More about: 7 Best Nile Cruises from Aswan
Visiting Aswan is an experience steeped in mysticism, and if you do so aboard a boat on the waters of the Nile, then this experience is taken to another level. Due to its geographical location, the city is a starting point or mandatory stop for those who want to discover temples and shrines that are symbols of Egyptian culture.
Without a doubt, venturing out to discover these archaeological sites on a cruise is one of the best things to do in Aswan, not only because it saves time and money, but also because you get to sail on waters steeped in history and spirituality. You can choose between a 3-day trip from Aswan to Luxor, a cruise with a hot air balloon ride, a visit to the Nubian village, a tour of the temples closest to Aswan and much more.
1. 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor

One of the best ways to learn about Egyptian history and its traces is to take a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where you will visit the most emblematic monuments of Egyptian culture aboard a boat full of amenities such as a swimming pool, disco, bar and more.
On the first day, you will explore some of the corners of Aswan and its surroundings. You will visit the Temple of Philae, named after the island where it was originally located (today it is in Agilkia). This series of buildings was constructed in honour of the gods Osiris and Isis around the 3rd century BC.
Next, you will also see the High Dam, a structure built to control the levels of the Nile River and provide electricity. On your second day, you will disembark from the boat and travel by land to Abu Simbel, a valuable archaeological site built in 1274 BC.
On the third day, you will enter the Temple of Edfu, built in honour of the god Horus. Afterwards, you will go to the archaeological complex of Karnak, where you will see the Temple of Luxor, the colonnade built under the command of Amenhotep III and the statues in honour of Ramses II. The adventure will end on the east bank of Luxor, where you will explore Thebes and the necropolis with the remains of the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
Details of interest
- Price: from £376.
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
- Advantages of this option: the price includes meals, the services of an expert guide on Egyptian culture and return transfers from your hotel.
2. 8-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor

The Aswan region, surrounded by the Nile, is a destination that can be explored in endless ways, so if you are travelling for a week or more, you should know that there is an 8-day (7-night) cruise that will give you a much more complete overview of the heart of Egypt and allow you to discover its best-kept secrets.
Once you board the luxury cruise ship, you will visit three essential destinations close to the city: the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae. The next day, you will go to the Temple of Kom Ombo, in honour of the crocodile god. The third day of your itinerary is dedicated to exploring the ship to the fullest, taking advantage of all the activities on offer.
On day 4, the ship will head towards the Temple of Karnak, known as the sanctuary of Amun, and the Temple of Luxor, where the Opet festival was celebrated .
On days 5 and 6, you will continue visiting historic temples such as the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Edfu, while on day 7 you will end your exploration at the famous temples of Abu Simbel, where you will see the temple in honour of Ramses II and the other dedicated to Queen Nefertari. However, if you don't have enough time for such a long trip, I recommend signing up for a 1-day excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel, so you don't miss out on this important attraction.
Details of interest
- Price: from £950.
- Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
- Advantages of this option: you will have a more complete visiting experience and see most of the tourist attractions in the area aboard a luxury boat.
- Disadvantages of this option: admission to the attractions is not included in the price of the excursion.
3. 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor with hot air balloon ride

The more adventurous will find unique experiences in Aswan, such as riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise to admire the landscape surrounding the Nile. So, if you're interested in an adventure of this kind while enjoying the experience of appreciating Egyptian culture, consider joining a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a hot air balloon ride.
During the 4 days and 3 nights aboard a luxurious boat, you will discover destinations that are thousands of years old and examples of Egyptian culture and history that have survived the passage of time. First, you will pass by the temples of Philae and the High Dam. The next day, you will delve into the treasures of the Abu Simbel temples and also visit the temple of Kom Ombo.
On day 3, you will travel to the temple of Edfu, which you will reach in a horse-drawn carriage. On the way, you will observe the natural beauty and beautiful panoramic views of the local villages near the Nile River. At sunset, you will be sailing the waters towards the Luxor Temple, where you will see displays of Islamic, Egyptian and Christian symbols.
On the morning of day 4, the most eagerly awaited moment will arrive: flying in a hot air balloon over the coast of Luxor to see the landscape of this town like never before. You will also pass by the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately £280.
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
- Advantages of this option: you will see the most famous destinations in the region, travel on a 5-star cruise ship and take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
- Disadvantages of this option: entrance fees to temples and other attractions are not included in the price of the activity.
4. Cruise to the Nubian village from Aswan

If you want to sail along the Nile on short tours, one option is to join this boat trip to the Nubian village from Aswan. This is a private activity in which your group will be the only one on board the boat, which has a maximum capacity of 15 people.
You will cruise along the Nile towards Elephantine Island, a territory located opposite Aswan where a Nubian community settled. Accompanied by a guide, you will learn about the history of the village and see its colourful houses in vibrant shades. You will learn about Nubian culture through various elements such as the Nile crocodiles.
But the experience does not end there, as you will also have the opportunity to enter the home of a Nubian family and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Take advantage of the opportunity to capture the striking colours of the surroundings in a photograph.
On the other hand, keep in mind that the island is home to other traces of ancient Egypt, so consider visiting the Elephantine Pyramid and the temples of Khnum and Heqa-ib, buildings that were part of the Pharaonic era.
Interesting details
- Price: around £36.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Advantages of this option: this is a private tour where you will discover a Nubian settlement in a short time with commentary from a guide.
5. Cruise to Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk

If you want to visit the most historically and culturally significant destinations near Aswan, then I invite you to take a tour of Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, where you will see these three great attractions in one day.
The adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned car (this is extremely important as you will be in a desert climate). You will depart for the boat that will take you along the waters of the Nile River and begin exploring the following archaeological sites:
- The Aswan High Dam, built for three main purposes: to combat drought, generate electricity and control the rising level of the Nile. It was inaugurated in 1971 and is a construction of great architectural value.
- The Unfinished Obelisk, a structure built during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, which for some reason did not remain upright. The 40-metre-long structure lies on the ground for visitors to admire and imagine its majesty 3,500 years ago.
- The Temple of Philae is a complex of buildings**,** among which the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, dating from the 3rd century BC, stands out.
Interesting details
- Price: usually €42.
- Duration: 6 hours.
- Advantages of this option: in a single tour, you will discover three of the most important destinations near Aswan in the company of an expert guide in Egyptian history.
- Disadvantages of this option: lunch is not included in the price of the activity.
6. Cruise to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu from Aswan

If you are looking for the best 1-day tours from Aswan, one of the options is to join this guided tour to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, which takes approximately 7 hours.
To begin the journey, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the first destination: the Temple of Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, you will notice that this mystical place is one of the must-see stops on most Nile cruises. Here, you will see stone columns and walls in honour of the god Haroeris and the god Sobek, known as the crocodile god.
Once you have finished exploring the site, it will be time for lunch and to prepare to continue the journey to the Temple of Edfu. This sanctuary is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. When you arrive, you will probably see old-style horse-drawn carriages, another way to visit the site.
Explore the temple and what it holds in each of its chambers, admire the sculptures, the large pylon and the extensive courtyard. When the visit is over, it will be time to return to Aswan or connect with another experience of your choice.
Details of interest
- Price: usually around £260.
- Duration: 7 hours.
- Advantages of this option: the total price includes entrance fees to the places of interest, an Egyptologist guide and lunch during the tour.
7. Panoramic cruise on the Nile from Aswan

As you know, the waters of the Nile surround the city of Aswan, and if you want to feel the tranquillity of the waves penetrate your spirit, join a panoramic tour of the Nile. You will travel on a felucca, a small boat for a few people , from which you can observe the surroundings bathed in the colours of the sunset.
The idea is to sail along the Nile at the end of the day so that you can enjoy the last rays of the sun and their reflection on the nearby islands. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to take some great photos while listening to historical facts about the place from a guide.
In addition to the urban atmosphere mixed with the desert, you will see a melancholic scene composed of palm trees and other plants that make up the Aswan Botanical Garden, which you can see in the distance on Lord Kitchener's Island. In fact, you should know that it is possible to stop off in this natural environment if you wish. You only have to pay the entrance fee.
Details of interest
- Price: the tour costs approximately £70 per person.
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Means of transport: felucca.
- Advantages of this option: you will enjoy not only a magnificent sunset, but also wonderful views of Elephantine Island and the Aswan Botanical Gardens.
Duration of Nile cruises from Aswan

The duration of Nile cruises depends largely on your goals as a tourist. You will find a wide range of options, from short tours lasting 3, 6 or 8 hours to cruises lasting between 2 and 8 days.
The shorter cruises focus on 1 or 3 places at most, such as the tour to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu from Aswan. Meanwhile, tours lasting several days include visits to more attractions. In some cases, cruises even offer alternative experiences, such as horse-drawn carriage rides or hot air balloon rides.
Why is it advisable to take a Nile cruise from Aswan?

The Nile is a mythical river that has played a leading role in world history in general and in the history of Egypt in particular. So sailing along it becomes much more than a pleasant experience, as these waters have witnessed great mythological and historical feats.
On the other hand, the river remains one of the best ways to get around Egypt, as many of the attractions are only accessible by river or are located on the banks of the river, making it a must to take a trip down the Nile to visit temples, shrines and other attractions of great archaeological value in a single trip. This way, you will save time and money while enjoying the comfort of travelling on a luxury boat or the simple experience of navigating these sacred waters.