7-Day Nile Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Nile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Egypt, incl. Luxor and Aswan

  A seven-day route spans 533 km of Nile River history across 5 major cities. The tour includes visits to Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel, complemented by traditional horse-carriage rides and motor boat trips to Philae Temple.

  

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  • Day 1

    Luxor East Bank

    Visit Karnak Temple early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. You'll need a water bottle and sun hat since the temple courtyards have minimal shade. Spend your afternoon at Luxor Temple then check into your Nile cruise ship. Once the temperature drops explore Luxor's local bazaar when the shops are most lively.

    
  • Day 2

    Luxor West Bank

    Take a morning motor boat to the West Bank around 7 AM. Get to the Valley of the Kings before 9 AM to avoid the crowds. Pack good walking shoes for the steep valley paths. Next up is Queen Hatshepsut's Temple where you'll get the best photos of its three-tiered design before noon. In the afternoon sail to Esna and watch the interesting process of passing through Esna Lock which takes about 2-3 hours.

    
  • Day 3

    Edfu to Kom Ombo

    Start with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus. A guide will help you understand the detailed hieroglyphics throughout the temple. Sail to Kom Ombo for sunset views of its unique double temple. Remember insect repellent for this stop since mosquitoes are common near the river.

    
  • Day 4

    Abu Simbel Excursion

    Leave early at 5 AM for the 3-hour drive to Abu Simbel. The morning arrival helps you avoid peak heat. These temples are often considered Egypt's most spectacular and the sunrise photo opportunities are excellent. Return to your ship in Aswan with time to browse the vibrant Aswan Souk.

    
  • Day 5

    Aswan

    Start your day with a boat ride to Philae Temple on its island location. The temple's relocation story is fascinating - it was moved piece by piece to save it from flooding. Visit the Aswan High Dam before starting your sail back to Luxor. One traveler noted: "Taking photos of the Nubian villages and green lands during sailing was a highlight of our trip."

    
  • Day 6

    Nile Sailing

    Spend the day watching life along the Nile from the sundeck. Most boats serve afternoon tea a tradition from colonial times. Download your entertainment beforehand since internet access can be unreliable.

    
  • Day 7

    Luxor Return

    Enjoy your final breakfast before leaving the ship. Plan for afternoon flights from Luxor since morning traffic can be heavy.

    

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• 7 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Aswan and Luxor

  A comprehensive Nile cruise extends 232 nautical miles from Aswan. Visitors tour 8 major sites including Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Abu Simbel temples. 6 nights aboard 5-star cruise with professional Egyptology guides and traditional transportation options.

  

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  • Day 1

    Aswan

    Start your day with a motorboat ride to Philae Temple, which was carefully moved piece by piece during the Aswan High Dam construction. Visit the High Dam early, around 8 AM, before it gets too hot. After lunch on your cruise ship, you'll sail toward Kom Ombo. The afternoon boat ride gives you great views of Nubian villages and palm trees along the riverbank. End your day at the interesting Kom Ombo temple, built to honor both Horus and Sobek.

    
  • Day 2

    Edfu

    Take a morning carriage ride through Edfu's streets to the Temple of Horus. The local horse-drawn carriages are perfect for getting through the narrow streets. Get to the temple when it opens at 6 AM to beat the crowds and heat. Spend your afternoon relaxing on deck as you pass through the Esna Lock, which usually takes 2-3 hours.

    
  • Day 3

    Luxor West Bank

    Take an early morning boat across the Nile to the West Bank. Get to the Valley of the Kings before 9 AM to avoid the tour groups. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen since there's almost no shade. Visit Howard Carter's House to see where the discoverer of King Tut's tomb lived. When you go to the Temple of Hatshepsut, wear good walking shoes for the uphill climb.

    
  • Day 4

    Luxor East Bank

    Start your morning at Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious site in the world. A local secret: use the side entrance by the Sacred Lake to avoid the crowds at the main entrance. In the late afternoon, either walk the 3km to Luxor Temple or take a taxi. The lighting at this time is perfect for photos.

    
  • Day 5

    Sailing Day

    Spend the day cruising back to Aswan. Get to the sun deck early for the best spots to watch daily life along the Nile. You'll see local fishermen at work and farmers tending their fields on the banks.

    
  • Day 6

    Abu Simbel

    The 5 AM start is early but necessary. The 3-hour drive gets you to these incredible temples before the worst heat kicks in. Bring a jacket since desert mornings can be cold. The morning sun lines up perfectly to light up the inner sanctuary.

    
  • Day 7

    Aswan

    Have your final breakfast on the ship before leaving. If you have time before your departure, visit the Nubian Museum to learn about local culture and how the High Dam changed life in the region.

    

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• 7 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  The Nile beckons with 3 nights aboard a 5-star cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The route encompasses 9 destinations including the High Dam in Aswan, Temple of Isis, and Luxor's Karnak Temple complex. Luxury cabins feature private bathrooms and satellite TV, with full-board meals and expert Egyptologist guides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cairo Arrival

    Arrive at Cairo International Airport in mid-afternoon to avoid the busy morning traffic. Previous travelers recommend having a guide meet you at the airport. One visitor noted: "The initial arrival process was seamless - having a guide meet us at the airport made navigating Cairo much less intimidating."

    
  • Day 2

    Pyramids & Overnight Train

    Head to Saqqara early morning to see Egypt's oldest pyramid before the crowds. Visit the Giza Plateau late morning when temperatures are cooler and the lighting is perfect for photos. Bring plenty of water and sun protection since the pyramid area offers little shade. In the evening take the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (12-14 hours). The train isn't luxury but saves time and a hotel night.

    
  • Day 3

    Aswan

    Check into your cruise around noon after arriving in Aswan. See the High Dam and take a boat to Philae Temple. Getting there by water gives you great photo opportunities. You can also take an optional trip to Abu Simbel early morning. It's a 3-hour drive each way but the massive temples make it worthwhile. Take the 5:00 AM convoy when it's cooler.

    
  • Day 4

    Kom Ombo & Edfu

    Cruise toward Kom Ombo in the morning. Visit the unique double temple of Horus and Sobek at sunset when the stone turns golden. Make sure to see the mummified crocodiles in the temple museum. Your boat will continue to Edfu overnight.

    
  • Day 5

    Edfu to Luxor

    Take a morning horse carriage through Edfu's streets to the temple. Agree on the price first. The temple here has the best-preserved hieroglyphics in Egypt. Spend the afternoon sailing through Esna Lock before reaching Luxor. Visit Luxor Temple at night when it's cooler and lit up.

    
  • Day 6

    Luxor Sites & Return Train

    Start early on Luxor's West Bank since tombs close at 4 PM and get hot. Begin at Valley of the Kings right when it opens at 6 AM. A recent visitor advised: "Start with the farthest tomb first and work your way back - you'll avoid the big tour groups this way." See Hatshepsut's Temple next, then spend the afternoon at Karnak Temple before taking the overnight train to Cairo.

    
  • Day 7

    Alexandria Day Trip

    Take a day trip to Alexandria (3 hours each way). Visit the Library, Roman catacombs and the Citadel by the sea. The Mediterranean city feels completely different from Cairo. Try lunch at a seafood restaurant along the Corniche before heading back to Cairo for your departure.

    

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