How to Experience a 5-Day, 5-Star Guided Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure that will take you to ancient Egypt and give you a glimpse of its rich culture and history? Look no further, as this 5-day, 5-star guided Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan is the perfect choice for you! Sail along the majestic Nile River, discover the grandeur of ancient temples and tombs, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Egypt. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your ultimate Nile River cruise adventure.

Day 1: Nile Cruise with Visit to East Bank

Your journey begins with an arrival at Luxor Airport or railway station, where you’ll meet your tour representative. They will take you to the port and help you embark on the Nile Cruise. Enjoy your first lunch onboard as you meet your fellow travelers and marvel at the scenic views of the Nile River. In the afternoon, you’ll start exploring the East Bank of Luxor with a guided tour. Here are the highlights: – The Karnak Complex: This is the largest temple in the world, covering an area of 100 hectares. You’ll be amazed by the grandeur of its massive columns and statues, and learn about its history and mythology from your guide. – The Luxor Temple: This is a large ancient Egyptian temple that was dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. You’ll see its impressive facade and its well-preserved sculptures and hieroglyphs. Later in the evening, you’ll return to the Nile Cruise and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard. You’ll spend the night in Luxor.

Day 2: Visit West Bank

After having breakfast onboard, you’ll start your tour of the West Bank of Luxor. Here are the highlights: – The Valley of the Kings: This is the burial ground of many pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. You’ll explore some of the royal tombs and admire their intricate paintings and decorations. – The Hatshepsut Temple: This is a mortuary temple dedicated to the only female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut. You’ll see its imposing terraces and colonnades, and learn about the life and achievements of this remarkable ruler. – The Colossi of Memnon: These are two massive statues of the pharaoh Amenhotep III, which were once part of his funerary temple. You’ll take a photo stop here and appreciate their monumental size and beauty. You’ll return to the Nile Cruise for lunch and some leisure time. You can enjoy some sunbathing on the deck, read a book, or chat with your fellow travelers. In the evening, you’ll have dinner onboard and spend the night sailing towards Edfu.

Day 3: Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo

After breakfast, you’ll arrive at Edfu, where you’ll visit its famous temple: – The Temple of Horus: This is one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. You’ll see its magnificent facade, its hypostyle hall, and its sacred lake. Then, you’ll return to the Nile Cruise and sail towards Kom Ombo, where you’ll have lunch onboard. In the afternoon, you’ll visit: – The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris: This is a unique dual temple that was dedicated to two gods, Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the elder. You’ll see their statues and reliefs, as well as some mummified crocodiles. After the visit, you’ll return to the Nile Cruise for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Visit Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple

In the morning, you’ll arrive at Aswan and start your sightseeing tour. Here are the highlights: – The High Dam: This is a massive construction that was built in the 1960s to control the floods of the Nile River and provide electricity to Egypt. You’ll learn about its engineering and political significance and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Nasser. – The Unfinished Obelisk: This is a huge granite obelisk that was left unfinished in the ancient quarry due to a crack. You’ll see its size and shape, and imagine how it would have looked if completed. – The Philae Temple: This is an island temple that was dedicated to the goddess Isis, the mother of Horus. You’ll take a boat ride to the island and see its beautiful columns, halls, and reliefs. You’ll also learn about the rescue mission that saved the temple from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After the visit, you’ll return to the Nile Cruise for lunch and some leisure time. You can take a dip in the swimming pool, watch a cultural show, or shop for souvenirs. In the evening, you’ll have dinner onboard and spend the night in Aswan.

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, you’ll disembark from the Nile Cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport or railway station for your departure. You’ll take with you unforgettable memories of the Nile River cruise and the ancient wonders of Egypt. If you’re interested in booking this tour, you can book it here on GetYourGuide. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or share any feedback with the tour operator, who will be happy to assist you.

Book Your Tour Now

This 5-day, 5-star guided Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the ancient wonders and natural beauty of Egypt. With a professional guide, comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and fascinating sites, you’ll have a truly unforgettable experience that will enrich your knowledge and broaden your horizons. Don’t miss this chance to discover the land of the pharaohs and create memories that will last forever!

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxor

1. Where is Luxor located?

Luxor is a city located in Upper Egypt on the east bank of the Nile River. It is about 420 miles south of Cairo and around 165 miles north of Aswan.

2. What is Luxor famous for?

Luxor is famous for its historical sites and monuments, including the ancient city of Thebes, the Karnak Temple Complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Luxor Temple.

3. What is the best time to visit Luxor?

The best time to visit Luxor is from December to February when the weather is mild, and the temperatures are comfortable. Summer months are incredibly hot, and unless you are used to such extreme temperatures, it is best to avoid traveling there during these months.

4. What are some must-visit places in Luxor?

Karnak Temple Complex, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Queens, and the Colossi of Memnon are some of the must-visit places in Luxor.

5. Is it safe to visit Luxor?

Luxor is a relatively safe city to visit. However, it is advisable to take adequate safety precautions, such as avoiding traveling alone at night, sticking to well-lit, crowded areas, and keeping your valuables safe.

6. What currency is accepted in Luxor?

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available in Luxor, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

7. What is the local language spoken in Luxor?

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, and most people in Luxor speak Arabic. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

8. Can I hire a guide in Luxor?

Yes, you can hire a guide in Luxor to help you navigate through the city and provide you with information about the historical sites and monuments.

9. How do I get around in Luxor?

Taxis are widely available in Luxor and are a convenient mode of transportation. You can also hire a car and driver for the day to explore the historical sites and monuments.

10. What is the dress code in Luxor?

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and modest dressing is expected, especially in religious sites. While visiting historical sites and monuments, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. In conclusion, Luxor is a city rich in history and culture, and it is definitely worth visiting for anyone interested in exploring Egypt’s ancient past. Just make sure to plan your trip according to the city’s weather conditions, follow the safety precautions and enjoy the beauty of Luxor.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Luxor

As one of the most visited cities in Egypt, Luxor is not just famous for its great Pharaonic temples and tombs as well as for its unique atmosphere and stunning natural scenery. It is considered a popular tourist destination for a lifetime experience where visitors can learn about ancient history, explore the mysteries of the Pharaonic civilization and get to know the magical beauty of the Nile River. So if you’re planning a trip to Luxor, here’s how to spend your time as a tourist in Luxor:

1. Visit the Temples of Karnak

The temple of Karnak is one of the most incredible ancient monuments in Egypt, built during the reign of several Pharaohs, covering an area of more than 250,000 square meters. You can spend hours wandering through this giant temple complex, exploring columns, statues, obelisks, and great pylons. The temple of Karnak is also considered the largest religious building ever made and it’s said that each king used to build something here to show his power, which makes it a must-visit destination for tourists.

2. Explore The Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located in the city of Luxor and is known for its Pharaonic tombs. It is considered one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a destination for tourists of all ages. Visitors can explore the tombs and mummified bodies of Pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun. It’s recommended that you take a guide with you, as they know the history, the legends, and stories that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the pharaohs’ era.

3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor

Luxor looks absolutely breathtaking from above, and taking a hot air balloon flight during sunrise over the city is a truly unforgettable experience. You can enjoy a stunning view of the temples, the Nile River, the desert landscapes, and the mountains. It may be a little pricey, but it’s worth it to get your perfect photo of the city.

4. Visit The Luxor Temple

Located on the East Bank of the Nile, the Luxor Temple was built in the reign of Amenhotep III and was completed by Ramses the Great. The temple complex includes the Hypostyle Hall, Sanctuary of Amun, and the Great Court of Ramses II. It’s also basically right in the center of Luxor, so it’s easy to get to and a must-visit destination.

5. Take a Pharaonic Cruise Along the Nile River

Cruising along the Nile River is an incredible way to see Luxor and explore the surrounding areas. The cruise will typically take you to visit different temples, tombs, and monuments located along the river banks while providing a glimpse of the daily Egyptian life in the nearby villages. We recommend a multi-day cruise so you can enjoy more places along the Nile.

6. Luxor Museum

For those who are interested in getting a deeper understanding of the Pharaonic civilization, the Luxor Museum offers a great opportunity. It is one of the most informative museums where you can closely observe ancient treasures, including items from Tutankhamun’s tomb, statues, and valuable ostraca. Visitors can take an audio tour, which offers some incredible insights into the history, archaeology, and legends of the Pharaohs.

7. Take a Camel Ride in the Desert

Exploring the deserts of Luxor on a Camel is quite a unique experience. It is an incredible way to experience Egyptian nature, discovering ancient remnants of age-old civilizations that have been lost in the sands of time. The local companies offer Camel riding tours, which usually cover areas around the Pyramids, tombs, and temples with packages ranging from a few hours to overnight tours.

8. Visit The Luxor West Bank

The Luxor West Bank is known for its ancient temples and tombs, but it’s also an ideal destination for watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the whole of Egypt. Don’t forget to visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens, and Deir El-Medina to experience some truly spectacular ruins and carvings.

Book Your Tour Now

You don’t need to travel beyond Luxor for an unforgettable holiday experience. From the Temples of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor has something that can satisfy the interests of all types of travelers. Luxor is full of wonders and adventures, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in unraveling the mysteries of ancient Egypt. By following this guide, you’re sure to make the most of your time as a tourist in Luxor.