Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise
Explore Abu Simbel and the Nile aboard a deluxe cruiser, with transfers, meals, entrance fees and an Egyptologist included.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Departs
- Daily
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 days
- Includes
- 3 nights on board, full board · Road transfer to Abu Simbel · Transfer to Aswan airport on day 4 · Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to the listed sites · Service charges and taxes
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
October to April, when the temples can be visited in comfortable temperatures. From May to September the heat is strong, so the early visits matter.
02Overview
A first look
This short Lake Nasser cruise begins at the water's edge below the Abu Simbel temples. You tour them with your Egyptologist on the first day, board your ship there, and spend three nights sailing north past Nubian temples that were moved above the rising lake. Full-board meals are served on board, and the cruise ends with a transfer to Aswan airport. We arrange the ship, transfers and site visits through trusted local partners.
Background
The facts
A 4-day, 3-night cruise on Lake Nasser from Abu Simbel to Aswan on a deluxe ship, with full-board meals. You tour both Abu Simbel temples before boarding, then visit Amada, Derr, Wadi el-Seboua, Dakka, Maharraqa and Kalabsha, and see Kasr Ibrim from the deck. Transfers, an Egyptologist guide and entrance fees to the listed sites are included.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Travelers who have already seen, or will see, the Nile temples and want Abu Simbel and the lesser-visited Nubian temples in one short trip.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers who want the classic Luxor to Aswan Nile route, who cannot manage a long road transfer on day 1, or who need step-free access at the temple sites.
What lingers
- 01Tour both Abu Simbel temples before boarding the ship
- 02Sail three nights on Lake Nasser from Abu Simbel to Aswan
- 03See Kasr Ibrim from the deck and visit Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut
- 04Visit Wadi el-Seboua, Dakka, Maharraqa and Kalabsha, all relocated when the lake formed
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 days
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in USD, 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 $732 | May – September: from $556 |
| Prestige | Lake Nasser Cruise Movenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise | October – April: from $1,004 | May – September: from $646 |
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 isn't
Included
- Assistance of Discovery Tours Egypt personnel during your cruise
- All transfers by modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Accommodation for 4 nights onboard 5-star cruise (full board)
- All Nile Cruise excursions as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sights between Aswan and Abu Simbel
- Expert Egyptologist guide during the cruise
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Tipping
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves extended coach transfers, boarding a river cruise via gangway, and visits to ancient temple complexes with uneven stone surfaces and steps. Abu Simbel includes long, paved approaches and multiple steps to access the temple forecourts; there is limited ramp access and little shade at midday. Boarding the cruise typically requires stepping up from the quayside; some boats have a single narrow ramp that may be steep. Coaches are standard, air-conditioned vehicles with one or two steps at entry. If you use a wheelchair, powered scooter, or have limited mobility, please contact us before booking so we can assess feasibility and arrange additional assistance where possible. We can provide one-on-one porter assistance at airports and quays when requested in advance. Please note that some temple interiors and archaeological walkways are not wheelchair accessible, and long walks on uneven ground are often unavoidable.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher
- Reusable water bottle (refillable)
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Light daypack for temple visits
- Small personal first-aid kit (plasters, rehydration sachets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple visits and mosques
- A light layer for cooler mornings and evenings
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven stone
Children & families
Minimum age for participation on this itinerary is 5 years, owing to the long coach transfers and early starts required for Abu Simbel. Children aged 2 to 11 normally qualify for child rates; infants under 2 may travel on a parent's lap but must be declared at booking so we can advise on safety restraints and seating. Strollers are usable on the cruise but are impractical on temple approaches and inside archaeological sites where there are steps and uneven ground. Please tell us the ages of all children at time of enquiry so we can confirm exact pricing and any operational limits.
On the ground
Your route
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use air-conditioned Mercedes minibuses or tourist coaches for overland transfers between Aswan and Abu Simbel, and locally operated Nile cruise vessels for river travel. We contract with locally owned suppliers and licensed Egyptologists based in Aswan and Luxor, paying standard local rates and hiring crew from the port communities. Onboard catering sources fresh fruit and vegetables from nearby markets in Aswan and Kom Ombo where possible, reducing food miles. We discourage single-use plastics on board by providing refillable water stations and ask guests to bring reusable bottles. When we plan excursions we favour early departures that reduce idling in congested areas and schedule visits to avoid peak crowds, which helps lower local congestion and pressure on fragile sites. If you have a sustainability preference, tell us at booking so we can confirm suppliers that match your priorities.
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Deluxe Abu Simbel Nile Cruise?
It runs 4 days and 3 nights. You travel by road from Aswan to Abu Simbel on day 1, board the ship there, sail on Lake Nasser for three nights, and disembark in Aswan on day 4.02How is a Lake Nasser cruise different from a Nile cruise?
A classic Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan. This one sails Lake Nasser, the large reservoir south of the Aswan High Dam, and calls at Nubian temples that were relocated when the lake formed. Most visitors to Egypt never see them.03Which sites does the cruise visit?
The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari at Abu Simbel, then Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, Wadi el-Seboua, Dakka, Maharraqa and Kalabsha. Kasr Ibrim is seen from the deck only, because it cannot be landed on.04Where do I join and leave the ship?
You board at Abu Simbel on day 1 after a road transfer from your Aswan hotel or ship. You disembark in Aswan on day 4, and we take you to Aswan airport. Exact pickup times are confirmed before you travel.05What is included in the price?
Three nights on board with full board, the road transfer to Abu Simbel and the transfer to Aswan airport, guided visits with an Egyptologist, entrance fees for the listed sites, and service charges and taxes. Drinks and gratuities are not included.06Are tips included?
No. Tipping is customary in Egypt but always at your discretion. Gratuities for the guide, driver and crew are not included.07What should I pack and wear?
Light, breathable layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated at temples. Evenings on the water can be cool in winter, so bring a light jacket.08Can I book as a solo traveler?
Yes. Cabins are priced per person based on two people sharing, and a single supplement applies for sole occupancy. Contact us for the exact supplement on your dates.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Product ID: TOU-NIL-181218
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