Nile cruises
between Aswan and Luxor.
The stretch of river between Aswan and Luxor holds most of Egypt's great temples. A few nights on the water is the most relaxed way to see them.
Three, four
or seven nights.
Almost all Nile cruises sail the 200 km or so between Aswan and Luxor. Going north, from Aswan to Luxor, usually takes three nights. Going south, against the current, usually takes four. Some ships offer a seven-night round trip that covers both directions.
Along the way the ship stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu, and passes through the lock at Esna. Your guide takes you round each temple, and the time in between is spent on deck, by the pool or in your cabin watching the riverbank go by.
Cruises are normally full board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board, and sightseeing with a guide is usually included in the packages we arrange.
Ship or dahabiya?
| Cruise ship | Dahabiya | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Around 40 to 80 cabins | Usually 6 to 12 cabins |
| Feel | A floating hotel: pool, restaurant, evening entertainment | A private sailing boat: quiet, personal, closer to the water |
| Stops | The main temples | The main temples plus small islands and villages |
| Typical length | 3 or 4 nights | 4 to 5 nights, usually between Esna and Aswan |
| Best for | Families, first visits, better value | Couples, small groups, slower travellers |
What you see
from the boat.
The classic three-night route from Aswan to Luxor. Going the other way, the order reverses.
Philae and a felucca
The island temple of Isis, then a sail around Elephantine before boarding.
The double temple
A temple shared by Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, visited at sunset.
The temple of Horus
The most complete temple in Egypt, with its roof and pylons intact.
The lock
Ships queue to pass the barrage at Esna, often with traders selling from rowing boats alongside.
Karnak and Luxor Temple
The great temples of the east bank, reached on the last evening or morning.
The Valley of the Kings
Royal tombs and the temple of Hatshepsut, on the final morning before you leave the ship.
Before you
choose a ship.
Which direction is best?
Aswan to Luxor is shorter and ends closer to the Red Sea coast. Luxor to Aswan is a night longer and ends near Abu Simbel. Both see the same temples.
Do you name the ship before we book?
Yes. Your quote names the ship and cabin type so you can read reviews before deciding.
Are drinks included?
Meals are included; drinks usually are not. Some ships offer drinks packages.
Is a Nile cruise good for children?
Yes. Most ships have a pool, and the short temple visits suit children better than long days in a car.
Cruises inside
a full trip.
Nile, Slowly
Two nights in Aswan, four on the river past Kom Ombo and Edfu, and Luxor at the end. For travellers who want the Nile itself to be the holiday.
See this journey →
Ancient Egypt, Open Water
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, then three days on the Red Sea at Hurghada.
See this journey →
Nile Honeymoon, Red Sea Finish
Cairo, Aswan, a three-night Nile cruise and a dawn balloon flight over Luxor, then two nights in a quiet Red Sea hotel.
See this journey →Tell us your dates
and cabin style.
We will check which ships sail on your dates, compare two or three options and send a price with cabin photos.