Welcome to Southern Nile Valley
The Nile south of Luxor is increasingly hemmed in by the Eastern Desert, its banks lined with grand, well-preserved Graeco-Roman temples at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, and its lush fields punctuated by palm-backed villages – it’s the ideal place to sail through on a Nile boat. The once-great city of Al Kab provides the perfect contrast to the grandeur of the temples, while at Gebel Silsila the river passes through a gorge sacred to the ancients, who used stone from the quarry to built the temples in Luxor. Aswan, the ancient ivory-trading post, has a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of things to see.
Top experiences in Southern Nile Valley
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Southern Nile Valley activities
Nile 4-Day Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, Private Guide Option
Scheduled privately guided tours on the cruise include the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and the beautiful Philae Temple in Aswan. Upgrade to a private tour, and you can plan your itinerary with your guide during the cruise. The deluxe Nile cruiser M/Y Mirage has an onboard restaurant, lounges and reading areas, a discotheque, swimming pool with jacuzzi, large shaded sundeck with bar, massage service, boutique, gift shop and laundry service. Evening entertainment may include Nubian music and dancers, a Galabayeh night and belly dancing. The cruiser's 58 air-conditioned cabins have private facilities and satellite TV. With all meals, accommodation and sightseeing included, your M/Y Mirage cruise on the Nile River makes your journey into ancient Egypt as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. You'll gain valuable insights into Egypt's ancient history and civilization on this laidback but informative cruise.Please note: Groups of travelers requiring different cabin types are required to make separate bookings in order to guarantee cabins of their choice
4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Day 1: Departure from Aswan (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday) On arrival in Aswan, meet your local tour representative for the start of your tour. Visit the High Dam and Philae Temple. Overnight in Aswan with opportunity to disembark. Enjoy lunch on board, as well as afternoon tea, dinner, and an evening disco party. Day 2: Kom Ombo – (Abu Simbel Optional ) afternoon Navigation to Kom Ombo. Visit Kom Ombo Temple the only double Temple in Egypt shared by the crocodile headed God Sobek and the falcon headed God Haroeiris. Navigation to Edfu Overnight in Edfu Day 3: Luxor AM: Visit Edfu Temple the most well preserved Temple in Egypt dedicated to the Falcon God Horus Navigation to Luxor via Esna PM: Visit the fabulous Luxor Temple and the enormous Temple complex of Karnak. Among its splendours is the Hypostyle Hall, the largest of any temple in the world covering an area of 5356 sq. meters with its roof blocks supported by 134 colossal columns 70 feet high. Overnight in Luxor. Day 4: Luxor - Departure Disembarkation after breakfast AM: Visit the Ancient Theban Necropolis in the west bank of Luxor to see the Valley of Kings where more than 60 of Egypt Pharaohs have their resting place carved out of the mountain cliffs. Temple of Hatshepsut Visit the Colossi of Memnon, the only remains of the funerary Temple of Amenophis III. Transfer to Luxor Train Station, Luxor Airport, or a Luxor hotel for the end of the tour and your final departure no later than 2pm. Please note: this itinerary is subject to change for reasons beyond the supplier's control. Some of Nile cruises sail on the same Date or Early Morning of the next Day and the other Sail next Day afternoon.depend of the cruise Itinerary
Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus from Aswan
On the short walk to the temple entrances, your guide will explain the history of the site, including details of the UNESCO-led relocation of the entire cliff face to higher ground, and how the temples were discovered by accident in 1813. Due to the large number of visitors to Abu Simbel, guides are not permitted inside either the Great Temple of Ramses II or the smaller Temple of Hathor. However, by using photos and illustrations, your guide will explain to you the structures and their interior artworks. You will then have free time to enter the temples and explore them at your leisure.As one of the few ancient Egyptian sites which largely escaped damage by past invaders, the interiors of Abu Simbel's temples are astounding. The scale of the buildings and their detailed decoration leaves most visitors in awe. The temples' attraction is further enhanced by their scenic location on the edge of Lake Nasser in the orange sands of the desert.After visiting the temples there may be time for a short visit to the small visitor's center which documents the UNESCO relocation project, before returning to the minibus for the drive back to Aswan. The drive is approximately three hours each way.
Private Tour: Abu Simbel Flight and Tour from Aswan
The flight from Aswan to the small town of Abu Simbel takes only around 30 minutes. Your Egyptologist guide will meet you at the airport (if option selected) and accompany you to the famous temples of Ramses II and his favorite wife Nefertari. On the short walk to the temple entrances, your guide will explain the history of the site, including details of the UNESCO-led relocation of the entire cliff face to higher ground, and how the temples were discovered by accident in 1813. Due to the large number of visitors to Abu Simbel, guides are not permitted inside either the Great Temple of Ramses II or the smaller Temple of Hathor. However, by using photos and illustrations, your guide will explain to you the structures and their interior artworks. You will then have free time to enter the temples and explore them at your leisure.As one of the few ancient Egyptian sites which largely escaped damage by past invaders, the interiors of Abu Simbel's temples are astounding. The scale of the buildings and their detailed decoration leaves most visitors in awe. The temples' attraction is further enhanced by their scenic location on the edge of Lake Nasser in the orange sands of the desert.After visiting the temples there may be time for a short visit to the small visitor's center which documents the UNESCO relocation project.
Aswan Airport Private Arrival Transfer
When making a booking, you will need to advise your arrival details and your Aswan City hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.Price is per person, based on 6 adults per car/vehicle.
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show with Private Transport
Enjoy the spectacular lights of the multimedia presentations which vividly reveals the form and majesty of this ancient site and walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated.After the show your driver/guide will meet you at the gates of the complex to escort you back to your hotel. With your own private transportation on this tour, you will travel directly between your hotel or cruise ship and the Sound and Light Show without stopping to collect other passengers.