The stretch of river between Luxor and Aswan is short by Egyptian standards and carries a remarkable concentration of what survives from the ancient world. Sailing it is not simply a pleasant way to travel — it is how several of these temples were meant to be approached, from the water.
Leaving Luxor you have Karnak behind you and the west bank tombs across the river. Between there and Aswan the boat calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo, two temples that stand almost on the bank and are awkward to reach any other way. Aswan itself brings Philae, and — for those who want the long day — Abu Simbel further south.
Both are offered, and they are not identical. Sailing upstream from Luxor works against the current and gives you longer on the water; coming downstream from Aswan is quicker and ends in the busier of the two cities. If you are flying home from Cairo, the direction that leaves you nearest your onward flight is usually the better one. Ask us and we will check it against your dates.
The route can be sailed on a standard or deluxe cruise ship, or on a dahabiya. The ships keep a set schedule and a set of moorings; a dahabiya carries only a handful of guests and stops where the larger boats cannot. A four-night sailing on a cruise ship starts at $700 per person; the dahabiya sailings are $1,700 for three nights from Aswan and $2,330 for four nights from Luxor.
Send us your dates and say which end you would rather start from: ez_guide25@yahoo.com or +20 11 50014393.