Cairo : 6 Days Nile Cruise Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel &Train Ticket

Authentic Egypt on a 6-Day Nile Cruise with Train Travel: An Honest Review

Traveling through Egypt’s iconic sights can feel overwhelming—yet a well-organized tour like this promises a seamless way to see Upper Egypt’s treasures without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. This 6-day package, combining a luxurious Nile cruise with night train transfers, offers a practical, immersive experience at a reasonable price.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic sites with expert guides, the value-packed itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation, and the eco-conscious option of night train travel instead of a plane. That said, a potential drawback is the need to budget separately for entrance fees, which aren’t included. It’s best suited for travelers who want a thorough yet accessible introduction to Egypt’s highlights—especially those who enjoy a mix of guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and scenic travel.

Key Points

• Comfortable Nile cruise on a 5-star ship with full board and amenities like a pool and gym
• Expert-guided visits to major sites such as Luxor, Aswan, and Kom Ombo
• Eco-friendly night train transfers between Cairo and Upper Egypt
• Flexible options for Abu Simbel with small group tours
• Cost-effective with included meals, transfers, and guided tours
• Entrance fees are separate, so budget accordingly for site tickets

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

This tour carefully balances travel time and sightseeing, with most days packed with memorable highlights. Here’s how it unfolds and what you’ll get out of each stop.

Day 1: Cairo to Aswan by Night Train

Your adventure kicks off with a comfortable transfer from your Cairo or Giza hotel to the train station, where you’ll board a first-class seated sleeper train heading south to Aswan. This choice of overnight train is one of the tour’s most praised features; it’s cleaner and greener than flying, and the experience of traveling through Egypt’s landscape at night adds an authentic touch.

Reviewers mention the friendly guides making the transfer smooth, with one noting that the whole process was “fine” and enjoyable. The upgraded sleeper option, which costs an extra $160, provides more privacy and comfort, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or a group.

Day 2: Aswan Highlights and Nile Cruise Boarding

Upon arriving in Aswan, you’ll be greeted and transferred directly to your luxury 5-star Nile cruise. This cruise isn’t just about the comfort; it’s about experiencing Egypt in style, with facilities like a pool, gym, and full-board dining.

Your first day includes visits to iconic sites such as the Aswan High Dam, which symbolizes Egypt’s engineering prowess, and the Unfinished Obelisk, a fascinating glimpse into ancient stonework. Many reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, like Khaled, who made these sites come alive with detailed explanations.

A highlight of Day 2 is the visit to Philae Temple, accessible via a motorboat ride—a charming detail that many guests found memorable. The temple’s location on an island makes it a beautiful photo stop, and the guide’s insights elevate the experience.

Day 3: Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Mid-morning, your cruise heads towards Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the double-temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. The guide’s cart ride adds a fun, interactive element many guests enjoyed. Afterward, the cruise continues sailing towards Edfu, where the Temple of Horus awaits.

Travelers have expressed satisfaction with the timing and ease of the visits. The cruise offers free time on deck for relaxation or photos, and the guided visits are considered well-paced, allowing you to soak in the history without feeling rushed.

Day 4: Luxor Arrival and Temple Visits

As the cruise docks at Luxor, a full day of exploration begins. The West Bank features the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut, both of which are key to understanding Egypt’s royal history. Reviewers note the value of expert guides who provided meaningful context, especially at the Valley of the Kings.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Colossi of Memnon and the Karnak Temple, the largest religious site in Egypt. These sites, often bustling with visitors, are made more enriching with guided commentary. The Luxor Temple rounds out your day, beautifully illuminated in the evening, making it a captivating sight.

Day 5: Luxor’s East and West Banks, Return by Night Train

In the morning, you’ll check out of the cruise and explore the West Bank sites again—this time the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple—before heading to the East Bank to visit Karnak and Luxor Temple.

After a fulfilling day, you’ll transfer back to Luxor train station for your overnight seated train back to Cairo. Reviewers appreciated the smooth transfer process and the opportunity to see Egypt’s countryside from the train window.

Day 6: Return to Cairo and Final Transfer

Arriving in Cairo in the morning, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or directly to the airport, depending on your plans. This flexible ending makes it easy to extend your stay or catch a flight.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Value for Money
At $599 per person, this package offers a lot—accommodation on a luxury Nile cruise, guided tours, train transfers, and most meals. Reviewers frequently noted the good value for what’s included, especially compared to booking each part separately.

Authentic Experiences with Expert Guides
The guides, like Khaled, are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They bring Egypt’s history to life, making the sites more meaningful. The inclusion of motorboat rides and cart rides adds authentic touches that aren’t always available on larger packages.

Eco-conscious Travel
The decision to use night trains instead of flights is appreciated by travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying their journey. Many found this aspect refreshing and a smarter way to travel.

Full-Board Accommodation
Staying on a 5-star Nile cruise with all meals included means you don’t have to worry about food or logistics during your days of sightseeing. The cruise’s amenities also provide a comfortable retreat after busy days.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers fantastic value and authentic experiences, it’s important to plan for additional costs, such as entrance fees, which are not included. Guests should budget extra for site tickets, water, and tips.

The group size is limited to 15 travelers, fostering a friendly atmosphere and allowing guides to give personalized attention. The timing of the train transfers—overnight both ways—means you should be comfortable with night travel and early mornings.

If you’re a history buff or someone eager to see Egypt’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided sightseeing, comfortable transportation, and a balance of relaxation and exploration.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Nile cruise tour offers a well-rounded, accessible way to experience Egypt’s most famous sights. The combination of luxury accommodation, guided tours, and scenic train travel creates a memorable and practical itinerary. Many reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the good value for money, making it clear this package appeals to a broad range of travelers.

If you’re after a comfortable, organized, and authentic adventure through Egypt’s iconic sites, this tour is a solid choice. It suits history lovers, first-time visitors, or those wanting to maximize their time in Upper Egypt without the stress of independent planning.

For those prepared to budget for entrance fees and enjoy a mix of guided and free time, this experience truly delivers a snapshot of Egypt’s grandeur with the added charm of traditional train travel.

FAQ

Are entrance fees included in the tour?
No, entrance fees are at your own expense. You’ll need to budget separately for site tickets, which many guests find reasonable given the volume of sites visited.

Is the train travel comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses first-class seated trains for overnight transfers, which are generally considered cleaner and more comfortable than standard options. The upgrade to sleeper cabins is available for extra comfort.

What is the group size?
The tour limits the group to a maximum of 15 travelers, creating a more personal experience and allowing guides to provide better attention.

How much sightseeing is included?
Most major sites like Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut Temple, and Aswan highlights are included, with guides providing detailed descriptions. Entrance fees are not included, so be prepared to pay separately at each site.

What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the cruise days. On train days, you might find meals available on board or pack snacks for convenience.

Can I do the Abu Simbel visit?
Yes, small group tours for Abu Simbel are available as an optional add-on, providing a more personalized experience.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group setting and guided nature make it ideal for solo adventurers who want companionship and expert insights.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and your camera. Remember to have some cash for entrance fees and tips, as these aren’t included.

This adventure offers a practical, immersive way to explore Egypt’s treasures, combining comfort, authenticity, and eco-conscious travel. It’s best suited for those who want a guided, value-packed experience with a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and scenic travel.