Nile Cruises

For decades, holidaymakers from around the world have travelled to Egypt where they want to explore the Land of the Pharoahs. Today, cruising the Nile is still a popular way to combine the rich history of Egypt and a relaxing journey between Luxor and Aswan as the scenery pass by. There are plenty of cruise boats to choose from offering either 4* or 5* facilities on board.

Typically, a Nile Cruise holiday will include flights to Luxor, transfers to your cruise boat and meals on Full Board basis.  Passengers need to pay for drinks and don’t forget tips. There are a few ships that don’t include excursions in the price of your holiday but most of them do and you will be escorted by a qualified Egyptologist.

Nile Cruises typically last for either 4 or 7 nights and start in Luxor on Mondays although some boats have slightly different itineraries. The cruise winds its way south from Luxor to Aswan. En route, holidaymakers visit some of the highlights of Egypt including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak.

At Aswan, the cruise ends for those who were on board for 4 nights and there is an opportunity for an excursion down to the impressive Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. Although this excursion isn’t included in Nile Cruise itineraries, it is well worth the time and money as it is one of the most impressive sights of Ancient Egypt.

Abu Simbel Excursion

When your cruise ship stops at Aswan, you will have the opportunity to take one of the ‘must do’ excursions in Egypt. Abu Simbel is an archaeological site of two massive rock temples located 190 miles southwest of Aswan. These magnificent twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramesess II in the 13th century BC as a monument to himself and Queen Nefertari. In the 1960s, the entire complex was relocated to avoid being submerged as Lake Nasser was created as a result of the construction of the Aswan Dam. Despite its location, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions and this is excursion is highly recommended.

Extend Your Stay

Although you can fly to Egypt just for a Nile Cruise, once you disembark your cruise ship, it doesn’t have to signal the end of your holiday. Perhaps you want to visit the other famous sites of ancient Egypt and continue to Cairo to see the Pyramids of Giza. Alternatively, why not head over to one of the Red Sea resorts for some beach time or maybe a bit of scuba diving.