Nick--to clarify Hassany and Abdou. I booked Abdou the egyptologist thru HAssany, an type of private agent who works thru tripadvisor and word-of-mouth. Hass does a very typical Arabic business thing: takes you to his "cafe", elevates himself to Donald Trump import while you all sip tea, then you practically beg him to get to the point of price and back to the hotel. It confirms you're overpaying him but we took good care of Abdou w/tip to reward his great job.
Well, Aswan is my favorite place to "feel" Egypt. I think that's from reading the WIlbur Smith books. I woudl recommend payng as much as you can. Now that you've been to SHarm, consider all those people on the low wend boats--black socks and sandals, flowered blouses and poly shorts...fanny pack and straw handbags...flaoting down the Nile. griping about the price of alcohol...
That said, Sonesta, Oberoi $$$, or Dahabiya (small capacity sailboats (some really don't sail)--they range from 5 cabin private hire or waaaay super pricey but all the trimmings/guides/private moorings etc. I will happily share sooem fo my sources. It woudl really be logical to go when it's summer offseason and HOT but rpices plummet on the luxury boats. The short trip[s are Aswan to Luxor since it's down river, up the Nile--3 night cruises. Stay in Aswan a day or two, relax, get the feel (the spcie market is the BEST I've ever seen!!) then cruise to Luxor.Most sights are included with last day of crusie on arrival in Luxor. Add a day ro two and see the other really good stuff like Dendera and ABydos (a few hours away)
i'm sure i'll think of more to add.