5 Days Nile River Cruise Itinerary from Luxor to Aswan

Your unforgettable 5-day Nile River cruise begins upon arrival in Luxor. Meet your personal Egyptologist guide and begin your exploration of the ancient East Bank.

Start with the magnificent Karnak Temple, an extraordinary complex built over 2,000 years. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, Karnak stands as the largest religious structure ever built. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes and stand beneath the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, where history comes alive with every carved stone.

After your tour, check in to your five-star Nile cruise, enjoy a welcome lunch onboard, and take some time to relax.

In the evening, visit the illuminated Luxor Temple, a remarkable sanctuary built around 1400 BC. Constructed by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, the temple once hosted the Opet Festival and served as a royal coronation site. Its majestic façade glows beautifully under the night sky.

Return to your cruise ship for dinner and spend your first night on the Nile.

After breakfast, cross the Nile to discover the marvels of Luxor’s West Bank.

Begin at the Valley of the Kings, a sacred burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom. With more than 60 tombs carved into the hills, this site reveals the grandeur of rulers like Ramses II, Seti I, and Tutankhamun. The colorful wall carvings tell vivid stories of the afterlife.

Continue to the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking structure nestled beneath limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Built to honor Egypt’s first successful female pharaoh, the temple reflects harmony, strength, and artistic brilliance.

End your West Bank visit at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These ancient guardians have withstood centuries of history and were once believed to sing at dawn.

Return to your cruise for a relaxing lunch and dinner as you begin sailing to Edfu. Spend the night on board as you glide south along the tranquil Nile.

Begin the day with breakfast before heading out to explore one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples.

Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 BC. This temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, features towering pylons, detailed carvings, and perfectly aligned architecture. It stands as a powerful symbol of divine protection and royal authority.

Return to the cruise and enjoy a smooth sail toward Kom Ombo.

In Kom Ombo, discover the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, an unusual dual temple that honors both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Built directly on the Nile’s edge between 180 and 47 BC, the temple offers rare insights into ancient worship and medical practices, with detailed reliefs and mummified crocodiles on display.

After your tour, return to the cruise for lunch and dinner. Continue sailing toward Aswan and spend the night aboard the ship.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast, then set out to explore the key attractions of Aswan.

Your first stop is the Aswan High Dam, a modern achievement built between 1960 and 1970. The dam controls Nile flooding, supports agriculture, and provides electricity to millions, making it a vital part of Egypt’s development.

Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an ambitious project from Queen Hatshepsut’s reign. Although the obelisk cracked during construction, it offers a fascinating look into ancient stone-working techniques.

Conclude your day at the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally built in the 3rd century BC, the temple was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 20th century to protect it from rising waters. Its elegant colonnades and intricate carvings tell stories of love, magic, and resurrection.

Return to the cruise ship for lunch and dinner. Enjoy your final overnight stay onboard, docked in the peaceful city of Aswan.

Enjoy your last breakfast on board before checking out from the cruise.

You will then be transferred to your chosen location in Aswan, concluding your 5-day journey through the heart of ancient Egypt.