The Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is the most compact way to sail the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya: 4 days and 3 nights heading north from Aswan through the Nile River Valley to Luxor. It covers the same main sites as the longer Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya cruise in one night less, at the lowest Dahabiya price on the Nile.
Twelve Dahabiyas sail from Aswan to Luxor every week, 6 Luxury and 6 High Luxury, departing every Wednesday and Friday. Your sightseeing is always private, with your own Egyptologist guide, private transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver, full board on board and all entrance tickets included.
Why Choose the Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya?
- Shorter trip: 4 days / 3 nights, ideal when your Egypt itinerary is tight.
- Lower price: from $1,559 per person, compared with $1,782 for the 5-day Luxor to Aswan route.
- Perfect after Abu Simbel: start the Dahabiya in Aswan after a visit to Abu Simbel or a Lake Nasser Cruise from Abu Simbel to Aswan.
- Finish in Luxor: end the trip with the East Bank and West Bank of Luxor, then stay on for a hot air balloon ride or extra nights.
Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Itinerary
The route runs south to north, from Aswan to Luxor. The exact stops and their order vary by Dahabiya and are shown in each boat's day-by-day itinerary.
Starting in Aswan
The cruise starts in Aswan, at the First Cataract of the Nile. Guided visits include Philae Temple, the island Temple of Isis, the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries and, on most Dahabiyas, the Aswan High Dam. The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show can be added as an optional extra, subject to operation on the day.
Sailing North: Kom Ombo and Edfu
Heading downstream, the Dahabiya sails at a calm pace and moors at peaceful Nile islands and riverside villages away from the big cruise ship docks. Every Dahabiya visits the Temple of Kom Ombo, the double temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder, and selected boats also stop at the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Swimming and kayaking at island stops are arranged when weather and river conditions allow.
Ending in Luxor: East Bank and West Bank
The cruise finishes with Luxor, the open-air museum of ancient Thebes. On the East Bank, visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. On the West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Depending on the Dahabiya, you disembark in Esna or in Luxor, with the private road transfer from Esna to Luxor included.
Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Departures
Dahabiya Nile cruises from Aswan to Luxor depart twice a week:
Every Wednesday from Aswan
Every Friday from Aswan
Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Cruise Price
The 4 Days / 3 Nights Dahabiya Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor starts from $1,559 per person on a Luxury Dahabiya and from $1,937 per person on a High Luxury Dahabiya, in a double cabin (twin or king bed). Single cabins and suites are available on both categories. Rates change by season, with different prices for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year and Easter.
The price includes your private Egyptologist guide, private transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver, full board on board, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom and all entrance tickets on the itinerary, with no hidden costs. See every boat on the Dahabiya Nile Cruises page, or compare them in our guide to the best Dahabiya Nile cruises.
Planning Your Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Cruise
- Arriving in Aswan: if your cruise starts with sightseeing, arrive in Aswan before 8:00 AM. If it starts with direct embarkation, arrive before 12:00 PM. For early flights or trains, add a night in Aswan before the cruise.
- Before the cruise: visit Abu Simbel by road or flight, or arrive on a Lake Nasser Cruise from Abu Simbel to Aswan.
- Leaving Luxor: book your flight or train from Luxor after 4:00 PM on the last day, so the West Bank visits and transfers are not rushed.
- After the cruise: stay on in Luxor for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, the Karnak Sound and Light Show, or the Valley of the Queens and Medinet Habu.
Want more time on the river? The 5 Days Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan departs every Monday and Saturday. Send the WOW Team your travel dates and group size, and we will confirm availability on your preferred Wednesday or Friday departure from Aswan.
