Nile River Cruise Destinations

Every Nile itinerary is a chain of temples and tombs along the riverbank. Here is what waits at each stop between Luxor and Aswan.

Luxor (Thebes)

The ancient capital — Karnak and Luxor Temples on the east bank; the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon on the west. Most cruises begin or end here.

Esna & Edfu

The lock at Esna and, at Edfu, the superbly preserved Temple of Horus — reached by horse-drawn carriage from the dock.

Kom Ombo

A dramatic riverside temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and Horus, glowing at sunset right beside the moored ships.

Aswan

Egypt’s gentle southern city — the High Dam, the granite quarries, felucca sailing around Elephantine Island and the island Temple of Philae.

Abu Simbel

A short flight south of Aswan: the colossal rock temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, relocated stone by stone above Lake Nasser.

Cairo & the Pyramids (add-on)

Most travelers pair the cruise with Cairo — the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

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