Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan at a glance
The classic Nile cruise runs between Luxor and Aswan. Itineraries include Edfu and Kom Ombo and finish at Aswan, with Philae. Ships and schedules vary, so the figures below are examples from the operators that publish them, not a rule for every vessel.
Prices depend on the ship, cabin, date and what is included. Ask each operator for a quote that names what is included.
Example routes and ships
Itineraries as published by the operators for 2026. Stops and timings can change on the day.
| Ship | Route | Length | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Goddess | Luxor to Aswan, from Monday | 4 nights, 5 days | Luxor East and West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Philae |
| Sun Goddess | Aswan to Luxor, from Friday | 3 nights, 4 days | Same stops in reverse |
| Moon Goddess | Luxor to Aswan on Mondays, Aswan to Luxor on Fridays | – | – |
| Amirat II (dahabeya) | Luxor to Aswan or the reverse | 4 nights, 5 days | – |
| Nour El Nil (dahabeya) | Boards at Esna, ends at Aswan | 5 nights, 6 days | El Kab and Edfu, Gebel Silsileh, Kom Ombo |
Not every ship uses the same weekdays. The Nour El Nil itinerary may change with river conditions and official instructions.
Our picks: Nile cruises
A cruise from Luxor to Aswan and a dahabiya in the other direction.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Four-day dahabiya cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Three nights on board, meals from the first lunch to the last breakfast, a guide and transfers in Aswan and Luxor. It sails from Aswan to Luxor, and entrance fees are not included.
Check availability →Five-day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
Four nights in a cabin, meals from the first lunch to the last breakfast, an Egyptologist and the excursions in the program. Entrance fees, drinks, Wi-Fi and tips are extra.
Check availability →Nile trips and cruises from Luxor
Nile cruises, river trips and Luxor excursions, with live prices and availability.
Luxor to Aswan: how many days do you need?
For the Luxor to Aswan route on the Sun Goddess, plan 4 nights and 5 days downstream from Luxor. The return from Aswan is shorter at 3 nights and 4 days. A dahabeya has no fixed length: one itinerary runs 5 nights from Esna, another 4 nights from Luxor.
Sightseeing is often charged separately. Sonesta lists the St. George cruises in 2026 with visits not included in the cabin price, so check before comparing two quotes.
Dahabeya or cruise ship?
A dahabeya is a different kind of vessel from a cruise ship, with its own itineraries. The Nour El Nil example boards at Esna rather than Luxor, so check where you actually board and how you reach the boat.
Esna and the Nile locks
Esna matters for navigation. In August 2026 the Egyptian State Information Service reported work to modernize the Esna barrage. A travel source separates three things: passing through the lock, tying up at the berth and an actual excursion to the Esna temple. Nothing in the reports means river traffic stops. Ask the operator whether your cruise passes the lock and whether a temple visit is part of it.
Children
Rules differ by ship. On the Moon Goddess in 2026, children under 6 stay free in a parent's cabin, ages 6 to under 12 pay 50 percent and anyone from 12 pays the full rate. Only one child can share a cabin under those terms.
Health and safety on the river
Do not swim in the Nile. Germany's Foreign Office advises against bathing in fresh water in the Nile valley because of the risk of schistosomiasis. On 11 October 2026, Egypt Independent reported that the Courchette, carrying 99 tourists, ran aground opposite the temple landing at Kom Ombo and was brought back into the channel. The report does not confirm injuries or damage and does not give a cause. Treat any schedule as a plan, not a promise.
Planning your Nile cruise
Heat matters on deck and ashore. Long-term averages for Luxor (1981–2010, not a forecast) put June to August daytime highs above 106°F (41°C). January highs are 73°F (23°C) with lows near 43°F (5.9°C), so bring a jacket for winter evenings on the river.
Before you book, ask the operator these questions:
- Which excursions are included, and which cost extra?
- Where do you board and where does the cruise end?
- Does the itinerary pass the Esna lock, and is a temple visit part of it?
- What are the child rates and cabin rules for your travel date?
- What happens if the itinerary changes because of river conditions?
Get the answers in writing, along with the date, cabin type and board. If you add Luxor sightseeing to the start or end of the cruise, read the pages on Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. For hot months and the best time to sail, see Luxor weather and best time to visit. Hotels are covered in where to stay.
Nile cruise Luxor to Aswan: frequently asked questions
How long is a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan?
On the Sun Goddess it is 4 nights and 5 days from Luxor, and 3 nights and 4 days from Aswan. Dahabeya itineraries run 4 or 5 nights depending on the boat.
What do you see on the way?
The Sun Goddess itinerary includes the East and West Bank of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan with Philae. The itinerary can change.
Are sightseeing tours included in the price?
Not always. One operator lists visits as not included in the cabin price for some 2026 cruises. Ask what is included.
Does the Esna lock stop cruises?
Modernization work on the Esna barrage was reported in August 2026, but nothing in the reports says river traffic is generally halted. Confirm with your operator.
Can children join a Nile cruise?
Yes, on many ships. On the Moon Goddess in 2026, under 6 stay free in a parent's cabin and ages 6 to under 12 pay 50 percent.
Is it safe to swim in the Nile?
No. Germany's Foreign Office advises against bathing in fresh water in the Nile valley because of schistosomiasis.