Nile Cruise Highlights
The classic route is from Luxor (North) to Aswan (South) and most trips will take between 4-5 days. A few companies do offer longer trips which take 7 days and include extra stops at Dendera and Abydos (North of Luxor). Most trips will focus on the main temple sites between Luxor and Aswan.
Luxor includes visiting the East Bank (Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple) and West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon). These are usually visited on the first 1.5 days. Either before embarkation or as your first excursions.
Between Luxor and Aswan we’ll make 2 stops at Ptolemaic temples. Edfu Temple of Horus. This is widely considered the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt. It still includes the roof and the reliefs have some colour remaining. Kom Ombo is the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon god). Located high above the riverbank. There is also a small crocodile museum nearby which includes around 300 mummified crocodiles.
Aswan includes the Philae Temple (Isis island sanctuary), High Dam and usually a felucca cruise around the islands. Sometimes the Unfinished Obelisk will be included.
Types of cruise boats
The type of boat you choose will have a huge effect on your experience.
Classic Nile Cruise ships can take anywhere from 60-200 passengers. They have multiple decks with en-suite cabins, a sun deck with pool and Egyptologist guides. They can be 3 to 5 star and are the cheapest and most reliable option. They offer excursions in smaller groups (around 12 people per guide) on luxury and deluxe options. The group size can increase during peak times such as Christmas and Easter.
Dahabiya boats are traditional boats which can take less than 20 passengers. They will moor in tranquil villages and parts of the river that cannot be reached by the bigger fleet. They move at a slower pace making them ideal for those who don’t mind sacrificing onboard facilities to enjoy the atmosphere.
Felucca cruises are the cheapest way to enjoy an adventure. Sleep on a wooden open top boat under the stars for 1-3 nights. Not luxurious but definitely memorable.
Sample 5 Day/4 Night Itinerary
Most 5 day cruises will follow similar itineraries.
Day 1
Embarkation in Luxor. Afternoon excursion to Karnak Temple - the largest ancient religious site ever built. Home to the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 columns.
Day 2
Morning on the West Bank including Valley of the Kings (3 tombs included), Temple of Hatshepsut and photo stop at Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon sailing towards Edfu.
Day 3
Morning visit to Edfu Temple by horse and carriage. Afternoon sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the double temple and then onto Aswan for an overnight stay.
Day 4
Morning sightseeing in Aswan including visit to Philae Temple and High Dam. Afternoon felucca cruise. Sometimes an optional excursion to Abu Simbel is offered however this can be a long day and is usually better booked as an extra.
Day 5
Disembarkation after breakfast. Transfer to Aswan airport.
If you are heading North from Aswan to Luxor you will see the opposite. Start with seeing Philae and enjoy the peaceful pace of Aswan. This is usually where most people decide to go based on flight times as the sites are the same.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go is between October to April with temperatures reaching between 20-28 degrees Celsius. A perfect temperature to enjoy temple tours. The evenings will be cool and relaxing on deck. November and March will be the best time to visit as you’ll get good weather and more reasonable prices. Christmas, New Year and Easter will be the busiest times and most expensive. The best cabins will be fully booked 6-12 months in advance.
You can still go during the summer months (May-Sept). However, it can be very hot with temperatures often reaching over 35 degrees. Excursions will start earlier to avoid the midday sun. However, you will notice cabin prices are much cheaper and temples will be less busy.
Top Tips
Packing for temple visits. Pack light clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, comfortable walking shoes for walking on the uneven ancient stone. A high factor sunscreen, wide brimmed hat and light layers for the cool evenings. A small torch will be useful for visiting the darker tombs.
Have small change in Egyptian Pounds for tipping at sites. Only drink bottled water which will be provided in your cabin and during meals.
If you want to visit Abu Simbel be sure to book in advance. The excursion from Aswan is time restricted and it is rarely possible to arrange last minute during peak times.
Make sure you pace yourself. This is a busy itinerary and the afternoon felucca cruise in Aswan is often the first time you’ll really get to relax.
Going on a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan works well as it solves the biggest issue when travelling to Egypt. You can visit lots without getting tired. You’ll be relaxed on the river and visiting the temples. Whilst the temples are the main attraction, half the experience is relaxing on deck with a mint tea in hand and watching the beautiful desert skies and small town lights pass by. Choose the right boat for the pace you want and pack for the heat and stone.
A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan lets you explore the world's greatest concentration of ancient sites comfortably, and at your own pace. Simply unpack once and relax as you enjoy sleeping on board whilst seeing a brand new temple each morning. It’s not just a gimmick, this is the most efficient and scenic way to see all of the sites along this 220km strip of the Nile such as Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the different routes, what to see, and how to make sure you have a great experience.
