Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon in 4 Days

Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon

From Cairo to Luxor and Aswan – A Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the magic of the Nile River, the wonders of ancient temples, and the thrill of a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

This 4-day Nile river cruise itinerary takes you from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, immersing you in Egypt’s most iconic archaeological treasures while enjoying the comfort of a luxury river cruise.

Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon Highlights

• Explore the ancient history of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan with a professional Egyptologist guide
• Sail the Nile on a 3-night river cruise with all meals included
• Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu
• Experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise
• Visit the Valley of the Kings and step inside royal tombs
• Discover the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
• Witness the grandeur of Abu Simbel Temples at dawn
• Enjoy delicious onboard meals and evening relaxation on the Nile

Full Itinerary of Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon

Day 1 – Departure from Cairo

• Hotel Pickup: At 5:00 PM, you will be collected from your home or hotel in Cairo.
• Train Journey to Luxor: Transfer to Cairo Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
• Relax in your cabin and enjoy the rhythmic journey along the Nile Valley. Dinner and breakfast are served onboard, giving you a taste of Egyptian hospitality before your adventure begins.

Day 2 – Luxor: Hot Air Balloon & Temples

• Morning Arrival in Luxor: Upon arrival, a representative will greet you and take you to a local café to enjoy traditional Egyptian tea.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: At sunrise, soar above Luxor in a hot air balloon. Watch as the golden light illuminates the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the sprawling Karnak Temple. The panoramic views of the Nile and surrounding desert are unforgettable.

West Bank Exploration

• Valley of the Kings: Step into the royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. You will visit three of the most significant tombs, each adorned with vivid hieroglyphs and colorful wall paintings that depict journeys to the afterlife. Highlights include the tomb of Ramses III, Ramses VI, and the legendary Tutankhamun.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Marvel at this mortuary temple carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Built by Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh, the temple features three terraces, colonnades, and statues of Osiris. Your guide will explain the temple’s unique architecture and its role in ancient rituals.
• Colossi of Memnon: Pause for photos at these two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which have stood for over 3,000 years guarding the Theban necropolis.

East Bank Exploration

• Karnak Temple Complex: Explore the largest religious structure ever built. Dedicated to the triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, Karnak boasts towering columns in the Hypostyle Hall, sacred lakes, and intricately carved hieroglyphs. Your guide will reveal the temple’s history spanning over 1,500 years.
• Luxor Temple: Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes to reach Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at sunset. This temple was a center of the Opet Festival and remains one of Egypt’s most atmospheric sites.
• Board the Cruise Ship: In the evening, check into your cabin aboard the Nile cruise. Enjoy dinner and free time as the boat sets sail toward Edfu.

Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo

• Breakfast Onboard: Wake up to the gentle flow of the Nile and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Travel through Edfu town in a traditional carriage to reach the Temple of Horus.
• Temple of Horus: This is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Admire its towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and the sacred sanctuary where rituals were performed.
• Lunch Onboard: Return to the ship for lunch as you sail south.
• Kom Ombo Temple: In the afternoon, visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus the Elder. The temple’s symmetrical design and crocodile mummies in the nearby museum make this a fascinating stop.
• Dinner & Relaxation: Back on the cruise, enjoy dinner and spend the evening relaxing on deck, watching the stars reflect on the Nile.

Day 4 – Abu Simbel & Return to Cairo

• Early Morning Excursion: Travel to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic sites.
• Abu Simbel Temples: Carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, these temples are masterpieces of ancient engineering. The Great Temple is aligned so that twice a year, the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Both are adorned with colossal statues and intricate carvings.
• Transfer to Aswan Station: After the visit, you will be taken to Aswan Railway Station to board the train back to Cairo.
• Arrival in Cairo: Arrive in Cairo in the evening, concluding your unforgettable journey.

Why Choose This Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon?

• Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Ride: Witness Luxor’s temples from the sky at sunrise.
• Luxury Nile Cruise: Enjoy full-board meals and comfortable cabins.
• Expert Egyptologist Guide: Gain deep insights into Egypt’s history and culture.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
• Unforgettable Memories: Perfect photo opportunities at every stop.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Departure: Cairo
Includes: Transfers, train tickets, cruise accommodation, guided tours, hot air balloon ride, meals
Perfect For: History lovers, adventure seekers, couples, and families

Book your 4-Day Nile River Cruise Itinerary with Hot Air Balloon today and experience Egypt’s timeless wonders in style with Intravel!