5-Day Nile Cruise from Luxor To Aswan, Abu Simbel and Air Balloon

Exploring the Nile: A 5-Day Luxor to Aswan Cruise Experience

This review takes a close look at a highly-rated 5-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with visits to Abu Simbel and a memorable hot air balloon ride. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-organized, immersive Egyptian adventure.

What we love most? The expertly guided tours, the stunning views from the hot air balloon, and the thoughtful touches like onboard meals and group excursions to Abu Simbel.

A consideration: The price of $750 per person offers great value, but travelers should be aware that entrance fees to sites, drinks, and optional activities like Nubian village visits are at their own expense.

Who will this suit? History buffs, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation on the Nile.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers major sites from Luxor to Aswan with expert guides.
• Incredible views: The hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s ancient monuments is a highlight.
• All-inclusive feel: Accommodation, transfers, and most meals are included for a seamless experience.
• Authentic encounters: Visits to iconic landmarks like Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and Philae Temple.
• Value for money: At $750, it’s a competitively priced way to see many of Egypt’s top sights.
• Excellent guides: Reviewers rave about knowledgeable guides like Ahmed, who make the trip memorable.

The Experience: What to Expect on This Nile Cruise Adventure

Luxor: The Gateway to Ancient Egypt

Your journey begins in Luxor, where you’ll be greeted at the airport, railway station, or hotel by a knowledgeable guide. The seamless transfer to your 5-star Nile cruise sets the tone for a luxurious adventure. The ship itself earns praise for its comfort, clean spaces, and friendly crew, making it a perfect floating hotel for your trip.

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy your first meal and prepare for a visit to Karnak Temple, the largest religious site ever built. Covering 63 acres, Karnak’s columns, obelisks, and statues provide a jaw-dropping introduction to Egypt’s grandeur. Although entrance fees aren’t included, the guided explanations help you appreciate the scale and significance of this site.

Next, you’ll visit Luxor Temple, a fascinating blend of Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic architecture. Reviewers love the obelisk and statues, and one reviewer mentioned how the guide was great at pointing out details overlooked by many visitors. Returning to your cruise, you’ll enjoy dinner onboard, with plenty of time to relax and prepare for the early start the next day.

Day 2: The West Bank Wonders and a Sunrise Balloon Ride

The early morning hot air balloon ride offers a chance for breathtaking views of Luxor’s West Bank as the sun peeks over the horizon. Reviewers describe this experience as “exciting,” with a flight lasting about 30-45 minutes, providing panoramic vistas of temples, mountains, and the Nile.

Following the balloon, you’ll explore Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun are carved into the mountains. One reviewer noted how their guide Omar made the experience extra special with detailed explanations and a friendly manner, making even the most complex tomb decorations accessible.

Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut impresses visitors with its striking terraces and statues. A quick stop at the giant Memnon statues caps off the West Bank visits before you head back to your cruise for lunch.

As you sail downstream, you’ll cross Esna Lock and overnight in Edfu, soaking in the Nile’s tranquil scenery.

Day 3: From Edfu to Kom Ombo

Your day begins with a carriage ride to Horus Temple at Edfu, renowned for its preservation and completeness. The guided visit reveals intricate hieroglyphs and well-preserved reliefs, making it a favorite among history lovers. Reviewers often mention how the guide’s explanations brought the site to life.

In the afternoon, a stop at Kom Ombo introduces a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The unusual dual purpose of the temple fascinates visitors, and many praise the knowledgeable guides for explaining its significance. Returning to the boat, you’ll enjoy dinner and lively entertainment—many reviews highlight the cruise staff’s folkloric party and warm atmosphere.

You’ll spend the night sailing toward Aswan, with deck views offering ongoing Nile scenery.

Day 4: Abu Simbel – A Highlight Not to Miss

Waking up early, you’ll head out for the Abu Simbel trip—an absolute highlight of this tour. The massive rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, are unforgettable. Reviewers describe the visit as “impressive” and “well-organized,” especially with a knowledgeable guide to navigate the crowds and tell stories behind the carvings.

After returning around mid-afternoon for lunch onboard, the rest of the day is free to explore the vibrant Nubian Village (optional), or enjoy the cruise’s amenities. The Nubian show during dinner adds a lively cultural touch, praised by many for its authenticity and entertainment value.

Day 5: Aswan’s Highlights and Departure

Your last day features visits to the Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering with fascinating stories about its construction and impact. Then, the Temple of Philae, dedicated to goddess Isis, is accessible via a scenic motorboat ride, giving you a taste of Egypt’s mythic past.

After these visits, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, airport, or train station, wrapping up a trip filled with unforgettable sights and insights.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides: Reviewers repeatedly mention guides like Ahmed and Omar, who bring history to life with their in-depth knowledge, humor, and friendly attitudes. Their insider tips—such as how to beat the crowds or where to find the best views—are invaluable.

Stunning Scenery & Unique Experiences: The combination of aerial views during the hot air balloon and close-up encounters at temples provides a memorable blend of adventure and awe. Travelers describe the balloon ride as “absolutely worth it,” and the views over Luxor’s monuments are often called “breathtaking.”

Delicious Onboard Meals & Cultural Entertainment: The cruise’s culinary offerings are praised for their quality and variety. The folkloric party and Nubian show add lively, authentic touches that make the evenings special.

Seamless Organization & Value: With round-trip transfers, all accommodations, most meals, and guided tours included, the $750 price tag offers good value, especially considering the extensive itinerary. Some reviewers appreciated the small group size (max 20 travelers), which enhances the personalized experience.

Attention to Detail & Comfort: From spacious cabins to attentive staff, many guests felt well-cared-for, and the included extras like hot air ballooning and Abu Simbel trips elevate the overall experience.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Entrance fees are not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly for sites like Karnak, Luxor Temple, and Abu Simbel.
• Drinks and water onboard are at your own expense, so consider bringing some bottled water or purchasing drinks during excursions.
• The hot air balloon ride is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll receive a partial refund ($30 USD per adult).
• The Abu Simbel trip is also subject to weather conditions, with a similar refund policy if canceled.
• The group size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate but requires early booking.
• If you’re staying on the west bank of Luxor or Aswan, extra charges (about $10 USD per person) apply for pickups or drop-offs.
• Child policy: children under 6 cannot participate in the balloon ride but can enjoy the trip in photos.
• Best time to go: Most travelers find the experience enjoyable year-round, but check weather conditions especially for ballooning.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan offers a well-rounded, culturally immersive adventure for travelers eager to explore Egypt’s most iconic sites. From the grandeur of Karnak and Luxor Temples to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel and the thrill of hot air ballooning, every element is designed to deliver memorable moments.

If you value expert guides, scenic travel, and seamless logistics, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for history lovers, adventure enthusiasts, or those seeking a relaxing yet enriching Nile experience.

While the price is reasonable considering the inclusions, keep in mind that additional expenses for site fees and drinks can add up. Still, many review snippets emphasize the overall value and quality of the trip, especially thanks to the guides and onboard amenities.

For those who want a detailed, authentic, and fun-filled exploration of Egypt’s most famous landmarks, this cruise promises an experience filled with discovery, comfort, and a fair dose of adventure.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel to the cruise ship is included, and pickup from Luxor west bank hotels is available for an extra $10 USD per person.

Are entrance fees to the sites included?
No, entrance fees are not included. You’ll need to budget for visits to places like Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel separately.

What is the hot air balloon ride like?
It’s a 30-45 minute flight over Luxor’s monuments just after dawn, offering spectacular aerial views. If canceled due to weather, you’ll get a partial refund.

Can children join the hot air balloon?
Children under 6 are not allowed to participate in the balloon ride but can take photos with their phones.

How many travelers are on this tour?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, which helps create a more personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
Accommodation on a 5-star cruise, all transfers, most meals, and guided tours are included. Drinks, site entrance fees, and optional activities like Nubian village visits are extra.

Is the tour flexible for early or late arrivals?
Yes, if arriving early to Luxor, the guide may start sightseeing immediately to optimize your time, avoiding long waits.

What clothing should I bring?
Light, breathable clothing for daytime, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and possibly a light jacket for early mornings or evenings.

What if my trip gets canceled due to weather?
Both hot air balloon and Abu Simbel excursions are weather-dependent. Cancellations due to weather will result in partial or full refunds.

How do reviews describe the guides?
Guides like Ahmed and Omar are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness, often making the difference between a good and an unforgettable trip.

This Nile cruise covers everything you need for an immersive, well-organized Egyptian adventure. Whether you’re captivated by ancient temples or eager to soar above them, this tour offers a compelling blend of history, scenery, and culture.