Luxor and Aswan Travel

Luxor and Aswan Travel is a licensed Egyptian tour operator with its office in El Fardous Tower in the El Fayrouz district of Luxor. It describes itself as a service of Sacred Nile Odyssey Travel, has been online since 1999 and holds Egyptian Travel Agents Association licence number 1119, details worth checking with any operator before you book in Egypt.

The company specialises in planning Nile cruises and private tours. Its website covers a wide range of Nile cruise ships, including large cruise boats such as the Steigenberger Royale, as well as traditional dahabiyas such as the Malouka and Jasmine, sailing boats that carry far fewer passengers and stop at smaller sites along the river between Luxor and Aswan. For travellers based in Luxor it also organises day tours and tailor-made packages, which can include the main East and West Bank monuments with a guide.

Using a local operator is particularly useful in Luxor because the big sites are spread out on both sides of the river and transport needs careful timing. A private tour with a car, driver and Egyptologist guide lets you reach the Valley of the Kings early, move on to the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu before the heat builds, and return to the East Bank for Karnak or Luxor Temple later in the day. Guides can also advise on which tombs are open and which need separate tickets.

The company suits first-time visitors who want everything arranged, families who need flexible pacing, and travellers combining Luxor with a cruise to Aswan. Independent travellers who only need occasional help can use it for single day tours or transfers.

As with any tour booking, ask for a clear written itinerary showing what is included, such as entrance tickets, guiding, transport and meals, and confirm pickup times the day before. You can contact the team by phone or through the enquiry forms on the website, which lists both an Egyptian mobile number and a United States number for overseas enquiries.

If you are comparing operators, ask whether guides are licensed Egyptologists, how many people are in each group, and whether tomb tickets for sites such as Tutankhamun's tomb or Nefertari's tomb are included or extra.