Aswan: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Luxor

Known as the “gateway to Africa,” Aswan is the southernmost Egyptian city. Its arid climate has created ideal conditions for preserving the area’s stunning collection of ancient structures.

The stretch of the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan links some of the country’s most important archeological sites. An Aswan multi-day trip from Luxor is a chance to experience the best of southern Egypt in convenience and comfort.

Here's all you need to know about Aswan, one of the most exciting multi day trips from Luxor.

How to get to Aswan from Luxor?

Aswan sits around 240 kilometers south of Luxor on the banks of the Nile. The best ways to reach this city are by car, train or by tour boat. Both the drive and the train ride take around 3 hours.

From Luxor to Aswan by car

From Luxor, take Television, Luxor Aswan and Mahamed Bahri Al Okser to Aswan Western Agricultural road.

After 13 kilometers, continue to Nagaa Al Karur and follow this for 222 kilometers. Exit on El-Sadat/Luxor and follow signs for the city for around 6 kilometers until you reach your destination.

From Luxor to Aswan by train

Extremely affordable train tickets from Luxor make even first-class travel accessible to most tourists. The train ride from Luxor’s central train station to Aswan’s station takes a little over 3 hours.

Ticket prices start at EGP60 (about US$2) per person with first-class tickets costing EGP120 (around US$4) per person.

Guided tour to Aswan from Luxor

Multi-day guided tours to Aswan from Luxor eliminate the trouble of planning an independent trip. Enlist an expert guide or cruise line to put together a worry-free discovery of Egypt’s southern desert.

Choose private driving tours lasting from 2 to 4 days or Nile River cruises lasting 3 to 8 days. Guided tour packages combine transportation and guided tours of southern Egypt’s historical locales. Many include entrance fees to sites, meals and accommodation, as well.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your itinerary varies greatly on whether you opt for a multi-day driving tour or a Nile cruise. All tours begin in the morning, either for transportation or for the first sightseeing of the trip.

Driving tours either head directly to Aswan or visit Edfu and/or Kom Ombo along the way. If your driving tour goes directly to Aswan, you will tour sites such as the Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.

Day 2 of your driving tour will take you either to additional Aswan highlights or farther south to Abu Simbel. Tours that arrange return transportation to Luxor will end with a drive or train ride back to Luxor. Some tours will return to Luxor early and take you to attractions in the west and east banks of Luxor.

Nile cruises last from 3 to 8 days, and many begin with explorations of Luxor’s west and east  banks. Over the next 2 to 7 days, you may tour Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Many cruise packages offer a hot air balloon ride during one of your stops. Longer cruises conclude with 2 days of non-stop river travel back to Luxor.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Aswan?

Whether you have a few days or more than a week, a guided tour is the easiest way to experience the historical regions of southern Egypt.

Multi-Day private tour to Aswan from Luxor

Enlist an Egyptologist guide to drive you from Luxor to Aswan in a private vehicle. You’ll pause at must-see locales on the way south, benefitting from undivided attention from your guide.

Enjoy a flexible itinerary with a guide just for you and your group. Tour prices often cover entrance fees to sites and lunch, and many also include the cost of your hotel stay.

Multi-Day cruise to Aswan from Luxor

Step aboard a cruise ship or traditional “dahabeah” in Luxor, unpack your bags, and settle in for the most convenient way to reach Aswan.

Multi-day boat trips on the Nile eliminate the hassle of moving from hotel to hotel, hiring tour guides and seeking out meal options.

Enjoy comfortable lounge spaces on deck and the interior of the boats as well as games areas, pools and jacuzzis. Cruise ships provide evening entertainment ranging from disco nights to folkloric dance performances.

Trips on a “dahabeah” tend to be more mellow, with smaller numbers of travelers and plenty of peace to take in the views.

How much does a multi-day trip to Aswan from Luxor cost?

Two-day private driving tours to Aswan from Luxor cost between US$265 per person to US$535 per person. Lower-cost tours provide private transportation, the services of a guide and bottled water. Some budget tours do not offer return transportation to Luxor

Higher-cost driving tours offer transportation, meals, accommodation, entry fees and fascinating commentary from your driver-guide. Some higher-cost driving tours return you to Luxor by car while others furnish you with a train ticket.

Four-day private driving tours cost from US$385 per person to US$900 per person. Lower-cost tours do not take care of accommodations, entry fees, meals or return travel to Luxor.

Multi-day Nile River cruises start at US$275 per person for basic 2-night trips up to US$1095 per person for all-inclusive week-long trips. Higher-end Nile cruise packages also may offer private tour guides and other luxuries. Note that lower-cost Nile cruises often include only accommodation and one meal per day, with tour packages at additional costs.

What will you see and do?

Luxor attractions

Multi-day trips in Luxor don’t neglect the array of marvels right at the starting point of your trip. On the West Bank of the Nile, explore the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossus of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Top East Bank spots are the Luxor temple and Karnak.

Edfu

Just an hour downriver from Luxor is the first destination on many multi-day tours. Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus, the god of protection.

This pristine relic is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples in Egypt. Driving tours often spend a night at Edfu in a hotel or bed and breakfast.

Kom Ombo

Another hour or so up the Nile takes you to Kom Ombo, a town featuring a temple of the same name. The temple has a history of conflict. It was dedicated to two rival gods, Horus and Sobek.

To appease both the gods and their worshipers, the temple houses two sections, one reserved for each god.

Aswan attractions

As you find yourself near the end of your journey in Aswan, get ready for the grand finale of your Egyptian adventure. In Aswan, see the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. This river island is only accessible by boat, and many tours send you there on a traditional felucca.

Inspect the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest Egyptian obelisk ever found. Perfectly carved but still lying in its quarry, take an unusual glimpse of prehistoric stone work. Grasp the magnitude of Aswan’s High Dam that’s been protecting the area from flooding since 1970.

Continue upriver and through Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel, a stone temple standing thanks to ancient and modern engineering. The temple was moved, stone by stone, from Aswan in the 1960s to preserve it from flooding on the Nile.

Are tours wheelchair friendly?

Many driving tours are not wheelchair friendly, but there are some who have wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Cruises tend to feature wheelchair friendly spaces and services. Check with your provider at the time of booking to make sure your needs will be met.

When is the best time to visit Aswan?

The best time to visit Aswan, Egypt is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant with warm days and cool nights. Spring and Autumn are also good options as Summers can be extremely hot.

Are there any tours to Aswan from other cities in Egypt?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Egypt:

• Day Trips to Aswan from Cairo
• Day Trips to Aswan from Marsa Alam

Travel tips

• Plan your itinerary and choose the attractions you want to visit in advance.
• Consider a Nile cruise for a convenient and scenic journey.
• Don't miss the temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Try local cuisine and explore food markets for an authentic experience
• Be prepared for the heat by staying hydrated and wearing light clothing.