For quite a few years, cruises on the River Nile have been carrying tourists on a magical journey back in time along this wonderful river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt coupled with a peaceful journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever desirable with visitors.

 

A standard River Nile cruise lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from United Kingdom bring holidaymakers to Luxor where they are transported to their cruise vessel to check in. The next morning, the journey into ancient Egypt commences with a drop by and see to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

 

The next day, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings just before going back to the cruise boat for lunch. Immediately following lunch, the ship departs Luxor heading south for Edfu. Following an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further visits to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before moving on to Aswan.

 

The next day, its time to take a look at Aswan and a more advanced construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise location. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very beautiful part of the Nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the Nile and it is the place where Agatha Christie published part of her notable novel, “Death on the Nile”.

 

Just after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or otherwise, there is an optional trip to the wonderful Temple of Abu Simbel at the other end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either nearly an hour by plane or three hours but it is well worth the 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 two days with an over night stop at Edfu prior to going back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and tourists head back to the airport and home.