Any person exploring the old wonders of ancient Egypt should never miss a cruise along the Nile. Such cruises can grant a unique way of traveling over the same waters borne by the boats of Pharaohs and Queens ages ago, and allow an insight into the very core of rich history and breathtaking landscapes that Egypt possesses. Of the most popular, some travel from Aswan to Luxor, extending beyond further into the lesser-explored areas of Upper Egypt. Their details, prices, and highlights for these captivating cruises are going to be discussed below.
The Allure of Nile Cruises
Of course, a Nile cruise epitomizes the perfect mix between relaxation and exploration. It allows travelers to relax on deck while drifting by iconic temples, bustling villages, or serene riverbanks. The Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is especially famous due to the high concentration of ancient wonders that has made it the focal point of so many Egypt tours.
Aswan, the gateway to the south, is the starting point for many Nile cruises. The city's setting is one of beauty characterized by the granite rocks of the First Cataract and the green islands dotting the Nile. The main attractions in Aswan are:
These temple complexes are marvels of ancient architecture, relocated to Agilkia Island to save them from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam.
Aswan High Dam
One of the engineering feats that transformed Egypt's economy and landscape, providing control over the Nile's annual floods.
Nubian Museum
This museum showcases the rich culture and history of the Nubian people whose lands were largely submerged by the dam.
These Aswan to Luxor luxury cruises offer world-class facilities in every possible way to make your journey comfortable and sophisticated. Normally, such Egypt luxury tours contain:
Spacious Cabins
Providing modern-day amenities and large windows that allow for breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile.
Fine Dining
The restaurants onboard offer a range of international and Egyptian cuisines with traditional music and dance performances.
Recreational Facilities
Pools, spas and sun decks for relaxation, with the added entertainment of belly dancing shows and galabeya parties.
The stretch between Aswan and Luxor spans about 220 kilometers and is peppered with a number of key stops that facilitate Egypt day tours into some of the nation's most vital archaeological sites: -
Kom Ombo
This unusual double temple to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god, gives interesting insight into ancient Egyptian religion.
Edfu
This is the location of the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, with remarkable inscriptions and towering columns.
Esna
This city is famous for its Temple of Khnum, a subterranean temple that gives evidence of the sophisticated engineering skills of ancient Egyptians.
The final stop of the Nile cruise is Luxor, which has been recognized as the world's greatest open-air museum for a long time. The city is simply overflowing with ancient monuments:
Karnak Temple Complex
A large complex with colossus columns, obelisks, and sacred lakes dedicated to the triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu of Thebes.
Luxor Temple
This temple, situated in the center of the city, is connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes and is particularly enchanting when floodlit at night.
Valley of the Kings
The last resting place of Pharaohs; the most famous of which is probably the tomb of Tutankhamen. The finely designed walls of the tombs are adorned with colorful paintings depicting the scenes of their voyage to eternity.
Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple
This is a terraced structure, set against Deir el-Bahari's cliffs, for one of the few female Pharaohs of Egypt.
Several tour operators combine a visit to Egypt with a Nile cruise and other VA highlights in Egypt, specifically:
• Cairo: This includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo.
• Red Sea Resorts: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, besides relaxation, also provide the facilities for water sports.
• Desert Adventures: Excursions to White Desert, Siwa Oasis, and other desertscapes.
All these packages—right from transport and accommodation to guided tours around places of interest—are designed to make a visit hassle-free, and really enriching in this land of ancient civilization.
Egypt is home to numerous iconic attractions. Some of the important places include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Complex, Abu Simbel Temples, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the vibrant city of Alexandria.
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, which are from October to April you can take a trip to Egypt during these monthes, as it is more enjoyable. The weather is more pleasant for exploring the archaeological sites and the Nile cruises. However, if you dont mind the heat, visiting during the summer months can offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
The duration of your Egypt tour depends on the places you want to visit and the depth of exploration. A typical itinerary ranges from 7 to 10 days, allowing you to cover the major highlights in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. If you have more time, you can extend your stay to explore additional regions, such as Alexandria or the Red Sea coast.
Egypt is generally a safe country to visit, and millions of tourists enjoy their trips without any issues. However, its always advisable to stay informed about the current travel advisories and follow the guidance of local authorities. Its also recommended to use reputable tour operators and exercise caution in crowded areas.
You can wear whatever clothes suit you, but it is recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or conservative areas. For both men and women, lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers is ideal, such as loose-fitting pants and long skirts or dresses and shirts with sleeves. Dont forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Yes, Egypt is very safe for tourists for you and your family. However, it is advised to stay informed of current travel warnings, follow local guidelines, and practice common travel safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip
Desert Storm Egypt Tours is considered one of the advanced companies in the field of tourism and various trips in Egypt and offers a wide range of benefits to its customers. Rest assured that your trip with us is an experience of a lifetime that will leave you yearning for more. Here are some reasons why Desert Storm Egypt Tours should be your companion on your trip - Customer reviews: Various on TripAdvisor - Excellent customer service - Easy payment - Our river cruises and various fun classic excursion packages. Competitive prices.
Transportation options include domestic flights, trains, buses, taxis and private transport. Nile River cruises are also popular for traveling between Luxor and Aswan. All means of transportation are available to you. You must choose the most appropriate for you and your Egypt trip.
Although not mandatory, hiring a knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience by providing insight into Egypt history, culture and attractions. At Desert Storm Egypt Tours, we have a team with experience in the field of tourism that can accompany you throughout your trip
Essential items to pack include comfortable clothes to help you have a more comfortable trip, sunscreen to protect from the suns rays, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera to document every moment you spend during your Egypt tours.
Between 25 - 30 USD Per person
Pyramids are a place that one must visit, but it is worth exploring sites like the Al-Azhar Park to view the whole city at its best, the Street of the Tentmakers for traditional crafts, and the Nilometer on Roda Island—an ancient structure indicating the way to measure the flood of the Nile by itself.
