Lake Nasser cruises at a glance
Lake Nasser is the reservoir behind the Aswan High Dam. Its rising water threatened the Nubian monuments, which is why the temples of Abu Simbel were moved in the 1960s (see the story of the UNESCO relocation). Today the lake is a route: cruise ships link Aswan and Abu Simbel and stop at temples that few day visitors ever see.
Programs run in two directions. One runs 4 nights from Aswan to Abu Simbel, the other 3 nights from Abu Simbel back to Aswan. The ship is your hotel, so the temples are visited as part of the program. This is different from the road trip, which is a long single day.
Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser trips from Aswan
Compare day trips by bus or private car, flights and longer programs, with live prices and availability.
The route: temples on the lake
Programs differ by operator and year. These are the usual stops for the two directions.
Aswan to Abu Simbel (4 nights)
The program from Aswan visits Kalabsha, Wadi es-Sebua, Amada and Abu Simbel. Qasr Ibrim is a view from the sun deck for about 15 minutes. You do not go ashore there.
Abu Simbel to Aswan (3 nights)
The program in the other direction visits Amada with Derr and Pennut, and Wadi es-Sebua. The sound and light show at Abu Simbel is an optional extra and is booked separately.
What you see at Abu Simbel
The Great Temple of Ramses II and the small temple of Hathor and Nefertari are the main stop. Read the guides to the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari before you go.
Dates matter. Sailing dates change from year to year, so a route is not a confirmed sailing on every date. Ask for the current itinerary and the departure dates of your trip before you plan flights around it.
Lake Nasser cruise prices in 2026
Examples for 2026.
Booking platform, 5 days and 4 nights
A booking platform offer for autumn 2026 is around EUR 1,191 per person on a private double room basis. The final price can change at checkout.
Private English-language format
A private format costs $1,720 to $2,150 per person for 4 nights in October 2026. The range reflects a different scope of service, so do not set it against the booking platform price above.
What is usually extra
The sound and light show is booked separately for the program from Abu Simbel. Check the inclusions of each offer, especially entrance fees and flights to Aswan.
Cruise, road trip or flight?
Three ways to reach Abu Simbel from Aswan.
| Option | Time | Example price |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Nasser cruise | 3 to 4 nights, several temples | EUR 1,191 or $1,720 to $2,150 per person (2026 examples) |
| Day trip by road | About 3.5 hours each way; 12 to 14 hours in a private car, around 9 hours by small group bus | From $130 per person for the group bus (2026 offer, conditions until 30 April 2027) |
| Flight Aswan to Abu Simbel | 40 to 45 minutes scheduled | – |
For most visitors, the day trip from Aswan is the simplest choice. The cruise suits travelers who have four or five days, want the other Nubian temples and prefer to sleep on board. Details for the other options are on the getting there page.
If you are planning a longer trip on the water, the guide to Lake Nasser cruises covers the lake from the Nile cruise side, and Nubian Village has the view from Aswan.
What to check before you book a cruise
Four points that change the price and the plan.
Direction and nights
Four nights from Aswan or three nights from Abu Simbel. The shorter program ends in Aswan, so plan your onward travel from there.
Entrance fees
Ask whether the Abu Simbel ticket is included. On a normal day it is EGP 750 for foreign adults and EGP 1,200 on 22 February and 22 October (2026 rates).
The show
The sound and light show is booked separately and needs a minimum number of guests. See where to stay for prices and times.
Getting to the start
You still need to reach Aswan or Abu Simbel on the first day. For Abu Simbel, see flights and the road options above.
When to go
No single season applies to every ship.
The season differs by vessel. The cooler months from November to March are the comfortable ones for time on deck and in the temples, because summer highs in Aswan stay above 41 °C from June to August. The month-by-month figures are on the weather and best time page.
Lake Nasser cruise: frequently asked questions
How long is a Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel?
Programs run 4 nights from Aswan to Abu Simbel or 3 nights from Abu Simbel to Aswan. Some offers are sold as 5 days and 4 nights.
Which temples does the cruise visit?
From Aswan the program visits Kalabsha, Wadi es-Sebua, Amada and Abu Simbel. In the other direction it visits Amada with Derr and Pennut, and Wadi es-Sebua.
Can you go ashore at Qasr Ibrim?
No. Qasr Ibrim is a view from the sun deck for about 15 minutes.
How much does a Lake Nasser cruise cost?
Examples in 2026 are EUR 1,191 per person for 5 days and 4 nights on a booking platform, and $1,720 to $2,150 per person for a private format with 4 nights. Both are single offers, and the inclusions differ.
Is the sound and light show included?
For the program from Abu Simbel, the show is optional and booked separately. Ask before you book.
Is this the official website of Abu Simbel or a cruise line?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the ministry, an antiquities authority, a cruise company or a tour operator.