Nile Cruise Guide: Sailing Between Aswan and Luxor

A Nile cruise is the most effortless way to see Upper Egypt's temples: you sleep as you sail, and the great monuments appear one after another from the deck. Here's how to plan it.

Which way should you sail?

Most cruises run between Aswan and Luxor, in either direction.

• Aswan → Luxor (downstream): slightly faster, eases you in gently before Luxor's blockbuster sites.
• Luxor → Aswan (upstream): saves the serene south for last — a calmer finish.

Either works. What matters more is the boat and the guide.

How many nights?

• 3 nights (Aswan→Luxor) is the classic short cruise and hits the headline temples.
• 4 nights (Luxor→Aswan) adds breathing room and a second Luxor day.
• 7 nights suits slow travellers and often includes Dendera or Abydos.

The temples you'll see

A standard itinerary includes the Philae Temple near Aswan, the twin Kom Ombo temple on the riverbank, the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, and — in Luxor — Karnak and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. The optional dawn trip to Abu Simbel is unforgettable; book it separately.

Choosing the right boat

1. Standard cruisers carry 100+ guests and are great value.
2. Boutique boats (dahabiyas) are small sailing vessels — slower, romantic, pricier.
3. Check the sun-deck pool, cabin window size, and whether drinks and excursions are included.

Off-season tip: prices soften in May and September, and the temples are blissfully empty by mid-morning.

Before you book

Confirm what's included — Nile cruises vary wildly on guiding, entrance fees and tips. Compare Nile cruises and sailing trips on This is Egypt, and pair your cruise with a night in Aswan to catch the Nubian villages and a felucca at sunset.