Our Dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is the longer of the two Dahabiya routes: 5 days and 4 nights sailing south along the Nile River Valley, with one more night on the river than the Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya cruise. That extra night allows a slower pace, more island moorings and more village stops between the temples of Luxor, Kom Ombo and Aswan, with Edfu added on selected boats.
Twelve Dahabiyas sail this route every week, 6 Luxury and 6 High Luxury, leaving Luxor every Monday and Saturday. Each cruise is private to your group, with your own Egyptologist guide, a private air-conditioned vehicle, full board on board and all entrance tickets included.
Why Sail from Luxor to Aswan?
- One extra night on the Nile: 5 days / 4 nights, against 4 days / 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor.
- More stops on the way: depending on the Dahabiya, the longer program often adds Edfu, El Kab, Gebel el-Silsila or extra island moorings.
- Luxor first: see the East Bank and West Bank while you are fresh, then relax on deck as you sail south.
- Ends where Abu Simbel begins: finishing in Aswan makes it simple to add Abu Simbel or a Lake Nasser Cruise right after the Dahabiya.
Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Itinerary
The route runs from north to south, Luxor to Aswan. Exact stops and their order vary by Dahabiya, and each boat's day-by-day itinerary has the details.
Luxor East Bank and West Bank
The cruise starts in Luxor with guided visits on both banks of the Nile. On the East Bank you see Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. On the West Bank you visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Depending on the Dahabiya, you embark in Luxor or in Esna, with the private road transfer between the two included.
Sailing South: Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo
Heading south, the Dahabiya passes through the Esna Lock and moors at quiet Nile islands and riverside villages that large cruise ships do not reach. Every boat visits the Temple of Kom Ombo, and selected boats also stop at the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the El Kab Tombs and the sandstone quarries of Gebel el-Silsila. At island stops you can swim or kayak when weather and river conditions allow.
Arriving in Aswan
The cruise finishes in Aswan with visits to the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple, the island Temple of Isis. The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show can be added as an optional extra, subject to operation on the day.
Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Departures
Dahabiya Nile cruises leave Luxor for Aswan twice a week:
Every Monday from Luxor
Every Saturday from Luxor
Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Cruise Price
The 5 Days / 4 Nights Dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan starts from $1,782 per person on a Luxury Dahabiya and from $2,214 per person on a High Luxury Dahabiya, based on a double cabin (twin or king bed). Single cabins and suites are available on both categories. Rates change with the season, with separate prices for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Each price covers a private Egyptologist guide, a private air-conditioned vehicle, full board on board, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, all entrance tickets on the itinerary and all transfers, including the Esna to Luxor road transfer where it applies. You can compare every boat on the Dahabiya Nile Cruises page or read our guide to the best Dahabiya Nile cruises.
Planning Your Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Cruise
- Arriving in Luxor: if your cruise begins with sightseeing, arrive in Luxor before 8:00 AM. If it begins with direct embarkation, arrive before 12:00 PM. For early flights or trains, add a night in Luxor before the cruise.
- Leaving Aswan: book your flight or train from Aswan after 4:00 PM on the final day, so the last visits and transfers are not rushed.
- From Cairo: the flight from Cairo to Luxor takes about one hour and can be booked together with your return flight from Aswan.
- After the cruise: add Abu Simbel by road or flight, spend extra nights in Aswan, or continue on a Lake Nasser Cruise.
Short on time? The 4 Days Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor leaves every Wednesday and Friday. Send the WOW Team your travel dates and group size, and we will confirm availability on your preferred Monday or Saturday departure from Luxor.
