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Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruises

The Luxor-to-Aswan route is the classic Nile cruise itinerary – a southward journey through 3,000 years of Egyptian history. You depart Luxor beside the largest temple complex in the world, call at the perfectly preserved Temple of Edfu and the double-deity sanctuary of Kom Ombo, and arrive in Aswan for Philae Temple and the Nubian villages that crowd the river islands. The entire route runs 220 kilometres and takes three to seven nights depending on the vessel: motor cruisers cover it in four nights; sailing dahabiyas stretch to seven or eight. Every cruise in this collection includes a private Egyptologist guide and all temple admissions.

32 matching cruises

  1. Esplanade Nile Cruise

    Esplanade Nile Cruise

    The Esplanade sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private modern transfers, and guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Excursions run with groups capped at eight guests per Egyptologist, keeping commentary focused and the pace flexible. Onboard meals are full board, and evenings include Egyptian folkloric performances and relaxed time on deck. The itinerary also offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan on disembarkation day. Unlike standard mass-market sailings, our shore visits are private, timed to avoid the busiest periods where possible.

    From $1,3503 Nights
  2. Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile CruiseBudget

    Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    You board at the Luxor Nile cruise terminal and settle into three nights aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess. I walk you through the West Bank at first light–Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut–so soft morning sun reads the painted reliefs better and tour groups are thinner. After lunch you cross the Esna lock; the lock passage and crew work take about 30–45 minutes. The vessel cruises south through stretch-views of date-palms and small river farms, stopping at Edfu for a focused 90–120 minute visit to Horus’s temple, then at Kom Ombo to read the dual sanctuaries carved for Sobek and Haroeris. In Aswan we make time for Philae island by motorboat and the quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk. Cabins are river-cruise scale–compact and functional, with en suite facilities and daily housekeeping–not ocean-liner space. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch and dinner follow a mix of international and local dishes, and bottled water is replenished daily. Expect early starts and warm midday sun; dress in layers for morning tombs and bring comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone surfaces. I brief the route each evening so you know timings for the next day’s temple visits, transfers to the pier, and any optional extras like a felucca ride in Aswan. This schedule balances on-board cruising time with practical walking time at each site to let inscriptions and architectural details register properly.

    From $8607 Nights
  3. Nile Story - Nile CruiseBudget

    Nile Story - Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Nile Story Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor's East and West Banks. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead all guided visits. The cruise runs as a small-group operation, limited to 1–8 guests, which keeps landings and temple visits quieter than on large Nile ships. Embarkation is available in Aswan or Luxor, and our team provides private meet and assist services at arrival. Visits focus on named sites and context, for example the Ptolemaic reliefs at Kom Ombo and the well-preserved hypostyle halls on Luxor's East Bank. Compared with standard large-ship itineraries, this Comfort-class option allocates more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo, so walking routes around temples are less rushed.

    From $6777 Nights
  4. Royal La TerrasseBudget

    Royal La Terrasse

    Nile (cruise route)

    Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise offers full board, shore excursions, and Nile-view cabins between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire today.

    From $6677 Nights
  5. Luxor to Aswan Private Hotel TransferBudget

    Luxor to Aswan Private Hotel Transfer

    Luxor

    This private transfer moves you from any Luxor hotel to any Aswan hotel by air-conditioned vehicle in approximately 3.5–4 hours over about 220 km. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we provide a vetted driver, insured vehicle, and single-party door-to-door service. We don’t run group buses; your transfer departs to suit your schedule and can include requested stops at Edfu or Kom Ombo (entrance fees and extra time apply). Trade-offs: the Nile corridor road can be uneven in places and there is no onboard toilet; rest-stop breaks are included on request. Your driver meets you in the hotel lobby holding a Discovery Tours Egypt name card.

    From $80
  6. Kleos Nile CruiseBudget

    Kleos Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    From $6477 Nights
  7. Movenpick Hamees Nile CruiseBudget

    Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise

    Lake Nasser

    The Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offering deluxe cabins, full board dining, and guided shore visits with English-speaking Egyptologists. Itineraries run from three to seven nights, with embarkation in Aswan or Luxor. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange meet and assist on arrival, all transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and entrance fees to listed sites. Guided shore tours are limited to eight guests, which keeps commentary focused and departures quicker at busy monuments. WiFi is available in most public areas, and each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water per day. Compared with larger cruise programs, our small-group approach permits more time at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, and Luxor West Bank.

    From $8807 Nights
  8. Le Fayan Nile CruiseBudget

    Le Fayan Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Board MS Le Fayan at the Luxor Corniche pier and step aboard a compact Nile cruise that runs four days downriver to Aswan. I guide the shore excursions myself when available; we move with the light – morning visits to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple when tombs are coolest, late-afternoon walk through Karnak's Hypostyle Hall if crowds thin. Cabins are Nile-cruise size and practical, with private en suite bathrooms and wardrobe space; this is intimate, not an ocean liner. Each afternoon you sit on the shaded sun deck and watch feluccas, fishermen and river markets pass close to the bank. We stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo for temple walks; plan on 60–90 minute shore calls in Edfu and a short market visit at Kom Ombo's quay. In Aswan we moor on the Corniche and arrange the motorboat transfer to Philae Temple. Meals follow local rhythms: breakfasts and lunches on board, an evening of grilled fish when the catch is good. Note practical details up front: luggage transfers use the pier gangway, mobile signal is patchy between Nile bends, and some tombs require extra-permit fees. If you like quiet mornings in old temples and direct commentary from an Egyptologist, this four-day downriver cruise keeps logistics simple and the day-to-day focused on sites and sunlight.

    From $9717 Nights
  9. Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Luxury Nile Cruise

    Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Luxury Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Book Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise for Luxor, Aswan sailings, full board, guided shore excursions, and Nile-view cabins. Enquire today.

    On request7 Nights
  10. Nile Quest Nile CruiseBudget

    Nile Quest Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Nile Quest Nile Cruise offers full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions, cabin options and public decks. Enquire now.

    From $6987 Nights
  11. Grand Rose Nile CruiseBudget

    Grand Rose Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Book Grand Rose Nile Cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for full board sailing, shore excursions, and Nile-view cabins. Enquire now.

    From $6077 Nights
  12. Medea Nile CruiseBudget

    Medea Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travelers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.

    From $9007 Nights
  13. Soleil Nile Cruise

    Soleil Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    On request7 Nights
  14. Miriam Nile CruiseBudget

    Miriam Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    You board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier mid-afternoon and settle into a compact river cabin before the first walk to Karnak. I meet you on the quay: I am the Egyptologist who guides this route and I take you straight to the temple avenues where the sound of sandals on sandstone and the smell of date-syrup stalls still set the rhythm of the day. We start early on the West Bank at the Valley of the Kings – low light, few people, and panels that explain the painted ceilings up close. Back on board you watch the Nile change color as the vessel slips through the Esna lock; we moor overnight near Edfu so the temple visit gets two hours rather than a rushed stop. Day three gives you Kom Ombo’s double shrines and the Nile at dusk; on arrival in Aswan I show you Philae’s hypostyle hall and the High Dam’s concrete scale against the river. Cabins are compact (about 12 m²) – classic river scale, not ocean-liner. Full board includes three meals daily; breakfasts are early to match excursions. Practical notes: bring a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and expect short walks and stairs at most sites. I walk every route with you, point out mason’s marks and later-period graffiti, and keep the timing tight so photography fits the light.

    From $8907 Nights
  15. Amwaj Nile CruiseBudget

    Amwaj Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    From $6377 Nights
  16. Jamila Nile CruiseBudget

    Jamila Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail in elegance aboard the Jamila Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Discover ancient Egypt’s wonders with deluxe comfort, fine dining, and personalized service.

    From $6657 Nights
  17. Royal Beau Rivage Nile CruiseBudget

    Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Royal Beau Rivage with private Egyptologist-led shore visits and door-to-door transfers arranged by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. We do not run group-bus shore excursions; our Egyptologists lead private visits, and where scheduled we visit temples such as Kom Ombo and Edfu. Unlike packaged day trips from cruise ports, a four-day schedule compresses onshore time; we recommend adding nights in Luxor or Aswan to explore the West Bank or Philae at leisure. Expect compact cabins compared with land hotels, early starts, and walking on uneven ancient stone. Standard temple entrance fees are normally included; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra.

    From $6077 Nights
  18. Nile Style Nile CruiseBudget

    Nile Style Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    From $7997 Nights
  19. Kontiki Nile CruiseBudget

    Kontiki Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    From $6987 Nights
  20. Salima Nile CruiseBudget

    Salima Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail in elegance aboard the Salima Nile Cruise. Discover ancient Egypt in comfort and style with 5-star service, scenic views, and deluxe Nile River experiences.

    From $8317 Nights
  21. Nile Excellence Nile CruiseBudget

    Nile Excellence Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail the Nile four days aboard MS Nile Excellence with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Kom Ombo and Edfu. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we don't run coach-based group tours; our schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to reduce midday heat when possible. Unlike many packaged four-night cruises, we allocate fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than 40–90 minute drive-by stops. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium extras (for example Luxor hot-air balloon) and pyramid-interior tickets are excluded. Expect at least two early starts and limited shade on deck at midday.

    From $8807 Nights
  22. Lady Mary Nile CruiseBudget

    Lady Mary Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    From $6987 Nights
  23. Zeina Nile Cruise

    Zeina Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    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.

    On request7 Nights
  24. Alexander The Great Nile Cruise

    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.

    On request7 Nights
  25. Hambra Nile Cruise

    Hambra Nile Cruise

    Hambra sails between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Upper Egypt's principal Pharaonic sites. The route calls at the High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. It then stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu, with an afternoon chariot ride offered at Edfu Temple, followed by the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank. East Bank visits include Karnak and Luxor Temples. The program runs as a 4-day route from Aswan or a 5-day route from Luxor, allowing more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo than many shorter packaged cruises.

    On request7 Nights
  26. Historia Nile CruiseMid

    Historia Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Our one-day Historia Nile Cruise is a daytime, scenic passage on the Nile. We provide onboard English commentary about the river’s historical and cultural significance (including context for nearby sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple), a complimentary welcome drink, and a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options. The cruise offers panoramic river views and sunset photo opportunities from comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas. Departure times and embarkation points vary by city and season, so we confirm details at booking.

    From $1,3864 Nights
  27. A Sara Nile Cruise

    A Sara Nile Cruise

    Luxor

    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.

    On request3 Nights
  28. Farida Nile CruiseBudget

    Farida Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Farida Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with cabins, full board, and shore excursions. Enquire now.

    From $7207 Nights
  29. Farah Nile CruiseBudget

    Farah Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Four days aboard MS Farah sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include an Egyptologist on every departure rather than a driver-guide; that keeps commentary focused and consistent throughout the cruise. Unlike shared coach day trips, the vessel sails overnight so you gain two mornings ashore and more relaxed transfer times. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, mornings can start early, and walking is on uneven ancient stone at many sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; gratuities and premium tombs are excluded. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers.

    From $1,0423 Nights
  30. Acamar Nile CruisePremium

    Acamar Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Explore Acamar Nile Cruise cabins, excursions, and full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Check dates and request a quote today.

    From $809
  31. Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

    Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    You board the MS Royal Lily at the Aswan Nile quay; I meet you on the main deck to run through safety, timeline and the week’s sites. The five-day cruise sails north from Aswan to Luxor on a five-star river cruiser; cabins measure approximately 18–22 m² and most have river-view windows or French balconies–this is intimate river scale, not an ocean liner. After an early lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk on the East Bank, then return for the short sail to Philae and the granite causeway to the Temple of Isis when water and current permit. The vessel makes a daytime stop at Kom Ombo for a guided tour of the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, with on-site explanations of the paired chapels and crocodile cult finds. We moor overnight at Edfu so you have a calm morning visit to the Temple of Horus–this gives the temple the two-hour visit it needs rather than a rushed stop. On Luxor’s West Bank the coach drops at the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple; expect uneven stone, steps and short walks. The cruise finishes with Karnak’s Hypostyle Hall and an afternoon at Luxor Temple before disembarkation at the Luxor quay. Onboard facilities include a shaded sun deck, small plunge pool and a salon with panoramic windows; daily briefings by your Egyptologist explain what to look for in reliefs and layout. Practical note: entrance fees, gratuities and domestic flights are not included.

    On request3 Nights
  32. Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile CruiseMid

    Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    From $1,3363 Nights

Practical questions

What travelers ask about this style of tour.

  1. 01How long does a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise take?

    A standard motor cruise ship covers Luxor to Aswan in 4 nights (5 days), departing most Monday or Friday mornings from Luxor. A private dahabiya sailing yacht takes 7–8 nights on the same route, stopping at smaller temples the big ships skip. One-way is more common than round-trip – most guests fly or take the sleeper train for the return.

  2. 02What temples do you visit on a Luxor to Aswan cruise?

    The standard itinerary covers: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple (Luxor); the Temple of Horus at Edfu (the best-preserved temple in Egypt); Kom Ombo (shared crocodile + falcon temple); and Philae Temple on its island above the Aswan Dam. Day excursions typically include the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon from Luxor.

From the Cairo desk

Found the shape. Now make it yours.

Every Nile cruise we run is tailor-made – your dates, your cabin, your sailing direction. Send a short brief or talk to the Cairo desk direct. Replies within one working day.

– Suhaila & the Cairo team · 38 years · 6 offices · IATA #90255546