3 Nights 4 Days Classic Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor | Egypt Tours
Overview
Experience the timeless magic of river travel on this classic 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
This 4-day journey follows the current downstream, stopping at the six core Pharaonic temples that define Upper Egypt’s ancient heritage. Begin in Aswan with the beautiful island temple of Philae, sail north to the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, explore the best-preserved temple in Egypt at Edfu, and conclude in the world’s greatest open-air museum—Luxor. With 5-star accommodation, full-board dining, an expert Egyptologist guide, and all entrance fees included, this is the quintessential Egyptian experience for travelers with limited time who refuse to compromise on quality
Tour Highlights
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Philae Temple – Take a motorboat to the romantic island sanctuary of the goddess Isis, relocated during the UNESCO rescue project
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Aswan High Dam – Visit Egypt’s modern engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s annual flood
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Unfinished Obelisk – See the massive granite obelisk that cracked during carving, revealing ancient stone-working techniques
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Kom Ombo Temple – Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god
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Edfu Temple – Arrive by horse-drawn carriage to Egypt’s best-preserved temple, dedicated to Horus the falcon god
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Valley of the Kings – Enter three royal tombs on Luxor’s West Bank, including the legendary necropolis of the pharaohs
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Hatshepsut Temple – Marvel at the dramatic three-tiered mortuary temple of Egypt’s only female pharaoh
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Colossi of Memnon – Stand before the iconic 18-meter-high twin stone giants
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Karnak Temple Complex – Walk among 134 massive pillars at the largest religious site ever built
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Luxor Temple – Admire the stunning riverside temple illuminated in the late afternoon light
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Group type | Small group on a 5-star classic Nile cruise |
| Guide | English-speaking Egyptologist for all site visits |
| Included | 5-star cruise accommodation, entry tickets, guided tours, transfers |
| Start point | Your hotel in Aswan or Aswan Airport / Train Station |
Included/Exclude
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3 nights accommodation on a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise ship
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All meals freshly prepared onboard with a variety of Egyptian and international cuisine
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Welcome drinks and afternoon tea onboard
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Private air-conditioned transfers from your hotel, airport, or train station to the cruise
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English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all tours and site visits
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Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
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Motorboat transfer to Philae Temple
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Horse-drawn carriage transfer to Edfu Temple
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All service charges and local taxes
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Bottled mineral water during tours
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24/7 customer support from Egypt TIA Tours
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Any drinks with meals (soft drinks, juice, wine, beer, or spirits – available for purchase onboard )
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Tipping for guide, cruise crew, and drivers
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Entry to Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings
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Entry to Seti I tomb in the Valley of the Kings
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Hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank
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Abu Simbel temples excursion
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, or massage services
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Anything not explicitly mentioned in "What's Included"
Tour Plan
Step 1: Pickup from Your Aswan Location
Your Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your Aswan hotel, Nile cruise, or Aswan International Airport / Train Station. Meet your Egyptologist guide and begin your Aswan sightseeing tour
Step 2: Visit the Aswan High Dam
Visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt's modern engineering marvel. Learn how this massive project controls the Nile's annual flood, provides electricity to the nation, and created Lake Nasser – one of the largest man-made lakes in the world
Step 3: Visit the Unfinished Obelisk
Explore the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in its original granite quarry. This massive obelisk cracked during carving, giving archaeologists rare insight into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques
Step 4: Visit Philae Temple
Take a motorboat across the Nile to the island sanctuary of Philae Temple. This beautiful temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was painstakingly relocated during the UNESCO rescue project when the High Dam was built Your guide will share the legends of Isis, Osiris, and Horus as you explore this romantic site
Step 5: Board Your Nile Cruise & Lunch
Transfer to the pier and board your 5-star Nile cruise ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin with Nile views. Enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious lunch onboard
Step 6: Afternoon at Leisure – Sail to Kom Ombo
Set sail north along the Nile. Relax on the sun deck, take a dip in the pool, or simply watch rural Egyptian life pass by from your private balcony.
Step 7: Dinner & Overnight Near Kom Ombo
Anchor near Kom Ombo. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard as the sun sets over the Nile. Tonight, you can enjoy onboard entertainment or simply relax under the stars.
Overnight: 5-star Nile Cruise anchored near Kom Ombo
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included on Day 1)
Step 8: Breakfast Onboard
Wake to the gentle lapping of the Nile and enjoy breakfast on deck.
Step 9: Visit Kom Ombo Temple
Disembark to explore the unique double temple dedicated to two gods – Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god. The temple is perfectly symmetrical, with two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries Visit the small Crocodile Museum to see mummified crocodiles discovered in nearby tombs
Step 10: Return to Cruise & Sail to Edfu
Return to the cruise and enjoy the scenic sail toward Edfu. Lunch is served onboard while you take in the lush river landscapes.
Step 11: Visit Edfu Temple – Temple of Horus
Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage (included) to the Temple of Horus at Edfu-8. This is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt – remarkably intact because it was buried under desert sand for centuries. Walk through the massive pylon gates, admire the black granite statue of Horus, and explore the well-preserved reliefs depicting the eternal battle between Horus and Set
Step 12: Return to Cruise & Sail Toward Luxor
Return to the cruise and continue sailing north toward Luxor. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river and watch the sun set over palm-fringed villages.
Step 13: Dinner & Overnight in Luxor
Arrive in Luxor and anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner onboard. Optionally, take an evening stroll along the Nile Corniche.
Overnight: 5-star Nile Cruise docked in Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Step 14: Breakfast Onboard
Enjoy your breakfast onboard before the day's exploration.
Step 15: West Bank Tour – Valley of the Kings
Cross to Luxor's West Bank and enter the legendary Valley of the Kings. Your ticket includes entry to 3 royal tombs of your choice (excluding Tutankhamun and Seti I)-6. Your guide will help you select the best open tombs and explain the meaning behind the stunning funerary art
Step 16: Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Visit the dramatic three-tiered mortuary temple of Egypt's only female pharaoh Marvel at the architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding cliffs while your guide shares the story of Hatshepsut's rise to power and her eventual erasure from history.
Step 17: Colossi of Memnon
Stop for photos at the two massive 18-meter-high quartzite statues that once guarded Amenhotep III's mortuary temple
Step 18: Return to Cruise for Lunch
Return to the cruise and enjoy lunch onboard.
Step 19: Afternoon at Leisure
Enjoy a free afternoon on the cruise. Relax by the pool, enjoy afternoon tea on the sun deck, or explore Luxor's East Bank on your own.
Step 21: Dinner & Overnight in Luxor
Enjoy your final dinner onboard. Overnight docked in Luxor.
Overnight: 5-star Nile Cruise docked in Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Step 22: Breakfast & Check-out
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard and check out of your cabin.
Step 23: East Bank Tour – Karnak Temple
Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex – the largest religious structure ever built-8. Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, stand beneath the 134 towering columns of the Hypostyle Hall, see the sacred lake, and explore the obelisks of Hatshepsut and Thutmose I. Your guide will explain how generations of pharaohs added their mark over 1,500 years.
Step 24: Visit Luxor Temple
Explore the beautiful Luxor Temple, dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. Admire the massive statues of Ramesses II, walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and see the Roman frescoes hidden inside this ancient temple
Step 25: Transfer to Your Luxor Destination
Disembark from the cruise for the final time. Your private driver will transfer you to Luxor International Airport, your Luxor hotel, or your next destination. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast - lunch