No internal flight
One-way cruises need a domestic flight or a sleeper train at one end. A round trip does not. On a tight schedule that is one fewer thing that can go wrong, and one fewer set of bags to move.
Seven nights · out and back
Luxor Round-Trip Nile Cruises
Fly into Luxor, leave from Luxor, and skip the internal flight entirely.
220 kilometers, five moorings, one direction.
- 01
Luxor
Board in time for lunch, included on arrival day. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank across the first two days.
- 02
Esna
The lock, southbound on the way down and again on the way back.
- 03
Edfu
The Temple of Horus — most round trips call here in both directions, at different times of day.
- 04
Kom Ombo
Sobek and Horus on the bank, usually at dusk heading south.
- 05
Aswan
The turn: two nights here for Philae, the High Dam and the islands, with Abu Simbel as an optional day trip before sailing north.
- 06
Luxor
Back where you started. Disembark after breakfast, airport or sleeper train from the same dock you left.
A round trip sails Luxor to Aswan and back again over seven nights. You get the full temple run in both directions, and you never move airports, which removes the single most fragile part of an Egypt itinerary.
It is the longer, slower option and the one experienced Nile travelers tend to pick on a second visit. Seeing Edfu southbound and again northbound is not repetition; the light and the crowd are different each time.
Why a round trip
Two nights in Aswan, not one
Round trips hold at Aswan for the turn, which is where the one-way sailings feel rushed. Philae, the High Dam, a felucca and Abu Simbel all fit without a 4am start.
The temples twice
Edfu and Kom Ombo are called at in both directions on most round trips. Early light southbound, late light northbound. Guests who have cruised before tend to rate this higher than first-timers expect.
Seven nights is the real week
Three or four nights on the river is a segment inside a bigger trip. Seven nights is the trip. If the Nile is the point rather than a stage of it, this is the shape.
What you stop at
Sailing this route
96 ships sail this route, across four tiers, typically 7 nights.
Comfort5-Star Standard
16 ships
Comfort
Zeina Nile Cruise
Zeina Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Luxor East Bank. The vessel offers full-board accommodation, a sun deck with pool and bar, a spa and massage room, a library, and a boutique. Shore visits run in small groups, maximum eight participants, which reduces time spent waiting at temple entrances. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, embarkation formalities, and local support on the ground. Unlike larger escorted coaches, this cruise keeps shore groups small, allowing longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo than many packaged river outings.
Comfort
A Sara Nile Cruise
A Sara is a Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Aswan. The route groups short, focused visits so you step ashore for temple quays and return to a calm river mooring each evening. Guided highlights include Kom Ombo's double temple, Edfu's Ptolemaic temple, and Luxor West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings sits alongside Hatshepsut's mortuary temple. An optional Abu Simbel transfer can be added on the Aswan leg. We run these cruises with very small groups, which keeps landings flexible and reduces time spent queuing at sites. Unlike mass-market overnight cruise programs, this itinerary pauses at Edfu and Kom Ombo long enough for proper visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the guided visits.
Comfort
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
Explore a 5-star Nile Cruise with full board, private Egyptologist-guided temples and comfortable onboard facilities. Request your sailing details today.
Comfort
King of Thebes Nile Cruise
Explore Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise with full board, Egyptologist-led excursions and optional Abu Simbel. Enquire today.
Comfort
LA Sarah Nile Cruise
LA Sarah Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Luxor East Bank. Departures are Wednesdays from Aswan and Saturdays from Luxor. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead all guided excursions, limited to eight guests. Full-board meals, private air-conditioned transfers, and the site entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included. The boat has panoramic windows, a sun deck, a small pool, and a lounge for evening music and folkloric shows. Unlike many mass-market cruises, our guided visits keep groups small and provide paced time at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Comfort
Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Enjoy a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise with full-board sailing, pool, sun deck and guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Enquire today.
Classic5-Star Deluxe
40 ships
Classic
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise
Sail Egypt in elegance aboard the Jaz Crown Prince. Discover ancient wonders from Luxor to Aswan with deluxe comfort, fine dining, and 5-star service.
Classic
Kleos Nile Cruise
MS Kleos is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided shore visits to major temples and tombs. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead every scheduled visit. We arrange private transfers and Egyptologist-guided shore programs rather than audio-only ship excursions. Unlike many cruise-ship shore schedules that rush sites, our pacing gives fuller time at Karnak and on the Luxor West Bank. Expect early starts and substantial walking on uneven ancient stone; strong sun and limited shade are common at sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Abu Simbel flights, extra hotel nights, and gratuities can be added on request.
Classic
Kontiki Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile in style aboard the Kontiki Nile Cruise. Discover ancient temples, elegant cabins, and world-class service on this unforgettable Deluxe Nile Cruise.
Classic
Lady Carol Nile Cruise
MS Lady Carlo is our privately chartered motor vessel, sailing between Luxor and Aswan over four days with guided shore visits. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private transfers, on-board meals, and our Egyptologists for guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Distinctive POV: we prioritise longer on-site time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief drive-by stops common on mass-market overnight cruises. Comparison: unlike many cruises that limit Edfu to 90 minutes, our itinerary allocates a full morning ashore. Trade-offs: expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited shade at mid-day temple courtyards. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested.
Classic
Lady Mary Nile Cruise
A 4-day Nile cruise aboard MS Lady Mary, typically running between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers from city piers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than large coach-group trips. We don't run group-bus shore excursions; our Egyptologists lead private visits timed to avoid the busiest periods when possible. Unlike packaged 4-night cruises, this short itinerary concentrates on core temples such as Edfu and Kom Ombo instead of many rushed calls. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, days often start early, and expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday.
Classic
Magic I Nile Cruise
MS Magic I is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided shore excursions from the ship. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers, port handling and certified Egyptologists for each stop. Unlike many three-night budget cruises, this itinerary includes both Edfu and Kom Ombo with fuller visit times. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and gratuities are excluded. Expect early starts, strong sun at midday and some walking on uneven ancient stone during excursions. We time visits to reduce waits where possible rather than running large coach-group schedules.
Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe
15 ships
Prestige
Acamar Nile Cruise
Explore Acamar Nile Cruise cabins, excursions, and full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Check dates and request a quote today.
Prestige
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Alexander The Great, a Prestige-class vessel running the classic Luxor–Aswan river route. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange embarkation in Luxor, guided visits with our Egyptologists, and disembarkation in Aswan. Scheduled stops typically include major temples along the Nile banks, allowing time ashore for sites such as Karnak, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We do not run coach-style, large-group shore calls; our Egyptologists prioritise early visits to reduce peak crowds when possible. Unlike short, overnight cruises that rush temple calls, this route gives more time at riverside sites and villages, and more opportunities to watch daily Nile life from deck. Standard site entrance fees are normally included on Nile cruises; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically requested.
Prestige
Amada Nile Cruise
Explore Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and Aswan on a luxury 5-star Nile Cruise with full board and guided shore excursions. Enquire today.
Prestige
Amwaj Nile Cruise
Amwaj Nile Cruise is a Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with cabin classes, full-board dining, and Luxor–Aswan shore excursions. Book now.
Prestige
Concerto II Nile Cruise
Prestige
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda Nile Cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. This Classic-tier, five-star vessel suits travelers who prefer relaxed days ashore and time on deck. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange Egyptologists, transfers, and embarkation formalities for the cruise. We don't run group bus tours. Unlike many rushed itineraries, this Luxor to Aswan route allows longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than 60- to 90-minute drop-ins. Note: sun and heat intensify on the open deck at midday, so early-morning visits and sun protection are practical considerations.
Luxury5-Star Luxury
25 ships
Luxury
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your cabin, private transfers, and a licensed Egyptologist for every departure. Unlike many operators that compress visits into short stops, the ship conducts overnight transits to reduce daytime transfer time. We do not run large coach-group excursions from the ship; shore groups are kept small to improve walking flow at temple sites. Trade-offs: expect early mornings, limited shade at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone. Premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are not included.
Luxury
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxury
Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxury Nile Cruise
Luxury
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Luxury Nile Cruise
Book Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise for Luxor, Aswan sailings, full board, guided shore excursions, and Nile-view cabins. Enquire today.
Luxury
Soleil Nile Cruise
From Luxor to Aswan, the Soleil Nile Cruise Classic follows the Nile, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Guided visits with our Egyptologists are scheduled at each named site, and standard entrance fees for included sites are covered. Meals are served onboard, and evenings on deck let you watch riverside villages and palm-lined farmland pass by. We do not run large coach-group tours; our Egyptologists lead the visits we arrange, and we adapt pacing to the boat timetable. Unlike many short shore excursions, this itinerary allows extended on-site time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than a brief photo stop. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we handle the on-the-ground arrangements for your embarkation, guided sightseeing, and transfers.
Luxury
Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
18 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise
Or sail it in seven nights instead of three.
A dahabiya covers the same stretch under sail with six to twelve guests aboard, mooring at El Kab and Gebel Silsila where the larger ships carry on past. It costs more per night and takes twice as long, which is the entire point.
Dahabiya cruises
When a one-way is the better trade
If your Egypt trip has Cairo, the Red Sea or Jordan attached, seven nights on the river is probably too much of the budget in one place. A three- or four-night one-way covers the same headline temples and leaves room for the rest. Take the round trip when the Nile is the holiday, not a chapter of it.
Questions we get about the direction
01How long is a Luxor round-trip Nile cruise?
Seven nights, sailing Luxor to Aswan and back to Luxor. That is the standard round-trip length across the fleet; three- and four-night sailings are the one-way segments of the same route.
02Do you visit the same temples twice?
Edfu and Kom Ombo are usually called at in both directions, at different times of day. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank are done at the Luxor end; Philae, the High Dam and the islands during the two-night hold at Aswan. It is the same river, not the same day.
03Is a round trip better than a one-way?
It is better if you want the Nile itself to be the trip and would rather not move airports. It is worse if Egypt also has to include Cairo and the Red Sea, because seven nights is most of a two-week holiday. The temples are identical either way.
04Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes, during the Aswan turn. Round trips hold there long enough that Abu Simbel fits by short flight or road convoy without cutting anything else. Our Aswan office arranges it as part of the booking.
Tell us your dates and we'll pick the direction.
Our Aswan and Luxor offices handle both ends of this route. Egypt travel specialists since 1988, with offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.