What To Expect On A Nile Cruise

World Travel Diary — By NikhilBhide on July 21, 2010 at 03:01

For decades, a cruise on the River Nile has been taking visitors on a magical journey back in time along this magnificent river. A combination of exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt coupled with a gentle journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever popular with holiday makers.

A typical Nile cruise lasts of 7 nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from the UK bring tourists to Luxor where the are transferred to their cruise ship to check in. The following morning, the journey into ancient Egypt begins with a visit to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor including the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The following morning, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings before returning to the cruise boat for lunch. After lunch, the cruise departs Luxor heading south for Edfu. After an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further visits to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo before continuing to Aswan.

The following morning, its time to explore Aswan and a more modern structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, itself a cruise destination. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very picturesque part of the River Nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the river and it is where Agatha Christie wrote part of her famous novel, “Death on the Nile”.

After an overnight stay in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional excursion to the magnificent Temple of Abu Simbel at the far end of Lake Nasser. It is quite a distance to Abu Simbel, either 45 minutes by air or 3 hours but it is well worth the effort.

Aswan marks the turnaround point for Nile cruises and now the boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes 2 days with an overnight stop at Edfu before returning to Luxor. The week cruising the River Nile is over and holiday makers head back to the airport and home.

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About the Author:
Rob Athertonwww.RobAtherton.com
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