8Day Fabulous Egypt Nile Cruise Enjoy Journey from Luxor to Aswan

I went with friends to Egypt for the GEM and Nile cruise. The sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor was a nightmare. I could not sleep because of the rattling and a guy snored like a truck. The next day we were all grumpy. Then our guide recommended the domestic flight from Aswan to Cairo. We paid 85 usd and it was like a different world. The flight was quiet smooth and fast. The train took 13 hours the flight took one hour. The train experience was a 2. Admission fee zero since included. Length of visit on the train was way too long. Atmosphere on the train was stressful. Crowd size was huge. Staff on the train were nice but limited. Best for friends who want a funny story. We got the story but also back pain. The flight had snacks and cold drinks.

I did this trip with my family including two kids aged 8 and 10. I was worried they would get bored but our guide made everything a game. The admission fee for the Giza site was free for kids under 12 so we paid only for adults 540 EGP each. We spent 6 hours because the kids wanted to see everything. The atmosphere was energetic and loud but in a good way. Crowd size was huge near the great pyramid but we found a grassy spot for a picnic. Staff at the entrance gave us water bottles which was kind. Best for families who need a flexible and patient guide. My son asked our guide why the pyramids were built and the guide told him a funny story about ancient workers betting on who could lift the heaviest stone. My son laughed so hard he forgot to complain about the heat.

I went from Cairo to Aswan on the sleeper train and regretted it immediately. The cabin was tiny the food was cold and the toilet smelled bad. I woke up with a stiff neck and bad mood. When we reached Aswan our guide said we could upgrade to a domestic flight for the return leg. I paid 90 usd and oh man what a difference. The flight was clean fast and the view of the desert from above was incredible. The train ride took 14 hours but the flight took 90 minutes. My experience on the train was a 2 out of 10 but the flight was a solid 9. Admission fee for the train was included in the package but the flight was extra and totally worth it. Length of visit on the train was way too long. Atmosphere on the plane was calm and professional. Crowd size was small maybe 40 people. Staff on the flight were smiling and gave us juice. Best for solo travelers like me who value time over nostalgia. I will never take that train again.

We booked the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor thinking it would be fun but honestly we were so tired the next morning. The beds are small and the shaking never stops. I barely slept for four hours. We arrived at 6 am with zero energy for the Karnak tour. Our guide Ahmed saw our faces and suggested we take the domestic flight back from Aswan to Cairo. Best decision ever. That flight was smooth quick and worth every extra dollar. The train ticket was included but the flight upgrade was only 80 usd. The whole Luxor temple visit felt rushed because we were exhausted. Next time I will skip the train entirely. The atmosphere on the train was cramped and noisy with lots of families and snoring guys. Staff tried to help but there is only so much they can do. For couples this train is a nightmare. The flight back was empty quiet and took one hour instead of twelve.

If you want a stress-free shopping day in Luxor, this tour is perfect. Every location was well chosen and genuine—no fake products or pushy sellers. The alabaster factory was fascinating; I watched an artist carve a small pharaoh statue and he even let me try! The carpet store visit was equally impressive, filled with stories about traditional Egyptian patterns. The private setup made everything comfortable, and our guide handled every detail with professionalism. It felt like shopping with a trusted friend.