Nile Cruise from Hurghada: Luxor to Aswan Explained
Sailing the Nile is the classic Egyptian journey, and it fits neatly into a Hurghada holiday: you drive to Luxor, board a river ship, sail south to Aswan and drive back to the Red Sea. Our 4-day Nile cruise does exactly that.
The route
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Luxor | Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut |
| Esna | The river lock, where ships queue to pass |
| Edfu | The Temple of Horus — one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt |
| Kom Ombo | A unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, above the river |
| Aswan | Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and felucca sailing |
Life on board
Cruise days follow a relaxed rhythm: early-morning temple visits, lunch on board, afternoons on the sun deck watching villages, palm groves and fishermen slide by. Meals are included; drinks are usually extra. Evenings are social, with themed dinners on many ships.
Abu Simbel: worth adding?
Abu Simbel's colossal temples of Ramesses II lie far south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan. It's an early start and a long drive, but for many travellers it's unmissable. It can be added as an optional excursion on the last day.
Best time to cruise
October to April is most comfortable for sightseeing. Summer cruises are cheaper but hot in Upper Egypt, so visits start very early.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive back from Aswan to Hurghada?
Around six to seven hours with stops.
Do I need to dress up on board?
Smart-casual for dinner is enough; some ships have a themed evening.
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