Lake Nasser Cruise Trips — Luxury Egypt Tours
Sail the Nubian Lake
Where Temples Rise from the Water
Cross the still waters of Lake Nasser aboard an intimate cruise ship — ancient temples rescued from the flood, and Abu Simbel waiting at the end.
View TripsThe World's Newest Ancient Lake
"Lake Nasser holds temples that once stood on dry land — moved stone by stone to save them from the rising water."
Formed by the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, Lake Nasser is one of the largest man-made lakes on earth — and the reason a dozen ancient Nubian temples still exist at all. UNESCO's greatest rescue operation relocated them piece by piece to higher ground, and today a small fleet of intimate cruise ships is the only way to see them in sequence, ending at the colossal rock temples of Abu Simbel. COMETRA matches you to the right journey: a focused Cairo & Aswan passage, or the complete escape with Luxor added in.
Our Lake Nasser Cruises
Two ways to explore Nubia — a focused Cairo & Aswan passage, or the complete escape with Luxor added in.
Lake Nasser Escape
COMETRA's most complete journey — Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, followed by a private Lake Nasser cruise to the temples of Abu Simbel.
- Abu Simbel Sound & Light Show
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Nubian Village Evening
Nubian Passage
Cairo's icons and museums, followed by a full-loop private Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel and back.
- Abu Simbel Sound & Light Show
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Nubian Village Evening
What Is a Lake Nasser Cruise?
A Lake Nasser cruise sails a different kind of Nile journey — not the river itself, but the vast reservoir created behind the Aswan High Dam, stretching more than 300 miles into Sudan.
When the dam was built, more than a dozen ancient temples faced permanent flooding. In one of history's largest rescue operations, UNESCO and the Egyptian government cut them into blocks and reassembled them on higher ground along the lake's shore — Kalabsha, Wadi es-Sebua, Amada, and, most famously, Abu Simbel itself.
Cruises sail south from Aswan across open water, calling at these relocated temples in sequence, each one reached only by boat. There are no riverside towns here, no felucca traffic — just water, desert cliffs, and monuments that would otherwise be lost.
Every COMETRA Lake Nasser sailing is accompanied by a licensed private guide, and ships on this route are smaller and more intimate than the Nile cruise fleet — typically carrying far fewer guests for an unhurried, personal pace.
Why Choose COMETRA for Your Lake Nasser Cruise?
25+ Years of Tourism Expertise
Trusted knowledge and experience in crafting exceptional journeys throughout Egypt.
Carefully Selected Cruise Partners
We work only with reputable vessels that meet our standards of comfort, service, and quality.
Expert Professional Tour Guides
Discover Egypt's ancient wonders through the insights of passionate and highly qualified guides.
Tailor-Made Travel
Personalize your journey with private experiences, extensions, and exclusive arrangements.
24/7 Guest Support
Travel with confidence knowing our team is available whenever assistance is needed.
Authentic Nile Life & Local Culture
Experience more than ancient temples. Observe daily life along the river, encounter traditional farming communities, visit local markets, and gain a deeper understanding of Egypt's living culture through meaningful and authentic encounters.
Not sure if a Lake Nasser cruise is right for you? Our Egypt specialists will help you choose — at no obligation.
Everything You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about sailing Lake Nasser with COMETRA Travel.
Yes. A Nile cruise sails the river itself between Luxor and Aswan; a Lake Nasser cruise sails the reservoir south of Aswan, visiting temples relocated from the flood zone and ending at Abu Simbel. The two can be combined but are entirely separate sailings.
A 3-night one-way sailing from Aswan to Abu Simbel suits most travellers; the 4-night round voyage adds a second look at the relocated temples on the return and more time at Abu Simbel itself.
Yes — Abu Simbel is also reachable by a day trip from Aswan by road or short flight. A Lake Nasser cruise is the more immersive option, reaching Abu Simbel by water after several days among the other rescued temples.
October to April offers the most comfortable conditions, both onboard and for the open-air visits ashore at each temple site.
Lake Nasser vessels are typically smaller and more intimate than the Nile cruise fleet, carrying fewer guests. What they may lack in scale, they make up for in an unhurried, personal pace and access to a part of Egypt few travellers see.
Yes. COMETRA can arrange private Lake Nasser sailings for couples, families, and small groups. Contact our specialists to discuss availability and a bespoke itinerary.
