4-Days 3-Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon Ride
by Egypt Gift Tours
Overview
This 4-day, 3-night Nile cruise starts in Aswan, where guests board a 5-star cruise ship around noon and check in with lunch included. The cruise follows the Upper Nile Valley from Aswan to Luxor, with full board meals provided throughout the trip, ending with breakfast on the final day. The itinerary includes visits to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, located between Aswan and Luxor. One day features a shared group excursion by bus or minibus to Abu Simbel, which is 285 kilometers south of Aswan, accompanied by a professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide. In Luxor, guests take a hot air balloon ride lasting 30 to 40 minutes, offering aerial views of the city. The cruise offers evening entertainment such as belly dancing shows, a galabiya party, Nubian performances, and disco events. Air-conditioned transfers are provided for all pick-ups and drop-offs during the tour. Guests should plan to arrive in Aswan before 12:01 pm on the first day. The cruise concludes in Luxor in the mid-afternoon, between 3:30 and 4:30 pm, so an evening departure from Luxor is recommended. Included in the tour are accommodation on the cruise, all meals, the hot air balloon flight, transport, and a professional English-speaking guide. Entrance fees, drinks, tips, and some optional transfers are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Aswan Arrival and Cruise Check-in
A licensed Egypt Gift Tours guide will meet and assist at Aswan Airport, railway station, or hotel, then transfer by air-conditioned van to the 5-star Nile Cruise for check-in by 12 pm before lunch. Lunch will be served on board. If arrival is early, the tour will begin immediately as cruise check-in is at 12:00.
Visit Aswan High Dam
Begin the tour with a visit to the High Dam, completed in 1960 to protect Egypt from flooding and to generate electricity.
45 min
Philae Temple by Motorboat
Proceed to the Graeco-Roman Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, reached by a small motorboat. Afterwards, return to the cruise for dinner, a folkloric show, and overnight stay.
120 min
Abu Simbel Temples Trip
At about 4:30 am, the guide will pick up the group for the Abu Simbel trip (shared small group). Arrival is around 8 am to visit the rock-cut temples built for King Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari. The Egyptology guide will provide explanations from outside only; no inside guiding. The visit lasts about 90 minutes with time for photos. Return drive to Aswan and back to the cruise by 1:30 pm for lunch before sailing to Kom Ombo.
480 min
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Arrive at Kom Ombo city to visit the dual temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Return to the cruise for dinner. Continue sailing to Edfu for overnight.
60 min
Edfu Temple and Sailing to Luxor
After breakfast, take a horse carriage ride with the guide to visit the temple of Horus at Edfu, noted as the most complete and best preserved Egyptian temple. Return to the cruise and relax on deck while sailing to Luxor, crossing Esna Lock. Lunch is served on board, followed by afternoon tea on the sundeck.
120 min
Luxor Temple Visit and Overnight
Arrive late afternoon at the cruise dock and transfer to visit Luxor Temple on the East Bank, showcasing ancient Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic features. Dinner on board includes a belly dancing show. Overnight in Luxor. Note: If arrival at Luxor dock is by 3:00 or 3:30 pm, both Karnak and Luxor Temples can be visited.
90 min
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Luxor
Between 5:30 am and 6 am (time may change), pick up for a 30 to 40-minute hot air balloon flight over Luxor’s west bank, offering aerial views of the landscape and landmarks. Observe the sunrise illuminating the open-air museum city, including temples and mountains below.
120 min
Valley of the Kings Visit
Following breakfast and check-out, proceed by car to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, where tombs were carved into the mountains by New Kingdom pharaohs to safeguard their mummies and treasures.
120 min
Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon Statues
Next, visit the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahari and learn about her temple and story with her nephew. End the West Bank tour with a photo stop at the large statues of Memnon. Optional lunch at a local restaurant.
60 min
Karnak Temple and Departure
Head back to the East Bank to explore Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex, developed over 2000 years and spanning approximately 63 acres. Photograph the massive pillars and obelisks within the site. Transfer to Luxor Hotel, Airport, or Railway station between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
90 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Aswan
- Nile 3-Day Private Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Hot Air Balloon Ride
- 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor Including Private Guided Excursions
- 2-Night Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple
- 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel Visit and Hot Air Balloon
- Aswan Bus Excursion to Abu Simbel Temples with Hotel Transfer