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Sample itinerary

Luxor & Aswan: The Nile Valley

Temples, tombs and the river between them: five days in Upper Egypt.

Visiting Egypt 5 days Illustrative sample

The experience

Overview

Upper Egypt holds the greatest concentration of ancient monuments anywhere. This sample plan starts in Luxor and follows the Nile south to Aswan, the way travelers have for centuries.

Travel between the two cities by road with temple stops, or aboard a Nile cruise or traditional dahabiya. Either way, you see the river at its most beautiful.

It works on its own, or as the second half of a trip that starts in Cairo.

Highlights

What it covers

  • Karnak and Luxor temples

    One of the largest religious complexes ever built, and Luxor Temple lit at night.

  • The West Bank

    The Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu.

  • Edfu and Kom Ombo

    Two remarkably preserved temples on the river between Luxor and Aswan.

  • Aswan and Abu Simbel

    Philae, Elephantine Island by felucca, and the colossal temples of Ramesses II.

Sample itinerary

Sample day-by-day

An illustration of five days in Upper Egypt. Pace and stops are yours to change.

  1. Day 1

    Luxor

    Arrive and settle in, then Karnak Temple in the afternoon and Luxor Temple after dark.

  2. Day 2

    The West Bank

    Optional sunrise balloon flight, then the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu.

  3. Day 3

    South along the Nile

    Edfu and Kom Ombo temples on the way to Aswan, by road or on the river.

  4. Day 4

    Aswan

    Philae Temple by boat, the Unfinished Obelisk, and a sunset felucca around Elephantine Island.

  5. Day 5

    Abu Simbel and onward

    Optional early visit to Abu Simbel, then your onward flight.

Arrangements

What can be included

  • Hotels in Luxor and Aswan, or a Nile cruise or dahabiya
  • Private transfers and driver
  • Egyptologist guides
  • Entry tickets for the sites in your plan
  • Felucca sail and boat to Philae

Not included

Not included

  • International and domestic flights unless added
  • Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
  • Optional balloon flight and Abu Simbel trip unless added
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Who it is for

Suitable for

  • History lovers
  • Second-time visitors
  • Travelers combining Egypt with the Red Sea
  • Photographers

Gallery

A closer look

Philae Temple's carved pylons and colonnade rising above the Nile shoreline under a clear blue sky
Philae Temple's carved pylons and colonnade rising above the Nile shoreline under a clear blue sky
Painted corridor of tomb KV9 in the Valley of the Kings: colorful reliefs, a blue-and-gold ceiling and a descending walkway
Painted corridor of tomb KV9 in the Valley of the Kings: colorful reliefs, a blue-and-gold ceiling and a descending walkway
Great Temple of Abu Simbel carved into a sandstone cliff, colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, clear blue sky
Great Temple of Abu Simbel carved into a sandstone cliff, colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, clear blue sky

Before you go

Good to know

  • This is a sample itinerary for illustration. Every trip is quoted for your dates.
  • Upper Egypt is very hot from June to August; the cooler months are best for long site visits.
  • Balloon flights depend on weather conditions on the day.

Destinations

Places on this journey

All packages

Related

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Discover Egypt: Guided Highlights

Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with expert guides: the classic journey along the Nile.

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