What To Hope For On A Nile Cruise

For several years, cruises on the River Nile have been carrying travellers on a magical journey back in time along this superb river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt coupled with a peaceful journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever preferred with visitors.

A regular Nile cruise lasts seven nights and operate Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Great Britain bring holidaymakers to Luxor where they are moved to their cruise ship to check in. The following morning, the journey into historical Egypt starts out with a drop by to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The next morning, the sightseeing heads over to the West Bank of the Nile which includes the Valley of the Kings just before returning to the boat for lunch. Immediately after lunch, the ship departs Luxor going south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further excursions to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before continuing to Aswan.

The following day, it is time to explore Aswan and a more modern construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise place. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very scenic section of the Nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the River Nile and it is here that Agatha Christie published part of her notable novel, “Death on the Nile”.

Following an overnight stop in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or otherwise, there is an optional excursion to the wonderful Temple of Abu Simbel at the southern end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either nearly an hour by air or 3 hours but it is worthwhile the time and effort.

Aswan represents the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey lasts a couple of days with an overnight stay at Edfu prior to going back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and tourists head back to the airport and home.