3 Nights Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor
+5 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Sail the Nile with our 3 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Explore iconic landmarks! Limited spots, book now to experience Egypt’s beauty!
This 3 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is one of the most relaxed and rewarding ways to experience Egypt’s ancient wonders. Sailing along the Nile River, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of guided sightseeing, scenic cruising, and onboard comfort — without long drives or frequent hotel changes.
Your journey begins in Aswan, where you board your Nile cruise ship and set sail toward Luxor. Along the route, you’ll visit key riverside temples such as Kom Ombo and Edfu, with insightful explanations from a licensed licensed local guide. Visits are thoughtfully scheduled to enhance comfort and minimize crowds whenever possible.
Life on board is comfortable and unhurried, with full-board meals served daily. Between excursions, relax on the sun deck, enjoy panoramic Nile views, or unwind in your cabin as traditional villages and palm-lined banks pass by.
Designed for relaxed and immersive travel, Luxor and Aswan Nile River Cruises are ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and mature travelers, offering expertly guided sightseeing and seamless organization that reveals the timeless rhythm and heritage of Upper Egypt.
Highlights at a glance:
- 🚢 3 nights aboard a well-selected Nile cruise ship
- 🗺️ Scenic route from Aswan to Luxor
- 🏛️ Guided visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor’s top temples
- 👨🏫 Licensed local guide throughout the cruise
- 🛏️ Full-board meals included on board
- 👥 Shared cruise experience with professionally guided excursions
Licensed Egyptologist guides
Expert Egyptologists who bring every temple and tomb to life.
Private shore excursions
Your own guide and vehicle at every stop — no crowds.
Free tailored planning
A day-by-day plan within 24 hours, revised until right.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day-by-day plan — 100% private, fully tailored, revised until right.
Day 1
Aswan City Tour
Aswan City Tour
Upon arrival at Aswan Airport or the train station, our representative will meet and assist you, then transfer you to your guide tour guide. You will embark on an amazing tour of the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Philae Temple.
After your tour, you will be transferred to your Nile cruise boat in Aswan, where you will embark and enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and an overnight stay in Aswan.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
Enjoy a scenic sail to Kom Ombo, passing under the stunning modern architecture of the Aswan Bridge, with breakfast served onboard. Upon arrival at Kom Ombo, your guide will take you to visit the temple shared by the gods Sobek and Haeroris.
After your tour, enjoy lunch onboard as the boat sails to Edfu. There, you will visit the magnificent Temple of Horus (Edfu Temple).
Afternoon tea will be served on the upper deck as you continue sailing towards Luxor, passing through the Esna Lock, where you can experience local life and take memorable photos.
Dinner and overnight onboard the Nile cruise ship in Luxor.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Luxor West Bank
Luxor West Bank
Upon arriving in Luxor, breakfast will be served onboard the Nile cruise ship. You will then embark on a guided tour along the East Bank of the Nile, visiting the stunning Karnak and Luxor Temples. After your tour, you will return to the cruise for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with free time to explore Luxor in the afternoon.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Check Out & Luxor East Bank
Check Out & Luxor East Bank
After breakfast and disembarking from the cruise, your guide will take you to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. You'll have some free time to explore Luxor before being transferred to Luxor airport or the train station for your departure.
Meals: breakfast
What’s included
Everything below is arranged, paid and covered by your quote. What sits outside is what you'd normally handle yourself.
Always included
- Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Full-Board Meals on Board
- Guided Sightseeing Experiences
- Entrance Fees to Included Sites
- Cruise-Related Transfers
- Professional Cruise Assistance
- All Taxes & Service Charges
Arranged separately
- Flights to or from Aswan / Luxor
- Egypt Entry Visa
- Optional Tours
- Tipping (Gratuities)
Traveler reviews
60+ verified reviews across Google & TripAdvisor for tours operated by Egypt Planners.
"A fabulous vacation, mostly thanks to Maro’s planning. Our 8-day private tour covered the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and a Nile cruise. Our Cairo guide Maii was knowledgeable and friendly, and our cruise guide Abdo took great care of us throughout."
"Nothing short of exceptional. Every question was answered promptly and the whole custom trip was planned with impressive attention to detail. As a mom travelling with my two daughters, we felt completely safe, respected and well cared for at all times."
"From tailoring the itinerary to being dropped at the airport, everything went amazingly thanks to Maro and his team. Our Cairo guide Maii was fantastic, and Amir shared his knowledge beautifully from Luxor to Aswan. An unforgettable experience."
"We did a family private tour — Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada — and strongly recommend Maro and his team. Communication was excellent at any time and the package very competitive. We kept to the itinerary with all inclusions and no extra charge."
"A French family with two young children. Maro designed a trip exactly as we had imagined — extremely available and responsive throughout. The guides took our young kids into account and showed us incredible places off the beaten track."
"A great trip to remember a lifetime! We travelled as a three-generation group of seven with many special requests, and they replanned several times until the itinerary met our ideas in detail. A very competent, friendly guide throughout."
Choose your cabin
Choose your cabin category — every cruise includes full-board meals, guided shore visits with a licensed Egyptologist, and all transfers. Per person sharing a double cabin; indicative — your exact quote is confirmed on enquiry.
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Radamis
- Princess Sarah
- Royal Princess
- or similar class
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Blue Shadow
- Paradise
- Nile Premium
- or similar class
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Acamar
- Movenpick Lily or Lotus
- Serenity
- or similar class
Prices are per person for October–April, standard season. Christmas & New Year peak-season pricing available on request — ask on WhatsApp or use the form.
Why book with Egypt Tours by Locals
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed guides — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
Full-board cruising
All meals on board included as you sail the Nile.
Hand-picked vessels
Comfortable, well-run boats selected for each cabin tier.
Trusted since 2012
60+ verified reviews on Google & TripAdvisor.
Tailor-made
Adjusted to your dates, budget and must-sees — revised until right.
Booking & policy
Payment
- 30% deposit confirms your booking
- Balance before the trip, or on arrival at the airport
- Any major currency
- Itemised quote — no hidden fees
Cancellation
- ≥45 days: full refund
- 30–44 days: 50% refund
- <30 days: non-refundable — insurance advised
Children
- 0–2: free · 2–5: 25%
- 6–11: 50%
- 12+: full adult price
Good to know
Flexible Payment & Transparent Pricing
- Tour Prices: Quoted in USD per person. Payment accepted in any major currency.
- Inclusions: All packages include accommodations, domestic flights, guided tours, Nile cruise, entrance fees (as per itinerary), and local support.
- Validity: Prices apply from October to April and exclude Christmas & New Year peak periods.
- Price Adjustments: Subject to change due to airline tax increases, hotel rate changes, or local government fees.
- Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, and Egypt entry visa (~$25 on arrival).
💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
- Only 30% Down to Confirm: Reserve your space with a small deposit covering hotels, Nile cruise cabins, and domestic flights.
- Flexible Balance Payment: Pay the rest up to 48 hours before arrival, or settle on arrival in cash with your tour manager.
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping in Egypt – What to Expect
Tipping is not included in your package — but it's an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.
Suggested Guidelines:
- Guide: $10–15 per day per traveler
- Driver: $3–5 per day
- Cruise Crew (shared tip box): ~$5–10/day
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Optional Extras & Additional Costs
Not included but available on request:
- Entry to special sites: Inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun, Mummies Room at Egyptian Museum.
- Optional upgrades: Hot air balloon ride, Nubian village visit, sound & light shows, spa treatments.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks, souvenirs.
- Extra accommodation due to unforeseen weather or flight delays (rare, but not covered).
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
Tipping Culture (What to Expect)
Tipping is customary in Egypt and appreciated for good service. On Nile cruises, gratuities are usually given to:
- Cruise staff
- Your licensed local guide
We’ll provide clear guidance before your trip so you know what’s appropriate and can plan comfortably.
Best Time of Day for Sightseeing
Most excursions take place in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and sites are quieter. This timing enhances comfort and allows you to explore temples before peak crowds arrive.
Currency & Small Purchases
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Small cash amounts are useful for:
- Tipping
- Souvenirs
- Drinks not included on board
Major expenses are already covered as part of your cruise package.
Questions about this tour
Is this a private Nile cruise or a shared cruise?
This is a shared Nile cruise experience, meaning you’ll be sailing on a cruise ship with other travelers. Shared cruises are the standard and most popular way to experience the Nile, offering a lively yet relaxed atmosphere on board.
While the cruise itself is shared, all sightseeing excursions are professionally organized and guided by a licensed licensed local guide. Group sizes during visits are well managed, ensuring smooth logistics, clear explanations, and a comfortable experience at each site.
Is 3 nights enough for a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor?
Yes, a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor is one of the most well-balanced and commonly chosen options. It allows you to experience the essential highlights of Upper Egypt without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
This duration covers the most important temples along the Nile, including Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor’s East Bank, while still leaving plenty of time to relax on board and enjoy the scenery. For travelers with limited time or those combining the cruise with Cairo or the Red Sea, 3 nights is an excellent choice.
What temples and sites will I visit during the cruise?
During your cruise, you’ll explore some of Egypt’s most iconic riverside temples, each offering a unique glimpse into ancient history. Visits typically include Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods, and Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
Upon arrival in Luxor, you’ll visit the legendary Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Thebes. All visits are included as outlined in the itinerary and are accompanied by detailed explanations from your guide.
Will I have a tour guide during the excursions?
Yes. All included excursions are led by a licensed licensed local guide who travels with the group during sightseeing visits. Your guide provides historical background, cultural context, and clear explanations that make each site meaningful and easy to understand.
In addition to guiding, your guide also assists with timing, coordination, and practical advice, ensuring that each visit runs smoothly and comfortably.
Are meals included on the Nile cruise?
Yes. The cruise operates on a full-board basis, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day while on board. Meals are served in the cruise restaurant and typically include a mix of international and local dishes.
Drinks are not included unless specified by the cruise ship and are usually available for purchase separately.
Is this Nile cruise suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Absolutely. This cruise is especially well suited for first-time visitors to Egypt who want to see major highlights without the stress of independent planning or long-distance travel.
The itinerary is carefully paced, all logistics are handled in advance, and professional guidance is provided throughout. This makes it an ideal choice for couples, mature travelers, and anyone looking for a comfortable and well-organized introduction to Upper Egypt.
What should I pack for a Nile cruise?
For your Nile cruise, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, and modest attire for temple visits. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially during warmer months.
Evenings on the river can be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater is useful. Don’t forget personal items such as medications, travel documents, and a small bag for excursions.
