Life on board, the temples along the way, and practical tips for your first Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor.
A Nile cruise is the classic way to see Upper Egypt. Your hotel moves with you, so you unpack once and wake up each morning somewhere new, with the great temples of the pharaohs just a short walk or ride from the riverbank. If you're planning your first cruise, here's what to expect.
The route: Aswan to Luxor
Most Nile cruises sail the stretch of river between Aswan and Luxor, a distance of roughly 200 kilometres. Many three-night cruises begin in Aswan and sail north to Luxor, while four-night cruises often run in the opposite direction. Either way, you see the same highlights, and the gentle pace leaves plenty of time to relax on deck between visits.
The temples along the way
In Aswan, visits usually include Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on an island reached by a short boat ride, along with the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries and the Aswan High Dam.
Sailing north, the first stop is Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus, with a small museum of mummified crocodiles nearby. Next comes Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage often takes you to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
In Luxor, you explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, and the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank.
Optional extras worth considering
From Aswan, many travelers add an early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel, the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, about three hours away by road. In Luxor, a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank gives you an unforgettable view of the temples and the river. Both start very early, and balloon flights depend on the weather.
Life on board
Five-star Nile cruise ships typically offer comfortable cabins with river views, a sun deck with loungers and a pool, a restaurant and a lounge or bar. On a full-board cruise, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, usually served as buffets, while drinks are generally extra. Many ships hold evening entertainment, such as a traditional costume party or a folkloric show.
The pace is relaxed. Sightseeing usually happens in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, leaving time in between to read on deck and watch village life and palm groves drift past along the riverbanks.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable clothing for the day and a warmer layer for evenings, especially in winter, when nights on the river can be cool. For temple visits, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful at religious sites and practical in the sun. A small bag for valuables and a refillable water bottle are useful on excursions.
Tips and practical details
Entrance fees to the temples are often not included in cruise packages, so check before you book and budget for them. Tipping is customary in Egypt for guides, drivers and cruise staff. And if you're traveling between October and April, book early, since this is the busiest cruise season. For more on timing, see our guide to the best time to visit Egypt.
Choosing your Nile cruise
If you want the river on its own, Nile Odyssey flies you from Cairo to Aswan and sails to Luxor in four days. For a complete first visit, Wonders of the Nile and Egypt's Living Heritage combine the cruise with the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Egypt's Living Heritage includes Abu Simbel. For more comfort on land, The Royal Nile pairs the cruise with a 5-star hotel in Cairo.
You can compare all our options on our Nile cruises page. Or tell us your dates and we'll design a tailor-made trip around the river.
