Nile Cruise: with Balloon & Abu Simbel

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey along the majestic Nile River with this 4-night, 5-day luxury cruise from Luxor to Aswan, including domestic flights from Cairo, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and a guided excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples. Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt with an expert Egyptologist guide, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the High Dam. Relax onboard a 5★ deluxe Nile cruise and enjoy authentic Egyptian hospitality, onboard entertainment, and breathtaking Nile views.

✅ What’s Included

• Round-trip flightsCairo → Luxor / Aswan → Cairo
• 4 nights aboard a 5★Nile Cruise (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Accommodation in a private cruise cabin with all facilities
• All transfersin private A/C vehicles
• Qualified Egyptologist guide
• Hot Air Balloon Rideover Luxor (30–40 minutes)
• Trip to Abu Simbel Templesby A/C vehicle
• Horse & carriage ride in Edfu
• Banana Island visit in Luxor by traditional sailing Felucca
• All taxes and handling fees

❌ What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to all mentioned sites:

• Karnak & Luxor Temples
• Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
• Philae Temple
• Abu Simbel
  • Motorboat ride to Philae Temple
  • Wi-Fi on board (available at extra charge)
  • Drinks on cruise and personal expenses
  • Tipping for guides, drivers & cruise staff

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Flight to Luxor | Embark Nile Cruise | East Bank Tour

Start your adventure with an early transfer from your hotel in Cairo or Giza to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, your Egyptologist guide will greet you and take you to explore:

• Karnak Temple:The largest religious complex in the world, featuring the famous Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns, monumental gateways, and sacred obelisks.
• Luxor Temple:An ancient temple illuminated beautifully at night, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II to honor the god Amun.

After the tour, check in to your 5★ Nile cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. In the evening, join the disco party organized by the cruise staff.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise (Luxor)

Day 2 – Hot Air Balloon Ride | Luxor West Bank Tour | Sail to Edfu

Start your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over Luxor at sunrise, offering spectacular views of the Nile, Valley of the Kings, and temples.

Continue your journey to Luxor’s West Bank:

• Valley of the Kings:Enter three royal tombs adorned with stunning hieroglyphics. (Optional: visit King Tutankhamun’s tomb)
• Hatshepsut Temple:A magnificent mortuary temple built for Egypt’s only female pharaoh, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
• Colossi of Memnon:Two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing as silent guardians of Thebes.

Return to the cruise for lunch and relax as the ship sails through the Esna Lock toward Edfu. Enjoy magical Nile views and local life scenes on the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise (Edfu)

Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples | Sail to Aswan

After breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage to visit:

• Edfu Temple:Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, this temple is one of the best-preserved examples of Ptolemaic architecture.

Return to the cruise and continue sailing south. In the afternoon, visit:

• Kom Ombo Temple:A unique double temple dedicated to Sobek (crocodile god) and Horus (falcon god), with fascinating reliefs and mummified crocodiles on display.

Enjoy dinner and an evening entertainment show onboard as the cruise sails toward Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise (Aswan)

Day 4 – Abu Simbel Temples Excursion

Wake up early for a 3-hour drive to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most remarkable sites:

• Abu Simbel Temples:Two colossal rock temples built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as Ramses’ beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Marvel at the grandeur of these monuments and learn about the UNESCO-led relocation project that saved them from flooding.

Return to Aswan for lunch onboard. Evening free to explore or enjoy the cruise’s entertainment program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise (Aswan)

Day 5 – Philae Temple & High Dam | Flight Back to Cairo

After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and explore Aswan’s highlights:

• High Dam:A modern engineering marvel providing electricity and controlling Nile flooding.
• Philae Temple:A stunning temple dedicated to goddess Isis, located on Agilkia Island, accessible by motorboat.

Later, transfer to Aswan Airport for your return flight to Cairo, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. End of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Not included (Tour ends in Cairo)

Additional Info

• Duration:5 Days / 4 Nights
• Departure:Daily from Cairo
• Pickup:Cairo Airport or any Cairo/Giza hotel
• Best Season:October – April for pleasant weather
• Tour Type:Private or small-group option available