From Luxor: 3-Day Nile Cruise to Aswan with Balloon Ride

Traveling through Egypt by Nile cruise offers a blend of awe-inspiring ancient sites, scenic river views, and the chance to experience the luxury of a 5-star ship. This 3-day package from Luxor to Aswan combines the thrill of a hot air balloon ride with visits to iconic temples, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both adventure and comfort.

What really catches the eye about this tour is the early morning balloon ride over Luxor’s lush fields and temples, the well-organized visits to major archaeological sites, and the plush onboard experience. However, some reviews mention inconsistent guide quality and extra costs like entrance fees, so it’s good to stay aware.

If you’re someone who loves history, stunning scenery, and a taste of luxury, this trip offers a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who are comfortable with a busy schedule, early mornings, and want a mix of guided tours and relaxing moments on the river.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The hot air balloon provides breathtaking perspectives over Luxor’s temples and fertile fields.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides make the ancient sites come alive with fascinating stories and context.
• Luxury Experience: The cruise ship is described as very comfortable, with clean cabins and good food.
• Sightseeing Variety: Visit major sites like Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Abu Simbel, with some reviews highlighting the smooth organization.
• Value for Money: The tour includes all transfers, accommodation, and the balloon ride, making it a convenient package.
• Some Variability: Guide quality and the inclusion of entrance fees can vary, so managing expectations is wise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and What to Expect

Day 1: The Magical Dawn Balloon Ride and Luxor’s Ancient Treasures

The adventure kicks off very early—around 4:00 AM—when your private Egyptologist and driver pick you up from your Luxor accommodation. The highlight of this morning is the VIP hot air balloon ride. While this sounds like a cliché, the reviews confirm it’s genuinely spectacular. Travelers mention being captivated by the “beauty of Luxor from a dreamy view”, which makes the early wake-up feel worthwhile.

Following the balloon, your guide will take you to explore the West Bank, starting with the Valley of the Kings. This site is often described as a site of awe, with its inscriptions and chambers revealing stories of pharaohs long gone. One reviewer noted how it looks like a “rocky gorge from the outside,” but inside, it’s full of “gold and charm underneath.” Be prepared for the typical crowds and the need to pay entrance fees, which aren’t included in the package.

Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut offers a glimpse into the story of Egypt’s only female pharaoh, with inscriptions recounting her birth and trade expeditions. The final stop on this side of the river is the Colossi of Memnon, where travelers love capturing fun photos and enjoying the impressive scale.

Crossing to the East Bank, you’ll visit the Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex built over 1500 years that showcases Egypt’s architectural ambitions. Here, the experience of wandering among ancient columns and pylons is enhanced by the guide’s explanations, which many reviewers found engaging and insightful.

After a long touring day, you’ll board your luxury cruise ship—a 5-star vessel, with reviews praising its clean cabins, friendly staff, and good food. The ship begins sailing up the Nile toward Edfu, providing a relaxing, scenic journey.

Day 2: Hidden Temples and River-side Wonders

The morning begins with a visit to Edfu’s Horus Temple, renowned as a “hidden gem”. Reviewers mention that it represents a “lost art” of Egyptian civilization, and it’s a quieter, less crowded site that allows for more personal reflection.

Later, the cruise continues to Kom Ombo, where your guide will take you to the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. The layout of the site is unique—each side of the temple has its own gateways and chapels—making it a fascinating architectural example. The “smooth and punctual transfers” are appreciated, though some reviews note that the guide’s time management varies.

As the ship sails further, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the Nile views, which many describe as “magnificent” and “breathtaking,” giving you a true sense of Egypt’s river life.

Day 3: Abu Simbel’s Majestic Temples

The final day involves an early morning pickup for the trip to Abu Simbel, a highlight of many Nile cruises for its grandeur. The temples, dedicated to Ramses II and other gods, are said to be “the most beautiful of the temples from Pharaoh’s reign”. The trip is well worth the early rise, with travelers often commenting on the stunning architecture and the historical importance.

After exploring Abu Simbel, your driver will return you to the ship to collect your luggage, then transfer you back to your accommodation in Aswan. Many reviews emphasize feeling safe and well taken care of during this journey, even if some mention minor organizational hiccups like last-minute updates.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides a lot of value—all transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, private pickups and drop-offs, a professional guide, and a 5-star cruise with meals—all wrapped into one package. The hot air balloon ride, a major selling point, is included, which usually costs extra if booked separately.

However, entrance fees to temples are not included, so you should budget for additional costs. Travelers note that entrance fees can add up to about $100 per person over the course of the trip, which is worth considering when planning your budget.

Wi-Fi is available but reportedly unreliable, and some reviews mention that meals on the cruise lack variety and flavor. Still, most find the comfort and views outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Authentic Experiences and Tips from Reviewers

Many travelers highlight the guides’ knowledge, especially praising Mr. Gabriel Kaddes, who is described as “very knowledgeable about Egypt’s history” and polite throughout the tour. Conversely, some reviews mention inconsistent guide quality, with a few guides being less engaging or punctual.

The early mornings are a common theme—be prepared for dawn starts, especially for the balloon ride and Abu Simbel trip. The scenery from the balloon is described as “beautiful,” offering a unique perspective of Luxor and its surrounding farmland.

Food on the cruise gets mixed reviews—some praise it as delicious and plentiful, while others find it lacking variety or flavor. The beds and cabins, however, seem to be consistently comfortable, making for a restful stay after long days of exploration.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history buffs who want to see Egypt’s most famous sites with knowledgeable guides, all while enjoying a touch of luxury on the Nile. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with early mornings and some extra costs, like entrance fees.

If you seek a smooth, organized trip with a mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour delivers. But if you prefer more spontaneous exploration or are sensitive to guide quality fluctuations, it’s worth noting some reviews indicate variability in guide engagement.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with a hot air balloon ride, offers a fantastic combination of stunning scenery, iconic temples, and luxurious comfort. You’ll love the breathtaking views from the balloon, the chance to walk through ancient monuments with expert guides, and unwinding on a high-end cruise ship.

While some reviews point out inconsistencies—such as variable guide quality and additional costs for entrance fees—the overall value remains strong, especially given the comprehensive itinerary and the comfort offered. It’s best suited for travelers who want an immersive, well-organized Egypt experience without sacrificing the luxury of a 5-star cruise.

If you enjoy historical sites, scenic river views, and early morning adventures, this trip could be the highlight of your Egyptian journey, blending cultural discovery with relaxing luxury.

FAQ

Are transfers included in the tour?
Yes, all transfers are included in an air-conditioned vehicle, with private pickup and drop-off.

What guides will I have during the tour?
You’ll have a professional English-speaking guide, with options for guides in Spanish, German, or French (additional cost). Guides are generally knowledgeable, but experiences can vary.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to temples are not included. Reviewers suggest budgeting around $100 for these additional costs.

Is the hot air balloon ride worth it?
Most travelers find the balloon ride to be a highlight, offering beautiful views and a memorable start to the trip.

What’s the condition of the cruise ship?
The cruise is described as very comfortable, with clean cabins, friendly staff, and good food. Some mention that meals lack variety.

How early do I need to wake up?
Expect early starts—around 4:00 AM for the balloon and Abu Simbel visits—so be prepared for an energetic schedule.

Can I customize this tour?
While the package is set, some reviews indicate variability in guide quality and organization, so it’s good to communicate your preferences or expectations upfront.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear sense of what to expect and how to prepare for a memorable Nile adventure blending history, scenery, and luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here: