Classic Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise

The classic way to see Upper Egypt: a floating hotel that links Luxor's temples with Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan over three to seven nights.

The Luxor to Aswan cruise is the most popular Nile journey, and for many visitors it is the high point of their trip. Several hundred cruise ships, sometimes called floating hotels, sail the 200 km stretch between the two cities, stopping at the great temples along the way while you unpack only once.

How it works

Northbound cruises (Aswan to Luxor) usually last 3 nights, and southbound cruises (Luxor to Aswan) usually last 4 nights, because the ships spend extra time in Luxor. A 7-night round trip combines both. Guided visits are normally included in full-board packages:

• Luxor: Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Esna: passage through the Esna lock and a visit to the restored Temple of Khnum.
• Edfu: the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, reached by horse carriage.
• Kom Ombo: the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, with the nearby Crocodile Museum.
• Aswan: the Philae temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and a felucca sail, with an optional early-morning trip to Abu Simbel.

On board

Most ships have 50 to 80 cabins with river-view windows, a restaurant serving buffet meals, a bar and lounge, and a sun deck with a small pool. Evenings often include a Nubian show, a galabeya party or a belly-dance performance. Standards vary widely, so check recent reviews and the ship’s age as well as its star rating.

Tips

October to April is high season, with comfortable temperatures. Summer cruises are cheaper, but sightseeing starts very early to avoid the heat. Ask whether entrance tickets and an Egyptologist guide are included, as some low-cost packages charge them separately. Tipping crew is customary and usually collected at the end of the cruise.

Last checked October 2026. Prices are rough guides and change by season and operator; book with a licensed operator. Sources: pureniletours.com, semelegantvoyage.com.