Karnak while you are fresh
Karnak is enormous and takes concentration. On a southbound sailing it lands on day one, before the week has worn you down. Some guests want the largest temple first, not last.
Sailing south · upstream
Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruises
The classic direction: Karnak on day one, and Aswan to wind down in.
220 kilometers, five moorings, one direction.
- 01
Luxor
Board in time for lunch, included on arrival day. Karnak and Luxor Temple sit minutes from the mooring, and the West Bank fills the first full morning.
- 02
Esna
The lock, and the reason the first night's sailing runs late — worth being on deck for.
- 03
Edfu
The Temple of Horus by horse-carriage, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.
- 04
Kom Ombo
Sobek and Horus share one temple on the bank, reached straight off the gangway at dusk.
- 05
Aswan
Disembark after breakfast for Philae, the High Dam, and a felucca past Elephantine Island. Abu Simbel is a day trip from here.
Sailing south is the older itinerary and still the more common one. You start with the biggest thing on the river, Karnak, and work toward the quieter end: Edfu, Kom Ombo, then Philae and the Nubian islands at Aswan. Because you are working against the current it usually takes four nights rather than three.
It is the better fit than people expect. Most long-haul arrivals route through Luxor, and finishing in Aswan means finishing somewhere slow, which suits a trip that started in Cairo traffic.
Why sail south
It fits the usual flight pattern
Most international routings into Upper Egypt arrive at Luxor. Sailing south means no positioning flight to Aswan, which on a short trip is worth more than the extra night on the water.
You finish somewhere calm
Aswan is the gentler of the two cities: islands, feluccas, Nubian villages, and far less traffic than Luxor. Ending there rather than starting there changes the shape of the week.
Abu Simbel as a finale
Abu Simbel is a day trip from Aswan, so southbound it becomes the closing act rather than a bookend before you board. Its scale holds up as an ending.
What you stop at
Sailing this route
97 ships sail this route, across four tiers, typically 4 nights.
Comfort5-Star Standard
16 ships
Comfort
A Sara Nile Cruise
A Sara is a Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Aswan. The route groups short, focused visits so you step ashore for temple quays and return to a calm river mooring each evening. Guided highlights include Kom Ombo's double temple, Edfu's Ptolemaic temple, and Luxor West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings sits alongside Hatshepsut's mortuary temple. An optional Abu Simbel transfer can be added on the Aswan leg. We run these cruises with very small groups, which keeps landings flexible and reduces time spent queuing at sites. Unlike mass-market overnight cruise programs, this itinerary pauses at Edfu and Kom Ombo long enough for proper visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead the guided visits.
Comfort
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
Explore a 5-star Nile Cruise with full board, private Egyptologist-guided temples and comfortable onboard facilities. Request your sailing details today.
Comfort
King of Thebes Nile Cruise
Explore Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise with full board, Egyptologist-led excursions and optional Abu Simbel. Enquire today.
Comfort
Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Enjoy a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise with full-board sailing, pool, sun deck and guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Enquire today.
Comfort
Nile Quest Nile Cruise
Nile Quest Nile Cruise offers full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions, cabin options and public decks. Enquire now.
Comfort
Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
Explore a deluxe 5-star Nile Cruise with full board, suite cabins and shore excursions to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Enquire today.
Classic5-Star Deluxe
40 ships
Classic
Farida Nile Cruise
Farida Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with cabins, full board, and shore excursions. Enquire now.
Classic
Grand Rose Nile Cruise
Book Grand Rose Nile Cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for full board sailing, shore excursions, and Nile-view cabins. Enquire now.
Classic
Hambra Nile Cruise
Hambra sails between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Upper Egypt's principal Pharaonic sites. The route calls at the High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. It then stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu, with an afternoon chariot ride offered at Edfu Temple, followed by the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank. East Bank visits include Karnak and Luxor Temples. The program runs as a 4-day route from Aswan or a 5-day route from Luxor, allowing more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo than many shorter packaged cruises.
Classic
Jamila Nile Cruise
Sail in elegance aboard the Jamila Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Discover ancient Egypt’s wonders with deluxe comfort, fine dining, and personalized service.
Classic
Kleos Nile Cruise
MS Kleos is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided shore visits to major temples and tombs. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead every scheduled visit. We arrange private transfers and Egyptologist-guided shore programs rather than audio-only ship excursions. Unlike many cruise-ship shore schedules that rush sites, our pacing gives fuller time at Karnak and on the Luxor West Bank. Expect early starts and substantial walking on uneven ancient stone; strong sun and limited shade are common at sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Abu Simbel flights, extra hotel nights, and gratuities can be added on request.
Classic
Kontiki Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile in style aboard the Kontiki Nile Cruise. Discover ancient temples, elegant cabins, and world-class service on this unforgettable Deluxe Nile Cruise.
Prestige5-Star Ultra Deluxe
15 ships
Prestige
Acamar Nile Cruise
Explore Acamar Nile Cruise cabins, excursions, and full-board sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Check dates and request a quote today.
Prestige
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Alexander The Great, a Prestige-class vessel running the classic Luxor–Aswan river route. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange embarkation in Luxor, guided visits with our Egyptologists, and disembarkation in Aswan. Scheduled stops typically include major temples along the Nile banks, allowing time ashore for sites such as Karnak, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We do not run coach-style, large-group shore calls; our Egyptologists prioritise early visits to reduce peak crowds when possible. Unlike short, overnight cruises that rush temple calls, this route gives more time at riverside sites and villages, and more opportunities to watch daily Nile life from deck. Standard site entrance fees are normally included on Nile cruises; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded unless specifically requested.
Prestige
Amada Nile Cruise
Explore Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and Aswan on a luxury 5-star Nile Cruise with full board and guided shore excursions. Enquire today.
Prestige
Amwaj Nile Cruise
Amwaj Nile Cruise is a Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with cabin classes, full-board dining, and Luxor–Aswan shore excursions. Book now.
Prestige
Grand Sun Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with full board, guided shore excursions and 5-star cabin options. Request availability from DTE today.
Prestige
Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Board MS Le Fayan at the Luxor Corniche pier and step aboard a compact Nile cruise that runs four days downriver to Aswan. I guide the shore excursions myself when available; we move with the light – morning visits to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple when tombs are coolest, late-afternoon walk through Karnak's Hypostyle Hall if crowds thin. Cabins are Nile-cruise size and practical, with private en suite bathrooms and wardrobe space; this is intimate, not an ocean liner. Each afternoon you sit on the shaded sun deck and watch feluccas, fishermen and river markets pass close to the bank. We stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo for temple walks; plan on 60–90 minute shore calls in Edfu and a short market visit at Kom Ombo's quay. In Aswan we moor on the Corniche and arrange the motorboat transfer to Philae Temple. Meals follow local rhythms: breakfasts and lunches on board, an evening of grilled fish when the catch is good. Note practical details up front: luggage transfers use the pier gangway, mobile signal is patchy between Nile bends, and some tombs require extra-permit fees. If you like quiet mornings in old temples and direct commentary from an Egyptologist, this four-day downriver cruise keeps logistics simple and the day-to-day focused on sites and sunlight.
Luxury5-Star Luxury
26 ships
Luxury
Esplanade Nile Cruise
The Esplanade sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private modern transfers, and guided excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Excursions run with groups capped at eight guests per Egyptologist, keeping commentary focused and the pace flexible. Onboard meals are full board, and evenings include Egyptian folkloric performances and relaxed time on deck. The itinerary also offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan on disembarkation day. Unlike standard mass-market sailings, our shore visits are private, timed to avoid the busiest periods where possible.
Luxury
Farah Nile Cruise
Four days aboard MS Farah sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We include an Egyptologist on every departure rather than a driver-guide; that keeps commentary focused and consistent throughout the cruise. Unlike shared coach day trips, the vessel sails overnight so you gain two mornings ashore and more relaxed transfer times. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, mornings can start early, and walking is on uneven ancient stone at many sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; gratuities and premium tombs are excluded. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers.
Luxury
Historia Nile Cruise
Our one-day Historia Nile Cruise is a daytime, scenic passage on the Nile. We provide onboard English commentary about the river’s historical and cultural significance (including context for nearby sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple), a complimentary welcome drink, and a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options. The cruise offers panoramic river views and sunset photo opportunities from comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas. Departure times and embarkation points vary by city and season, so we confirm details at booking.
Luxury
Medea Nile Cruise
You board at Luxor's Nile pier and meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We walk straight to Karnak's Hypostyle Hall for a measured tour before the midday heat, then stop at Luxor Temple as lights come up after dusk. MS Medea runs a four-day, southbound route from Luxor to Aswan on a classic river scale: cabins are roughly 12 m² with river-view windows and modest storage – comfortable, not ocean-liner spacious. We pass through the Esna lock in late afternoon; expect the engine noise for 10–20 minutes while the gates close. The schedule gives two hours at Edfu's Temple of Horus by design – most cruisers skimp on this site, so we moor overnight to allow a calmer visit. On arrival in Aswan we visit Philae by motorboat, see the High Dam from the causeway, and disembark at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist handles commentaries, timings, and the short walks on uneven stone; I advise sensible shoes and a small daypack. Meals are full board on board; breakfast, lunch, and dinner follow a mix of local and continental dishes. Bar charges, gratuities, and optional extras sit outside the itinerary. If you want a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, tell me in advance – it means an extra early start and an added fee. This cruise suits travelers who prefer unhurried temple visits, steady river sailing, and clear daily plans.
Luxury
Miriam Nile Cruise
You board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier mid-afternoon and settle into a compact river cabin before the first walk to Karnak. I meet you on the quay: I am the Egyptologist who guides this route and I take you straight to the temple avenues where the sound of sandals on sandstone and the smell of date-syrup stalls still set the rhythm of the day. We start early on the West Bank at the Valley of the Kings – low light, few people, and panels that explain the painted ceilings up close. Back on board you watch the Nile change color as the vessel slips through the Esna lock; we moor overnight near Edfu so the temple visit gets two hours rather than a rushed stop. Day three gives you Kom Ombo’s double shrines and the Nile at dusk; on arrival in Aswan I show you Philae’s hypostyle hall and the High Dam’s concrete scale against the river. Cabins are compact (about 12 m²) – classic river scale, not ocean-liner. Full board includes three meals daily; breakfasts are early to match excursions. Practical notes: bring a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and expect short walks and stairs at most sites. I walk every route with you, point out mason’s marks and later-period graffiti, and keep the timing tight so photography fits the light.
Luxury
Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
The Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offering deluxe cabins, full board dining, and guided shore visits with English-speaking Egyptologists. Itineraries run from three to seven nights, with embarkation in Aswan or Luxor. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange meet and assist on arrival, all transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and entrance fees to listed sites. Guided shore tours are limited to eight guests, which keeps commentary focused and departures quicker at busy monuments. WiFi is available in most public areas, and each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water per day. Compared with larger cruise programs, our small-group approach permits more time at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, and Luxor West Bank.
16 more vessels sail this route without a published tier. See every Nile cruise
Or sail it in seven nights instead of three.
A dahabiya covers the same stretch under sail with six to twelve guests aboard, mooring at El Kab and Gebel Silsila where the larger ships carry on past. It costs more per night and takes twice as long, which is the entire point.
Dahabiya cruises (2 on this route)
When to sail north instead
Sail Aswan to Luxor if you would rather the week built toward Karnak than opened with it, or if you are short on days — northbound is three nights rather than four, because the current carries you. It also puts you in Luxor at the end, where the airport and the Cairo sleeper train are closest to the dock.
Questions we get about the direction
01How long is a Luxor to Aswan cruise?
Four nights, five days, on a standard river ship. That is one night longer than the same route northbound, because sailing upstream against the current takes longer between moorings. Dahabiyas take seven or eight nights on the same stretch.
02Which direction is more common?
Southbound, Luxor to Aswan, is the more commonly sold direction and the one most fixed-departure ships advertise. Northbound is shorter and, for most travelers, the one we recommend — but if your flights land in Luxor, southbound saves you a positioning flight.
03What do you see on a southbound sailing?
Karnak and Luxor Temple and the West Bank at the start; the Esna lock; the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the double temple at Kom Ombo; then Philae, the High Dam and the Nubian islands at Aswan. Abu Simbel is added as a day trip from Aswan at the end.
04Can I do Abu Simbel on this route?
Yes, and southbound it lands at the end. It is a day trip from Aswan by short flight or road convoy, taken after you disembark. Our Aswan office holds the flight seats and the guide, so it slots in without a second hotel move.
Tell us your dates and we'll pick the direction.
Our Aswan and Luxor offices handle both ends of this route. Egypt travel specialists since 1988, with offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh.