Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise Review (2 Nights & Balloon Ride)
Floating down the Nile is, like, one of those big life dreams for a lot of people, you know? It’s a pretty iconic thing to do. So, when the chance to take a short, two-night sailing trip from Aswan down to Luxor came up, I was obviously very interested. This specific trip was extra special because, to be honest, it included a hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank. A lot of trips are, sort of, much longer, often a week or so, which is just too much time for some folks. A two-night taster seemed, well, like the perfect way to get the full experience without using up all your vacation days, right? This piece is really all about what that short and sweet adventure was actually like, covering everything from the boat itself to the incredible old places you get to see along the way, and stuff. We’ll get into the food, the sights, and, of course, that once-in-a-lifetime balloon flight at sunrise.
Setting Off from Sunny Aswan
The whole thing started in Aswan, which is a city that feels, in a way, much more relaxed than Cairo. Getting onto the cruise boat was seriously easy and quite organized. The boat itself was, you know, not one of those gigantic modern ships, but more of a classic river cruiser, which I think was actually better. The room was really comfortable with a big window, so you could basically just lie in bed and watch the Nile drift by. The best spot, to be honest, was the top sundeck. It had comfy chairs and a small pool, and it was just the most wonderful place to watch the world go by. As we sailed away from Aswan, you could see these traditional wooden sailboats called feluccas gliding on the water, and it felt almost like we had traveled back in time. The feeling of the gentle breeze and the warm sun on your skin was, well, just completely relaxing. You sort of forget about everything else that is going on back home.
Exploring Ancient Temples by the River
The first stop was at the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is, like, right on the riverbank. What’s really interesting about this place, as a matter of fact, is that it’s a double temple, dedicated to two different gods, Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god. The structure is pretty much perfectly symmetrical, with one side for each god, which is something you don’t see very often. The guides shared some pretty fascinating stories, and seeing the mummified crocodiles they found there was, honestly, a bit surreal. Later that evening, after a bit more sailing, we arrived near Edfu. To get to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, you kind of have to take a horse-drawn carriage, which is an experience in itself. This temple is just massive and incredibly well-preserved; it gives you a real sense of what these places might have felt like thousands of years ago. Walking through the huge halls and seeing the detailed carvings on the walls in the soft evening light was, at the end of the day, deeply moving and very impressive.
The Grandeur of Luxor’s Famous West Bank
Waking up on the second day, we were more or less in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. You can feel a different kind of energy here; it’s a city literally built around its incredible history. The main event for the day was visiting the West Bank, which is basically a giant, open-air museum. Our first port of call was the Valley of the Kings, the burial place for so many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Actually going down into the tombs and seeing the vibrant colors on the walls, still bright after thousands of years, is just mind-blowing. After that, we went to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning temple built into the side of a cliff that just looks so modern in a way. You stand there and you really feel the power and ambition of the female pharaoh who had it built. And, of course, you can’t miss the two huge statues known as the Colossi of Memnon; they just sit there in a field, a lonely and really powerful reminder of a temple that’s long gone.
Up and Away: The Hot Air Balloon Over Luxor
The hot air balloon ride was, definitely, the thing I was most looking forward to. It meant a very, very early start—we had to get up long before sunrise. In the pre-dawn darkness, we were taken to the launch site on the West Bank where several balloons were being filled with hot air. The sound of the burners roaring to life is surprisingly loud, and seeing these giant, colorful bags slowly inflate and rise is quite a sight. Climbing into the basket felt a bit exciting and a little nerve-wracking, to be honest. But then, as the balloon gently lifted off the ground, there was just silence. Seriously, the quietness up there is the first thing you notice. As we floated higher, the sun started to peek over the horizon, lighting up the sky in shades of orange and pink. Seeing the Valley of the Kings, the temples, and the green farmland along the Nile from that high up is, like, a perspective you can’t get any other way. It was honestly a genuinely magical half-hour or so, and it made the whole trip completely worth it.
Honestly, floating in silence as the sun rises over the Valley of the Kings is a moment that you just sort of carry with you forever. It’s really hard to describe how peaceful and amazing it feels up there.
A Few Helpful Pointers for Your Trip
So, if you’re thinking about doing a trip like this, there are a few things that might be good to know. The pace is quite fast, obviously, because you’re fitting a lot into just two nights and three days. You should be ready for some pretty early morning starts, especially for the balloon ride. The food on our boat was actually very good, a nice mix of local Egyptian dishes and other international choices, so there was always something for everyone. It’s a really good idea to have some small change handy for tips, as it’s just part of the culture for the boat crew and the local guides you meet along the way. Overall, this quick trip is an amazing way to see the highlights between Aswan and Luxor. You get the relaxing river cruise, you get to see some of the most important ancient sites in the world, and that balloon ride, well, that’s just the perfect final touch, isn’t it?
Some key things to keep in mind:
- Pack Light and Smart: You know, bring comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses. For the early morning balloon ride, a light jacket is a good idea as it can be a little cool.
- Stay Hydrated: The Egyptian sun is pretty strong, so you should make sure to drink lots of water all day long. The boat usually provides plenty of bottled water.
- Be Ready for Early Starts: A lot of the sightseeing happens early in the morning to, sort of, avoid the midday heat. It’s definitely worth it, but just be prepared for it.
- Cash for Tips: Having some small Egyptian Pounds is really useful for tipping the hardworking staff and local guides you’ll meet. It’s a custom that is genuinely appreciated.
Read our full review: [2 nights Sailing Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor Including Hot Air Balloon Full Review and Details]
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