Luxor and Aswan

Luxor and Aswan are the two ends of the classic Nile cruise route, and almost every sailing in Egypt runs between them. The 210 kilometres of river in between hold the densest concentration of standing ancient monuments anywhere in the world, which is why the itinerary has barely changed in a century.

Sailings run in both directions. Luxor to Aswan is the more popular, usually five days and four nights, travelling upstream against the current with a gentler start — Karnak and the West Bank first, temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo in the middle, Philae and the High Dam at the end. Aswan to Luxor covers the same ground in four days and finishes in Luxor, which suits travellers flying home from there.

What you see along the way: the Karnak temple complex and Luxor Temple; the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut Temple on the West Bank; the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the double temple at Kom Ombo; and Philae Temple at Aswan. Abu Simbel is normally an optional extension from Aswan rather than part of the sailing.

The trips below cover this corridor across every cruise class, from standard 5-star through to ultra-luxury and the dahabiya sailing boats. If you are deciding between routes and durations, our itineraries guide compares them day by day.