3 Nights Cruise Luxor to Aswan including Air Balloon, Nubian Village&Abu Simbel

Traveling through Egypt’s Nile River on a luxury cruise offers an unmatched way to connect with its ancient past while enjoying modern comforts. This 4-day Luxor to Aswan tour promises a blend of history, culture, and adventure, all wrapped into an elegant 5-star voyage. From soaring over Luxor in a hot air balloon to wandering through astonishing temples, this experience is tailored for those eager to see the highlights with a touch of luxury and local flavor.

What really draws us in are three standout features: the breathtaking balloon ride at sunrise, the chance to visit Abu Simbel, and the warm, welcoming Nubian village on Soheil Island. The cruise’s full board basis means you’re well-cared-for, with plenty of entertainment and cultural excursions packed into four days. That said, entrance fees aren’t included, so expect some additional costs for sights like Karnak and Valley of the Kings. This tour is perfect for history lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers who want a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and relaxing downtime.

A potential consideration is the early start on the last day for Abu Simbel — if you’re not a morning person or have tight travel plans afterward, plan accordingly. This tour suits those who enjoy immersive cultural experiences, comfortable accommodations, and a well-organized itinerary that hits Egypt’s major highlights in style.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines iconic temples, a hot air balloon ride, and a visit to Abu Simbel.
• Luxury and Comfort: 5-star Nile cruise with full board meals, evening entertainment, and modern amenities.
• Authentic Encounters: Includes a visit to a Nubian village for a glimpse into local life.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable Egyptology guides enhance understanding and context.
• Early Starts: Expect an early departure for Abu Simbel, around 4:30 am.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees and optional extras are separate, so budget accordingly.

Exploring the Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise: A Deep Dive

The Overall Experience

This cruise offers a well-rounded way to explore Egypt’s Upper Nile valley. The ship’s luxurious 5-star setting provides a comfortable base for daily excursions, with full board meals keeping you energized. The organized transfers, guided tours, and included activities make the experience smooth and enjoyable, especially if you prefer to avoid the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

The real charm is in the combination of awe-inspiring monuments, vibrant local culture, and scenic Nile vistas. With a maximum group size of 20, you get a more intimate experience, allowing guides to offer personalized insights and attention.

What You’ll Love About the Itinerary

Day 1 kicks off with a visit to Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex built over 2000 years, where you’ll marvel at colossal columns, sphinxes, and ancient inscriptions. Following that, the Luxor Temple provides a more compact but equally impressive glimpse into Egypt’s religious history, with its well-preserved obelisk and statues.

Day 2 is all about the West Bank’s legendary sites. The hot air balloon ride at dawn is a highlight — flying over Luxor’s archaeological treasures as the sunrise paints the sky offers a perspective few get to experience. The Valley of the Kings reveals the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun, while the Hatshepsut Temple tells the story of one of Egypt’s most powerful queens. The Colossi of Memnon provide a perfect photo-op to wrap up the morning.

Day 3 dives into the gods and mythologies of Egypt. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is renowned as the most complete temple surviving from ancient Egypt, with impressive hieroglyphs and well-preserved statues. Later, in Kom Ombo, you can explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus. Evening entertainment on the cruise adds a lively touch to the trip, with performances like belly dancing and Nubian shows.

Day 4 begins ridiculously early for the Abu Simbel excursion, but it’s worth the effort. These massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II are among Egypt’s most iconic sites, showcasing incredible engineering and artistry. Afterward, a boat ride to Philae Temple and a visit to a Nubian village on Soheil Island give you a glimpse into contemporary Nubian life, contrasting with the ancient monuments.

The Transport and Comfort

The A/C coach transfers to and from the cruise, along with the internal boat rides and small group sizes, make logistics straightforward. The cruise itself features full amenities, with plenty of space to relax, enjoy evening shows, and savor delicious meals. The inclusion of a 30 to 40-minute hot air balloon ride adds a special touch — you’ll love the views and the thrill of floating over Luxor’s monuments at sunrise.

Cost and Value

At $800 per person, this tour provides great value considering the all-inclusive accommodations, guided tours, and unique experiences like the balloon flight. However, be aware that entrance fees to temples and sites are extra, so budgeting for those is wise. The tour’s full package, including meals, transfers, and entertainment, makes for a hassle-free journey through Egypt’s highlights.

Authenticity and Guides

Guests consistently mention knowledgeable guides who are passionate and eager to share stories, which significantly enhances the experience. For instance, one reviewer highlighted their guide’s ability to answer questions promptly, making the trip more engaging. The guides often share personal insights and historical anecdotes that bring the sites to life, which is a major advantage.

The Early Start for Abu Simbel

The 4:30 am departure for Abu Simbel can be challenging but is necessary to beat the heat and crowds. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, but the awe of seeing Ramses II’s colossal monuments in the early morning light is worth getting up early. The group sharing arrangement keeps costs reasonable, and the scenery en route is quite scenic.

Entertainment and Cultural Touches

Evenings aboard the cruise are lively, with belly dancing shows, Nubian performances, and themed parties like the galabiya night. These add a fun, local flavor to the trip, making evenings a highlight for many travelers.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash for entrance fees and optional purchases, as most sites require cards or cash.
• Early mornings are a common feature — pack a jacket for the balloon ride and early start.
• Optional transfers are available for an extra $10 USD per person to and from Luxor west bank hotels or Aswan west bank hotels.
• Child policies mean children from 5-11 sharing with adults are considered full-price, and under-6s are typically not allowed on the balloon.
• You might consider booking a single room if traveling solo or in a group of three, as shared rooms are standard.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This itinerary is ideal if you want a comprehensive, well-organized tour that combines major historical sites with authentic cultural experiences. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want an overview without the hassle of planning every detail. History buffs and adventure seekers will especially appreciate the hot air balloon ride and the chance to explore Abu Simbel.

Travelers who value luxury and comfort will find the cruise’s facilities and entertainment offerings satisfying. However, those looking for a completely independent or budget-oriented adventure might find the additional costs for entrance fees and optional services a bit surprising.

Final Thoughts

This Luxor to Aswan cruise packs a lot into four days, offering a blend of historical grandeur, culture, and scenic relaxation. The expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unique excursions like the hot air balloon and Nubian village make it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to experience Egypt’s highlights in style.

While early mornings and extra costs for entrance fees are worth considering, the overall value, authenticity, and memorable moments make this tour a compelling way to explore Egypt’s Nile Valley. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s incredible history and vibrant culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off services, with optional transfers for an extra $10 USD per person to and from Luxor west bank hotels or Aswan west bank hotels.

What is the price for this tour?
The cost is $800 per person, which covers 3 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise, all transfers, guided excursions, and meals.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to temples and sites are not included. Travelers should budget for these additional costs, which are payable by card or cash.

What activities are included?
Highlights include a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, visits to Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and a Nubian village visit.

When does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with check-in on Day 1 before noon and ends in Aswan around 6 pm on Day 4. Early departure for Abu Simbel is scheduled for around 4:30 am.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children from 5 to 11 sharing with adults are considered full-price. Under 6s are typically not allowed on the balloon ride.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera (note that cameras are not allowed on the balloon). Cash for entrance fees and optional expenses is recommended.

Is WiFi available on the cruise?
WiFi is not included, and availability may vary on the cruise.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 20 travelers ensures a more personalized experience with guides.

Can I customize the experience?
Additional language options are available at extra cost. Private rooms can be booked for solo travelers or groups wanting more privacy.

This tour offers a richly layered experience grounded in Egypt’s timeless allure, perfect for those seeking both adventure and comfort along the Nile.