For decades, River Nile cruises have been carrying visitors on a magical journey back in time along this wonderful river. A combination of exploring the wonders of age-old Egypt coupled with a peaceful journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever desirable with visitors.
A normal River Nile cruise lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from United Kingdom bring people to Luxor and then they are moved to their cruise vessel to check in. The following morning, the journey into historic Egypt starts out with a go to see to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor like the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The next morning, the sightseeing heads over to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings prior to going back to the boat for lunch. Immediately after lunch, the cruise ship leaves Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. After an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further tours to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo just before carrying on to Aswan.
The next day, it is time to take a look at Aswan and a more up-to-date structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam produced Lake Nasser, itself a cruise destination. After lunch, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very picturesque section of the Nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the Nile and it is here that Agatha Christie authored part of her popular novel, “Death on the Nile”.
Just after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional excursion to the magnificent 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 three hours but it is really worth the time and effort.
Aswan signifies the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the vessel heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey lasts a couple of days with an overnight stop at Edfu before going back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and tourists return to the airport and home.