Nile cruise: the complete guide

In brief

A Nile cruise links Luxor and Aswan in 4 to 5 days (up to 7 or 8 when Abu Simbel is added), following the great temples of Upper Egypt. It is the smoothest, and one of the most relaxing, ways to see the essential pharaonic sites without repacking every evening.

• Duration: 4 to 5 days in the classic version, 7 to 8 days with Abu Simbel
• Route: between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction
• Temples: Karnak, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae
• Best time to go: from October to May
• Two boat styles: a classic ship rated 5 stars, or a dahabiya under sail

How many days do you need for a Nile cruise?

Plan on 4 to 5 days for a classic cruise between Luxor and Aswan: this is the length that lets you see the major temples without rushing. To add Abu Simbel, allow 7 to 8 days in total by combining the cruise with an extension south of Aswan.

A cruise of 4 days (3 nights) already covers Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Five days leave more time in Aswan, with the temple of Philae and a felucca on the river. Beyond that, you can enrich the trip with Abu Simbel, Cairo and its pyramids, or a Red Sea extension.

Should you sail from Luxor to Aswan or the other way around?

Both directions visit the same sites: the choice depends mainly on your flights and the pace you want. From Luxor to Aswan you follow the current and finish gently in Nubia; from Aswan to Luxor you sail upstream and end with the great Theban temples.

Our guide's tip: starting from Luxor to reach Aswan often means arriving at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo at quieter times, away from the groups.

Which itinerary and which temples will you see?

A Nile cruise strings together the finest temples of Upper Egypt. On the Theban side, Karnak and the temple of Luxor, then the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Along the way, Edfu (temple of Horus) and Kom Ombo (dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris). In Aswan, the temple of Philae. Abu Simbel is visited as an extension.

• Luxor: Karnak, temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Deir el-Bahari
• Edfu: the temple of Horus, one of the best preserved in Egypt
• Kom Ombo: a double temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris
• Aswan: temple of Philae, felucca, Elephantine Island, the dam
• As an extension: Abu Simbel and the two temples of Ramesses II

Classic ship or dahabiya: how to choose?

The classic ship, rated 5 stars, offers comfort, a pool and spacious cabins at a moderate price: it is the most common choice. The dahabiya, a small sailing boat with a handful of cabins, favours intimacy, quiet and moorings far from the major sites. Rarer, slower and pricier, it remains unforgettable.

For a first trip or with family, the classic ship is ideal. For a honeymoon or a taste for exclusivity, the dahabiya makes all the difference.

When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

The best period runs from October to May, when temperatures in Upper Egypt stay pleasant. Summer (June to September) is still possible but very hot, often above 40 °C in Luxor and Aswan: visits are then done early in the morning.

October, November, February and March offer the best balance between mild weather and reasonable crowds at the sites.

How much does a Nile cruise cost?

The budget depends on the length, the category of boat and the season. As a rough guide, cruises on the market usually range from a few hundred to more than 2,000 € per person depending on the standard. At Osiris Secret Travel, our private cruises are quoted individually and tailored to your dates and itinerary.

A useful habit: check what is included. Full board, guided excursions, temple entrance fees and tips quickly make the difference from one price to another.

Our Nile cruises

We operate our own private cruises, accompanied by Egyptologist guides who speak French. Discover our options of 6, 7 and 9 days below, then request a tailored quote: we build the itinerary, the boat and the pace around what you want.