8 Days Nile Cruise from Cairo to Aswan

Your journey in Egypt begins with a convenient transfer from your hotel in Cairo to the airport, where you'll catch a short flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your private Egyptologist guide will be waiting to welcome you and start your discovery of Upper Egypt.

The first visit of the day is the impressive Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1960s and completed in 1971, this significant infrastructure project helped control the flooding of the Nile and provided a stable source of electricity. The dam also led to the creation of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Afterward, you’ll head to the site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut and carved directly into the granite bedrock, this massive monument was left incomplete due to a crack that appeared during construction. It remains in place, offering a clear look at ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques.

Later in the day, you’ll check into your five-star Nile cruise ship. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board before sailing to visit the Philae Temple. Located on Aglika Island, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and was originally built in the 6th century BC. Known for its detailed carvings and peaceful location, it’s one of the most admired temples in Egypt.

In the evening, return to the cruise for dinner and a restful overnight stay as you drift gently along the Nile.

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast onboard as the cruise makes its way toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, your expert guide will accompany you to discover one of Egypt’s most distinctive temples.

The Temple of Kom Ombo stands out for its unusual dual design, built during the Ptolemaic era to honor two deities: Haroeris, known as Horus the Elder, and Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and the life-giving waters of the Nile. The temple’s perfectly symmetrical layout reflects the worship of these two gods side by side. Intricate wall carvings offer fascinating insights into ancient practices in medicine, astronomy, and everyday life.

After your guided visit, return to the cruise for a well-prepared lunch and later, a peaceful dinner. The journey continues gently along the Nile toward Edfu. Spend the night onboard, enjoying the comfort of your floating hotel.

Spend a leisurely day cruising along the Nile as your journey continues toward Luxor. Begin the morning with breakfast on board, then take time to enjoy the tranquil scenery that unfolds along the riverbanks.

Whether you choose to relax on the sun deck, indulge in the cruise’s facilities, or simply admire the passing views of rural Egypt, the day offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect.

By evening, the ship reaches Luxor, where you'll dock and spend the night on board, preparing for the discoveries that await the next day.

After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and begin your tour of Luxor’s East Bank, home to some of the most impressive monuments from ancient Egypt.

Your morning starts at the Karnak Temple Complex, a monumental site that evolved over more than two thousand years. Revered as “The Most Select of Places,” Karnak served as the religious center of ancient Thebes and remains the largest temple complex ever constructed. Key highlights include the Avenue of Sphinxes, the towering Hypostyle Hall, and the sacred Precinct of Amun-Re.

Return to the cruise for lunch and a short rest. In the early evening, continue with a visit to Luxor Temple. Beautifully illuminated at night, this temple, also known as the “Southern Sanctuary,” was once the focal point of the Opet Festival, a celebration that reinforced the divine role of the pharaohs.

After the tour, return to the cruise for dinner and spend the night on board.

After breakfast, set out for the West Bank of Luxor, where the desert landscape conceals some of Egypt’s most fascinating archaeological treasures.

Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs. Hidden within the hills are tombs carved deep into the rock, including those of Ramses II, Seti I, and the young Tutankhamun. These tombs, with their vivid wall paintings and intricate designs, reveal the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about the journey to the afterlife.

Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning multi-level structure dedicated to one of Egypt’s few female rulers. Built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the temple is admired for its unique design and commanding location.

On the way back, stop briefly at the Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone figures of Pharaoh Amenhotep III have watched over the Theban plain for more than three thousand years.

Return to the cruise in time for lunch and enjoy a peaceful evening onboard with dinner served as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Begin your morning with breakfast on board as the cruise makes its way to Edfu, home to one of the most remarkably preserved temples in Egypt.

Join your guide for a visit to the Temple of Horus, an impressive structure built between 237 and 57 BC. This temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, and features scenes that depict his epic struggle against Set. With its towering entrance, detailed carvings, and well-preserved inner sanctuary, it offers a vivid glimpse into ancient religious traditions.

Following your exploration, return to the cruise for a relaxing lunch. Continue sailing back to Aswan, enjoying dinner on board and a peaceful overnight stay on the Nile.

Begin your day early with a breakfast box in hand as you travel by private vehicle to Abu Simbel, located southwest of Aswan near the Nubian border.

Here, you will discover the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel, built by Pharaoh Ramses II. These grand structures are a testament to the strength and creativity of ancient Egyptian civilization. The main temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as Ramses himself. It is famously designed so that sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary on just two days each year, marking the Sun Festival. Nearby stands the smaller temple devoted to Queen Nefertari, offering a striking example of royal devotion and architectural elegance.

After your visit, return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Dinner is served onboard as you spend the night docked in Aswan.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before checking out. A private transfer will take you to Aswan Airport for your return flight to Cairo. As your journey concludes, take with you the lasting impressions of ancient temples, timeless legends, and the peaceful flow of the Nile. These memories will remain with you long after your travels have ended.