Temples of the South
Five unhurried days through Upper Egypt — Luxor's two banks, the road south past Edfu and Kom Ombo, and Aswan's islands.
Overview
Upper Egypt holds the country's densest concentration of monuments, and most itineraries sprint through it. This one doesn't. Two full days in Luxor split the East Bank's temples from the West Bank's necropolis, so neither is rushed. The drive south to Aswan then becomes part of the journey rather than a transfer: Edfu and Kom Ombo break the road exactly where the ancient river traffic once paused. Aswan closes the journey at a gentler register — Philae by motorboat, the granite quarries, and a felucca hour under sail before you fly or train back. Five-star hotels throughout, private Egyptologist from first day to last.
Itinerary
Arrival in Luxor & the East Bank
- Private meet at Luxor airport or station
- Karnak temple complex — the great hypostyle hall in afternoon light
- Luxor Temple at dusk as the floodlights come up
The West Bank in full
- Valley of the Kings — three royal tombs with your Egyptologist
- The terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri
- Colossi of Memnon and a village-road drive back along the floodplain
South by road — Edfu & Kom Ombo
- Morning drive to Edfu and the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best preserved
- Kom Ombo's twin sanctuary above a bend in the Nile
- Arrive Aswan by late afternoon; evening free on the corniche
Aswan — Philae & the river
- High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarry
- Motorboat to the island Temple of Philae
- Golden-hour felucca sail among the First Cataract islands
Departure — or Abu Simbel
- Morning at leisure, or an optional early excursion to Abu Simbel
- Private transfer to Aswan airport or station
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 4 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels (Luxor & Aswan)
- Private felucca sail in Aswan
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- Abu Simbel excursion (optional extra)
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
Why drive from Luxor to Aswan instead of cruising?
The road allows Edfu and Kom Ombo without committing to a cruise ship's fixed schedule, and keeps every night in a full-size hotel room. If you would rather sail, our Nile in Style cruise covers the same corridor by water.
Does this journey include Abu Simbel?
Not by default — but it slots in cleanly as an early-morning excursion from Aswan on the final day, by road convoy or short flight. Tell us at booking so we can hold the timing.
How do I reach Luxor to start?
By EgyptAir flight from Cairo (55 minutes) or the overnight sleeper train. Both are easily added; the itinerary begins whenever you land.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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Talk to a local expert
Our team lives and breathes Egypt travel. Share what draws you here — we'll help you design the journey that fits.