Short on time but set on seeing Upper Egypt? This 4-day package flies you from Cairo to Aswan, then lets the Nile do the rest. Over three nights on a 5-star cruise, you sail past Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor, visiting Philae, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple with your own Egyptologist. Domestic flights, full-board meals, entry fees and private transfers are all included, so you can relax and enjoy the river. Choose your ship from our Nile cruise collection, from classic 5-star vessels to presidential-class luxury.
Signature Expedition Highlights
Return domestic flights between Cairo and Upper Egypt, so you skip the long overland journey
The Aswan High Dam and the island sanctuary of Philae
Kom Ombo's twin temple and its Crocodile Museum
The Temple of Horus at Edfu, reached by horse-drawn carriage
Luxor's West Bank: the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut's temple
The East Bank giants: Karnak and Luxor Temples
A private Egyptologist guide and VIP transfers from start to finish
DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Your journey begins with a private early-morning transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport for a short domestic flight south to Aswan. On landing, your Egyptologist guide will be waiting to take you straight into the highlights of Aswan. First comes the Aswan High Dam, the modern engineering feat that reshaped life along the Nile. Next, a short motorboat ride carries you to Philae, the graceful island temple built in honor of the goddess Isis. The tour finishes at the ancient granite quarries, home to the colossal Unfinished Obelisk, which reveals how the ancient Egyptians cut stone on a monumental scale. You then board your 5-star cruise, settle into your cabin over a generous buffet lunch, and enjoy a quiet evening and dinner on board. For more ideas on the city, see our Aswan sightseeing guide.
Private Guided Sightseeing with Certified Egyptologist
This morning the ship sets sail north to Kom Ombo, a rare temple split into two mirrored halves: one devoted to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other to Haroeris, the falcon-headed god. Back on board, lunch is served while the cruise continues to Edfu. There, a traditional horse carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus, the most completely preserved cult temple from ancient Egypt, where carved walls and towering pylons still stand almost intact. Unwind afterwards with afternoon tea on the sun deck as the riverbanks drift by, then join the fun at the evening Galabeya party, where guests dress in traditional Egyptian robes before dinner. Want to know what to expect on board? Read our Nile cruise guide.
Private Guided Sightseeing with Certified Egyptologist
Today you cross to Luxor's West Bank, the ancient “land of the dead.” Start in the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest in richly painted tombs cut deep into the mountainside. Continue to Deir el-Bahari to see the striking terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set against sheer limestone cliffs. On the way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues that have watched over the plain for more than three thousand years. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxed afternoon, followed by dinner and a lively show of Egyptian folk dancing and belly dance. Discover more of the city in our Luxor sightseeing articles.
Private Guided Sightseeing with Certified Egyptologist
After a final breakfast on board, check out of your cabin and head to the East Bank. Your first stop is the vast Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site of the ancient world, famous for its Great Hypostyle Hall and its forest of 134 giant stone columns. You then visit the elegant Luxor Temple in the heart of the modern city. Once the tour ends, an air-conditioned vehicle drives you to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo, where a driver meets you and takes you directly to your hotel. Planning to see more of the city? Explore our Luxor travel guide.
Private Guided Sightseeing with Certified Egyptologist
OFFICIAL SEASONAL TARIFF
Package Rates & Seasonal Cabin Pricing
All rates in USD ($) per person. Full Board 5-Star cruise accommodation, domestic flights & guided sightseeing included.
Domestic Flights Included
Cruise Category & Vessels
Triple Room
Per Person
Double RoomMost Popular
Single Room
Per Person
Action
Standard 5-Star Cruise
e.g. MS Nile Dolphin, MS Pioneer
$1,478
$1,541
$2,078
Deluxe Nile Cruise
e.g. Blue Shadow, Princess Sarah
$1,948
$2,026
$2,548
Ultra Deluxe Cruise
e.g. MS Acamar, MS Mayfair
$2,830
$2,944
$3,650
Luxury Cruise
e.g. Oberoi Philae, Sanctuary Sun Boat
$3,456
$3,582
$4,406
Cruise Category & Vessels
Triple Room
Per Person
Double RoomMost Popular
Single Room
Per Person
Action
Standard 5-Star Cruise
e.g. MS Nile Dolphin, MS Pioneer
$1,168
$1,231
$1,532
Deluxe Nile Cruise
e.g. Blue Shadow, Princess Sarah
$1,360
$1,539
$1,915
Ultra Deluxe Cruise
e.g. MS Acamar, MS Mayfair
$2,032
$2,146
$2,688
Luxury Cruise
e.g. Oberoi Philae, Sanctuary Sun Boat
$2,486
$2,612
$3,214
What is Included in This Package
Return domestic flights (Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo)
3 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise
Full board on the ship: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
All airport, hotel and port transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
A licensed, English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Entry tickets to every site listed in the itinerary
Horse carriage ride in Edfu and motorboat transfer to Philae Temple
Service charges, lock fees and all local tourism taxes
What is Excluded from This Package
International flights to Egypt and your entry visa
Optional extras such as a trip to Abu Simbel (by road or air) or a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor
