Sail Slow. Discover More.
8-Day Nile Cruise Itinerary: Aswan to Luxor (Roundtrip)
Spend 7 magical nights cruising the timeless Nile on this in-depth roundtrip cruise from Aswan to Luxor and back. Designed for travelers who want to slow down, soak in every site, and enjoy tranquil moments on the river, this 8-day itinerary offers a complete loop through Upper Egypt - with expert-guided excursions, elegant shipboard living, and seamless transfers.
Unlike shorter routes, this cruise includes multiple nights in both Luxor and Aswan, giving you time to explore ancient temples at your own pace, enjoy leisure time, and even add optional excursions like Abu Simbel or a hot air balloon flight.
Whether you’re a culture-seeker, a couple looking for a relaxing escape, or someone simply wanting to “see it all” - this itinerary is your perfect Nile journey.
7 Nights Onboard
Spacious cabins, sundeck with pool, and full-board meals.
Expert-Guided Sightseeing
All major sites in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan with certified Egyptologists
Private Transfers
Pickup & drop-off from airport or train included.
Slow & Balanced
Ample downtime between excursions with 24/7 local support.
8 Days / 7 Nights Aswan to Luxor Roundtrip
Below is a sample itinerary for this roundtrip route. The exact schedule may vary depending on river traffic and cruise ship provider.
| 📍 | Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| 🚪 | Day 1 Arrival in Aswan |
Arrival in Aswan and private transfer to your cruise ship before noon. Lunch onboard. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple. Dinner and overnight in Aswan. |
| ⛵ | Day 2 Kom Ombo & Sail to Edfu |
Breakfast onboard. Visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Lunch onboard while sailing. Overnight in Edfu. |
| 🛕 | Day 3 Edfu & Sail to Luxor |
Early morning visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu by carriage. Sail toward Luxor with lunch onboard. Dinner & overnight in Luxor (East Bank). |
| 🏜️ | Day 4 Luxor West Bank |
Breakfast onboard. Explore Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon. Return for lunch and dinner onboard. Optional evening: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple. |
| 🕌 | Day 5 Luxor East Bank |
Visit Karnak & Luxor Temples. Leisure afternoon onboard or optional excursion. Overnight in Luxor. |
| ⛵ | Day 6 Sail to Edfu |
Breakfast onboard. Free time while sailing south. Lunch and dinner onboard. Overnight in Edfu or Kom Ombo. |
| 🌅 | Day 7 Return to Aswan |
Morning sailing to Aswan. Leisure time or optional excursion to Nubian Village. Dinner & last night onboard in Aswan. |
| 🚐 | Day 8 Disembarkation |
Breakfast and check-out by 08:00 AM. Private transfer to Aswan hotel, airport, or train station. |
📝 This itinerary is a sample and may vary slightly depending on your cruise provider, sailing schedule, or river traffic. We’ll always confirm the exact day-by-day plan before departure.
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Enhance Your Cruise with These Experiences
Abu Simbel by Air
Sunrise flight tour from Aswan to see the colossal temples of Ramses II. A must-see.
Karnak Sound & Light Show
See the ancient world brought to life in a nighttime experience like no other.
Sunset Felucca Ride
Enjoy a tranquil sail in Aswan - timeless, beautiful, and perfect for photography.
Nubian Village Visit
Cultural immersion in one of Egypt’s most colorful and welcoming communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our 7-night cruise package typically includes:
• 7 nights onboard a deluxe 5★ Nile cruise ship
• Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
• Daily Egyptologist-guided excursions at all major temples and sites
• All entry tickets and permits
• Private airport/train station transfers at arrival and departure
• Onboard entertainment (e.g., Nubian shows, themed dinners – varies)
• Port taxes and service charges
• 24/7 support from our Cairo-based travel team
Most cruises operate with small group sightseeing aboard the ship, especially for shore excursions. However:
• Private upgrades are available for those wanting exclusive guiding
• Full-ship charters are available for families, travel clubs, or incentive groups
• Some excursions (like Abu Simbel or felucca rides) can be booked privately, even on a group sailing
We partner with licensed, verified Nile cruise operators using:
• 5★ or 5★ Deluxe river cruise vessels
• Cabins with ensuite bathrooms, AC, and river views
• Upper-deck sun lounge, pool, and bar area
• Restaurant with buffet or set menu service
• Daily housekeeping and laundry service (on request)
We’ll recommend a ship based on your travel dates, preferences, and comfort level.
Absolutely. Many guests:
• Begin with 2–3 nights in Cairo to see the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Old Cairo
• End with a Red Sea escape to Hurghada, Soma Bay, or Marsa Alam for diving and beach time
We’ll help you tailor the pre- and post-cruise parts to match your travel window.
Yes. While guided tours take place daily, most afternoons or evenings include downtime. You can:
• Relax on the sun deck or by the pool
• Book a massage or spa treatment (if available)
• Enjoy tea time on deck
• Read or stargaze as you sail between cities
The cruise is paced for comfort - not rush.
• Most 8-day cruises begin in Luxor and return to Luxor via Aswan
• Fixed departure days are usually Mondays or Saturdays, depending on the ship
• We’ll confirm the exact departure and return days before booking
Yes. You can:
• Add Abu Simbel by air from Aswan
• Book a sunset felucca ride or hot air balloon flight
• Request an extra hotel night in Luxor or Cairo pre/post cruise
• Upgrade to a suite or luxury-class ship
Our team builds each itinerary around your interests and needs.
Definitely. Many guests book their own international flights or accommodation and just use us for the cruise + ground handling. We can:
• Meet you at the airport/train station
• Arrange transfers and tours
• Book domestic flights or hotels if needed
Our service is flexible to your planning style.
No - tipping is not included in the cruise price. A general guide:
• $5-$10 USD per person, per day for the cruise crew (usually collected in one envelope at the end)
• $10-$15 USD per day for your private Egyptologist guide
• Tipping is optional but customary in Egypt, and we’ll provide a simple guide in your final documents.
Yes. The final morning includes:
• Breakfast onboard
• Checkout by 08:00 AM
• Private transfer to Aswan Airport, train station, or hotel
We recommend flights no earlier than 11:00 AM to allow for smooth disembarkation. If you have a later flight, we can offer half-day excursions or hotel use to bridge the time.
