Luxor & Aswan,
photographed.
Four days of private photography through Egypt's greatest temples. Karnak at sunrise, the Valley of the Kings before the tour buses, a Nile sail between Luxor and Aswan, and a sunrise shoot at Abu Simbel. Your photographer and Egyptologist accompany every step.
The best of Upper Egypt in four days — without the tour bus
Luxor is the world's largest open-air museum. Aswan is its calmest, most photogenic counterpart. Between them the Nile flows through 200 kilometres of temples, tombs and Nubian villages.
Most travellers see Upper Egypt in a rush. We don't. Every day on this tour is built around the light: sunrise at Karnak, mid-morning inside the tombs, sunset on the river, and pre-dawn at Abu Simbel. You come home with 400+ professionally edited photographs.
Why choose this tour
- Sunrise at Karnak: private pre-opening access to the Hypostyle Hall — 134 columns, almost no crowds, and the softest light of the day.
- Valley of the Kings: we arrive before the first tour buses. Selected tombs, immaculate wall paintings, and a photographer who knows exactly where to stand.
- Private Nile sailing: a scenic daytime crossing from Luxor to Aswan — sunsets on deck, temples at every bend.
- Abu Simbel at sunrise: optional pre-dawn flight to Ramses II's greatest monument. The light hits the facade in a way that happens for 20 minutes each day.
- Philae Temple by boat: approached by water — the most photogenic arrival in Egypt. Late afternoon light turns the columns honey-gold.
- 400+ edited photos: delivered in 48-hour cycles so you can share as you travel.
What's included
- 3 nights in 5-star Nile-view hotels + 1 night on private cruise
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout
- Private Egyptologist guide for every site
- Private photographer every day — 400+ retouched photos
- All entry tickets and photography permits
- Daily breakfast + 2 dinners aboard
- Airport transfers in Luxor and Aswan
- Optional Abu Simbel flight (add $380)
- Optional hot air balloon over Luxor (add $180)
Day by day
Arrive Luxor — Karnak & Luxor Temple
Airport pickup, check into your Nile-view hotel. Afternoon private shoot at Karnak's Hypostyle Hall, then Luxor Temple lit by lantern at dusk.
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut — Board Nile cruise
Pre-dawn departure for the West Bank. Valley of the Kings with private tomb access, then Hatshepsut's terraced temple. Afternoon: board your private cruise for Aswan.
Edfu, Kom Ombo & the Nile
Morning shoot at Edfu Temple — Egypt's best-preserved. Afternoon at Kom Ombo on the river's edge. Sunset on the private deck as you approach Aswan.
Abu Simbel & Philae — Depart
Optional pre-dawn flight to Abu Simbel for the sunrise. Afternoon boat to Philae Temple. Transfer to Aswan airport for departure or onward to Cairo.
Ready for the temples of Upper Egypt?
We only run two private departures per week. Tell us your dates and we'll design every day around the best light of the season.
Luxor & Aswan — FAQs
What is the best time to photograph Luxor and Aswan?
October through April offers the best light and mild temperatures. Sunrise (5:45–7:00) and the last 90 minutes before sunset are the golden windows. We build every day around these.
Is this tour fully private?
Yes — private photographer, private Egyptologist, private vehicle and private Nile cruise segment. No shared groups at any point.
Do we need a photo permit inside the tombs?
Phone photos are typically permitted in the Valley of the Kings with a small site pass. Professional cameras and tripods require special permits, which we arrange in advance.
Can we add Abu Simbel?
Yes — Day 4 can start with an optional pre-dawn flight to Abu Simbel. It is a highlight of the tour and highly recommended for photographers. Add $380.
What about the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Optional add-on at sunrise ($180). We book a private basket for two, timing it to land just as the light softens for your morning shoot.
Plan your trip
Four days of perfect light.
We only run two private departures per week. Reserve early.