For many years, cruises on the River Nile have been ferrying people on a magical journey back in time along this magnificent river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt coupled with a gentle journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever fantastic with holiday makers.
A traditional cruise on the Nile lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from United Kingdom bring tourists to Luxor and then they are transported to their cruise vessel to check in. The next morning, the journey into age-old Egypt starts out with a go to see to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor including the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The following morning, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings prior to going back to the boat for lunch. Soon after lunch, the cruise boat departs Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. Soon after an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further excursions to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo just before moving on to Aswan.
The following morning, 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 location. After lunch, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very scenic section of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the river and it is here that Agatha Christie authored part of her notable book, “Death on the Nile”.
Soon after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or on the other hand, there is an optional visit to the outstanding Temple of Abu Simbel at the other 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 hassle.
Aswan signifies the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the cruise boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes 2 days with an overnight stay at Edfu before going back to Luxor. The week cruising the River Nile is over and travellers head back to the airport and home.
