The most popular way to sail between Luxor and Aswan — genuine five-star service, elegant ships and fully-guided temple excursions, beautifully priced. Planned end-to-end by Egypt Holiday Makers.
A Lake Nasser cruise is a quieter, more exclusive alternative to the Nile — a small fleet sailing the open lake between Aswan and Abu Simbel, calling at temples reached by no other means. With far fewer ships and passengers than the Nile route, it suits travellers who want the same iconic monuments without the crowds.
Accommodation — en-suite cabin with lake or desert views
Full-board dining — breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Guided excursions — every temple visit led by a licensed Egyptologist
On board — sun deck with pool, lounge and evening entertainment
Egypt visa, drinks and tipping are typically extra — we confirm exactly what's included before you book.
The Aswan–Abu Simbel route & temples
Lake Nasser cruises sail as a round trip from Aswan, typically over 3 or 4 nights, calling at temples relocated from the flood zone during the 1960s UNESCO rescue — many visited by no other means.
Kalabsha — the Temple of Kalabsha and the rock-cut shrine of Beit al-Wali
Wadi el Seboua — the "Valley of the Lions," with Wadi el Seboua and Dakka temples
Amada — Egypt's oldest surviving Nubian temple, plus the fortress temple of Derr
Abu Simbel — the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari
How to choose your cruise
Four quick things to weigh up before you book your sailing.
1
Pick the length
3 nights cover Abu Simbel and the key temples; 4 nights add a more leisurely pace and extra stops along the lake.
2
Match the ship to your taste
The Lake Nasser fleet is small and exclusive — choose by sailing day, cabin layout, and the onboard style that suits you.
3
Travel in the right season
October to April is the mildest and best for sightseeing. Being more remote than the Nile, Lake Nasser feels the summer heat more acutely — worth avoiding outside the cooler months.
4
Book early
With only a handful of ships on the lake, cabins sell out well ahead in peak season — reserving early locks in your preferred date and cabin.
03Book with confidence
Why book your Lake Nasser cruise with us
Lake Nasser is a quieter, wilder alternative to the classic Nile, sailing past Abu Simbel and remote Nubian temples. We know its handful of ships well and plan the whole trip, so you experience this special route with a trusted local team.
4.9★Average traveller rating
235Verified reviews
8Awarded cruise brands
100%Licensed Egyptologist guides
A trusted Egyptian company
Owned and operated by Egypt Holiday Makers, with years of experience crafting Nile journeys through the heart of Egypt.
TripAdvisor Excellence
Recognised with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and hundreds of genuine, verified traveller reviews.
Licensed Egyptologists
Expert, licensed guides accompany every cruise, bringing 5,000 years of history vividly to life.
Honest, seamless booking
Transparent pricing, real reviews and a personally managed booking process from a team that knows every ship.
In their words
★★★★★
Faultless from the first email to disembarkation. The ship was spotless, the food excellent, and every temple visit was perfectly timed to avoid the crowds.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egyptologist made every site come alive. Egypt Holiday Makers handled all the logistics so we could just enjoy the Nile. Worth every penny.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Booked the Movenpick and it exceeded expectations. The route was beautifully paced and the team answered every question on WhatsApp within minutes.
Lake Nasser is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded side of Egypt. A cruise on the lake offers stunning desert scenery, calm waters, and visits to important Nubian sites like Abu Simbel and New Kalabsha. It’s a good option for anyone interested in history, photography, or simply relaxing away from the busy tourist spots.
The best cruise for you depends on how you like to travel. If it’s your first time in Egypt, a classic Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a great way to see the famous temples. For a quieter and more private trip, consider a dahabiya. If you want to explore Nubian history and visit remote sites, a Lake Nasser cruise is a good choice. Think about the route, length, comfort, and your budget when deciding.
It’s usually not a good idea to swim in Lake Nasser because there are crocodiles and some areas can be unsafe. Sometimes, fishing or swimming is allowed in certain spots, but only if your cruise operator says it’s okay. Always listen to local safety advice and check with your guide before getting in the water.
Aswan is the main city near Lake Nasser and is where most Lake Nasser cruises begin. In Aswan, you can also visit the High Dam, Philae Temple, and Nubian villages. Abu Simbel is another key site on the lake’s western shore, further south from Aswan.
The cost of a Lake Nasser cruise depends on the cruise ship, cabin category, itinerary, and travel season. A typical 4- or 5-night Lake Nasser cruise costs around $700–$1,500 per person. Luxury cruises and upgraded cabins may cost $1,500–$2,500 or more per person.
Most cruise packages include your cabin, all meals, guided tours of main sites such as Abu Simbel and New Kalabsha, and other sightseeing activities. Things like transfers, entrance fees, drinks, and extra tours might cost extra, so be sure to check what’s included before you book.
The best time for a Nile cruise is usually from October to April, when the weather is cooler and better for sightseeing. October, November, March, and April have nice temperatures and fewer crowds. December and January are also busy, but prices can be higher. Summer is very hot, but cruises may be cheaper and less crowded than.
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Lake Nasser Cruises 
Lake Nasser Cruises 
