Lake Nasser Cruise: Aswan to Abu Simbel by Water
A small-ship cruise across Lake Nasser, ending at Abu Simbel's temples.
Most of the trip is spent aboard. The temple landings are short walks up from the water onto uneven ground.
About this tour
Instead of a road trip to Abu Simbel, a small-ship cruise across Lake Nasser itself — the vast reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam — stopping at temples that were also relocated to its shores, including Wadi es-Sebua and Amada, before arriving at Abu Simbel by water and seeing Ramesses II's colossal facade the way most visitors never do.
Highlights
- ✦Lake Nasser by small ship
- ✦Wadi es-Sebua & Amada temples
- ✦Arriving at Abu Simbel by water
- ✦Far fewer visitors than the road-trip route
Itinerary
- 1
Embark in Aswan
Board the ship at Aswan's High Dam marina, then sail south, stopping at Kalabsha Temple near the dam.
- 2
Wadi es-Sebua & Amada
Two temples relocated to the lake's shores when the High Dam was built, visited with far fewer crowds than the Nile Valley sites.
- 3
Sailing South
A quiet day on the water, passing Qasr Ibrim, with the vast lake for company as the ship continues toward Abu Simbel.
- 4
Abu Simbel by Water
Arrival at Abu Simbel at dawn, seeing Ramesses II's colossal facade lit by the rising sun before the road-trip crowds arrive, then disembarkation.
Where You’ll Go
The main stops, in the order you'll visit them.
Included
- ✓Cabin accommodation aboard the Lake Nasser ship
- ✓Meals aboard
- ✓All shore excursions with a private Egyptologist
- ✓Entrance fees
Not Included
- ✕Transport to/from Aswan
- ✕Egypt visa
- ✕Tips
- ✕Personal spending
Before You Book
The things travelers ask us most about this tour.
Yes — entrance fees for the sites on this itinerary are in the price, so there is nothing to buy at the gate. What you would still pay for separately are transport to/from Aswan, your Egypt visa, tips and personal spending.
Private. It runs for your group alone — all shore excursions with a private Egyptologist — so the pace is yours and nobody waits on a coach filling up. We do not merge bookings into larger groups.
Prefer to join a small group? See Weekly Trips →A fair amount, but nothing strenuous. Most of the trip is spent aboard. The temple landings are short walks up from the water onto uneven ground. If someone in your group has limited mobility, tell us before you book — we can usually adjust the route or the pace rather than have you find out on the day.
It runs 4 days / 3 nights across 2 bases — Aswan, Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel. The day-by-day breakdown is on this page, and start times flex around your flights and how early you like to begin.
Yes — every tour here is a starting point rather than a fixed package. Swap a site, add an experience or a photoshoot, change the pace, or extend it by a day and we will rebuild the schedule around you.
Customize this tour →What travellers said
Reviews of Egypt Eye from travellers who did something similar.
“The Pyramid and Sphinx tour with our photographer absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our photographer provided deep and engaging insights about the Pyramids, temples, and Sphinx throughout the tour, bringing ancient history to life with passion and clarity. He went above and beyond—not just as a guide, but even helping us negotiate with local vendors, which made the experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. The itinerary was…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Rohan
1 Day Giza Tour
“The all inclusive Pyramids and Sphinx experience with our guide (and Ru) was exceptional! Communication about pick up and itinerary of activities were clear and timely. Also, entrance to the sites was very easy and efficient. No hassle or waiting in long lines! Ru was an exceptional guide! She’s very knowledgeable and speaks excellent English, which made the exchange of information very fluid and easy. I learned SO much! Additionally, they were…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Bernard
1 Day Giza Tour
“This tour exceeded all my expectations and provided a truly exceptional experience. On the day I originally booked, I wasn’t feeling well, but the team was incredibly understanding and accommodated me by rescheduling for the following day. Their flexibility and kindness set the tone for the rest of the experience. The private nature of the tour made it even more enjoyable, as everything was tailored to my pace and preferences. My guide, our…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Thien
1 Day Giza Tour
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