For years, cruises on the River Nile have been ferrying holidaymakers on a magical journey back in time along this outstanding river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt combined with a peaceful journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever desirable with holiday makers.
A typical Nile cruise lasts 7 nights and operate Monday to Monday. Direct flights from UK bring tourists to Luxor and then they are taken to their cruise ship to check in. The next morning, the journey into age-old Egypt commences with a drop by to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor such as the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The following day, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings prior to coming back to the boat for lunch. Immediately following lunch, the ship departs Luxor travelling south for Edfu. Immediately following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further trips to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo prior to carrying on to Aswan.
The next day, its time to check out Aswan and a more modern structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise destination. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very beautiful section of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the river and it is here that Agatha Christie wrote part of her popular novel, “Death on the Nile”.
Immediately after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional tour to the wonderful Temple of Abu Simbel at the southern end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either three quarters of an hour by plane or 3 hours but it is well worth the effort.
Aswan marks the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the vessel heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes 2 days with an over night stop at Edfu prior to returning to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and tourists return to the airport and home.
