The Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan — A Complete Guide Before You Book

A Nile cruise is the slowest and most relaxing way to see southern Egypt. You unpack once, the boat does the travelling, and every day brings another temple — often reached on foot from the riverbank. Between the stops there is nothing to do but watch farmland, palm trees and desert drift by.

Luxor to Aswan, or Aswan to Luxor?

Cruises run in both directions between the two cities.

• Luxor to Aswan is usually the longer version, often four nights, starting with the big sites of Luxor.
• Aswan to Luxor is usually three nights, sailing with the current.

Both cover the same main temples. Choose the direction that fits your flights and the rest of your trip.

What you see on the way

• Luxor — Karnak and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank.
• Edfu — one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
• Kom Ombo — an unusual double temple right on the riverbank, beautiful at sunset.
• Aswan — the Philae Temple on its island, the High Dam, a felucca sail around the islands, and the option of an early excursion to Abu Simbel.

Between Luxor and Edfu, boats pass through the lock at Esna, which many passengers find surprisingly fun to watch.

What is usually included

Most cruises include your cabin, meals on board and guided visits to the main temples along the route. Things that often cost extra:

• drinks
• entry to some sites, or special tombs
• Abu Simbel and the hot-air balloon in Luxor
• tips for the crew and guide

Always read exactly what is in your package before you compare prices.

How to choose a boat

• Read recent reviews about the food, the cleanliness and, above all, the guide.
• Look at the cabin. A window or a small balcony makes a real difference when the view is the Nile.
• Check the size of the group on excursions. Smaller groups move faster and hear more.
• Ask about the itinerary — some boats spend more time sailing in daylight, which is the whole point.

The dahabiya alternative

For a quieter, more traditional experience, look at a dahabiya — a small sailing boat with a handful of cabins. It moves more slowly, stops at smaller sites the big boats skip, and feels more like a private trip. It is usually more expensive and books up early.

Tips for your cruise

• Bring a light jacket for the evenings on deck, even in summer.
• Get up for the early excursions. Temples are calmer and cooler in the morning.
• Keep small cash for tips, drinks and the felucca.
• Spend some time on the sun deck while sailing. It is the part people remember most.

Plan your cruise

Compare the best-rated Nile cruises and multi-day trips from Luxor and from Aswan, all with real traveller reviews.