But it seems like a much of a muchness to me (I may be wrong about this but personally I think the point of the Nile cruise is seeing the temples so the boat is secondary). For some reason, it seems a lot more complicated than it should be, but Ill break it down for you. The Bent Pyramid was the first attempt at building a smooth-sided pyramid, but they didnt quite get it right, which accounts for its different angles. Aswan, Egypt. The Luxor Pass and Cairo Pass can save you a lot of moneylearn more in our guide. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In the afternoon, visit the Nubian Museum and then spend the rest of your day on the Nile River. Luxor + Aswan Nile Cruises are all FULL BOARD with food, so you can expect fabulous massive buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. and terrified when I learned that it is also home to thousands of Nile crocodiles. Get settled into your hotel and get a good nights sleep, because tomorrow will be a big day. How many miles is it from Aswan to Luxor? Yes, the driving distance between Aswan to Sharm el Sheikh is 1272 km. We did have a guide and driver for most of it, which was incredibly helpful for so many reasons (getting around, knowing what to do, learning about the history and culture, trying new foods, not being harassed too much by the hawkers at tourist sites, safety, etc.). If you are reading this while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, meanwhile, you should consider any Covid-19 related preparations you will need to make. Luxor: Around 40 miles (70 kilometers) downstream from Esna, Luxor served as the capital of ancient Egypt at the height of its military, political and artistic prowess between 3,000 and 3,500. Flight times average 45 minutes one-way. The Grand Egyptian Museum is massiveits so big that our guide, Laila, joked that you would need a tuk-tuk to see all of it. Required fields are marked *. When you click on these affiliate links or use promo codes to purchase something, I will get a small commission of the purchase at no extra cost to you (in fact, sometimes it gets you an extra discount!). Our guide arranged for us to have a one-hour felucca ride on the Nile, followed by a trip by motorboat to the Nubian Village. SO lets say you are in a room with someone else (which you should be) and you are signed up for all the tours in groups (which you should be). If you have more questions, message their Instagram page, @egylust. It takes approximately 3h 4m to drive from Aswan to Luxor (Station). The Giza Plateau opens at 6 am and closes at 5 pm. Ill give you a few trustworthy links below. Nile river cruises are a popular way to explore ancient Egyptian temples along the world's longest river. Rather than saying one is better than the other, I believe that both of these destinations offer something to your trip that nowhere else can quite replicate. This historic hotel is our top pick for Aswan, if you can afford the high price. Many constructions were made during Egypt's New Kingdom (1550-1070). Every inch around me was etched with life scenes of birth, festivities, and victory. The Red Pyramid was the second attempt and it was a success, the first smooth sided pyramid. The journey between them is so amazing. This museum is also conveniently located next to the Giza Plateau, so it will be very easy to combine these two sites without needing to navigate the streets of Cairo. If you were to drive directly between these two cities, without time for stops, it takes just over 3 hours, if you take the highway. Any extra square footage in your room isnt really worth paying THAT much more for because you wont even spend that much time in there. Finally, if you want to enjoy a scenic and authentic journey, you can ride a traditional Felucca boat. To make this an 8-day Egypt itinerary, spend only one day in Cairo. This is the famous question! Aswan has grown by 6,691 in the last year, which represents a 1.87% annual change. I hope you continue reading, whether you need to make a choice between these two cities, or plan to visit both and simply want to set realistic expectations in advance of your trip. Did they provide transportation to and from airports? On my first evening, following a much needed nap, I joined other passengers on the deck for coffee and cake. A&S uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. DW's Eesha Kheny shares her on board experience starting in Aswan city. A short while later I found myself on a small boat slowly gliding through the Nile towards Agilika Island. I had made it on-board just in time. Add up your own optional and see if you can swing it for cheaper although I still recommend booking the one above with everything. With 10 days in Egypt, you have plenty of time to go beyond the pyramids and experience the highlights of this amazing country. From the top of the Cairo Tower, you get a birds eye view over the city. It is difficult walking up and down through these tunnels, hunched over. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Julie Last updated: April 20, 2023 Egypt, Itinerary 79 Comments. ''Why don't you retire? Once in Aswan, check into your hotel. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Standing at one end of the four-sided 1200 ton, 42-meter (137 feet) long granite, I couldn't see the other! The distance between Cairo and Aswan is about 850 kilometres (528 miles), and a few travel options are available. Fly to Cairo with the Option of More Time in Luxor. Okay I know they have some super-crazy-luxury tours like the Abercrombie and Kent ones, but in my humble opinion, the boats are all quite similar at the end of the day. Plus, you can sit outside and stare up at the Great Pyramid over a cup of coffee. As you can probably tell after having read this far, both Aswan and Luxor are destinations of merit: Medium-sized cities set right on the Nile River, with plentiful attractions within their centers as well as within day-trip distance. For dinner, dine at the Panorama Restaurant at the Movenpick (amazing views of Aswan but mediocre food) or Al Dokka (great food with beautiful views of the Nile River and Elephantine Island). You either go from Aswan to Luxor (3 nights/4 days) Luxor to Aswan (4 nights/5 days) ot Aswan to Aswan/Luxor to Luxor (7 days), or get off the boat early in one of the cities (2 nights/3 days). This is as much because of the mountains themselves as it is the treasures they hide. There are several courtyards, pylons, and peristyle halls, with inscribed reliefs depicting the defeat of the Sea People during the rule of Ramesses III. The Temple of Esna is dedicated to the god Khnum, his consorts Menhit and Nebtu, their son, Heka, and the goddess Neith. Words, images and design 2009-2023 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. On this list, dont miss the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Medinet Habu, and if you dont mind the entry price, the Tomb of Queen Nefertari. However, some of the rooms in the older section of the hotel are mediocre, so make sure you know what you are getting when you choose your hotel room. If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 01 hours 55 minutes. Aswan to Luxor by flight, taxi, train from EGP 1,224 - Jul 2023 - 12Go Egypt Series: Down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor | CNN See the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known obelisk in the world. We recommend booking a ticket a few days earlier at the station. There are four major sites to visit on the East Bank of Luxor, so today is a shorter, more low-key day than yesterday. Located in the Valley of the Queens, this is the most spectacular tomb we visited in Egypt. I still think its worth doing though, but its good to know this. Smiling, he said: "Tourism is picking up and there are not enough captains. The beautiful ceiling of the Hathor Temple, LEARN MORE: Day Trip to Dendera and Abydos. For the full list of things to do in Cairo, read our article 15 Best Things to do in Cairo. Visit the Coptic area of Cairo, take a walking tour through Old Cairo with a visit to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or visit the mosques in central Cairo. Yes, we felt safe in Egypt. This distance and driving directions will also be displayed on interactive map labeled as Distance Map and Driving Directions Aswan (Egypt). Enjoy absolute luxury on board your chosen cruise liner; dine on fine cuisine, as you explore the ancient world the way it should be explored. I've also always loved the river; it is where I belong." We are unsure why, but we got upgraded to a Royal Villa, which was amazing (they knew nothing of our travel blog and we pay full price when we travel). Its door opened to an air-conditioned wood-beamed, chandeliered, tiled reception that gave way to narrow carpeted corridors lined with cabins on either side. Our guide in Aswan arranged for us to have one hour felucca ride which was enough time on the Nile River for us. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Did you have a driver and guide? Many flights arrive in Cairo midday or later, so you will not do much sightseeing on this first day of the trip. It was 8 pm and dark by the time we arrived at the hotel, but what a thrilling experience to see the Great Pyramid from our balcony. The Pyramid of Khufu, with its two neighbors, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, form one of the most iconic sights in Egypt, if not the entire world. Making my way back to the ship, driven by curiosity I stopped by the crocodile museum but left a few minutes later, feeling creeped out by its inhabitant crocodile mummies. You can end your day after your visit to the Egyptian Museum, but if you have a little more energy to spare, we have one more worthwhile place to visit. This huge temple complex is dedicated to Ramesses III. Luxor Tourism Luxor Hotels Luxor Bed and Breakfast Although overrun by tourists the temple's colossal image prevailed, glowing brightly in the twilight hour. It takes approximately . Standing before the two towers of the temple's 18-meter (59 feet) high entryway, I admired a giant relief depicting a Ptolemy King acting as Pharaoh grasping a band of his enemies by the hair and raising his club to smite them in the presence of Egyptian gods and goddesses. Overwhelmed? Dont worry; I feel you. So, thanks for purchasing through my posts! Important Note: The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in 2023, although this date seems to change frequently. Note: This post contains affiliate links. This temple, with its three terraces and location in the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri, has a much different appearance than many other temples in Egypt. Highlights of a visit include seeing the solid gold mask and the golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamun, the Royal Mummies room, and an astonishing number of statues, jewelry, and treasures. It has a huge ticket price, 1400 EGP, plus the entrance fee of 100 EGP to get into the Valley of the Queens, but it is worth it. Start at the Karnak Temple. Lion cubs, however, are a much rarer find. Peacefully drifting on the Nile River by felucca at sunset was my favorite experience in Aswan. Abu Simbel: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Luxor and Aswan is 215.31 km . The calculated flying distance from Aswan to Luxor is equal to 112 miles which is equal to 181 km. As I mentioned earlier, Luxor is closer to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut; its also where youll find Karnak Temple, the largest in the world. To visit the West Bank of Luxor, you can either hire a driver or a taxi for the day, or you can do what we did, and hire an Egyptologist and driver. Distance from Aswan to - Distance calculator Sipping on warm tea on the bridge at the ship's bow, which probably offered the best view I sighed into my cup: ''It truly is something, isn't it?'' A&S is designed to inspire young-at-heart travelers to plan AND make the most of a dream trip. Youll hardly sleep but youll do it all! ABU SIMBEL: In our guide to Abu Simbel, we cover what you need to know to plan your day trip. Your email address will not be published. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Take the train from Giza all the way to Aswan instead of getting off at Luxor. Some cruises include these (win) but some try to charge you for an add-on. I returned to the ship thinking of how human effort had uncovered and preserved history within Egypt's ruins which would have otherwise been lost to time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, if a Nile Cruise is a must-have experience for you, we let you know how to include this at the end of this itinerary. Top things to do on the Giza Plateau include seeing the Great Sphinx, going inside one of the pyramids, visiting the photographic viewpoints. Day 2: Cairo: Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum, Day 3: Cairo: Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara, Fly to Aswan, Day 6: Drive to Luxor, with visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu, & Esna, Day 9: Fly to Cairo, with the option of more time in Luxor, How to Plan Your Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara Day Trip. His company can help you book the best price out of a lot of different boats, so it wont be a certain guaranteed boat but they will do the best they can for the time. Learn more about how to visit the Pyramids of Giza with these articles. The Ultimate Guide of Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan This pyramid gets its name from the red limestone, the material that was used to construct this pyramid. Of course a lot would depend on your international flight times. Frankly, most travelers who go all the way to the south of Egypt end up visiting both of these cities, if only because theyve already gone to the trouble of making the journey. 10 Day Egypt Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Cairo Day 2: Cairo: Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum Day 3: Cairo: Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara, Fly to Aswan Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Abu Simbel Day 6: Drive to Luxor, with visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu, & Esna Day 7: West Bank of Luxor Day 8: East Bank of Luxor If you like Egyptian food such as koshary (or pan-Arab food such as falafel and shawarma), there wont be much of a difference between Luxor or Aswan from your perspective. Starting from its twin symmetrical entrances to the two sanctuaries deep within, the temple is divided in its dual dedication to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Its important to note that this USUALLY doesnt include entry fees for each temple, which is between $10 to $17 for each temple. You have the option to add on three extra tombs at an additional cost: Seti I, Tutankhamun, and the tombs of Ramesses V and VI. You can use Egypt Tailor Made to pick you up from the airport or hire a driver through the hotel. On this Egypt itinerary, you will spend 3 nights in Aswan. Check out the show on the boat and then hit the hay! It doesnt include entrances but for a 4-night cruise and all the inclusions this is a FAB deal (the best I could find) and you can book right on Viator who protects your purchases. how to day trip to Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara. I wish I had known more about this when planning our trip to Egypt. If you want to take a break from tombs and temples and see some very unique landscapes, then add this to your Egypt itinerary. Let me know if this post helped you or overwhelmed you in the comments below ask any more questions you have or feel free to DM me on Instagram. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend hiring an Egyptologist. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. You have two options on how to spend your time. We had such an amazing time Im just dreaming of going back but not sure I want to spend another $7000 for a package with a company. Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. For a tour of the boat I got, see below! To make this a 7-day Egypt itinerary, you can remove one day from Luxor, visiting the West Bank in the morning and the East Bank in the afternoon. 1. from $284.29. But keep in mind, the itinerary doesnt change depending on how many days you choose as the boats are on a fixed schedule. $ 720.00 per person. The calculated flying distance from Cairo to Aswan is equal to 425 miles which is equal to 684 km. A vast complex of rocks rose from the waters on either side, growing bigger as we approached. You are only moving a few hours a day. Important: New train fares for foreigners : From 15 December 2022, non-Egyptians must pay special 'foreigner prices' for train tickets, a 350% increase. Hello Carla. Book 3 Night Aswan Luxor Nile Cruise. The Nile cruise takes 5 days from Luxor to Aswan and 4 days from Aswan to Luxor. If you start early, at 7 to 8 am, you might have enough time to visit all of these sights, but you will have to move fast. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Pyramids of Giza are a big bucket list destination for many travelers. Recommended option Train 3h 7m Take the train from Luxor to Aswan $1 2 alternative options Taxi 3h 5m Take a taxi from Luxor to Aswan 214 km $23 - $28 The River Nile stretches more than 4,000 miles but the most intriguing stretch lies between Aswan and Luxor in southern Egypt, where the river's greatest attractions can be found. It is dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most powerful female rulers of ancient Egypt. The cruise had given me a chance to explore ancient temples but more importantly, it had allowed me to take a break from our modern ever-changing world and slow down. The Cairo Tower is open daily 9 am to midnight. If you are spending any time in Egypt and are interested in its rich history (who isnt? Shows the distance from Aswan to the North Pole, Equator, South Pole and any place in the world. Also, if you have any back, neck, or knee problems, you might also want to pass on this experience. What Should Be Included in a Aswan + Luxor Nile Cruise, What to Know before Booking a Nile Cruise Aswan Luxor, Many Companies Charge Per ROOM, not Per PERSON, Nile Cruise Boats also Charge Per NIGHT Rather than Per Cruise. A 4-day 3-night Nile Cruise, Aswan to Luxor, works perfectly with this Egypt itinerary. Its too short to stand up completely, so expect to be hunched over until you get to the bottom. We liked it, but it was fun arriving by boat, shopping, and seeing the camels that walked through the city streets. However, there are three important temples and historical sites to visit on the way, at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. Have fun, and dont forget my other Egypt guides: 101 Unique Travel Gifts for Adventurers + Wanderlust Souls (2021), How to Cure Wanderlust When You Cant Travel: 8 Ways. Walk across the Nile River, enjoying views of the city. It is centrally located in the city, with views of the Nile River and within walking distance of the Luxor Temple. Although drowsy, the therapeutic sight of the Nile got me out of bed. . And, I would assume you are only doing this once-in-a-lifetime trip once, so you should do all of them. The shorter cruises usually go from Aswan to Luxor, since you are traveling with the current of the Nile River. . You can see all of our articles about Egypt in our Egypt Travel Guide. Although by this point, I had a basic grasp of Egyptian history, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and just a little confused. For full details on this road trip, with information about what to expect on the drive and pricing information, read our article Aswan and Luxor Road Trip: How to Visit Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. The flying distance is 94 miles (150 km). Whether you travel by land or by plane, you should arrive back into Aswan by mid-afternoon. Both are worthwhile in my opinion. Driving non-stop from Aswan to Luxor. Apart from the early to rise bakers and tourists, the city was still very much asleep. Some people love a visit here, some think its a tourist trap. Sayed's sharp eyes revealed nothing other than warmth. While it is possible to purchase a visa on arrival in Cairo, arranging this before you land will greatly reduce the amount of time you spend in the airport. Theres not a lot of information out there and its difficult to discern what should be included and how much you should pay. We did a Dhabiya for 3 nights we liked it but found it to be a little to much down time. Is Luxor or Aswan a Better Choice During Your Trip to Egypt? And we also have information on how much it costs to visit Egypt. This meant I had to walk on and off boats, jumping over rails and through security detectors until I reached the right vessel. A group of Chinese tourists played cards; an American family who had been swimming packed their things while another US tourist was reading guidebooks. Dahshur contains two of the oldest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt. Drive. When you first approach Luxor Temple, you will see only one obelisk in front of the first pylon. First, lets make clear that a Nile river cruise is one of the BEST things to do in Egypt and is an absolute MUST in this country. Once open, it will replace the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. In the future, it may become necessary to show proof of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 to enter Egypt. Trips from Luxor Typically, we travel independently, and very rarely do we hire guides or take tours. If you want to save money, do the 3 night Aswan Luxor Nile cruise, as it fits in the same activities in 3 nights rather than the 4 night Luxor Aswan Nile cruise. Your entrance ticket includes a visit to three tombs. The BEST way to see if you are getting overcharged is to compare the prices agents are charging you to prices on Viator. On this Egypt itinerary, you will visit the intricately decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings, drift on the Nile River in a felucca, and see the Pyramids of Giza. First, you walk up a series of steps, since the entrance sits up off of the ground. How many days to tour Aswan? - Egypt Forum - Tripadvisor Most cruises between Luxor and Aswan take between three and seven days, the shorter ones skipping Qena and only staying one night in Aswan, the longer ones adding extra nights, usually in Luxor. Its Not Relaxing. Today is a nice, relaxing day with just a few places to visit. Travel Nile river cruise from Aswan to Luxor Eesha Kheny 01/09/2020 Nile river cruises are a popular way to explore ancient Egyptian temples along the world's longest river. I hope you enjoy Egypt as much as we did. This is where we stayed and it was fantastic. Its very easy to spend several hours here, exploring the various sections of the complex. Luxor West Bank Tour: $50 (Valley of the Kings + Queens, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon): This is the tour youd do on your day in Luxor. Aswan to Abu Simbel temples - 3 ways to travel via plane - Rome2rio 4 EPIC Long Nile Cruises from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan - Egypt Tours Plus Aswan - Wikipedia Luxor Hot Air Balloon: $40-$80: I dont know why theyre all so different in price. Egypt Series: Down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor | CNN How far is Luxor from Aswan? We were just there in May and Id like to go back in January and take my mom but Im finding that tours are very expensive and Im wondering if we could do it on our own with the driver and guide. Nile cruises are your gateway to the best ancient sites in Aswan; the best in Luxor, and the best in all the places where you will be stopping along the way. 04 Days - 03 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Tours and Guide. A visit to the White Desert takes two days and one night of your time. Disclosure: My blog contains affiliate links and promotional codes. To get here, it is a 4-hour drive from Cairo and you spend the night camped out in the desert. Get driving directions To get here, we recommend hiring a driver and guide, but you can also use Uber, taxis, or public transportation.