For decades, cruises on the River Nile have been taking visitors on a magical journey back in time along this wonderful river. A combination of exploring the wonders of historic Egypt combined with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever preferred with travellers.

 

A typical River Nile cruise lasts seven nights and operate Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Great Britain bring travellers to Luxor where they are transported to their cruise vessel to check in. The following morning, the journey into age-old Egypt commences with a see to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

 

The next morning, the sightseeing heads over to the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings prior to going back to the cruise boat for lunch. Soon after lunch, the cruise ship leaves Luxor venturing south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further visits to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo prior to moving on to Aswan.

 

The following day, its time to check out Aswan and a more advanced structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam produced Lake Nasser, itself a cruise holiday location. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very attractive section of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the Nile and it is the place where Agatha Christie wrote part of her famous novel, “Death on the Nile”.

 

Following an overnight stay in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional trip to the magnificent Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either 45 minutes by plane or three hours but it is worthwhile the hassle.

 

Aswan represents 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 over night stop at Edfu prior to going back to Luxor. The week cruising the River Nile is over and tourists head back to the airport and home.