3 Nights Aswan to Luxor include Abu Simbel& Tipping

What We Love About the 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise

This tour makes exploring Egypt’s iconic Nile Valley both accessible and enjoyable. First, it offers a comprehensive itinerary that covers major sights like Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Edfu, all while traveling on a comfortable, full-board cruise. Second, the expert Egyptologist guide adds depth and context to each stop — you’re not just sightseeing, but truly understanding what you’re seeing. Third, the inclusive tipping and all excursions mean you can relax without worrying about extra costs.

That said, a potential snag is the group size—with a maximum of 15 travelers, it’s intimate, but some might prefer a more private tour experience. Also, the itinerary involves several early mornings and long days, which could be tiring if you prefer a relaxed pace.

This tour suits travelers who want value, expert guidance, and a well-rounded experience of Egypt’s highlights, all while enjoying the comfort of a cruise.

Key Points

• All-inclusive value: Meals, excursions, tips, and entrance fees are included, making it easy to budget.
• Expert guiding: A qualified Egyptologist leads the tours, giving insider insights and rich historical context.
• Comfort and convenience: Modern air-conditioned transfers and a 5-star cruise ensure a pleasant journey.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From Aswan’s dams and temples to Abu Simbel and Luxor’s tombs, you see the must-visit sites.
• Authentic experience: Small group size enhances personalized attention and a more authentic atmosphere.
• Balance of sightseeing and relaxation: Carefully scheduled excursions with time to enjoy the scenery and onboard amenities.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

This 4-day cruise packs in a lot without making you feel rushed, thanks to a well-structured schedule and a focus on meaningful experiences.

Day 1: Aswan and the High Dam

Your journey begins with embarkation before lunch, giving you a chance to settle in and soak up the atmosphere of Aswan. The tour includes visits to the High Dam — an engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s agriculture and economy — and the Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. Both sites are easily accessible and provide fascinating insights into Egypt’s modern and ancient history.

Reviewers like Cinzia praised the staff’s friendliness and the guide Sam’s passion, noting that the insights brought these sites to life. The ease of the transfer from your hotel or airport to the boat ensures a smooth start.

Day 2: Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo

The highlight here is the group tour of Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments. The massive statues and intricate carvings of Ramses II’s temple are unforgettable. Tickets are included, so no need to worry about extra costs or long lines. Many travelers, like the reviewer who called it “an incredible experience,” appreciated the opportunity to see this UNESCO World Heritage site without the hassle of organizing transport independently.

After Abu Simbel, the cruise navigates to Kom Ombo, home to a unique double temple shared by Sobek and Haroeiris — a rare sight in Egypt. We loved the way this site combines religious history with striking architecture. It’s a quieter, less crowded stop, giving you time to appreciate the dual-purpose design and stunning hieroglyphs.

Day 3: Edfu Temple and Luxor Temples

The morning begins with a navigation to Edfu, where the Temple of Horus stands as one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Although the actual temple visit isn’t included in the package, the cruise offers plenty of scenic views along the Nile.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Luxor, home to some of the most impressive ancient monuments. Highlights are the Luxor Temple, with its colossal statues and magnificent Hypostyle Hall, and the Karnak Temple complex, which covers over 100 hectares and features the largest hypostyle hall in the world.

Our reviewee Kyle noted that the staff were friendly, and the food was rotated to keep things interesting, making this a true value for the price. The guided tours here provide detailed explanations that enrich the experience, making it more than just a walk through ruins.

Day 4: West Bank and Hot Air Balloon Option

On the final morning, after disembarking, you visit the Valley of the Kings, with over 60 tombs of pharaohs carved into the cliffs. Our sources point out that the guide’s knowledge made the experience engaging, especially when exploring Tomb KV62, King Tut’s resting place.

Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon complete your exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. Many travelers, like Cinzia, appreciated the detailed explanations and friendly guides, which added depth to the awe-inspiring sights.

For those interested, an optional hot air balloon ride is available, offering a spectacular aerial view of the Nile and surrounding landscapes—though this is an extra, it’s often recommended for a memorable finish.

Why This Tour Represents Good Value

At $490 per person, this full-board cruise includes all major excursions, entrance fees, and tips—costs that can quickly add up if booked separately. The modern, air-conditioned transfers ensure comfort from start to finish, and the small group size enhances the experience by allowing more personalized attention from guides.

Many travelers have highlighted the quality of the guides, with Sam and Ahmed being specifically praised for their passion and helpfulness. The delicious food, spontaneously rotated to keep things interesting, received positive feedback, making onboard dining a pleasure rather than just a necessity.

The inclusion of tickets for Abu Simbel and other key sites saves considerable time and stress, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Egyptian logistics. The full itinerary covers Egypt’s highlights from Aswan’s dam and temples to Luxor’s tombs and Karnak complex, giving you a rundown of Egypt’s history in a relatively short time.

Practical Tips for Your Nile Cruise

• Book early: The tour is popular, often booked 48 days in advance.
• Pack comfortable shoes: Many sites involve walking on uneven surfaces.
• Bring sunscreen and hats: The sun can be intense, especially on open-air sites.
• Prepare for early mornings: Some excursions start at dawn, like the valley visits or optional hot air balloon rides.
• Stay flexible: Reviewers mention some optional activities, like the horse and carriage ride, which can be skipped if preferred.
• Check dietary needs: The tour notes that special dietary requirements should be advised at booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour? Yes, the tour includes meet and assist services upon arrival and departure, making your start and end seamless.

Are meals included? Yes, the cruise is on a full-board basis, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the duration of the trip.

Are tickets to Abu Simbel included? Absolutely, all major site tickets mentioned in the itinerary are covered, including Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo.

What transportation is used during excursions? All transfers are by modern, air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort between sites.

Can I customize the itinerary? The tour follows a set itinerary, but optional activities like hot air balloon rides may be available for an extra charge.

Is tipping included? Yes, all boat tips are included, simplifying your expenses—just focus on enjoying the trip.

What do reviewers say about the guides? Guides like Sam and Ahmed are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion, making sites come alive.

How many travelers typically join? The group size is limited to 15, promoting a more personal experience.

What’s the best time to book? On average, this cruise is booked around 48 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Are there any additional costs? Drinks are not included, and optional activities like hot air balloon rides are extra.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Nile cruise offers an excellent balance of value, comfort, and comprehensive sightseeing. It’s best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time exploring Egypt’s most famous sites without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves. The guided tours and included tickets make it ideal for first-timers, history buffs, and those who appreciate having knowledgeable guides enrich their experience.

If you’re seeking a relaxing yet immersive way to discover Egypt’s landmarks, enjoy delicious meals on board, and prefer small group travel for a more personal touch, this cruise could be perfect. It’s also great for adventurous spirits wanting to combine sightseeing with optional activities like hot air ballooning.

While the pace is active, the well-organized schedule and friendly guides make it manageable. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes and be ready for early starts — this trip promises memorable views and meaningful insights every step of the way.

In the end, this tour doesn’t just visit Egypt’s famous landmarks — it makes experiencing them enjoyable, hassle-free, and truly memorable.