Sleeper Train & Felucca Journey Across the Nile
Two sleeper train journeys and a night on a felucca, covering Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor to save on accommodation while offering a highly local experience.
Designed based on small-group backpacking routes, this itinerary replaces domestic flights and cruise ships with trains and a traditional sailboat (felucca). Sleeping on the open deck of the felucca with no cabins and shared bathrooms offers low comfort but a highly unique experience. The journey from Aswan to Luxor is by private car, stopping at two temples along the way. With a fast-paced schedule and two nights spent on trains, this trip is ideal for young travelers and budget-conscious first-timers.
Felucca nights can be quite cold in winter; be sure to pack warm clothing.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival at Giza Pyramids Area
Taking a taxi from the airport to the Pyramids area takes about 1 hour. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the neighborhood.
Stay: Giza Pyramids Area
Day 2 · Pyramids & Overnight Train South
Cairo & Giza（Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx、Grand Egyptian Museum）
Take a taxi to explore Giza during the day. In the evening, board the sleeper train from Giza Station to Aswan (approx. 13 hours).
Sleeper train tickets must be booked in advance and include dinner and breakfast.
Day 3 · Aswan & Nubian Village
Aswan & Abu Simbel（Nubian Village (Gharb Soheil)、Aswan Souq (Sharia as-Souq)）
Arrive in Aswan in the morning. In the afternoon, take a boat to the Nubian Village on the West Bank, and return to the Corniche in the evening.
Stay: Nile Corniche
Day 4 · Day Trip to Abu Simbel
Aswan & Abu Simbel（Abu Simbel Temples）
Depart by minibus in the early morning. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours one way, returning to Aswan after midday.
Book your transport the day before and carry your passport for checkpoints.
Stay: Nile Corniche
Day 5 · Philae Temple & Boarding the Felucca
Aswan & Abu Simbel（Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)、Unfinished Obelisk、Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden)）
Take a car and a small boat to Philae Temple in the morning. In the afternoon, board a felucca to sail north. The boat has no engine and relies entirely on the wind.
You will sleep on the open deck; bring a sleeping bag or thick clothing, and keep your luggage light.
Stay: Nile Felucca Overnight Mooring (North of Aswan)
Day 6 · Disembark & Temple Route to Luxor
Aswan & Abu Simbel（Temple of Kom Ombo、Temple of Edfu） → Luxor（Luxor Temple）
Disembark in the morning and take a private car to Luxor (approx. 3.5 hours), stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu along the way.
Stay: Luxor Temple and Nile Corniche
Day 7 · Luxor East & West Banks & Overnight Train
Luxor（Valley of the Kings、Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut、Karnak Temple Complex）
Take a private car to tour the West Bank and Karnak Temple for about 6 hours. Board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo in the evening (approx. 10 hours).
Day 8 · Morning Return to Cairo & Old Town
Cairo & Giza（Citadel of Saladin、Khan el-Khalili）
Arrive at Giza or Cairo Station in the early morning. Take a taxi to the Old Town (approx. 30 minutes) and depart at your leisure in the afternoon.