How to Plan Your 5-Day Nile Cruise with Private Full Board Accommodation, Transfers and Guided Tours in Cairo

Looking for an all-inclusive trip to Egypt that leaves you free to enjoy the highlights of the Nile without any of the stress? Book this Nile cruise package, which includes a five-day luxury cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with all transfers, guided tours, sightseeing tickets and entrance fees included. Take advantage of the flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences, and enjoy a vegetarian meal option if required. With a friendly and experienced English-speaking guide, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Egypt while sailing in comfort along one of the world’s most famous rivers.

Overview

This five-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan takes in some of Egypt’s most iconic sights, including the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Karnak. With a private guide who is experienced in Egyptology and Art History, you’ll learn about the history and culture of this amazing country while sailing in comfort down the Nile. This tour includes everything you need for a hassle-free experience, from airport transfers to all entrance fees.

What’s Included

• All Fees and Taxes
• 4 nights floating hotel full board accommodation
• Sightseeing tickets entry fees
• Sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan
• Domestic flight from Cairo Luxor or Aswan
• Egypt entry Visa
• Private guide for a more personalized experience
• Vegetarian meal option available
• No need to rush your Nile experience on this multi-day trip

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Luxor Arrival

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to the cruise ship. After a welcome drink and check in, you’ll have time to rest and freshen up before lunch on board. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Karnak and Luxor temples, which are spectacular in both their scale and historical significance. Back on board, dinner will be served and you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the Nile cruise experience.

Day 2: Luxor West Bank

After breakfast, we’ll cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Hatshepsut Temple, two of the most celebrated archaeological sites in the country. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Luxor on your own or join an optional tour to the Luxor museum or the Sound and Light show at Karnak temple.

Day 3: Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple

In the morning we’ll start sailing towards Edfu, where we will visit the temple of Horus, one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt. Back on the ship, we’ll have lunch before continuing towards Kom Ombo, where another temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris can be found. After visiting the temple, we will return to the cruise ship for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Abu Simbel

This day is dedicated to visiting the iconic temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a long day but definitely worth it, as the temples are some of the most impressive antigues in Egypt. The temples located 280 km from Aswan, near the Sudanese border. The temple of Ramses II is one of the most impressive and challenging. Ramses II wanted to build an impressive temple to the gods that would impress anyone seeing it. The four colossi fronting the temple are each 20 meters high, carved from the native rock cliff.

Day 5: Disembarkation

After breakfast on board, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow travelers and your guide. We’ll transfer you to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo or to Luxor’s airport for your flight back to Cairo, depending on the itinerary package option you’ve chosen.

Booking Information

Book this incredible five-day Nile cruise tour from Luxor to Aswan with Viator. The package includes private full board accommodation, transfers, guided tours and sightseeing tickets. Click here to book the tour.

Insider’s Guide to Cairo: Discover the Magic Beyond the Nile Cruise

Cairo is a city that is constantly evolving, a place where ancient history meshes with modernity. With increasingly affordable travel packages and world-renowned hospitality, Cairo is becoming a popular destination for travelers around the globe. Many visitors come to take a Nile River cruise, but there is more to Cairo than just a river. In this insider’s guide, we invite you to explore the less-trodden paths, uncover the local secrets, and immerse yourself in the true spirit of the city.

Local Attractions: Beyond The Pyramids

Most tourists visiting Cairo head straight to the Pyramids of Giza, but the city has many other hidden gems worth exploring. The Hanging Church, also known as St. Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is a beautiful example of early Christian architecture. If you are interested in Islamic architecture, visit the historic Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world’s oldest universities founded in the 10th century. For art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art at Gezira Island houses a large collection of contemporary Egyptian art.

Dining Spots: Merging Cultures

Egyptian cuisine is not just about kebab and falafel. Dip into the world of Egyptian street food, and you will be amazed by the diverse flavors, colors, and aromas. The micro-district of Bab El-Louq is the place to go for koshari, a hearty vegan-friendly dish of rice, lentils, and pasta served with spicy tomato sauce. The bustling Shawarma Mahmoud is a reliable choice for a quick meal of succulent chicken shawarma. For a fusion of Egyptian and Mediterranean flavors, head to Felfela Restaurant in Downtown Cairo.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals and Art

Cairo is a city that cherishes its ancient traditions and holds onto them tight, but it also embraces modernity with open arms. The month-long Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) held annually since 1976, attracts movie buffs from around the world. The Mawlawiyah Dance performances, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi dance, is a unique visual and spiritual experience. For art lovers, Cairo has a blossoming contemporary art scene with exhibitions and galleries popping up in unlikely places.

Local History: Stories From The Past

Cairo has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and every street, building, and monument has a story to tell. Visit the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress located in the heart of Cairo, and learn about the city’s military past. The famous Ibn Tulun Mosque, built-in 876 AD, is another historic monument worth visiting. Legend has it that the mosque is haunted by jinn, supernatural beings prevalent in Islamic mythology.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Adventure Awaits

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Wadi Degla, a scenic nature reserve located 30 km from Cairo city. Explore the hiking trails, listen to the birds chirping, and enjoy the panoramic views of the desert landscape. For an even more unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor Valley and watch the sun rise over the Nile River, followed by a champagne breakfast.

Cairo is not just a city; it is an experience. With this insider’s guide, we hope to inspire you to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations and to immerse yourself in the vibrancy of this ancient and mesmerizing city.