This itinerary reflects a slow-paced, immersive experience with overnight stays in Luxor and Aswan. Activities may adjust slightly due to navigation schedules or unforeseen circumstances.
8-Day Nile Cruise Itinerary: Luxor to Luxor (Roundtrip)
Experience the ultimate slow travel journey along the legendary Nile River with this 8-day, 7-night roundtrip cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back. Perfect for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Egypt’s ancient past, this immersive itinerary blends relaxation, discovery, and cultural wonder into one unforgettable cruise.
Unlike shorter 3- or 4-night Nile cruises, this extended roundtrip offers multiple nights docked in both Luxor and Aswan, allowing you to truly absorb each destination without feeling rushed. Explore ancient temples, marvel at majestic tombs, and unwind on deck as you glide between timeless landscapes.
Designed for history lovers, couples, solo travellers, and anyone wanting to explore Upper Egypt in comfort and style, this itinerary includes guided shore excursions led by expert Egyptologists, luxury onboard amenities, and private transfers to ensure a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
7 Nights Onboard
Enjoy spacious air-conditioned cabins, panoramic Nile views, a sundeck with pool, and full-board dining featuring both Egyptian and international cuisine.
Expert-Guided Sightseeing
Visit all the must-see sites in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with in-depth commentary from certified Egyptologist guides.
Private Transfers
Your journey starts with a warm welcome at Luxor Airport or hotel and ends with comfortable return transport - no extra planning required.
Balanced Cruise Experience
Designed with ample downtime between excursions, this route offers the perfect mix of activity and relaxation, plus the option to add exclusive experiences like Abu Simbel by air or a sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor.
8 Days / 7 Nights Roundtrip from Luxor to Luxor
Your cruise begins and ends in Luxor, sailing south to Aswan and returning upstream. Each day brings a new highlight - from the Valley of the Kings to the Temple of Philae, with peaceful afternoons spent drifting between Egypt’s ancient wonders.
| 📍 | Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| 🚪 | Day 1 Welcome to Luxor |
Meet & assist on arrival in Luxor (airport/hotel). Private transfer and embarkation before lunch. Lunch onboard followed by free time to explore Luxor. Dinner, evening entertainment & overnight in Luxor. |
| 🏜️ | Day 2 Luxor West Bank |
Optional early morning hot air balloon ride. Visit Valley of the Kings (3 tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon. Lunch onboard. Begin sailing south with afternoon tea. Cross Esna Lock. Dinner & overnight in Edfu. |
| 🛕 | Day 3 Edfu & Kom Ombo |
Breakfast onboard. Visit Temple of Horus in Edfu by horse carriage. Sail to Kom Ombo with lunch onboard. Visit Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum. Continue sailing to Aswan. Dinner & overnight in Aswan. |
| 🕌 | Day 4 Aswan Exploration |
Breakfast onboard. Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple & Old Dam. Sail by felucca around Aswan’s Nile islands. Lunch, dinner & overnight onboard in Aswan. |
| 🌄 | Day 5 Optional Abu Simbel & Sail |
Optional visit to Abu Simbel by road or air. Sail north toward Kom Ombo with lunch onboard. Continue sailing to Edfu. Dinner & overnight onboard in Edfu. |
| ⛵ | Day 6 Return to Luxor |
Breakfast onboard. Sail through Esna Lock toward Luxor. Lunch onboard. Free afternoon to explore Luxor’s souqs or relax. Dinner & overnight onboard in Luxor. |
| 🏛️ | Day 7 Luxor East Bank |
Visit Karnak Temples and Luxor Temple with an expert guide. Return to cruise for lunch and leisure time. Final dinner onboard with entertainment. Overnight in Luxor. |
| 🚐 | Day 8 Disembarkation |
Breakfast and check-out by 08:00 AM. Private transfer to Luxor airport or hotel with farewell assistance. |
📝 Note: This is a sample itinerary. Final cruise schedules may vary based on the cruise ship operator and river traffic conditions.
Top Nile Cruise Multi-Day Tour Packages
Browse our most popular multi-day Nile River tours - all curated for comfort, expert-guided sightseeing, and unforgettable river journeys. Each cruise package includes guided excursions, transfers, and full-board service.
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Enhance Your Cruise with These Experiences
Abu Simbel by Air
Sunrise flight tour from Aswan to see the colossal temples of Ramses II. A must-see.
Karnak Sound & Light Show
See the ancient world brought to life in a nighttime experience like no other.
Sunset Felucca Ride
Enjoy a tranquil sail in Aswan - timeless, beautiful, and perfect for photography.
Nubian Village Visit
Cultural immersion in one of Egypt’s most colorful and welcoming communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our 7-night cruise package typically includes:
• 7 nights onboard a deluxe 5★ Nile cruise ship
• Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
• Daily Egyptologist-guided excursions at all major temples and sites
• All entry tickets and permits
• Private airport/train station transfers at arrival and departure
• Onboard entertainment (e.g., Nubian shows, themed dinners – varies)
• Port taxes and service charges
• 24/7 support from our Cairo-based travel team
Most cruises operate with small group sightseeing aboard the ship, especially for shore excursions. However:
• Private upgrades are available for those wanting exclusive guiding
• Full-ship charters are available for families, travel clubs, or incentive groups
• Some excursions (like Abu Simbel or felucca rides) can be booked privately, even on a group sailing
We partner with licensed, verified Nile cruise operators using:
• 5★ or 5★ Deluxe river cruise vessels
• Cabins with ensuite bathrooms, AC, and river views
• Upper-deck sun lounge, pool, and bar area
• Restaurant with buffet or set menu service
• Daily housekeeping and laundry service (on request)
We’ll recommend a ship based on your travel dates, preferences, and comfort level.
Absolutely. Many guests:
• Begin with 2–3 nights in Cairo to see the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Old Cairo
• End with a Red Sea escape to Hurghada, Soma Bay, or Marsa Alam for diving and beach time
We’ll help you tailor the pre- and post-cruise parts to match your travel window.
Yes. While guided tours take place daily, most afternoons or evenings include downtime. You can:
• Relax on the sun deck or by the pool
• Book a massage or spa treatment (if available)
• Enjoy tea time on deck
• Read or stargaze as you sail between cities
The cruise is paced for comfort - not rush.
• Most 8-day cruises begin in Luxor and return to Luxor via Aswan
• Fixed departure days are usually Mondays or Saturdays, depending on the ship
• We’ll confirm the exact departure and return days before booking
Yes. You can:
• Add Abu Simbel by air from Aswan
• Book a sunset felucca ride or hot air balloon flight
• Request an extra hotel night in Luxor or Cairo pre/post cruise
• Upgrade to a suite or luxury-class ship
Our team builds each itinerary around your interests and needs.
Definitely. Many guests book their own international flights or accommodation and just use us for the cruise + ground handling. We can:
• Meet you at the airport/train station
• Arrange transfers and tours
• Book domestic flights or hotels if needed
Our service is flexible to your planning style.
No - tipping is not included in the cruise price. A general guide:
• $5-$10 USD per person, per day for the cruise crew (usually collected in one envelope at the end)
• $10-$15 USD per day for your private Egyptologist guide
• Tipping is optional but customary in Egypt, and we’ll provide a simple guide in your final documents.
Yes. The final morning includes:
• Breakfast onboard
• Checkout by 08:00 AM
• Private transfer to Aswan Airport, train station, or hotel
We recommend flights no earlier than 11:00 AM to allow for smooth disembarkation. If you have a later flight, we can offer half-day excursions or hotel use to bridge the time.
