What To Anticipate On A Nile Cruise
For a long time, cruises on the River Nile have been carrying travellers on a magical journey back in time along this impressive river. A combination of exploring the wonders of historic Egypt combined with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever well known with holiday makers.
A regular cruise on the Nile lasts seven nights and operate Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Britain bring tourists to Luxor where they are taken to their cruise vessel to check in. The following morning, the journey into historical Egypt begins with a take a trip to to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The next morning, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile which includes the Valley of the Kings just before returning to the cruise boat for lunch. Soon after lunch, the cruise boat leaves Luxor going south for Edfu. Immediately following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are additional tours to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before continuing to Aswan.
The next morning, its time to check out Aswan and a more up-to-date structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise destination. After lunch, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very scenic part of the River nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the River Nile and it is where Agatha Christie authored part of her celebrated book, “Death on the Nile”.
Immediately after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or on the other hand, there is an optional visit to the magnificent Temple of Abu Simbel at the southern end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either nearly an hour by air or 3 hours but it is well worth the effort.
Aswan is the turn-around point for Nile cruises and now the boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes a couple of days with an overnight stay at Edfu just before going back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and travellers head back to the airport and home.