Travel and Leisure - Blogwire

For many years, River Nile cruises have been taking people on a magical journey back in time along this outstanding river. A combination of exploring the wonders of historical Egypt coupled with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever preferred with tourists.

A classic cruise on the Nile lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from United Kingdom bring tourists to Luxor where they are transferred to their cruise ship to check in. The following morning, the journey into ancient Egypt commences with a have a look at to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor like the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The next day, the sightseeing continues on to the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings prior to going back to the boat for lunch. Immediately following lunch, the ship departs Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. Soon after an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further tours to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo prior to carrying on to Aswan.

The next day, its time to check out Aswan and a more advanced construction; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise holiday destination. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a classic Egyptian Felucca along this very beautiful part of the River nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan looks out onto the river and it is here that Agatha Christie wrote part of her famous novel, “Death on the Nile”.

Immediately after an overnight stay in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional tour to the magnificent Temple of Abu Simbel at the other end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either nearly an hour by air or 3 hours but it is worthwhile the effort.

Aswan signifies the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the vessel heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey lasts 2 days with an over night stop at Edfu before returning to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and holiday makers return to the airport and home.