Luxor to Aswan: 5-Day Private Luxury Nile Journey

Great Nile Cruise

We had an amazing 5-day, 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, and a huge part of what made the experience so enjoyable was our tour guide, John. John has 19 years of experience, and his knowledge of Egyptian history, mythology, and the various temples we visited was truly impressive. He was able to answer all of our questions in depth, and it was obvious throughout the entire trip just how much he knew. He even managed to explain the meaning and story behind a random photo we took at Edfu Temple! John was always punctual, organized, and incredibly helpful. He arranged everything so smoothly that we never had to worry about the logistics. When we had a minor issue with our room at the Steigenberger Legacy, he went out of his way to help us switch rooms and make sure everything was taken care of. He also arranged an additional stop at the Aswan High Dam, which was a wonderful bonus. What really stood out was how attentive he was throughout the entire trip. No question was too small, and he genuinely wanted us to have a great experience and learn as much as possible about ancient Egypt. We highly recommend John to anyone visiting Egypt, especially if you want a guide who combines deep historical knowledge with excellent organization and genuine care for his guests. He made our Nile cruise a memorable experience!

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Love Journey to Egypt! Great organisation.

A truly wonderful experience. We were looked after from landing in Luxor to departure. Our every need was taken care of by our exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced guide John . He was a delight to be with, engaging and entertaining and gave us plenty of time to absorb the wonders! The boat staff were eager to please, respectful and their hospitality could not have been better. Our guide liaised with all the crew members to convey my dietary needs to make for a perfect cruise. The hospitality could not have been better. All the excursions were awesome and went more smoothly than we could have ever expected. We chose Journey to Egypt based on reviews on Trip Advisor and elsewhere and have been more than happy. They took care of all the entrance tickets to the temples etc., water, snacks, transport vehicles - we didn’t have to plan or concern ourselves with anything! All our emails/whatsapp questions prior to our departure and during our visit were answered promptly, which was reassuring. Would highly recommend this company.

Response from the operator: Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with Journey to Egypt. We’re thrilled to hear that every moment of your trip, from your arrival in Luxor to your departure, was smooth, comfortable, and truly enjoyable. We’re delighted that John’s knowledge, warmth, and engaging style made your Nile cruise so special, and that he was able to cater to your needs while giving you time to soak in the incredible sights. It’s also fantastic to hear that our boat staff’s genuine hospitality added to the experience, making you feel fully taken care of throughout your journey. Our goal is always to handle every detail—tickets, transport, meals, and logistics—so our guests can focus on discovering the magic of Egypt. Knowing that you felt completely at ease and supported motivates our team to continue delivering exceptional experiences. Thank you for your high recommendation. We would be thrilled to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure along the Nile! Warm regards, Marina

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10/10 experience

Myself, my dad and brother did 4 nights on the Nile river cruise from Luxor to Aswan. This really was a fabulous tour and we all really enjoyed it. The tour was brilliant and we hit all the key highlights along the Nile. Our your guide John was a really lovely man and it was great that we had him for the 4 days, he was very knowledgeable, he could answer our many many questions and was very helpful especially when he helped my dad. The time of trip each day was perfect, wasn’t too short or too long. We transport was very nice also, always had air con and John had water each day for us which was a nice touch and needed 😅 The boat was also lovely and exceeded my expectations, the rooms very spacious and comfortable.. the food was delicious, everyone was very happy! We felt very safe and well looked after so thank you very much and I would recommend you to any of my friends who are looking to travel and explore Egypt!

Response from the operator: Dear Aisling, Thank you for sharing your experience with Journey to Egypt. We are delighted to hear that your 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan was memorable and enjoyable for you, your father, and brother. We are especially pleased that John contributed to making your trip seamless and comfortable. His attentiveness, knowledge, and care ensured that every detail—from sightseeing to daily transport—was handled smoothly, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey. Your kind words and recommendation are greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends on another Journey to Egypt adventure in the future. Best regards, Marina

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Fantastic experience, Michael is a rock star tour guide!

Fantastic experience! One thing we learnt through our Egypt tour was that the tour guide was the most important aspect of your experience! if the guide is good, your trip would be great, and if your guide is not that great, even the pyramids would be just 'meh'! In this trip, Michael, our tour guide was just AMAZING! He took care of everything for us! He went above and beyond to look after our every comfort! He was knowledgeable, friendly, polite and kind! We were given a 5 star experience right from the moment we landed in Luxor! I would recommend you ask for Michael if you are booking this tour!

Response from the operator: Dear Tania, Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review of your recent 5-Day Private Luxury Nile Journey with Journey to Egypt. We are delighted to learn that you had a fantastic experience and that every aspect of your journey met your expectations. At Journey to Egypt, we take great pride in providing our guests with a seamless, high-quality travel experience, from the moment of arrival until the conclusion of their journey. We are pleased that our team's efforts, combined with the dedication and professionalism of our guide, Michael, enhanced your trip and made your time in Egypt truly memorable. Your kind recommendation is sincerely appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable experience. Warm regards, Osama (MR)

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Absolutely Flawless

Our group of four (two couples), after much research selected Journey to Egypt due to the many excellent reviews on Trip Advisor. Our expectations were high based on these reviews and Journey to Egypt far exceeded our expectations in every single aspect of planning and execution. If seeing the splendor of near-perfectly preserved ancient civilizations is on your life's bucket list, then this once-in-a-lifetime trip has to elevate to the top of your list. And Journey to Egypt needs to be your tour company. First, let's address any concerns there might be out there about safety due to Egypt's proximity to the unfortunate situation in the Region. We learned many Americans have canceled their trips due to concerns over this. Never once did we ever feel unsafe, concerned, anxious or otherwise. In fact, we felt more secure with our tour partners throughout Egypt than we would touring many urban centers in the U.S. The service in the Middle East, and, specifically, in every Egypt location we visited was exemplary. We would go as far as saying unrivaled. The art and grace of genuine service has increasingly become an afterthought in the West. Not in Egypt. All of us are seasoned world travelers and none of us could offer an example of service that came close to our experiences during our 6 days together. There are several elements to highlight in regard to Journey to Egypt, why we selected them, and how our visit was managed: Communication: 10/10 From the first email to Osama and the many, many subsequent questions we had about our interest, Osama's communication was always immediate and thorough. It was very evident to us we would be in good hands. Normally, we prefer to build our own agendas, but we elected to outsource this to J2E. Osama gave us the confidence to relinquish control of the trip planning and execution to his team. We are so thankful we did. Logistics: 10/10 From the moment we walked off the airplane in Cairo until the moment we were escorted to security for our return every detail -- customs, Egypt visa, luggage, hotels, transportation, etc. -- everything was flawlessly managed. Every shuttle, every taxi, every boat ride awaited us ahead of our scheduled departure. Not once did we wait. Our guides were always early with all arrangements made. Each day was packed full of activities and the coordination was flawless. Every detail was handled for us -- flights from Cairo to Luxor, Luxor to Aswan, Aswan to Abu Simbel, Abu Simbel to Aswan, Aswan to Cairo. Each executed without incident. Again, flawless (apologies, but this word will be used often). Guides & Itineraries: 11/10 We had the pleasure of two outstanding guides whose knowledge of Egypt was only surpassed by their warmth and professionalism: Mayor was our guide based out of Cairo who led our full day visiting the Pyramids of Giza. Please visit our review of Mayer Magdy -- our day with Mayer was spectacular in every way! When we arrived in Luxor, we were met by a J2E representative who shepherded us through the airport, to the shuttle, and to our riverboat the Sonesta St. George where we met our guide, John. We would spend the next four nights and five days with John. John coordinated everything for us. Each evening, we would review the next day's itinerary. Every detail was managed by John. Our days consisted of a private tour led by John who immersed us in the mysteries of early Egyptian civilizations. He brought to life through his knowledge and passion of these incredibly advanced early societies iconic locations such Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Edfu, Temple of Kom Ombo, the Nubian village of West Al Khazan, and Agilkia Island. Tours were arranged for us with a hot air balloon ride of the Valley of the Kings (incredible!) and Abu Simbel. Again, flawless. By the end of our week, John was part of the family and saying goodbye was difficult and sad. Sonesta St. George Riverboat: 10/10 What a wonderful experience this was! This is a beautiful vessel and the staff was so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed one of the suites and it was spacious and comfortable. Sometimes it felt like we had the whole boat to ourselves. The Sonesta glided down the Nile where we enjoyed peaceful early mornings and evenings watching the beautify scenery pass by. Mr. Samir should be proud of his team and wonderful service they provided all of the guests. Each day we were treated to diverse lunch and dinner selections. The food was outstanding! In conclusion, we cannot recommend Journey to Egypt highly enough. Every attention to detail was managed from the first question to Osama to drop off was flawlessly managed. Thank you, Journey to Egypt, for making this truly a trip we will never forget!

Response from the operator: Dear Tim, Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your experience with Journey to Egypt. We are truly honored to have been part of your journey and to have exceeded your expectations in every aspect, from planning to execution. It is wonderful to hear that Osama’s prompt and thorough communication provided you with confidence from the very beginning, ensuring a seamless and personalized travel experience. At Journey to Egypt, we take pride in handling every detail with precision, and we are delighted that our logistics—from airport assistance to transportation, accommodations, and daily itineraries—were flawlessly managed, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Egypt. Your kind words about our exceptional guides, Mayer and John, mean so much to us. Their deep knowledge, professionalism, and passion for Egypt’s rich history are truly what make our tours special. We are thrilled that they not only brought the ancient sites to life but also made your journey personal and unforgettable. It is especially heartwarming to hear that John became like family to you by the end of the trip—building meaningful connections with our guests is something we deeply value. We also appreciate your feedback on the Sonesta St. George Riverboat. Providing a luxurious and comfortable experience with outstanding service and dining is an essential part of our commitment to excellence, and we are delighted that the hospitality of Mr. Samir and his team made your cruise all the more memorable. Your strong recommendation and trust in Journey to Egypt mean the world to us. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we sincerely hope to welcome you, your family, or your friends on another unforgettable journey in the future. Best regards, Marina

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