5 Days / 4 Nights from Luxor to Aswan

Your Dream 5-Day Nile Cruise from Luxor

While you are looking for an amazing 5-day Nile cruise that takes you to Egypt’s most important historical places, all located along the beautiful Nile River, which gives main source life to the Egyptians. This planned trip starts in Luxor, because it is a city full of ancient monuments, lots of tourist activities such as Hot Air balloon, sound and light show in Karnak, bazaar market in down town, and finishes in Aswan, often called the “Golden City, the home of Nubians, and holds the Old Dam of the Nile.” You’ll travel south, against the flow of the Nile, on a fascinating journey; for these reasons, the Cruise only runs between the two cities that are south of Egypt. This Nile cruise in Egypt is one of the best ways to discover ancient Egyptian civilization, the local culture. Will be immersed in the life of Egypt during your trip to the Souk, or have a meal in a local restaurant. Every day, you’ll explore amazing archaeological sites and then return to your comfortable floating hotel – your very own Nile cruise ship as your home on the Nile for five days!
The Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan isn’t just a cruise trip on the River; it’s like a journey where ancient history comes alive! You’ll go back thousands of years, seeing and learning with your Nile Cruise guide, the stories of gods and pharaohs come to life on the walls of grand temples and beautiful tombs.

What is the itinerary for 5 days from Luxor to Aswan?

The itinerary for 5 days of the Nile Cruise begins in Luxor (Thebes- the ancient Egyptian capital), about 658 km or 408 miles south of Cairo. The Nile cruise ship will then sail south to cross the Esna lock to be on a higher level of water; this usually happens on the second day of your trip.
Sailing on the Nile continues to reach Edfu city on the third day, cruising on the Nile to embark on the horse carriage and visit the temple of Edfu; with back to your boat; sail again to stop in Kom Ombo for visit the Greek temple; with day 4 on the cruise will reach to the picturesque city of Aswan (about 895 km or 556 miles from Cairo), which is known as Egypt’s gateway to Africa; to explore the city at day 4 and 5 of your cruise trip.
The goal of this Nile Cruises Trip is to give you a rich cultural experience where you learn and you gain insight into Egyptian history while enjoying modern comforts and entertainment like hotels.

What is the Nile Cruise Itinerary sequence from Luxor?

The standard Nile cruise itinerary from Luxor to Aswan typically follows this sequence for  a 5-day Nile cruise trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Luxor to Start Nile Cruise & East Bank Wonders.

When you arrive in Luxor, you’ll be welcomed aboard your Nile cruise ship, which will be your comfortable floating home for the next five days. After checking in and having lunch, your adventure begins on the East Bank of Luxor, where you’ll visit:

• Karnak Temple Trip: Be ready to explore the largest temple in Luxor, which was a city of temples erected for different duties of ancient Egypt. Walking through the impressive Avenue of Rams, you’ll feel the grandeur of the place; more to explore in the temple, as you can visit the sacred lake and the great hypostyle hall inside the main temple of Karnak.
• Luxor Temple: Was connected to Karnak Temple in ancient times; It features unique designs by pharaohs like Amenhotep III and Ramses II. A recently opened road even connects it to Karnak Temple, recreating an ancient processional path!

After this incredible historical tour, you’ll head back to your Nile cruise for dinner and spend your first night by the Nile in Luxor.

Day 2: West Bank Treasures & Sailing to Edfu

Start your day with an early breakfast, then head to the West Bank of Luxor, known as the “City of the Dead,” where pharaohs were buried, to visit:

• Valley of the Kings:  One of the famous cemeteries in the world to bury the pharaohs, such as Ramses II  and Tutankhamen. The tombs are known for their vibrant, well-preserved paintings that show the journey to the afterlife.
• Hatshepset Temple: A stunning architectural masterpiece carved right into the rock, known as the temple of Deir Bahri, as the funerary temple of the Queen.
• Colossi of Memnon: Huge statues for an ancient temple entrance. They are now famous landmarks in Luxor, surrounded by myths, including the legend of one “singing” at sunrise.

After your visits, you’ll return to your Nile cruise for lunch and begin sailing south towards Edfu. You’ll pass through the “Esna Lock,” a water channel that allows ships to move between different water levels on the river – a cool engineering sight to see up close!

Day 3: Trip to Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo, Sailing to Aswan.

Wake up to charming Nile views as you approach Edfu city. After breakfast, you’ll visit the Edfu Temple, often reached by a fun horse-drawn carriage ride, adding a local touch to your experience, and then be escorted to visit!

• Edfu Temple: the well-preserved temple in Egypt, dedicated to the Falcon-headed god (Horus). It’s known for its huge size and clear carvings that tell the myth of the conflict between Horus and his uncle.

After visiting the temple, your River Nile cruise continues its journey towards Kom Ombo:

• Kom Ombo Temple: This temple has a unique dual design, split into two identical parts. One part is dedicated to the Falcon God, Horus the Great (Harweris), and the other to the Crocodile God Sobek. There is a small temple for the mummified crocodile from ancient times, that were worshiped in the same place.

As the sun sets, your Nile cruise sails towards Aswan. In the evening, get ready for the “Galabiya Party” on board! You and the crew will wear traditional Egyptian clothes and enjoy dancing and singing, creating a fun and cultural atmosphere.

Day 4: Visit The Magic of Aswan & Nubian Culture.

Your Nile cruise arrives in the attractive Aswan, which is a calm beauty, stunning nature, and rich Nubian culture. After breakfast, you’ll explore the city’s top sights:

• Aswan High Dam: Built to protect Egypt from the flood and save water to use for irrigation;  The dam offers amazing panoramic views of the vast Lake Nasser.
• Unfinished Obelisk: See the incredible precision and skill of the ancient Egyptians in cutting and carving huge stone in the quarry.
• Philae Temple: The most beautiful temple in Egypt. After the High Dam was built, this temple was saved from being submerged in a huge project led by UNESCO, where it was carefully taken apart and moved to the nearby Agilkia Island.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy an optional trip to a Nubian Village, where you’ll learn about the Nubian people’s culture and customs, and experience their colorful homes, traditional markets, and warm hospitality, or ride a felucca to sail on the Nile in a traditional Egyptian boat.
After your dinner on board, you’ll have free time to explore the lively Aswan market or attend the Cruise entertainment in Aswan.

Day 5: Time to depart the cruise.

After breakfast on your final day, you’ll check out of your Nile cruise ship with unforgettable memories of your journey through history and the enchanting beauty of the Nile River. You’ll have a great chance to explore the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel for the Pharaoh Ramses II and his beloved wife Nefertari; then be transferred to the airport or train station for your departure.

This Nile cruise is more than just visiting historical sites; it’s a complete living experience! Your Nile cruise ship comes with all the comforts, including air-conditioned cabins with Nile views, restaurants serving delicious Egyptian and international food (buffet style), and a swimming pool on the top deck for relaxing and enjoying the sunlight and beautiful scenery. It’s all part of the fun of your Nile cruise!