What To Anticipate On A Cruise On The Nile
For years, cruises on the River Nile have been carrying holidaymakers and visitors on a magical journey back in time along this magnificent river. A combination of exploring the wonders of historical Egypt combined with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever desirable with tourists.
A typical cruise on the Nile lasts 7 nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Great Britain bring visitors to Luxor and then they are transported to their cruise ship to check in. The following morning, the journey into age-old Egypt starts with a see to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor including the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The next morning, the sightseeing continues on to the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings just before returning to the cruise boat for lunch. Following lunch, the cruise ship departs Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further tours to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before carrying on to Aswan.
The next day, its time to explore Aswan and a more advanced construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam formed Lake Nasser, itself a cruise choice. After lunch, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very attractive part of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the River Nile and it is the place where Agatha Christie published part of her notable novel, “Death on the Nile”.
Immediately after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or otherwise, there is an optional visit to the impressive Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either three quarters of an hour by air or three hours but it is really 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 2 days with an overnight stop at Edfu before returning to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and visitors return to the airport and home.