1Aswan
Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and other visits according to the selected package
Respect ToursEgypt Through Local EyesAn Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise starts in the calm of Nubia and ends among the greatest monuments of ancient Thebes. This Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor begins among the islands and granite rocks of southern Egypt, then sails north through Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
The cruise makes it easy to explore several destinations without changing hotels. Unpack once, enjoy full-board meals, join guided visits with an Egyptologist, and spend the hours between temples watching villages, farmland, fishing boats, and desert landscapes pass from the deck.
Choosing the right ship matters because cabin quality, facilities, sailing days, and included visits can vary. Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, compares the available cruises for your dates and brings your cruise, transfers, guided excursions, flights, and any extra nights together in one clear plan. Our local team has welcomed travellers since 1978, giving you practical support before boarding in Aswan and after leaving the cruise in Luxor.
Cruise Details
Departure days, ship category, facilities, entrance tickets, and exact inclusions vary between packages. Respect Tours will confirm the available ship and complete program for your travel dates before booking.
This 4 Day Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor combines some of Egypt’s most famous ancient temples with the unique experience of sailing through the heart of Upper Egypt. From the moment the cruise begins in Aswan, the atmosphere becomes slower, quieter, and more connected to the Nile itself. The journey includes visits to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, giving you the chance to experience both the historical and scenic sides of Egypt in one complete trip. What makes the experience special is not only the temples, but also the feeling of traveling along the Nile between each destination. Watching daily life on the riverbanks, relaxing on the sun deck, and sailing past palm trees, desert landscapes, and small villages creates a side of Egypt that feels timeless and difficult to experience anywhere else. With Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, this Standard Nile Cruise is carefully organized to provide comfortable onboard accommodation, guided sightseeing, full-board meals, and smooth transfers throughout the journey. This Standard Nile Cruise departs every Friday from Aswan. Important Note Rates are valid until December 20 and do not apply during Christmas, New Year, or other holiday periods. Please contact us for holiday season rates.
4 days 3 nights
1 person
This 4 Day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor combines relaxing Nile sailing with visits to some of the most famous ancient sites in Upper Egypt. The journey includes Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Unlike fast-paced land tours, this Deluxe Nile Cruise allows you to experience Egypt at a slower and more enjoyable pace. The days are balanced between guided sightseeing, relaxing onboard, and scenic sailing through the beautiful landscapes of Upper Egypt. With Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, the cruise is carefully organized to provide a smooth and comfortable experience from beginning to end, including guided tours, accommodation on board, meals, and organized transfers throughout the journey. This Deluxe Nile River cruise departs every Wednesday from Aswan, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a relaxing and well-planned journey between Aswan and Luxor. Important Note Rates are valid until December 20 and do not apply during Christmas, New Year, or other holiday periods. Please contact us for holiday season rates.
4 days 3 nights
1 person
Sail through the heart of ancient Egypt in just 4 unforgettable days. This Nile cruise Aswan to Luxor (3 nights) offers a perfect blend of iconic temples, peaceful sailing, and guided exploration, all from the comfort of a 5-star floating hotel. Sailing every Friday, the cruise begins in the beautiful city of Aswan and takes you through some of the Nile’s most iconic landmarks, including Philae Temple, Temple of Kom Ombo, Temple of Edfu, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Along the way, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Nile as you sail between ancient cities, watch daily life along the riverbanks, and experience Egypt at a slower and more enjoyable pace. With full-board accommodation, guided sightseeing, expert Egyptologist guides, and organized transfers included, every part of the trip is designed to feel smooth, comfortable, and enriching from arrival in Aswan to departure in Luxor. With Respect Tours, “Egypt Through Local Eyes”, this weekly Nile cruise is ideal for travelers looking for the perfect balance of history, culture, relaxation, and authentic Nile atmosphere in one complete experience.
4 days 3 nights
1 person
Route
The cruise follows the Nile north through Upper Egypt, beginning in Aswan and ending in Luxor. This Nile River cruise Aswan to Luxor covers the main Upper Egypt sailing route in a shorter three-night program.
You may also find this northbound route described as an Egypt Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor, a Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor, or simply a Cruise Aswan to Luxor. These names all refer to a cruise that begins in Aswan, follows the Nile through Kom Ombo and Edfu, and finishes in Luxor.
Each stop introduces a different part of ancient Egyptian history. Philae reflects the final centuries of temple building, Kom Ombo was designed for two gods, and Edfu preserves one of Egypt’s most complete temple complexes. Luxor then brings together the royal tombs of the West Bank and the major religious centers of Karnak and Luxor Temple.
The ship becomes your hotel and your transport between stops. Temple visits usually fall in the morning or late afternoon, while the hours between them are for sailing, dining, and resting on deck.
1Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and other visits according to the selected package
2The riverside Temple of Kom Ombo and, on some programs, the Crocodile Museum
3Temple of Horus, usually reached from the cruise dock
4Sailing through the Esna area and passing the lock, depending on river traffic
5Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon
6Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
Because this is a shorter program, the final part in Luxor may include several visits within the same day. Check-out, sightseeing, and departure arrangements differ between ships, so avoid booking an early onward journey until Respect Tours confirms your final schedule.
Compare
Both directions broadly cover the same archaeological route, but they organize it differently. The right choice depends on how many nights you want, where you will arrive in Upper Egypt, and what you plan to do after the cruise.
| Feature | Aswan to Luxor | Luxor to Aswan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 days / 3 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Program style | Shorter and more compact | Longer, with more time on board |
| You finish in | Luxor | Aswan |
| Abu Simbel | Usually added before you board | Usually added after the cruise |
| Best if | You have less time or plan to continue from Luxor | You prefer a longer cruise and want to go farther south |
| Best next step | More time in Luxor, a hot-air balloon flight, Cairo, or the Red Sea | Abu Simbel, Lake Nasser, or extra time in Aswan |
See our Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise options.
If you want to see Abu Simbel before the cruise, starting in Aswan is easier. See our Lake Nasser cruises, which can lead straight into a northbound Nile cruise.
On the ship
The cruise starts slowly. After boarding in Aswan, you settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and watch the light change over the granite rocks and islands. Each morning usually begins with a guided visit, and the ship sails north between stops.
Most cabins have air conditioning, a private bathroom, storage space, and a window facing the river. Cabin size, window type, deck position, and noise level vary between ships. Some windows open, while others remain fixed, and cabins close to the engines, stairs, or entertainment areas may be louder.
Full board normally includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals usually combine Egyptian and international dishes, while drinks outside the stated package are charged separately. Depending on the vessel, facilities may include a sun deck, swimming pool, lounge, bar, and small fitness or spa area.
Evening programmes may include live music, a welcome cocktail, a Nubian performance, or a galabeya party. These activities are arranged by the cruise operator and can change between sailings.
The ship does not remain in motion throughout the journey. It docks for excursions, may wait for its turn at Esna Lock, and can stay beside other cruise ships overnight. Mobile coverage is available along much of the route, but onboard Wi-Fi, speed, and charges depend on the selected vessel.
Compare
Both options sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, but they feel different.
| Feature | Nile Cruise Ship | Dahabiya |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger, with many cabins | Smaller sailing boat, with few cabins |
| Facilities | Often a pool, restaurant, lounge, bar, and entertainment | Simpler, with shared indoor and outdoor spaces |
| Atmosphere | More social, with a larger number of guests | Quieter, with fewer passengers and more personal space |
| Stops | The main sites, such as Kom Ombo and Edfu | The main temples, plus smaller riverside stops |
| Sailing | Primarily motor-powered | Uses sails when conditions allow and may receive assistance when needed |
| Best for | First-time visitors, families, travellers who want onboard facilities | Couples, private groups, travellers seeking privacy |
| Price | More cabin categories and a wider price range | Often higher per person, because fewer guests share the boat |
Choose a cruise ship for a pool, more dining and entertainment, and a clear schedule.
Choose a dahabiya for fewer passengers, quiet sailing, and more time on the river.
Stops, facilities, and flexibility depend on the vessel, so compare the full itinerary and inclusions rather than the boat type alone.
Explore Dahabiya Nile CruisesPlan your dates
The best time for a Nile cruise is usually October to April, when temperatures are comfortable for walking around open temples and sitting on deck. Your cruise starts in Aswan, one of the hottest cities in Egypt, so the season matters on day one. In Aswan, December averages a daytime high of about 26°C and a night low of about 13°C. January is a little cooler.
October and April are warmer but still pleasant. July averages about 42°C in Aswan, and the record is 48°C. Cruises do run in summer, but days are hot, and midday sightseeing is shorter.
Warm days, comfortable evenings, and increasing demand
Coolest weather, busiest season, highest prices
Warming up, quieter
Very hot days, fewer visitors, and often lower cruise rates
Christmas, New Year, and Easter are among the busiest periods. Cruise cabins, domestic flights, guides, and well-located hotels can sell out, so book four to six months ahead. See our Egypt Christmas Tours and Egypt Easter Tours.
If your journey begins around 22 February or 22 October, you can visit Abu Simbel for the solar alignment before boarding in Aswan. See our Abu Simbel Sun Festival tour.
Travelling in summer requires additional preparation, but 2 August 2027 is a special exception for eclipse travellers. The cruise finishes in Luxor, close to the path of totality for the 2027 total solar eclipse. See our Solar Eclipse 2027 Tours.
Inclusions & price
Most packages include your cabin, meals, guided temple visits, and the main services you need while sailing. Exact inclusions vary by ship and package, and Respect Tours confirms everything in writing before you book.
Prices depend on ship class, cabin, date, and season. December to February is the most expensive.
Extend your trip
Starting in Aswan makes it practical to visit Abu Simbel before boarding, while finishing in Luxor gives you several options for continuing to Cairo or the Red Sea. Respect Tours can connect these arrangements with your cruise, so the transfers, hotels, flights, and sightseeing follow one workable schedule.
The temples are not on the cruise route. Visit them from Aswan by road or domestic flight, and add a night in Aswan so the day does not feel rushed. Explore our Abu Simbel trip from Aswan.
If your trip falls around 22 February or 22 October, plan around our Abu Simbel Sun Festival tour.
Add a night for the Luxor Museum, Medinet Habu, or a sunrise hot-air balloon flight, weather permitting. Explore our Best Luxor Day Tours.
Fly from Luxor to Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. See our Egypt Classic Tours.
Travel by road from Luxor for beach time, snorkeling, or diving in Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
Before you book
Your cabin can affect comfort as much as the ship itself. Before booking, compare its deck, position, window type, size, and distance from busy or noisy areas.
Do not choose by star rating alone. Ask for the exact cabin category and deck included in your quotation.
Respect Tours can compare the cabins available for your dates and explain the differences before you confirm.
Higher decks give wider views and usually cost more. Lower decks often offer better value.
Midship cabins feel less movement. Cabins near the engines can be noisier.
Check whether the window is fixed, panoramic, openable, or a balcony.
Cabins near the restaurant, lounge, reception, or stairs get more foot traffic.
Ask about lifts, steps, bathroom layout, and the route to the main facilities.
Confirm twin beds, a double, a triple cabin, or connecting rooms.
Solo travellers should ask about the single supplement and the cabin size.
Good to know
Egypt’s visa rules depend on your nationality. Some travellers can apply for an e-Visa or get a visa on arrival, while others must arrange one before they travel. Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months from arrival. Check the official requirements before you book flights.
Carry Egyptian pounds and small notes for personal purchases and tips. Gratuities for the crew, guide, and drivers are normally not included unless the package says so.
Bring light cotton clothes for the day, a jacket for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Women can read our guide on what to wear in Egypt.
We recommend arriving in Aswan one day before sailing, especially if you are travelling by domestic flight or overnight train. Domestic flights and the overnight train can run late, and cruises leave on fixed days. We can book your flights, a hotel night, and your transfers. See our Flight Reservations and Transfers.
River traffic, the Esna Lock, docking arrangements, and local conditions can change sailing times. The order of visits may shift while the operator works to keep the confirmed program. Avoid fixed appointments in Luxor on the day you arrive.
Mobile coverage is available along much of the route but may weaken between towns. Wi-Fi availability and charges vary by ship, so check before booking. A local SIM card is often more reliable.
Booking guide
Start with the dates you will be in Egypt. Cruises run all year, with higher demand around Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Decide whether to sail from Aswan to Luxor or from Luxor to Aswan. If you want Abu Simbel before the cruise or plan to finish in Luxor, Aswan to Luxor is usually the better fit.
Send us:
We check suitable ships and send sailing dates, cabin choices, inclusions, and the total price. The available ship may depend on your dates.
Review the payment and cancellation terms before you confirm. After booking, you will receive the cruise details, meeting arrangements, and final itinerary.
Connect your cruise with Abu Simbel, Lake Nasser, Cairo, or the Red Sea. We bring hotels, transfers, flights, and tours together in one plan.
Why us
Respect Tours has organized journeys across Egypt for more than 45 years, welcoming over 140,000 travellers from around the world.
Your guide is a licensed Egyptologist who connects Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings to the story of the Nile Valley.
We arrange more than the cruise itself. Flights, hotels, private transfers, Abu Simbel, and the rest of your itinerary come together in one plan.
Respect Tours is IATA and ASTA-affiliated and licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. See our license and credentials.
Read our payment policy and terms and conditions before you book. Learn more about who we are.
Ships, cabins, and dates vary. We compare the options for your dates, preferences, and budget, then explain the differences clearly before you choose.
Speak directly with our team before and during your cruise. If sailing arrangements change, we help coordinate the next steps with the cruise operator.
Questions before you book? Our team is a message away.
Guides & articles










It is a multi-night journey through Upper Egypt that combines accommodation, meals, Nile sailing, and guided visits. The ship travels north from Aswan through Kom Ombo and Edfu before finishing in Luxor.
The best option depends on your dates, preferred cabin, budget, and the level of comfort you want on board. Compare the exact ship, cabin position, facilities, excursions, and included transfers rather than choosing by star rating alone. Respect Tours can check the available sailings and explain the differences before you book.
Yes, especially if you want to see the main archaeological sites of Upper Egypt without changing hotels between cities. The cruise combines sightseeing with time to rest and enjoy the Nile scenery.
Most programs visit Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Additional visits depend on the selected package.
No. Abu Simbel is not on the Aswan to Luxor sailing route. Respect Tours can arrange a separate visit by road or air from Aswan before you board.
The sightseeing route may be similar, but the ships differ in cabin size, furnishings, dining, service, facilities, and price. These labels are not always applied consistently, so compare the exact ship and cabin rather than the category name alone.
In Luxor. Depending on the package, you leave the ship after sightseeing or in the morning, with a transfer to a Luxor hotel, the airport, or the train station. Your final itinerary confirms the time and place.
October to April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing. Cruises also operate during summer, but visits may start earlier because temperatures are much higher.
Wi-Fi availability, speed, and charges vary by ship. Mobile coverage is available along much of the river but may weaken between towns. A local SIM card is useful if you need a more reliable connection.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check your eligibility and current entry requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian consulate before you travel.
Respect Tours – Egypt Through Local Eyes. Since 1978, we’ve served 140,000+ travelers with expert-guided tours, transfers, hotel bookings, and seamless travel services across Egypt.


