Embark with me on a journey of a lifetime with a Nile cruise in Egypt, and experience the best of an Egypt vacation.

I was thrilled to sail along the legendary Nile River and explore the mysteries of Luxor, Aswan and more. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Nile Cruise will be an experience like no other.

Are you ready for an exciting adventure like no other? Join me on a Nile River cruise through ancient Egypt, where history and beauty come to life!

Where Does It Begin?

Most trips start from Luxor and proceed up to Aswan and return back to Luxor. Usually, tourists prefer a train or bus to Luxor and board the ship from there. 

Are They Cruise Ships?

Nile cruise ships are not like big ocean cruises. They are smaller and sail on the Nile River. There are about 3 to 5 decks and around 40 to 60 cosy cabins with 2 to 3 beds in each. So, it's a more intimate experience.

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A Floating Oasis of Comfort

First things first. For me that is food. Not to mean I am a glutton (I like to think of myself as an Epicurean) but I know from experience that without good food no vacation can destress you. 

Passengers get to enjoy delicious buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the ship. They serve both local Egyptian dishes and international food, so there's something for everyone. I ate a lot of Koshari (a mix of chickpeas, pasta and spicy tomato puree) and of course Kofta. The latter is spicy meatballs in a variety of gravy.

Other than food the ship offered a lot: 

1. Different Levels of Luxury: Nile cruise ships offer various levels of luxury to fit different budgets. You can choose from budget-friendly options to fancy five-star ships with excellent services. The ship I was on was quite comfortable with minimum rolling.

2. Cabin Options: Most ships have several different cabin sizes and amenities. You can pick standard cabins, suites, or deluxe rooms with private balconies, depending on your needs. I stayed in a standard cabin, shared with my partner. It was clean and had reasonable space. 

3. Essential Amenities: No matter the level of luxury, cruise ships provide essential amenities to all. Expect air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, restaurants with Egyptian and international food, lounges, and more. Wifi might not be available on most ships and you should buy a SIM card in Cairo.

4. Egyptian Ambiance: Most ships reflect Egypt's culture and heritage in their design and atmosphere. You'll feel the Egyptian vibes during the journey.

5. Friendly Staff: You'll be taken care of by helpful and knowledgeable staff. They know a lot about Egypt's history and culture and can make your trip more enjoyable. 

6. Breathtaking Views: Cruising the Nile offers stunning views. Decks and lounges are designed for enjoying sunsets and beautiful landscapes.

During the Nile cruise in Egypt, you would probably not be able to drink. The ships do not have bars.

Unravelling Ancient Mysteries on a Nile River cruise

The Nile River is like a time machine, and took me back to the days of pharaohs and pyramids.

Here is a sneak peek at a typical itinerary of a Nile cruise in Egypt. I picked a 3 day/night tour. It is by no means the only itinerary, but is certainly the most popular among tourists. I have not split it into days because there are many types of tours. 

Cruise Activities 

Arrival in Luxor When you arrive in Luxor, a city filled with treasures from the past, hop on a comfy cruise ship and get settled in your cosy cabin. The journey begins as you step onto the Nile's banks, ready for the magical days ahead! Later, explore the incredible Karnak Temple, a place that will take you back in time!

Luxor - West Bank Today, we headed to the West Bank of the Nile, where hidden treasures await! Visit the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs rest in their amazing tombs. Next, we stopped by the Temple of Hatshepsut, built for a special queen. Don't forget to gaze at the Colossi of Memnon, ancient statues guarding the temple!

Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Get ready to sail to Edfu next! Here, on the second day of the Nile cruise in Egypt, we visited the Edfu Temple, home to the mighty falcon god Horus. It's like stepping into a magical story! After that, the cruise proceeded to Kom Ombo or Hill of Gold, where we saw the mighty Kom Ombo Temple. This one is unique because two deities share it!

Aswan - Philae Temple Then we were off to Aswan, a pretty city with a relaxing vibe. Our first stop is the Philae Temple, which sits on a little island, just like a hidden treasure! The surroundings are peaceful but a little sparse. Well its the desert and deserts are sparse. 

Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Today was all about modern marvels and unfinished wonders! We went to the Aswan High Dam, a huge structure controlling the Nile's water. Then, we checked out the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive monument left unfinished long ago. 

Optional Abu Simbel Day Trip For those looking for extra adventure, there is a special treat! You can take a day trip to Abu Simbel, where you'll see the amazing temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. It's like exploring a hidden treasure from the past during your Nile cruise in Egypt. 

Return to Luxor As our cruise sailed back to Luxor, we gazed upon the peaceful Nile River one last time. When you disembark, you might have time to visit Luxor Temple again or find unique souvenirs in the local markets. It's time to say goodbye, but you'll take home memories that will last forever!

Optional Activities

Enjoy Nubian Village Visit

You could go on a visit to a Nubian village and immerse yourself in the vibrant Nubian culture. You'll get to meet friendly locals, learn about their way of life, and discover the unique traditions that make Nubia special.

Experience Felucca Sailing 

Feeling adventurous on the Nile cruise in Egypt? Why not try felucca for a few hours? Hop on these traditional sailboats for a fun and adrenaline-pumping activity on the Nile. It's a thrilling experience that will make your heart race with excitement! I spent a couple of hours on one and drank tea accompanied by foot tapping Bollywood tunes from an ancient cassette player. 

Take in the Sound and Light Shows

Get ready for a captivating evening at historical sites like Karnak Temple! Attend the mesmerising sound and light shows that beautifully narrate the history of ancient Egypt. It's like watching the past come alive with stunning lights and enchanting stories.

Enjoy Onboard Entertainment

The fun doesn't stop when the sun sets! On a Nile cruise in Egypt, you can enjoy exciting onboard entertainment. From traditional music and dance performances to themed parties, your evenings will be just as enjoyable as your days of exploration.

This is the most popular itinerary but by no means the only one. Some Nile River cruises can last over a week.

Conclusion

As the Nile River cruise came to an end, we felt a little sad. It was an incredible voyage. 

Egypt's allure is undeniable. Its history and natural wonders left an indelible mark on our hearts. The Nile cruise in Egypt we experienced was the journey of a lifetime. 

So, if you seek an unforgettable Egypt vacation, let the Nile River be your guide, and prepare to be captivated by the enchanting wonders of this ancient land.