Nile Cruises from Luxor to Aswan

The stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan is the classic Egypt cruise, and for good reason. In three to seven nights you sail past temples that sit right on the riverbank, sleep on the water, and wake up moored beside the next site. The tours below cover both directions and every length, so you can compare boats, itineraries and prices in one place.

Which direction, and how many nights

Most cruises run Luxor to Aswan (upstream, south) or Aswan to Luxor (downstream, north). Three and four-night sailings cover the core temple route; seven-night trips add more time in Luxor and Aswan and a slower pace. Shorter cruises pack the same headline stops into fewer days.

The temple stops

Between the two cities you call at Esna (and its lock), Edfu — the temple of Horus, the best-preserved in Egypt, reached by horse-drawn carriage — and Kom Ombo, the double temple of Sobek and Horus right on the water. Luxor bookends the trip with Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; Aswan adds the High Dam, Philae temple and the option to continue to Abu Simbel.

What's usually included

Full board, guided temple visits with an Egyptologist, and onboard entertainment are standard. Park and temple entry fees, drinks and tips are often extra — check each listing. Prices swing with the boat's star rating and the season, so compare a few before you book.

When to go

October to April is the comfortable window, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer is hot but cheaper. Whatever the month, the river breeze on deck makes the heat far more bearable than sightseeing on land.

For the full breakdown of routes, boat types and how to choose, read our Nile cruise guide.