For decades, cruises on the River Nile have been taking tourists on a magical journey back in time along this wonderful river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt combined with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever sought after with holiday makers.

 

A typical River Nile cruise lasts 7 nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from United Kingdom bring people to Luxor where they are moved to their cruise ship to check in. The following morning, the journey into historic Egypt commences with a have a look at 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 which includes the Valley of the Kings before returning to the boat for lunch. Immediately after lunch, the boat departs Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are additional outings to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before carrying on to Aswan.

 

The following morning, its time to experience Aswan and a more up-to-date construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam produced Lake Nasser, itself a cruise holiday destination. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very attractive part of the Nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the river and it is where Agatha Christie authored part of her well-known book, “Death on the Nile”.

 

Just after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional tour to the superb Temple of Abu Simbel at the other end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either 45 minutes by plane or 3 hours but it is well worth the time and effort.

 

Aswan represents the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the cruise boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes two days with an overnight stop at Edfu before going back to Luxor. The week cruising the River Nile is over and travellers head back to the airport and home.