One destination not always associated with cruising is Egypt. It should be on everyone’s bucket list for at least one visit and there’s no way better way to see this country than onboard a ship. With over 4000 years of history, get to see all of the highlights just like the famed journey that is immortalised in Agatha Christie stories.
Nile Cruises first started in the Victorian era. Today, cruising the Nile is as popular as ever and there are currently more than 200 ships operating on the river with itineraries that blend scenic cruising with ancient temples.
The best time of year to travel is from October to April when the weather is not as hot as the summer months and there are a smaller amount of tourists.
With a Nile cruise, your fare includes not only an elegant and functional cabin, but full meals that will only enhance the experience of a holiday in Egypt. Evenings will include traditional entertainment such as Nubian dancers, as well as theme nights.
These four and five-star holidays have a high level of comfort with plenty of elbow room and never exceed more than 70 cabins. All contain air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom and shower, hairdryer; satellite TV plus an individual safe and a mini-bar. Some also have swimming pools to cool you down in the desert sun, a spa with treatments, fitness facilities and internet.
The majority of these cruises also provide an authentic Egyptologist on board to go with you to the sites. The Egyptologist will give detailed explanations on these sacred temples, what purpose they served and how important they were in the day to day life of Ancient Egypt.
All of the holidays follow a similar schedule in the waters between Luxor and Aswan and vice-versa, the duration is normally between 3 or 4 days. Turn a possibility into a reality and visit the sites of the monuments seen in films and photographs up close.
A cruise on the Nile is the best way for travelers to come up close to the famous temples and tombs such as Karnak and the Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings, amongst others whilst knowing they have a place of comfort to return to.
Consider this as just a sampling since many vessels have extended their number of days on the river enabling you to see a lot more..
The most difficult part will be in choosing the ship. They are luxurious and affordable.
‘Alexander the Great’ is fondly called the “Yacht of the Nile”. Besides the 3 or 4-night Aswan/Luxor route, they also have extended itineraries directly from Cairo for 14-nights. Now, you can cover the entire upper and lower Nile River valley on one holiday.
The Nile River cruise vessel “Royal Viking” likes to meander at a slower pace on the river departing from either Luxor or Aswan but does so for seven nights.
These two ships are currently operated by UK tour operator Discover Egypt
Most cruise lines will offer add-on excursions with a pre or post-cruise stay with high-end accommodations in Cairo. After all, who makes a trip of a lifetime to Egypt and doesn’t take the opportunity to see the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and the Great Sphinx?
Written by Veronica Shine
