Aswan in 3 Days for Couples - Abu Simbel Temples
In Collaboration with Egypt tours Gateway. Updated on March 26, 2026.
"Enjoy a spectacular Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor over two nights and three days. Begin with a visit to the impressive Abu Simbel Temple, famous for its colossal statues of Ramses II. Sail to Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, and Kom Ombo Temple, honoring Sobek and Horus. In Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple,
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Egypt tours Gateway, inspired by the tour 3 Days and 2 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Edfu (Temple of Horus)
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon
- Karnak and Luxor Temples + 5-star full-board cruise
Itinerary
Day 1
Early pickup from Aswan, visit Abu Simbel, board the Nile cruise, sail to Kom Ombo and evening on board.
Pickup from hotel or train station in Aswan
Meet your driver and English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby or at the agreed pickup point. Quick briefing; ensure luggage is ready for transfer to the cruise later in the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled 04:00 pickup time; driver will contact you on arrival.
- Carry your passport and a copy in your hand luggage for disembarkation/embarkation formalities.
- Light layers are useful for the early-morning transfer; temperatures can be cool before sunrise.
Drive to Abu Simbel and guided visit
Drive south to Abu Simbel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your guide and small group. On arrival, a guided visit of the Abu Simbel Temples (Ramses II complex) with time to photograph the colossal statues and reliefs.
Tips from local experts:
- The roundtrip drive is long (several hours each way); bring water and motion-sickness protection if needed.
- Wear respectful, lightweight clothing and a hat; shaded areas are limited at the site.
- Photography is allowed; arrive with camera ready but keep the guide’s timing for the group.
Transfer to cruise, lunch on board and sail toward Kom Ombo; Kom Ombo guided visit
Return toward Aswan and board the 5-star full-board cruise. Lunch served on board as the ship begins sailing north; later the ship docks at Kom Ombo and your guide leads a visit to Kom Ombo Temple (double dedication to Sobek and Horus).
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch is buffet-style aboard the cruise as noted; seating for couples is available—ask the cruise staff for a quieter table.
- Entrance fees are not included; bring local currency (Egyptian pounds) for site tickets at Kom Ombo.
- Reserve a deck seat shortly before arrival at Kom Ombo for a scenic view during the sail and approach.
Evening on board — dinner and sunset on deck
Return to the ship for dinner. Enjoy the Nile sunset from the cruise deck and an unhurried evening onboard as the ship continues its journey.
Tips from local experts:
- For a romantic sunset, arrive to the upper deck 15–20 minutes before sundown to secure a comfortable spot.
- Evenings can be breezy on deck — bring a light shawl or jacket.
- If you prefer a quieter dinner table, request a seating away from the main lounge when you board.
Overnight on board (first night)
Overnight accommodation aboard the cruise (full-board, excluding drinks).
Tips from local experts:
- Place valuables in the cabin safe and leave a small night light on if you prefer for overnight comfort.
- Confirm your wake-up and tour pick-up time with reception before turning in.
- If you have mobility concerns, notify the cruise staff to arrange the easiest access route to the gangway for the next morning.
Day 2
Early arrival at Edfu; horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple, guided visit, full day relaxing/sailing on the cruise.
Ship arrival at Edfu and disembarkation
Ship docks at Edfu early morning. Meet your guide in the ship lobby and prepare to disembark for the carriage transfer to Edfu Temple.
Tips from local experts:
- Be in the ship lobby at the time indicated by reception (guide will meet you there); arrive with your day essentials.
- Keep a small amount of local cash handy for the horse-carriage driver’s tip.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for short carriage transfers and temple surfaces.
Horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple and guided tour (Temple of Horus)
Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage from the dock to the Temple of Edfu. Guided visit exploring the well-preserved halls and sanctuaries dedicated to Horus.
Tips from local experts:
- The carriage ride is short but bumpy; secure small belongings and hold onto cameras during the ride.
- Temples require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered); bring a light scarf if needed.
- Entrance fees are excluded from the tour price—have cash ready for ticket purchase at the site.
Return to ship; lunch and sailing toward Luxor
Return to the cruise after the temple visit. Lunch served on board as the ship sails downstream toward Luxor. Time for relaxing on deck, enjoying the scenery, and onboard amenities.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to relax on the deck and reserve a sunbed early if you want shade later in the afternoon.
- Buffet lunch timings vary; check the onboard schedule posted at reception to avoid queues.
- Keep sunscreen and water handy during daytime deck activities; shade can be limited on the sun deck.
Evening meal and free time on board
Dinner served aboard the cruise. Evening at leisure—live music or a relaxed drink in the lounge (drinks excluded).
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer a quieter dinner, request seating away from the main entertainment area when you board.
- Alcoholic drinks are not included in full-board; bring cash or check with the cruise for beverage packages if desired.
- Consider a short post-dinner walk on the deck to enjoy the Nile breeze before turning in.
Overnight on board (second night)
Second night aboard the cruise while it continues toward Luxor; rest for the next day's disembarkation and full-day tours.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up time and luggage placement for disembarkation with the cruise reception before bed.
- For couples, consider requesting a late breakfast or private table if you prefer a quieter morning.
- Charge cameras and devices tonight—field charging can be limited when tours begin early the next morning.
Day 3
Checkout from cruise in Luxor, guided West Bank tour (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon), cross to East Bank for Karnak and Luxor Temple, shopping and drop-off.
Breakfast and cruise checkout in Luxor
Enjoy breakfast aboard and prepare luggage for disembarkation. Place bags in the lobby as instructed for transfer to the vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport ready for checkout formalities and any transfer paperwork.
- Pack a small day bag with essentials for the day; larger luggage will be transferred by the cruise staff.
- Confirm the meeting time in the ship lobby with your guide before leaving the dining area.
West Bank: Valley of the Kings (visit up to 3 tombs)
Drive to the West Bank and explore the Valley of the Kings with your guide. The visit includes entrance to three different tombs (entrance tickets excluded).
Tips from local experts:
- Entrance to individual tombs typically requires separate tickets and is not included—bring local currency for on-site purchases.
- Tombs can be cool but cramped with steps; wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some stooping inside tomb passages.
- Photography rules vary by tomb—follow signage and guide instructions to avoid fines or confiscation of devices.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)
Visit the terraced mortuary temple of Hatshepsut set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari and learn about the reign and legacy of Egypt’s female pharaoh.
Tips from local experts:
- The temple is stepped and has some uneven surfaces; use handrails where provided and take your time on stairs.
- Morning light is excellent for photos of the terraces; bring a lens that handles mid-range architecture shots.
- There are limited shaded areas—keep hats and water accessible during the visit.
Colossi of Memnon
Short stop to view the twin Colossi of Memnon, remnants of Amenhotep III’s mortuary complex and a classic photo stop.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is brief; if you want extended photos, let the guide know so timing can be adjusted where possible.
- The site is open-air—use sun protection and watch footing near the base of the statues.
- There are local vendors nearby; keep personal items secure and agree prices in advance for any purchases.
Drive to East Bank and visit Karnak Temple Complex
Cross to Luxor’s East Bank to visit the vast Karnak Temple precinct. Explore the Hypostyle Hall, sacred lake, and main avenues with the guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Karnak is extensive—allow time to move between highlights; seating and shaded areas are available but spaced out.
- Buy water before entering and use rest areas; parts of the site require walking on uneven ancient stones.
- If you prefer fewer stairs, ask the guide to focus on the main colonnade and Hypostyle Hall rather than every section.
Luxor Temple visit plus local handicraft stops (Papyrus, Alabaster, Perfume)
Visit Luxor Temple near the Nile. After the temple, your guide will take you to nearby local shops selling papyrus, alabaster items, and perfumes for a short, guided shopping experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Shopping stops are part of the route; bring cash in small denominations for souvenirs and bargaining.
- At papyrus and alabaster shops, ask to see production demonstrations to verify techniques and quality.
- Be mindful of time if you want to spend longer in a particular shop—let your guide know so the schedule can be adjusted where operationally possible.
Transfer to hotel in Luxor — tour concludes
After shopping and the temple visit, your driver will transfer you to your Luxor hotel or the agreed drop-off point, concluding the 3-day package.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off location in Luxor with the guide early in the afternoon to ensure smooth transfer.
- Have a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or onward travel documents available for the driver if needed.
- If you require assistance with luggage to the hotel, advise the driver or guide before departure.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Break, Hotel, Shopping |
