Skip to main content
Aswan ⇄ Luxor
← All Itineraries
Classic Cruise 5 Nights · 6 Days

Aswan ⇄ Luxor

A classic five-night Nile voyage blending awe-inspiring temples with the tranquil rhythm of river life — sailable in either direction.

Duration
5 Nights · 6 Days
Route
Aswan → Luxor
Embark
Aswan
Disembark
Luxor
Abu Simbel
Optional excursion
Pace
Classic · relaxed

Route Overview

Upstream Through the Ages

Journey through the heart of ancient Egypt on a classic Nile voyage, blending awe-inspiring temple visits with the tranquil rhythm of river life — from the engineering marvels of Aswan to the monumental wonders of Luxor.

Available Routes

The same temples and experiences, with the order tailored to your arrival city. Select a direction and the day-by-day below will follow.

Highlights

  • Philae Temple
  • Kom Ombo
  • Edfu
  • El Kab
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Karnak

Day by Day

Your journey, unhurried

Showing Aswan → Luxor

  1. Day 1

    Aswan — Embarkation & City Highlights

    • Philae Temple
    • High Dam
    • Old Dam
    • Unfinished Obelisk

    Board in Aswan and explore the city's ancient and modern marvels.

    • Arrival Embark your dahabiya in Aswan and enjoy lunch on board.
    • Afternoon Visit Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, the monumental High Dam that created Lake Nasser, the British-built Old Dam of 1902, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries.
    • Overnight Dinner and your first night moored in Aswan.
    Aswan — Embarkation & City Highlights

  2. Day 2

    Abu Simbel Option & Sailing to Kom Ombo

    • Kom Ombo
    • Abu Simbel (optional)
    • Nubian Village

    An optional dawn excursion, then north to the double temple.

    • Morning · option A An early excursion (by plane or convoy) to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II.
    • Morning · option B A relaxed visit to Aswan's Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island and a traditional Nubian village.
    • Afternoon Begin your cruise northward.
    • Late afternoon Disembark to explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
    • Overnight Moored near Edfu.
    Abu Simbel Option & Sailing to Kom Ombo

  3. Day 3

    Edfu Temple & Onward to El Kab

    • Edfu Temple
    • El Kab

    Egypt's best-preserved temple, reached by horse-drawn carriage.

    • Morning Travel by horse-drawn carriage to the immensely well-preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
    • Midday Cruise toward the ancient site of El Kab.
    • Afternoon Enjoy the passing river scenery from the sundeck.
    • Overnight Moored near El Kab.
    Edfu Temple & Onward to El Kab

  4. Day 4

    El Kab & Sailing to Luxor via Esna

    • El Kab
    • Esna Lock

    An ancient city, then through the Esna lock to Luxor.

    • Morning Explore the archaeological site of El Kab — an ancient city of tombs, temples, and rock inscriptions.
    • Midday Cruise toward Luxor, passing through the Esna Lock (observed from deck) and the town of Esna.
    • Evening Arrive in Luxor.
    • Overnight Moored in Luxor.
    El Kab & Sailing to Luxor via Esna

  5. Day 5

    Luxor — Thebes, City of the Gods

    • Valley of the Kings
    • Temple of Hatshepsut
    • Colossi of Memnon
    • Karnak Temple
    • Luxor Temple

    Both banks of ancient Thebes in a single, unforgettable day.

    • Morning · West Bank The Theban Necropolis — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon.
    • Afternoon · East Bank The magnificent Karnak Temple complex and the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at dusk.
    • Overnight Farewell dinner and final night on board in Luxor.
    Luxor — Thebes, City of the Gods

  6. Day 6

    Disembarkation

    • Luxor

    Farewell to the river.

    • Morning After breakfast on board, disembark at your leisure in Luxor, marking the end of your Nile cruise.
    Disembarkation

Good to Know

Tips for Your Trip

  • This itinerary involves significant walking at archaeological sites, often on uneven ground.
  • Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are essential for daily excursions.
  • The sailing schedule and overnight mooring locations are subject to change based on river and lock conditions.

Travel Notes

This itinerary provides a general framework; the order of visits on specific days may be arranged by your guide to ensure the best possible experience based on conditions.

Questions

Which direction should we choose? +

Both directions visit the same temples; only the order and the sailing flow differ. Sailing from Luxor to Aswan is upriver and can feel more relaxed, and ends near Abu Simbel for an optional extension. We tailor the direction to your arrival city.

Is Abu Simbel included? +

Abu Simbel is offered as an optional excursion by plane or convoy on the Aswan day. We arrange it on request and quote it with your charter.

Are entrance fees and guides included? +

The boat, all meals on board, and the crew are included. Temple entrance fees, expert guides, and land transfers are arranged for you and quoted with your private charter.

All-Inclusive Charter

What's Included

Your charter rate is full-board — a complete luxury sailing experience, with no hidden fees.

Gourmet Dining

  • Breakfast — extensive open buffet with hot & cold selections
  • Lunch — open buffet with a live outdoor barbecue station
  • Dinner — generous open buffet
  • Daily sunset tea service on deck, with premium teas & snacks

Beverages, All Day

  • 24-hour service: bottled mineral water, fresh juices (orange, lemonade, hibiscus), soft drinks & daily smoothies
  • Specialty coffees — espresso, macchiato, American, Egyptian — and a premium tea selection
  • Complimentary local premium beer & wine

No Hidden Fees

  • All onboard meals & beverages included
  • 14% VAT (Value Added Tax) included
  • 12% service charges included

Crew gratuity is not included. It is customary for guests to contribute US $6 per person per night, handed to the dahabiya's manager and shared equally among the crew.

View the full meal plan → View full charter terms →

Begin Here

Reserve this
journey

5 nights on the Nile, entirely private and tailored to your group. Tell us your dates and we'll do the rest.

Request This Itinerary → Browse All Itineraries →