As you leave the Philae temple and the High Dam of Aswan behind you, the road will start stretching through small Egyptian villages, with the river often within sight, making every mile so fulfilling to watch. The contrast of the golden sands and the green riverbank near the Nile will be company through most of the ride.

Making stops along the way is the best way to make the most of this route full of history. Make Edfu your first stop. This is a city that used to be the religious center of Egypt and it preserves the best-preserved temple in Egypt, Temple of Horus, built by Cleopatra. The high location of the temple kept it away from the destructive floods of the Nile throughout history.

After Edfu’s enchanting energy, move to the Valley of the Queens, which is located close to your destination. Here, the queens and princesses connected to the pharaohs are buried and four of the 75 tombs discovered are open to viewing.

Luxor is divided by the Nile into two distinct areas, the East Bank and the West Bank, each side rich with its own historical significance. The East Bank of Luxor is known as the 'City of the Living.' This is where ancient Egyptians lived their day-to-day lives and where the living celebrated the gods. Today, it's the urban heart of Luxor, where the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple Complex stand out magnificently.

The West Bank, on the other hand, is known as the 'City of the Dead,' where the ancient Egyptians built their tombs and mortuary temples. It's a vast necropolis housing some of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, such as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Luxor is not only about its monumental structures but also about the Nile itself, which dominates the city with its magical beauty. A felucca ride at sunset is an out of world experience with breathtaking views of both banks. Here, the ancient and the modern life of Luxor blends into the timeless flow in the Nile.

Timing is the key

You’ll enjoy getting from Aswan and Luxor best when the weather is mild. Aim for the cooler months between October and April to avoid the scorching summer heat, for a more comfortable road trip when you are in the car as well as when you are busy exploring the stops along the way.

Stay well-connected

Make sure your mobile phone has a local SIM card for easy access to navigation apps and real-time travel updates. This is quite helpful for adjusting plans on the go, especially when traveling through areas where you’d like to learn more about the region or, if you are driving, to be informed about the road conditions. Keeping informed and connected means safety and convenience throughout the trip. Check here for virtual SIM cards you can choose from.

Be prepared for the Egyptian sun

The climate in this region of Egypt can be extremely dry and sunny. Carry water in a thermos to keep it cold and to stay hydrated throughout the trip. Also, use sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and light, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the sun's intensity, especially when exploring outdoor archaeological sites.

Aswan to Luxor by car

Driving from Aswan to Luxor means driving for around three and a half hours without stopping. This is a flexible option, considering you can stop and explore the temples and ancient towns along the way. But keep in mind that driving in a foreign country with different traffic rules, dealing with possible traffic jams in the hot weather of Egypt, fuel costs, and parking can make your experience less pleasant.

Aswan to Luxor by train

Egyptian Railways operates multiple trains daily between Aswan and Luxor at a highly convenient price. The train ride takes around three hours, and it’s a comfortable option compared to driving. However, train schedules can sometimes be delayed, which might mean changing your itinerary. Plus, train rides offer no stops for exploring the route.

Aswan to Luxor by Nile cruise

It’s a popular and luxurious way to travel via Nile cruises, which are multi-day journeys between Aswan and Luxor, stopping at major archaeological sites along the way. The cruises usually last three to five days, which depends on the specific cruise you choose.

Staying several nights in the luxury of the cruise ship enjoying an all-inclusive experience with guided tours, meals, and entertainment might be a nice option to go for. Keep in mind that most of the cruises are multi-day and five-star ones affecting the price accordingly. It is also less flexible since you’ll be adjusting to the cruise schedule.

Aswan to Luxor by private car service

Booking a seat with a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip is the most convenient, direct, and flexible option. Whether your priority is luxury, exploring, or direct travel, Daytrip will be satisfying for each of them. You won’t have to worry about the stress of driving, catching train schedules, or being tied to the cruise itinerary. You can choose and add the stops you’d like to explore before booking your trip and arrange your journey entirely according to yourself.

Fly above Luxor

Imagine greeting the dawn in Luxor from the basket of a hot air balloon as you quietly flow in the sky to witness the sunrise over this ancient city. It’s an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the temples, green Nile banks, and the sharp landscape of the West Bank’s necropolis. The early morning flight not only means cooler temperatures but also the best light for your photos. Operators provide a variety of packages, often including hotel pickups and a light breakfast before the flight.

Float along the Nile

A felucca ride on the Nile is the perfect thing to do to enjoy the river to the fullest. These traditional wooden sailing boats make a calm and mesmerizing way to explore the Nile possible. It’s simply a glimpse into the beauty of Egypt’s lifeblood. Plan your boat trip around sunset for the brightest colors of the sky reflecting on the water with the silhouettes of the temples on the horizon. Many tours include stops at Banana Island to see local life and enjoy some fresh products.

Explore the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings remains one of Luxor’s most fascinating attractions: a journey into the world of the pharaohs and their elaborate afterlife preparations. This burial ground for kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom is home to over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. A guided tour here is invaluable; knowledgeable guides carry you through the history and mythology of ancient Egypt while explaining the significance of the hieroglyphics and the burial rites.

Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat and to have a more intimate exploration. Purchase the additional ticket for the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and consider visiting the tombs of Ramses VI and Seti I.

Additionally, these months avoid the peak heat of summer, when temperatures can soar above 104°F (40°C). While the winter months (December to February) might see the largest crowds of tourists due to the best weather, October to November and March to April offer a good balance between nice weather and smaller crowds.