Amazing 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel&Hot Air Balloon

Choosing a Nile River cruise can feel like navigating a sea of options, each promising history, luxury, or adventure. This particular 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, offered by Here Egypt Tours, claims to blend comfort with cultural highlights—covering key sites like Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, and Edfu’s Horus Temple, topped with a hot air balloon flight.

Our review is based on a broad collection of traveler feedback and detailed itinerary insights, so you can get a clear picture of what this experience really entails. What we love? The knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking views, and the value for money. What to consider? The tours can be quite packed and sometimes rushed, especially at Abu Simbel. Still, this tour is perfect for those eager to see Egypt’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

This experience suits travelers who want a structured, all-inclusive journey with guided insights, scenic river views, and iconic landmarks—ideal for first-timers or history lovers short on time.

Comfortable 5-star cruise with all meals included offers convenience and a relaxing atmosphere.
Expert Egyptologist guides ensure you get meaningful insights into each site.
Visits to major temples and tombs like Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak are well-organized but may feel rushed.
Unique experiences like hot air balloon rides and horse-drawn carriage tours set this apart.
Door-to-door transfers from hotels and airports simplify your journey.
Some reviews mention minor issues with WiFi and breakfast, but overall, the value remains high.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Arrival in Aswan and Introduction

Your journey begins with a hotel or airport pickup in Aswan, where you’re transferred in an air-conditioned van to your luxury Nile cruise. Many travelers, like Jakob S, appreciated the smooth coordination right from the start, with helpful contacts from the tour staff. Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in views of the Nile.

A key highlight here is the visit to Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering built in 1960 to control the Nile’s flooding and generate electricity. Although the dam tour isn’t included in the ticket price, it’s often a quick stop that offers insight into Egypt’s ongoing battle with nature and development.

Next, the Temple of Philae awaits — accessible by a short motorboat ride, it’s dedicated to goddess Isis. Travelers often comment on how atmospheric this site is, especially with its Graeco-Roman architecture amid river surroundings. Afterward, guests enjoy dinner, folkloric shows, and an overnight stay on board, setting the tone for the cultural richness ahead.

Day 2: Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo

This day kicks off early—around 4:30 am pickup for the trip to Abu Simbel. The journey is long (about 4 hours each way), but many reviewers like Vishal S appreciated the experience, calling it “one of the most impressive in Egypt.” The rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II are truly a sight to see, especially with their grandeur carved into solid rock.

The tour typically spends about 2 hours exploring Abu Simbel, giving enough time to appreciate its scale and details. Some reviews mention that the time at Abu Simbel can feel rushed, with only about 2 hours allocated and a 6-hour total drive, but most agree it’s worth the effort. If weather cancels the trip, a refund of around $30 USD is often offered, and travelers like Hichem Y mentioned that the experience was still positive despite cancellations.

Back on the cruise, you’ll enjoy sailing toward Kom Ombo, passing stunning scenery along the Nile. The dual temple of Sobek and Horus in Kom Ombo is fascinating, especially because it’s dedicated to two gods, making it unique. Visitors note that the guide’s explanations make the history come alive, with many comments praising guides like Walid and Zakaria for their attentiveness.

Day 3: Edfu and Luxor

The morning begins with a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Horus at Edfu — often cited as the most complete and well-preserved temple in Egypt. Reviewers like Katie and Beatriz M love this part for its authenticity and grandeur. The guided tour offers insights into how this temple was built over 2000 years and how it reflects the spiritual life of ancient Egypt.

Relaxing on deck during sailing, you’ll cross Esna Lock, a characteristic feature of Nile navigation. The lunch on board and afternoon tea make for pleasant moments with scenic views, as many travelers enjoy the peaceful cruise atmosphere.

Late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Luxor and visit the Luxor Temple, a complex where Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic architecture blend. If your schedule allows, you might also visit Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious sites ever built, famous for its massive pillars and obelisks. Reviewers like Alba S mention that guides Zakaria and Walid excelled in explaining the significance of each monument.

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon, Valley of the Kings, and Departure

The highlight of this final day is the hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. Waking up early (around 5 am), you’ll soar over the Nile and witness the sunrise lighting up the Valley of the Kings, with its famous tombs carved into the mountains. Many describe this as “an unforgettable experience,” despite some reviews noting cancellations due to weather—so flexibility is key.

After the balloon, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, home to tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun. The guided tour usually lasts about 2 hours, with travelers like Lisa W mentioning that the limited time makes visits feel rushed. Then, a stop at Hatshepsut’s Temple introduces you to the story of Egypt’s most famous female ruler, with a scenic photo stop in front of giant statues of Memnon.

The day wraps up with a visit to the Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex built over centuries, filled with massive columns and intricate hieroglyphs. You’ll then transfer to Luxor station or airport for your departure.

The Experience: What We Love and What to Watch Out For

Strengths

Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviews emphasize the quality of guides like Tarek Ibrahim, Walid, Zakaria, and Hamdy. They’re praised for their friendliness, depth of knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged. One review specifically mentions that guide Muhammad made sure everyone learned about every temple, even while rushing through sites.

Stunning Views and Unique Experiences: The hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank is a standout—best enjoyed at sunrise, with breathtaking panoramic views. Several travelers describe it as “an experience of a lifetime,” even if weather sometimes causes cancellations (which are refunded). The scenic sailing along the Nile, passing lush banks and historic sites, also gets high marks.

Good Value for Money: At around $492 USD per person, this tour offers a lot—luxury accommodation, all meals, guided tours, and special activities like Abu Simbel and hot air ballooning. Many guests feel the price is justified given the convenience and comprehensiveness, though some mention optional entrance fees and tips add to costs.

Authentic Cultural Touches: The included folkloric shows, belly dancing, and horse-drawn carriage rides add flavor to the experience, making it more than just temple-hopping.

Considerations

Rushed Sightseeing: Some reviews express that temple visits are brief—often only an hour or so—leading to a sense of rushing through Egypt’s treasures. Particularly at Abu Simbel, the drive time is lengthy, making the overall day quite full.

Limited Free Time on the Last Day: The early morning balloon and packed schedule might leave you with little downtime, especially if you want to explore more or relax.

Variable Cruise Quality: Not all ships are new or modern; some reviews mention the older but clean and comfortable boat, with a few noting the breakfast leaves something to be desired.

Additional Costs: Entrance fees, tips, WiFi, and drinks are extra. This is typical for Egypt tours, but budgeting for these extras is wise.

Real-Life Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers highlight the expert guidance from tour guides like Mr. Mahmood Shakour and Hamdy — their explanations made the sites more meaningful. Several note the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere on board, creating a relaxed yet engaging environment.

Others mention that timing can be tight — for example, waking at 4 am to catch a balloon or Abu Simbel trip, leading to some feeling that they didn’t have enough time at each destination. Still, most agree that the experience was worth the effort.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in advance (average 54 days ahead) is recommended to secure your spot, especially for popular activities like hot air ballooning.
• The tour includes door-to-door transfers, which makes logistics easier, but note that extra charges apply if you want pickups or drop-offs at west bank hotels.
• All meals are covered, but reviews mention that breakfast can be hit-or-miss, so consider packing snacks if you’re a breakfast aficionado.
• Tips for guides and staff are not included, so bring some extra cash.
• The number of travelers is limited to 15, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• If you want a single room, expect an additional fee; sharing is common and often comfortable.
• Weather conditions may affect activities like Abu Simbel and the balloon ride, so flexibility and patience help.

Why Choose This Tour?

This cruise offers an excellent mix of luxury, guided insight, and iconic sites, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors eager to tick off major landmarks in comfort. The inclusion of rare experiences like a hot air balloon ride adds a memorable touch, perfect for those looking to elevate their Egypt trip.

Travelers who appreciate well-organized group tours, authentic cultural performances, and scenic river views will find this package well worth it. If you’re budget-conscious but still want a comprehensive experience, the value proposition remains attractive, especially considering the all-inclusive nature.

However, if you crave more flexibility or have a tight schedule, be prepared for some tight timings and busy days. The tour is designed to maximize your sightseeing in a limited timeframe, so packing your patience and curiosity is essential.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the price?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, with options for west bank hotels at extra costs ($10 USD per person).

Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered during the cruise.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
Highlights include Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple, and Kom Ombo Temple.

Can I cancel for free?
Yes, cancellations are free if done at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds processed.

What activities are optional?
Entrance fees to temples, drinks onboard, WiFi, and tips are not included, and some activities like the hot air balloon or Abu Simbel trip may be canceled due to weather.

How long is the Abu Simbel tour?
It involves about 4 hours of travel each way, with 2 hours on-site, making it a long but rewarding day.

Is the cruise ship modern?
Not necessarily; reviews mention that ships can be older but well-maintained and clean.

What about the hot air balloon ride?
It’s a highlight, offering stunning aerial views, but weather-dependent. Usually early morning, with a refund policy if canceled.

Are guides experienced?
Yes, multiple reviews praise guides like Tarek Ibrahim, Walid, Zakaria, and Hamdy for their professionalism and knowledge.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children from 6 to 11 can participate, but pregnant women are advised against hot air balloon rides.

This Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor offers a rich, guided experience ideal for travelers eager to soak up Egypt’s history without the hassle of planning every detail. The combination of scenic sailing, expert guides, and unique activities like Abu Simbel and hot air ballooning makes it a compelling choice.

While it can be fast-paced and sometimes rushed, the overall value, comfort, and authenticity shine through. Perfect for first-timers or those wanting a comprehensive, stress-free journey through Egypt’s most iconic sites, this tour makes Egypt’s history accessible and fun—making every mile of the Nile worth it.