A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the classic way to see ancient Egypt. Your hotel moves with you, the temples come to the river, and the hours on deck between visits are half the pleasure. But there are a lot of choices: direction, length, ship standard and boat type. This guide explains them so you can pick the right one.
Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?
Both directions visit the same temples between the two cities. The difference is time:
- Aswan to Luxor (3 nights) sails with the current, so it is quicker. It suits shorter trips and still covers the main sites.
- Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) sails against the current, which gives an extra day and more time on board. It is the better choice if you want a slower pace.
- 7 nights round trip from Luxor covers the whole river both ways, with two full days in Aswan and more time to relax.
What you see on the way
- Luxor: Karnak and Luxor temples on the East Bank; the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank.
- Esna: ships pass through the Esna lock, and some itineraries stop at the temple of Khnum.
- Edfu: the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt.
- Kom Ombo: a double temple on the riverbank, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.
- Aswan: Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and a felucca sail around the islands, with an optional trip to Abu Simbel.
Sailing times are set by the river authorities and queues at the Esna lock, so the order of visits can change at short notice.
Standard, deluxe or ultra deluxe?
All three follow similar routes. The difference is the ship:
- Standard 5★: comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, a sun deck and pool, and buffet meals. The best value. See our 3-night Aswan to Luxor cruise.
- Deluxe: newer ships, larger cabins and better food. See our 4-night deluxe cruise from Luxor.
- Ultra deluxe: suites, fine dining and more space per guest. See our 4-night ultra deluxe cruise.
What about a dahabiya?
A dahabiya is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with only a handful of cabins. It moves under sail when the wind allows, moors at quiet spots the big ships cannot use, and feels more like a private yacht than a hotel. It is slower and more expensive than a standard cruise, but many travellers say it was the highlight of their trip. Our 4-night dahabiya from Esna to Aswan is a good example.
And Lake Nasser?
South of Aswan, Lake Nasser cruises visit Nubian temples that few visitors see and finish at Abu Simbel, seen from the water. Ships run fixed weekly departures. See our 3-night Lake Nasser cruise.
How much does a Nile cruise cost?
Our cruise prices are per person in US dollars and depend on group size. The lowest prices below are for 6 or more travellers; couples and solo travellers pay more, as shown on each cruise’s price table.
- 3 nights, Aswan to Luxor (standard 5★): from $450
- 4 nights, Luxor to Aswan (deluxe): from $690
- 7 nights, Luxor round trip (standard 5★): from $790
- 3 nights, Lake Nasser: from $950
- 4 nights, Luxor to Aswan (ultra deluxe): from $1,350
- 4 nights, dahabiya from Esna to Aswan: from $1,390
Prices can be higher over Christmas, New Year and Easter; we confirm the exact price in writing before you pay.
When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
October to April is the most comfortable, with warm days and cool evenings. May to September is very hot in Luxor and Aswan, but the sites are quieter, and sightseeing starts early to avoid the midday heat. Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest weeks, so book early for those dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is three nights long enough?
Yes for the main temples. Choose four nights from Luxor if you want more time to relax on board.
Is Abu Simbel included?
Usually it is an optional extra from Aswan, either by road or by air, unless you choose a Lake Nasser cruise, which finishes there.
Can I combine a cruise with Cairo?
Yes. Most of our package tours combine Cairo and the Pyramids with a Nile cruise, and we can adjust any itinerary. Tell us your dates and we will send a plan and price.