This 5 day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) is the classic southbound route on the Nile — five days and four nights sailing from Luxor to Aswan aboard your choice of 5-star ships (Western 3.5- to 5-star equivalent) departing Luxor every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, from $690 per person in a triple cabin with full board, guided tours, and entrance fees included.
The extra night is what sets this itinerary apart: Luxor gets the time it deserves. Day one covers the East Bank — Karnak, the largest religious complex ever built, and Luxor Temple. Day two is devoted to the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s terraced temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, before your ship passes through the Esna Lock and sails south. Along the way you dock at Edfu for the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus and at Kom Ombo for its twin sanctuaries, finishing in Aswan with the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the island Temple of Philae.
Prices are transparent, with four ship categories from $690 per person, each explained honestly in international hotel-star terms. Expect roughly 40-50% higher rates over Christmas, New Year, and Easter weeks.
Egypt Best Vacations is a licensed tour operator based in Luxor and a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winner in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Book direct with a local Egyptologist-led team, in groups never larger than 16 — no middleman, no hidden fees at checkout.
Your 5 day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan begins at Luxor International Airport, where your Egypt Best Vacations guide will be waiting outside the terminal with a signboard of your name. Start on the East Bank with the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex ever built, expanded by pharaoh after pharaoh over some 2,000 years. Continue to the elegant Temple of Luxor, joined to Karnak in ancient times by an avenue of sphinxes. Both temples are dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Afterwards, transfer to your Nile cruise ship — your floating hotel for the next four nights. Overnight in Luxor.
Today your Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise crosses to the West Bank of Luxor. Descend into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom stopped building pyramids and cut their burial chambers deep into the mountain to hide them from robbers. Of the 65 numbered tombs, your Egyptologist guide will recommend the best three open on the day of your visit. Continue to the terraced temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — she ruled as pharaoh for about 20 years alongside the young Thutmose III. End at the Colossi of Memnon, the two giant statues that survive from the temple of Amenhotep III. Return to your ship and sail south through the Esna Lock toward Edfu. Overnight in Edfu.
After breakfast, ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Built in the Greco-Roman period, its walls are inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs inside and out — a highlight of any Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Back onboard, sail to Kom Ombo and its unique twin temple, divided equally between Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder (Haroeris), the falcon god. Beside the temple, step into the Crocodile Museum to see mummified crocodiles once sacred to Sobek. Return to your ship and continue south to Aswan. Overnight in Aswan.
Welcome to Aswan, the gentlest city on the Nile. Begin at the High Dam, which tamed the river’s annual flood, powers much of Egypt, and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Continue to the ancient granite quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Hatshepsut — had it been completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever raised, and the quarry still shows exactly how ancient craftsmen carved these monuments straight from the bedrock.
End at the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, goddess of love and magic. When the rising waters of the Nile threatened to drown it, the entire temple was dismantled and rebuilt stone by stone on Agilkia Island in a UNESCO rescue campaign completed in 1980. Transfer back to your ship for a free afternoon onboard, or explore Aswan at your own pace. Overnight in Aswan.
After breakfast, disembark from your ship and transfer to Aswan Airport or Aswan railway station. This marks the conclusion of your 5 day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. It is sad to see you go — but if the Nile has worked its magic, ask us about our full range of Egypt tour packages with a Nile cruise for your next visit.
The 4 night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan gives you five days on the river, from $690 per person, with more time at each temple than the shorter route. Choose the 3 night cruise from Aswan to Luxor (from $590) if you are short on time, or a 4 night dahabiya (from $1,285) for a small sailing boat and a slower pace.
| 4 Night Cruise Luxor → Aswan (this tour) |
3 Night Cruise Aswan → Luxor | 4 Night Dahabiya Luxor → Aswan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights | 4 days / 3 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Departs | Mon, Thu & Sat from Luxor | Mon, Wed & Fri from Aswan | Sat & Mon from Luxor |
| From | $690 | $590 | $1,285 |
| Boat | 5-star cruise ship, 4 categories | 5-star cruise ship, 4 categories | Traditional sailing boat with few cabins |
| Best for | More time sailing and more relaxed sightseeing | Short trips, combined with Cairo or the Red Sea | Small-boat experience and a slow pace |
| Details | You are viewing this tour | See the 3 night cruise | See the 4 night dahabiya |
