3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel
Overview
3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel on day 2. A private Egyptologist guide and entrance fees are included. Check availability.
Last updated: 26 October 2026
Travel Joy Egypt's 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel covers Upper Egypt's major temples in 4 days, with a private Egyptologist guide throughout. The Abu Simbel excursion on day 2 is included in the price. If you are still choosing, compare our Nile cruises in other lengths and directions.
Key Takeaways
Before you book, check these 5 points:
- Included: entrance fees, a private Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned transport and 3 nights in a cabin on a 5-star Nile cruise ship.
- Meals: breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4 are not included, so plan those yourself.
- Not included: drinks, laundry, souvenirs, optional tours and tips for guides, drivers and cruise staff.
- Not in the itinerary: a hot-air balloon flight or a Nubian village visit.
- Last day: you finish in Luxor, with a transfer to your hotel or the airport.
3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Day by Day
Day 1 starts in Aswan, day 4 ends in Luxor, and you spend 3 nights on board. The table lists the main stops, meals and overnight stay for each day.
| Day | Main stops | Meals | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae | Lunch, dinner | On board |
| Day 2 | Abu Simbel, then sailing north | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | On board |
| Day 3 | Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna Lock | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | On board |
| Day 4 | Valley of the Kings, Karnak | Breakfast, lunch | None, cruise ends |
Day 4 begins on the West Bank, and our Valley of the Kings visitor guide covers the first stop.
Is the Abu Simbel Excursion Included in the Price?
Yes. The entrance fee and the private transfer are both in the price. At the Great Temple, 4 seated colossi of Ramses II stand about 20 metres tall. The Small Temple honours Hathor and Queen Nefertari. You then return to the ship for lunch.
Details on the temples and the road from Aswan are in our guide to visiting Abu Simbel.
Aswan to Luxor or Luxor to Aswan: Which Suits You?
Aswan to Luxor suits travellers short on time or flying out of Luxor. The temples are the same either way; what changes is the length and where you finish.
The table compares the 2 directions by length and finishing point.
| Direction | Usual length | Ends in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aswan to Luxor | 3 nights | Luxor | Travellers short on time |
| Luxor to Aswan | 4 nights | Aswan | Travellers with 4 nights free |
If you would rather start in Luxor, our Nile cruise from Luxor with Abu Simbel sails the other way.
Who Is This 4 Days Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor For?
This cruise suits travellers with only 4 days in Upper Egypt who want Abu Simbel and the major temples between Aswan and Luxor in one trip. Every day has sightseeing and day 2 starts early, so this is not a slow, restful cruise.
Check Availability for Your Dates
Message Travel Joy Egypt on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393 with your dates and group size, and we will check availability for this Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise with Abu Simbel. You can also send your request through the enquiry form.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
4 Days
Price
From $815
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Route
Aswan → Abu Simbel → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Esna → Luxor
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Itinerary
Unfinished ObeliskYour private Egyptologist guide meets you in Aswan and takes you first to the Aswan High Dam, then to the granite quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk. A short boat ride takes you to Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. You then transfer to your 5-star Nile cruise ship and check in. Lunch and dinner are served on board, where you also spend the night.
Abu Simbel TemplesYou leave early with a breakfast box and travel to Abu Simbel by private, air-conditioned vehicle. There you see the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. You then return to the ship, where lunch is served as it sails north towards Kom Ombo. You have dinner and spend the night on board.
Kom Ombo Temple is dedicated jointly to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. At Edfu a horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus. Back on board, the ship passes through the Esna Lock on its way to Luxor. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and you spend the night on board.
Karnak TempleYour last day covers the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. You then cross to the East Bank to visit the Karnak Temple Complex and have lunch at a local restaurant. The cruise ends with a transfer to your Luxor hotel or the airport. Breakfast and lunch are included, and there is no overnight stay.
Highlights
Aswan's Southern Treasures
- Uncover the engineering marvels of the Aswan High Dam
- Witness the sheer scale of the Unfinished Obelisk's ambition
- Explore the serene beauty of Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis
- Journey to Abu Simbel, Ramses II's monumental rock-cut temples
Nile River's Sacred Sites
- Discover the unique dual design of Kom Ombo Temple
- Experience the grandeur of Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus
Luxor's Grand Heritage
- Descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings
- Admire the architectural brilliance of Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple
- Stand before the iconic Colossi of Memnon
- Wander through the colossal Karnak Temple Complex
Included
- Private pick-up service from Aswan and drop-off in Luxor.
- 3 nights accommodation in a luxurious 5-star Nile cruise cabin.
- Entry fees to all historical sites specified in the itinerary.
- Expert Egyptologist tour guide throughout your excursions.
- All ground transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
- Meals as detailed in the daily itinerary.
- All service charges and applicable taxes.
Excluded
- Any optional tours or additional activities.
- Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, and souvenirs.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in USD per person.
Standard Accommodations
Pricing Information
Rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person. Holiday surcharges apply during peak seasons, including Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Children's Policy
- Under 6 YearsComplimentary
- Ages 6 to 11 Years50% of the Adult Rate
- 12+ YearsFull Adult Rate
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (natural fabrics like cotton or linen).
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support for temple sites.
- Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Small backpack for day trips.
- Camera and extra memory cards.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Modest attire for religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
- Any personal medications.
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings on the cruise.
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Licensed Experts
Fully bonded and licensed Egyptian tour operator.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
Always available via WhatsApp throughout your trip.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
1How much does a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor cost per person?
2How early do you leave for Abu Simbel on a Nile cruise from Aswan?
3Do children get a discount on this Nile cruise?
4Is the guide private on this Nile cruise?
5Can I start this Nile cruise in Cairo?
6Do I need a visa for a Nile cruise in Egypt?
7What should I pack for a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?
8Can the cruise meals suit special diets?
9Is there Wi-Fi and bottled water on a Nile cruise?
10When does the sun reach the inner sanctuary at Abu Simbel?
11Can I add a hot-air balloon over Luxor to this cruise?
12Are tips included in the Nile cruise price?
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.