Cruise ship sailing on Lake Nasser beyond the Aswan High Dam

Lake Nasser Cruises: Sail Beyond the Aswan High Dam

Quiet waters and Nubian temples, far from the busy Nile.

View Lake Nasser Cruises Plan My Cruise

A Lake Nasser cruise takes you beyond the Aswan High Dam, onto 479 kilometers of open water where the temples of Nubia stand along quiet shores. Here, the landscape opens into calm water, desert scenery, and remote Nubian temples that are not visited during the traditional Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

The difference is easy to feel. There are fewer cruise ships, quieter stops, and long stretches of open scenery. Along the way, you can visit temples such as Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, and Amada before reaching Abu Simbel as part of the journey, not as a rushed return trip from Aswan. Many of these monuments were moved to higher ground during the 1960s to protect them from the rising waters created by the High Dam.

With Respect Tours, Egypt through local eyes, the cruise ship, transfers, guided temple visits, and travel arrangements before and after sailing can all be coordinated in one complete plan. Our local team has welcomed travellers since 1978, helping you explore this quieter side of Egypt comfortably and at the right pace.

  • Since 1978Egypt through local eyes
  • 140,000+Travellers hosted
  • IATA & ASTAAffiliated
  • LicensedBy the Ministry of Tourism
  • EgyptologistExpert guides

Cruise Details

Lake Nasser Cruise at a Glance

Route
Aswan to Abu Simbel or Abu Simbel to Aswan
Duration
3 or 4 nights, depending on the route
Departure days
Monday or Friday, depending on the selected cruise
Sailing season
October to April
Meals
Full-board accommodation on the ship
Guide
Licensed Egyptologist during the included excursions
Entrance fees
Included for the sites listed in the selected itinerary
Best for
History lovers, photographers, repeat visitors, and travellers seeking a quieter cruise

Best Lake Nasser Cruise Packages for 2026–2027

5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Cruise

5-Day Aswan to Abu Simbel Cruise: Sail Beyond the High Dam

A journey beyond the Aswan High Dam reveals a quieter side of Egypt. Across Lake Nasser, cruise ships are few, desert shores stretch into the distance, and ancient Nubian temples stand far from the usual tourist routes. Reaching them by cruise turns the journey itself into part of the experience, with peaceful sailing between archaeological sites that many visitors never see. This five-day Aswan to Abu Simbel cruise follows the historic Nubian temple route across Lake Nasser. Visit Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and other monuments that were moved to higher ground before the lake rose. Between visits, relax on board and watch the desert landscape pass slowly by before reaching Abu Simbel, where the colossal statues of Ramses II rise above the lakeside as the final and most powerful stop. Unlike a quick road excursion, this Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan gives you time to discover the history leading to Abu Simbel and understand how these temples were saved. It is a good choice for travellers who have already experienced the traditional Nile route or want to explore a less familiar part of southern Egypt. With Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, your welcome in Aswan, transfers, a four-night stay aboard a 5-star cruise, full-board meals, entrance tickets, bottled water, and guided visits with a licensed Egyptologist are arranged. Our local team has welcomed travellers since 1978, helping you enjoy the journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel with clear planning and local support from beginning to end.

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group Size

2 people

$0
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Route · North to South

The Lake Nasser Cruise Route: Temples You Will Visit

Lake Nasser was formed behind the Aswan High Dam between 1958 and 1970. It stretches about 479 kilometers, and the Egyptian part is called Lake Nasser. The shoreline is sand and rock to the horizon, with no towns and no riverside markets.

Temple of Kalabsha at New Kalabsha on Lake Nasser1

Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali, and Kertassi

  • Kalabsha
  • Beit el-Wali
  • Kertassi

The first stop near the High Dam is New Kalabsha. The Temple of Kalabsha is the largest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia, built around 30 BCE under Roman rule and dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis. It was moved here block by block in the 1960s, with German help.

Beside it stands Beit el-Wali, a small rock-cut temple of Ramses II with brightly painted reliefs of his campaigns. A small Ptolemaic kiosk at Kertassi completes the stop.

Sphinx-lined approach to the Temple of Wadi el-Seboua2

Wadi el-Seboua and Dakka

  • Wadi el-Seboua
  • Dakka
  • Maharraqa

Wadi el-Seboua means the Valley of the Lions, after the sphinxes that line the approach. The temple was built by Ramses II and moved about four kilometers in the 1960s.

Early Christians once plastered over its reliefs and painted their own images on top. That plaster accidentally protected the originals beneath. Nearby, the temples of Dakka and Maharraqa were rebuilt in the same area.

Painted reliefs of the Temple of Amada in Nubia3

Amada, Derr, and the Tomb of Pennut

  • Amada
  • Derr
  • Tomb of Pennut

Amada is among the oldest temples in Nubia, begun under Thutmose III more than 3,400 years ago. Its inner rooms hold some of the finest painted reliefs in the region.

In 1964, engineers moved the whole temple 2.6 kilometers on rails to save the paintings. Close by are the rock-cut Temple of Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, a Nubian viceroy under Ramses VI.

Qasr Ibrim, the island bluff on Lake Nasser4Viewed from the ship

Qasr Ibrim

  • Qasr Ibrim

Qasr Ibrim is the one major site that stayed where it was built. People lived on this bluff from about the eighth century BCE until 1813 CE. The rising lake turned it into an island.

It is closed to visitors, so it is normally viewed and photographed from the ship.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel5Journey’s end

Abu Simbel

  • Great Temple
  • Temple of Nefertari
  • Hathor

The sail ends at Abu Simbel. Ramses II built the Great Temple around 1264 to 1244 BCE, and four seated statues, each about 20 meters tall, guard its front. The smaller temple honors Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

In the 1960s, both temples were cut into 1,036 blocks and rebuilt 65 meters higher and about 208 meters inland. Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the sun reaches the sanctuary. See our Abu Simbel Sun Festival tour.

Compare

Lake Nasser Cruise vs Nile Cruise

Both cruises explore southern Egypt, but they follow different waterways and visit completely different sites. A traditional Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, while a Lake Nasser cruise begins beyond the High Dam and travels between Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Lake Nasser cruise compared with a traditional Nile cruise
Feature Lake Nasser Cruise Traditional Nile Cruise
Route Aswan to Abu Simbel, or the reverse Luxor to Aswan, or the reverse
Main sites Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and Abu Simbel Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan
Landscape Open lakes, desert shores, and remote islands Farmland, palm trees, villages, and busy riverbanks
Atmosphere Quiet, remote, and less crowded Livelier, with more ships and riverside activity
Historical focus Ancient Nubia and monuments rescued from the rising water The temples and royal history of Upper Egypt
Crowds Few ships Many ships
Ancient sites Fewer, more remote More, more famous
Best for Travellers seeking remote temples, calm sailing, and a less familiar side of Egypt First-time visitors who want to see Egypt’s most famous Nile Valley sites

Our advice: if it is your first time in Egypt, start with a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise. If you have already seen Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, or you want a quieter trip, choose the lake. Many travellers do both. See our Nile cruises.

Life on board a Lake Nasser cruise ship Full board · Egyptian & international dishes

On the ship

Life on Board

Life on board follows the quiet rhythm of the lake. A typical day may begin with a guided temple visit, followed by lunch and an afternoon of sailing through wide desert scenery. As the light changes across the water, you can relax on the sun deck before dinner.

  • MorningGuided temple visit
  • AfternoonLunch, then sailing
  • EveningSun deck and dinner

Cruise cabins are generally air-conditioned and include private bathrooms. Full-board accommodation covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a selection of Egyptian and international dishes. Some ships also serve afternoon tea and arrange evening activities such as a welcome cocktail, Nubian music, or traditional dancing.

With few towns and little artificial light around the lake, evenings feel especially peaceful. Take a light jacket to the deck and enjoy the open sky after sunset. Depending on the selected ship, onboard facilities may also include:

  • Swimming pool
  • Lounge
  • Bar
  • Steam bath

The experience is quiet by design. It suits travellers who value open scenery, remote historical sites, and time to slow down between visits. If you prefer lively riverbanks, markets, villages, and more activity along the route, a traditional Nile cruise may be a better match.

Cabin types, facilities, meals, and entertainment vary by ship. Respect Tours will confirm the details of your selected cruise before booking.

Plan your dates

Best Time for a Lake Nasser Cruise

The best time for a Lake Nasser cruise is usually from October to April, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking around open temples and spending time on the sun deck. In Aswan, December averages a daytime high of about 26°C and a night low of about 13°C. January is slightly cooler. October and April are warmer but still pleasant. July, by contrast, averages about 42°C in Aswan, and the record is 48°C. That is why Lake Nasser cruises are a winter trip.

26°C / 13°CDecember in Aswan, day / night
42°CJuly average in Aswan
48°CRecord high in Aswan

Abu Simbel sun festival, around 22 February and 22 October

October, November

Warm days, comfortable evenings

December to February

Coolest weather, busiest season, highest prices

March, April

Warming up, quieter

May to September

Intense heat, particularly around midday, with fewer available sailings

Plan Around the Abu Simbel Sun Festival

The Abu Simbel solar alignment is celebrated around February 22 and October 22. Choosing a cruise that reaches Abu Simbel close to one of these dates can make the journey even more memorable. However, the temples are much busier, and cruise availability may be limited.

22February
22October

Book early for holidays.Christmas, New Year, and Easter sailings fill first, and some travellers book four to six months ahead.

Inclusions & price

What Is Included and What Does a Lake Nasser Cruise Cost?

Most Lake Nasser cruise packages include accommodation, meals, guided temple visits, and the main services needed during the sailing. Exact inclusions vary by ship and selected package, so Respect Tours will confirm everything in writing before you book.

Usually included

  • Accommodation on board, full board
  • Licensed Egyptologist during scheduled excursions
  • Entrance fees to the temples listed in the itinerary
  • Transfers between the confirmed pick-up point in Aswan and the cruise ship
  • Bottled water during the excursions
  • Taxes and service charges

Usually not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Drinks ordered on board
  • Personal expenses and tipping
  • Optional experiences, such as the Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show
  • Services not listed in the selected itinerary

Prices vary a lot between ships, cabin categories, and dates. December to February is the most expensive.

Get an exact price for your dates

Good to know

Before You Book: Practical Travel Guide

01

Visa and Passport

Egypt’s visa requirements depend on your nationality. Some travellers can apply for an e-Visa or obtain a visa on arrival, while others must arrange one before travelling. Your passport should generally remain valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Always check the official requirements for your nationality before booking flights.

02

Money and Tipping

Cards may be accepted on some ships, but it is helpful to carry Egyptian pounds or small notes for tips and personal purchases. Tips for the crew, guide, and drivers are normally not included unless stated in your package.

03

What to pack

Bring light clothing for daytime, a jacket or layer for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A small day bag is useful during temple visits. Women can also read our complete guide on what to wear in Egypt, which has the full list.

04

Accessibility and mobility

Some temples have steps, uneven stone, and sandy ground. Boarding smaller boats or walking from the ship may also require care. Tell Respect Tours about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the selected ship, cabin access, and excursion arrangements.

05

Solo and women travellers

The organized route, guided excursions, and full-board accommodation can make Lake Nasser comfortable for solo travellers. Female Egyptologist guides may be requested, subject to availability. You can also explore our Egypt Solo Woman Tours.

06

Connectivity

Mobile coverage can be weak or unavailable while sailing through remote parts of the lake. Some ships offer Wi-Fi in selected areas, but the connection may be slow or limited.

Planning and booking a Lake Nasser cruise
6 stepsFrom choosing your dates to building your full Egypt trip

Booking guide

How to Plan and Book Your Lake Nasser Cruise

  1. 1

    Choose Your Travel Dates

    Start with the dates you expect to be in Egypt. The main sailing season is usually from October to April, with higher demand around Christmas, New Year, Easter, and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival.

  2. 2

    Select Your Preferred Route

    Choose between sailing from Aswan to Abu Simbel or travelling in the opposite direction. Your international flights and wider Egypt itinerary may make one route more convenient than the other.

  3. 3

    Tell Us What You Need

    Share the number of travellers, preferred cabin type, budget, and any mobility, dietary, or guide requests. Also tell us whether you need domestic flights, hotels, or transfers before and after the cruise.

  4. 4

    Review the Available Options

    Respect Tours will check suitable ships and send you the available sailing dates, routes, cabin choices, inclusions, and total price. Cruise schedules are limited, so the available ship may depend on your dates.

  5. 5

    Confirm Your Cruise

    Once you choose your preferred option, review the payment and cancellation terms before confirming. After booking, you will receive the cruise details, meeting arrangements, and final itinerary.

  6. 6

    Build the Rest of Your Egypt Trip

    Your cruise can be connected with Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, a traditional Nile cruise, or a Red Sea stay. Respect Tours can bring the hotels, transfers, flights, and tours together in one organized itinerary.

Why us

Why Book Your Lake Nasser Cruise with Respect Tours

Experience since 1978

We have run Egypt trips from our Cairo office for more than 45 years. More than 140,000 travellers have traveled with us.

1978Our start
140,000+Travellers

Licensed Egyptologist guides

Your temple visits are led by a licensed Egyptologist who connects the monuments with the history of Nubia, the creation of Lake Nasser, and the international effort that saved many of these sites.

One Complete Travel Plan

We can arrange more than the cruise itself. Domestic flights, hotels, private transfers, Aswan visits, Abu Simbel stays, and the rest of your Egypt itinerary can be coordinated in one plan.

Recognized and licensed

Respect Tours is IATA and ASTA affiliated and licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. See our license and credentials.

The Right Ship for Your Journey

Ships, cabins, facilities, routes, and departure dates vary. We compare the available options based on your dates, preferences, and budget, then explain the differences clearly before you choose.

Local support

Speak directly with our team before and during your journey. If sailing arrangements change, we help coordinate the next steps with the cruise operator.

Questions before you book? Our team is a message away.

Talk to Respect Tours on WhatsApp

Guides & articles

Learn More Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Nasser Cruises

A Lake Nasser cruise is a multi-night sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel, beyond the Aswan High Dam. The ship provides your accommodation, meals, and transport between remote Nubian temples along the lake.

Most cruises last either four days and three nights or five days and four nights. The duration usually depends on the sailing direction, selected ship, and operating schedule.

Yes, particularly if you enjoy quiet landscapes, less crowded historical sites, and places that most first-time visitors do not see. It is also one of the most memorable ways to reach Abu Simbel while exploring other Nubian temples along the route.

A traditional Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, passing towns, villages, farmland, and famous temples such as Karnak and Edfu. A Lake Nasser cruise sails between Aswan and Abu Simbel through open desert scenery, visiting remote Nubian monuments with fewer ships and visitors.

Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali, Wadi el-Seboua, Amada, Derr, and Abu Simbel, with a photo stop at Qasr Ibrim. Some programs add Dakka, Maharraqa, and the Tomb of Pennut.

It may be possible if your sailing schedule reaches Abu Simbel around February 22 or October 22. Cruise timings, temple access, and event arrangements must be confirmed before booking.a

Most packages include full-board accommodation, a licensed Egyptologist during scheduled excursions, and entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary. Exact inclusions vary, so check the details of your selected cruise before booking.

Some ships provide Wi-Fi in selected public areas, but the connection may be slow or unavailable while sailing through remote parts of the lake. Mobile coverage can also be limited.

Most nationalities can get an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. Check Egypt’s official e-visa portal before you fly.

As early as you can, especially for December to February and holiday dates. Sailings leave on fixed days, so cabins on your dates can sell out.

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I would like to sincerely thank the entire team for the excellent service and professional treatment throughout my experience with them. I truly appreciated the high quality of the service, the excellent condition of the vehicles, and most importantly, the quick response and the professionalism of your staff during the service. Thank you all for your great support and for making the experience smooth and pleasant. I highly appreciate your efforts and look forward to using your service again in the future. One small suggestion would be to keep the prices a little more reasonable and competitive. 😊 Thank you once again and keep up the great work!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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This review is a true evidence to the great experience and happiness I had with this company. Honestly I've never dealt with people like the team at Respect Tours. They are incredibly friendly and welcoming especially Mr. David Asaad who is one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. He is very kind easy to get along with and has a big heart. His professionalism was outstanding and he is also a great leader with confidence and knowledge I would also like to give a special thanks to our driver Mohsen. He was very friendly helpful and professional throughout our trips and made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. I truly thank the wonderful Respect Tours team and wish them continued success and all the best.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Exceptional Support and Professionalism - Respect Tours - Novotel El Borg / Cairo I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Achraf Zaki and his colleague Ayman for their outstanding professionalism, kindness and dedication. From the very beginning, they made us feel completely confident and well taken care of. They took the time to understand our expectations and helped us choose the best options to discover and enjoy this wonderful city of Cairo in auguste 2026. Their professionalism, availability and warm attitude truly made a difference and contributed to making our stay even more enjoyable. We will certainly return to the same hotel on our next visit to Cairo, and it will be a real pleasure to have the opportunity to contact Mr. Achraf Zaki and Ayman again. Thank you both for your excellent support and for helping us create such wonderful memories of Cairo. We truly appreciate it! 🌟
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