pick-up and transfer arrangements for this cruise?
All transfers are arranged by modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles. This includes your arrival transfer from Aswan Airport to your cruise ship or hotel, and your departure transfer from Abu Simbel to Aswan at the end of the cruise.06Is this cruise package suitable for children and families?
Yes, this cruise can be suitable for families. Children often enjoy the experience of sailing on Lake Nasser and visiting the ancient temples. We recommend discussing specific family needs with our travel advisors to ensure the best fit.07What should I wear and bring for the Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser cruise?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for site visits. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended for temple visits. Bring a reusable water bottle.08What is the accessibility like for this cruise and its excursions?
Cruise ships generally have stairs between decks, and some ancient sites involve walking on uneven terrain, sand, or steps. While transfers are accessible, the sites themselves may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Please inquire about specific needs.09What is the best time of year to take this Lake Nasser cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Lake Nasser cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, especially at sites like Abu Simbel.10How does this cruise differ from a direct day trip to Abu Simbel?
Unlike a direct day trip, this 5-day cruise allows you to visit multiple relocated Nubian monuments along Lake Nasser, including Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and Derr, providing a more in-depth cultural experience beyond just Abu Simbel.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-ASW-419748
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Starts
- Mondays only
- Route
- Aswan → Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers