Cruises are set out daily, to explore parts of the longest river in the world, the Nile river. A long and important part of the Nile, which flows northward through Africa, is located in Egypt. Where it witnessed one of the greatest civilizations on earth, the ancient Egyptian civilization.
That’s why you will find many cruise tours in the country’s tourism map, that offers different packages with various budgets to suit most tourists. Some of the best Egypt cruise holidays are set to explore the ancient Egyptian civilization, specifically the Pharaonic civilization.
Most people around the world are familiar with the Pyramids and the Sphinx, as these two are the most famous ancient Egyptian monuments out there and considered a part of the ancient wonders. However, this site, which is located in Giza, is not enough when it comes to exploring the pharaonic history.
Sailing along the Nile can give you a new breathtaking perspective on that part of history, where temples and famous sites are scattered everywhere along the Nile.
If you travel to Egypt make sure to book a Nile cruise trip, to discover the ancient sights while enjoying the view on both banks of the Nile.
If you are starting your vacation in Cairo, you can spend a couple of days there before heading to Aswan or Luxor to start a Nile cruise trip.
Ideally, you can book your tour online after checking the reviews on popular sites like TripAdvisor and TourRadar. However, you can ask your hotel reception to suggest a worthy company for you to go with. I personally like exploring my options online and comparing prices to get a good deal for my money. As from my experience, this kind of trips doesn’t have to be in luxury hotels or boats.
You can stay in any decent 3-star cruise, as long as it’s clean, comfortable and offers basic services. What really matters is the sightseeing tours, and to enjoy the amazing history and culture.
Best Egypt cruise holidays
Luxor and Aswan Nile cruise holiday
If you are intending to head directly to upper Egypt, to Luxor and Aswan, you have to set your plan ahead to save time. If you; ve already done so, and booked your trip with a tourism company, then the company representative will meet you at Cairo International Airport to start your trip.
The package you choose will determine the way of transportation, which will be either by plane or by train. My favourite is by sleeper train, where I can spend the night watching the route. Or maybe it’s just me who loves to travel by train.
After arriving you will be escorted to your boat, the program is usually the same whether you started from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa, it’s just the plan of the Itinerary.
Luxor
You can start off your tour in Luxor by taking private felucca ride, which can be a great romantic option for honeymooners or else to watch the sunset. Spend a relaxing night onboard of your ship, as a fantastic adventure is waiting for you the next day.
On top of Luxor attractions, you have to visit the valley of Kings and Queens. Where you can spend the whole day wondering between more than 60 fascinating tombs, see the engravings on the walls and how the ancient Egyptian used to immortalize their kings and queens. Don’t miss the tomb of the famous Tutankhamun, which was found almost intact.
Next, you can visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which is a masterpiece on its own.
End your small tour in Luxor by visiting the Karnak and Luxor Temple, connected through the impressive Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Many companies offer tour packages to visit those places. If you are looking for your dream adventure don’t miss the hot air balloon ride, it’s one of a kind experience. You can also ask your guide for more information about each and every location, and the ability to visit some other hidden gems in Luxor if you have time.
After spending a day or two in Luxor you will start cruising along the Nile, to complete your journey through history.
Along the way
Sailing from Luxor to Aswan you will pass by Edfu temple and Kom Ombo temple. I went to those two temples once by bus and once while on a Nile cruise, I found it way easier to reach while on a Nile cruise. It’s not impossible to go by bus, but it’s time-consuming and exhausting. While on a Nile cruise you can comfortably enjoy the voyage and the landscape along the river banks on your way to the temples.
Aswan
When arriving at Aswan you will find a variety of activities to do, which can make you think about extending your vacation to fully enjoy everything.
A must visit there is Philae temple, which was saved by UNESCO by dismantling and moving it during the building of the Aswan High Dam.
The high Dam itself is a must-see, a modern architectural monument. The dam reservoir forms Lake Nasser which is considered the largest artificial lake in the world.
However, the best thing to do in Aswan is to explore the Nubian culture in Gharb Sohail village. Where the colourful buildings and the picturesque landscape and the friendly people form a dream place to live in.
You can see all this and more while having a one time experience if you choose to go on a Nile cruise. However, it’s not recommended if you get seasick, obviously!
If you choose to fulfil your dream and go on the trip of your dreams, we recommend that you check these tours: 7 Night Nile cruise holidays, 5 Days Dahabiya Nile Cruise, and 8 Days Egypt Nile Cruise holidays.
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