Jul 13 2010
What Should You Hope For On A River Nile Cruise
For quite a few years, cruises on the River Nile have been taking tourists on a magical journey back in time along this impressive river. A combination of exploring the wonders of age-old Egypt coupled with a gentle journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever favourite with tourists.
A standard River Nile cruise lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Britain bring tourists to Luxor where they are transported to their cruise ship to check in. The next morning, the journey into historical Egypt starts out with a visit to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor including the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The following day, the sightseeing heads over to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings prior to returning to the boat for lunch. Following lunch, the cruise boat leaves Luxor heading south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are additional tours to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before carrying on to Aswan.
The following day, it is time to check out Aswan and a more up-to-date construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam formed Lake Nasser, itself a cruise holiday destination. After lunch, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very picturesque part of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the Nile and it is where Agatha Christie authored part of her well-known book, “Death on the Nile”.
Following an overnight stay in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional visit to the superb Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either three quarters of an hour by plane or 3 hours but it is well worth the time and effort.
Aswan marks the turn-around point for Nile cruises and now the ship heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey lasts 2 days with an overnight stay at Edfu before returning to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and visitors head back to the airport and home.