This 4 day Nile cruise for women is the easiest way to see the great temples of Upper Egypt in one short, relaxed trip. You unpack once, sleep on the river, and wake up each day in a new place.
The cruise runs from Aswan to Luxor, the classic 3-night route between the two most important cities of ancient southern Egypt. On the way, you stop at the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, pass through the Esna lock, and end in Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. Between visits, you have time on the sun deck to watch farms, palm groves, villages, and desert cliffs slide past.
We designed this trip for women who want to see Egypt without worrying about the details. You might be traveling alone for the first time, with a group of friends, or with your mother or daughter. A representative meets you at Aswan Airport, a private car takes you to every site, and a licensed Egyptologist guide walks you through each temple. Our team in Luxor stays in touch with you on WhatsApp throughout the cruise, so help is one message away.
The price includes your cabin, all meals on board, the guided tours in the itinerary, entrance tickets, and transfers. You choose the ship category that suits your budget, from a well-kept standard 5-star ship to a luxury boat with spacious suites and fine dining.
Your representative meets you at Aswan Airport or the train station and helps you with your luggage. You then meet your Egyptologist guide and start your first day of sightseeing in Aswan, Egypt’s southern city on the edge of Nubia.
Completed in 1970, the dam controls the Nile’s yearly flood and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. From the top, you see the lake on one side and the river on the other.
In an ancient granite quarry lies an obelisk that would have stood about 42 metres tall, the largest ever attempted. It cracked while being carved and was left in the rock, showing how the ancient Egyptians cut stone.
A short motorboat ride takes you to the island temple of Isis. The temple was moved stone by stone to Agilkia Island in an international rescue project when the dams raised the water level.
You then check in to your Nile cruise in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.
Optional tour: Nubian Village in Aswan
Meals Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a slow breakfast and a free morning by the pool, or join the early optional trip to Abu Simbel. Around midday, the ship starts sailing north, and you can watch the Nile banks from the deck during lunch.
This temple on a bend of the river is unusual because it is a double temple. One half is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other to Haroeris, a form of Horus. Look for the carved medical instruments and the ancient calendar on its walls.
Next to the temple, a small museum displays mummified crocodiles found in the area, along with coffins and statues of Sobek.
After the visit, the ship sails on to Edfu. In the evening, many ships hold a themed party on board. Overnight on board in Edfu.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
An early horse-drawn carriage takes you through Edfu town to the Temple of Horus before the heat and the crowds arrive.
Built between 237 and 57 BC, this is the most complete temple in Egypt, with its roof, towering gateway and inner sanctuary still in place. Its walls tell the story of the battle between Horus and Seth.
Back on board, the ship sails north and passes through the Esna lock, a highlight for many guests. Watch from the deck as the ship is lowered to the next level of the river.
In the afternoon, you reach Luxor. Karnak was the most important temple of ancient Egypt and grew for over 2,000 years. Its Great Hypostyle Hall has 134 giant columns.
In the heart of the city, Luxor Temple is linked to Karnak by the restored Avenue of Sphinxes. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you check out of your cabin and cross to the West Bank of Luxor, the ancient city of the dead.
The pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in more than 60 tombs cut into this desert valley. Your ticket includes three tombs, with painted walls that still look fresh after more than 3,000 years.
Built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, this terraced temple honours one of the few women to rule Egypt as pharaoh.
Two huge stone statues of King Amenhotep III, each about 18 metres tall, that once guarded his temple.
Your private car then takes you to Luxor Airport, the train station, or your hotel, and your 4 day Nile cruise ends.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
Meals Plan: Breakfast Only
Planning a trip to Egypt as a woman raises fair questions about safety, comfort, and who you will travel with. Here is how we answer them before you arrive.
A named representative meets you at the airport with a sign, so you never arrive alone. The same team follows your whole trip.
We only book 5-star ships we inspect every season, with clean cabins, good food, helpful staff, and safe sun decks.
Every guide is a licensed Egyptologist who knows the needs of women travelers. You can ask for a female guide.
Choose a triple, double, or single cabin.
Our office in Luxor answers on WhatsApp day and night, and we reply to new questions within one hour.
Egypt Best Vacations won the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
