Luxor: All-Inclusive 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan & Balloon

Luxor: All-Inclusive 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan & Balloon offers travelers a chance to explore Egypt’s iconic sites while enjoying the comfort of a 5-star cruise. This package combines guided tours, cultural sights, and adventure with a hot air balloon flight, making it a compelling option for those seeking a mix of history and scenic beauty.

While the itinerary is packed with must-see locations like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel, some travelers have noted that the cruise ship’s quality might not always match its five-star claim. Nonetheless, for anyone eager to see Egypt from the Nile while relaxing on a well-organized tour, this experience offers a lot for the price.

Three things we particularly like about this experience are the included all-day guided tours, the hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and the convenience of full-board accommodation on a cruise ship. The seamless transportation and all entrance fees included mean you won’t have to worry about extra costs or logistics.

However, a potential consideration is that the quality of the cruise ship and onboard food may not always meet the “luxury” label, according to some reviews. This tour is best suited for travelers who value guided sightseeing and iconic sites over lavish ship amenities.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package covers tours, entrance fees, and transportation, simplifying your trip.
• The hot air balloon ride offers a unique perspective of Luxor’s monuments, but children under 6 cannot participate.
• Guided tours are led by professional English-speaking guides, enriching your understanding of the sites.
• The itinerary includes major sights like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel.
• Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and stunning views from the balloon, despite some concerns about ship quality.
• The trip is flexible with dietary needs and provides options to book with pay later or cancel easily.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Luxor’s East Bank and Temples

Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Luxor, a city that feels like an open-air museum. The first stop is the Karnak Temple, the largest religious site in Egypt, dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It’s a sprawling complex of pylons, obelisks, and sacred lakes, each stone whispering stories of ancient worship. Visitors often mention the impressive size and detail, making it a highlight for history buffs and architecture fans alike.

Next, the group heads to Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II. This temple’s imposing entrance and the avenue of sphinxes leading to it are breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon light. The guides, such as the reviewer from GetYourGuide, are praised for their knowledge, helping to shed light on these ancient marvels.

A relaxing felucca ride on the Nile follows, giving an authentic Egyptian experience. Many travelers enjoy this peaceful boat trip, sipping traditional tea while watching the river’s gentle flow and the city’s skyline. The inclusion of this cruise adds authentic charm to the day, plus it’s a great way to unwind after walking through the bustling temple complexes.

Day 2: Soaring Over Luxor and Exploring the West Bank

The morning starts with a hot air balloon ride, which is often described as the tour’s standout activity. Flying over Luxor at over 1,500 feet, you’ll get sweeping views of the Nile, ancient tombs, and sprawling temples. The experience is generally well-received, with travelers describing it as “unforgettable” and “breathtaking.” It’s a photo opportunity that truly captures the vastness of Egypt’s landscape.

Post-flight, the tour heads to the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs like Ramesses III and Ramesses VI. The sites are steeped in history, and guides typically point out hieroglyphs and architecture that tell stories of a bygone era. Reviewers note that the guides are very knowledgeable, which makes the experience more engaging.

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon are next, each adding layers to your understanding of Egypt’s royal and religious life. The temple’s terraced structure offers a contrast to the underground tombs, and the colossal statues provide great photo ops.

Day 3: Temples and Cruising Down the Nile

A morning transfer by horse-drawn carriage to Edfu introduces you to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples — the Temple of Horus. This sandstone monument stands impressive, with intricate carvings and massive pylons. Guides often highlight its significance as a religious center, and the well-preserved state makes it a favorite among visitors.

Back on the cruise, a buffet lunch fuels your journey as the boat sails to Kom Ombo. This unique temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The twin layout and hieroglyphic decorations fascinate many, providing a glimpse into Egypt’s religious diversity.

Evenings onboard are relaxed, with dinner and free time. The cruise offers a scenic way to see the Nile’s changing landscape, but some reviews mention that the ship’s quality may not fully match luxurious expectations. Travelers suggest that the ship’s amenities and food might disappoint if you’re expecting a true five-star experience.

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Day 4: Visiting Abu Simbel and Ending the Trip

The final highlight is the Abu Simbel Temples, built by Ramesses II. These colossal rock-cut temples are extraordinary, carved into the mountainside and relocated in their entirety to avoid flooding. Guides are generally praised for providing insightful commentary on their history and engineering marvels.

After visiting Abu Simbel, you’re dropped off at your chosen location in Aswan, whether the train station or airport. The extra fee for transfers makes sense given the remote location of Abu Simbel, but the effort is worth it for the sight of these iconic monuments.

What To Know Before Booking

• Children under 6 cannot participate in the hot air balloon ride, a common restriction due to safety rules.
• The tour includes full board accommodation, so you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard, but note that drinks are not included.
• If you prefer a single room, separate bookings are necessary, as the package may not automatically include this.
• The guides are available in multiple languages including Arabic, English, French, German, and Spanish (at an extra cost).
• Travelers can reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility in planning.
• Cancellation is straightforward — free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Despite the overall positive outlook, some reviews point out issues worth considering. One traveler from GetYourGuide mentioned that although activities like the balloon ride and temple visits were great, the quality of the cruise ship and food did not quite live up to the “5-star” label. They suggest that the ship might be more mid-range than luxury, which could influence expectations.

Another reviewer appreciated the knowledge of the guides, noting the expert commentary helped bring the sites to life. They also loved the stunning aerial views from the balloon, describing it as “a must-do” for first-timers.

The inclusion of all entrance fees and transportation makes this a hassle-free option, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying each site without stressing over additional costs. The guided tours are a key feature, especially for those who want context and history explained rather than just sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see Egypt’s most famous monuments with guided insight. It suits travelers who appreciate convenience — everything from transportation to entrance fees is taken care of, which simplifies travel logistics.

It’s also a good choice for adventure lovers wanting a memorable hot air balloon experience combined with scenic cruising. However, those expecting a luxurious cruise ship with gourmet dining** may want to temper expectations based on some reviews.

If you’re traveling with kids under 6, note that the balloon ride is off-limits, but younger travelers can still enjoy the temples and cruise experience. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy is a bonus for planners wary of pre-paying too early.

Final Thoughts

This Nile cruise offering balances sightseeing, culture, and adventure in one package. The inclusion of a hot air balloon ride adds a special touch that most visitors find memorable, and the guided tours ensure you get rich context from knowledgeable guides.

While some aspects of the cruise ship and onboard amenities might not meet five-star standards, the overall value, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary and all fees included, makes this a compelling choice for most travelers. It’s well-suited for those looking to tick Egypt’s major sites off their list without the hassle of organizing each part independently.

If you’re after a blend of iconic sights, scenic flight, and guided comfort, this tour offers an enjoyable journey through Egypt’s treasures with a few caveats regarding ship quality.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 years old cannot participate in the hot air balloon ride, but they can enjoy the temple visits and cruise activities.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers accommodation on a 5-star cruise ship (with upgrade options), all tours, entrance fees, transportation, and the hot air balloon ride, plus traditional felucca ride and Egyptian tea.

Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes, vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets can be arranged, ensuring everyone’s preferences are respected.

Can I book a single room?
Yes, but separate bookings are needed for individual single rooms, as this is not automatically included in the package.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides in Spanish, French, and German are available at an additional cost.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers mention the hot air balloon ride and the guided tours of Egypt’s top temples and tombs as the most memorable parts.

Is the cruise ship really five-star?
Reviews suggest that the ship might not fully meet five-star expectations regarding food and comfort, so keep your expectations balanced.

This Nile cruise package offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Egypt’s most famous sites with guided expertise and scenic flights. Despite some minor concerns about ship quality, its value and variety make it a worthwhile adventure for many travelers craving a mix of history, culture, and spectacular views.

You can check availability for your dates here: