Best Nile River Cruise in Egypt, The Nile is the longest river in the world, located in Africa, and cuts the land of Egypt from south to north into two branches that drain into the Mediterranean Sea, the Rashid branch and the Damietta branch. From its headwaters in Lake Tanganyika to its mouth in the Mediterranean, it covers an area of 1.9 million square kilometers. It extends into 11 countries: Tanzania – Kenya – Zaire – Burundi – Rwanda – Ethiopia – Eritrea – Uganda – South Sudan – Sudan – Egypt.

Your Guide to the Best Nile River Cruise in Egypt

The fact was that the Nile River, unlike other known great rivers, flows from the south towards the north, and the fact that it was overflowing during the warmest times of the year is a mystery that puzzled the ancients.

The Nile has been a river of historical importance since ancient times, and it has gained its importance by adding wealth and wealth to the lands it traverses; it has created many ancient civilizations on its banks and linked its presence to the country. Besides providing fertile land, it has also provided important trade, with both the White Nile and the Blue Nile being the primary sources of the Nile.

 

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Best Nile River Cruise in Egypt for A magical trip 

Nile River Cruise in Egypt is an essential part of any trip to Egypt, offering a delightful blend of ancient Egyptian history and relaxation that will make your journey truly unforgettable. While planning your trip to Egypt, you should first know precisely what a Nile cruise is.

• Nile cruises typically feature medium-sized ships powered by solar motors, equipped with around 40 cabins, spacious dining areas, swimming pools, gyms, and various amenities.
• Most Nile River Cruises in Egypt embark on a voyage between Luxor City and Aswan, allowing visits to Luxor attractions, the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna, in addition to the Philae temple and the high dam in Aswan. This journey typically spans four to five days. However, extended cruises of six or seven days might explore further north from Luxor to Dendera and Abydos before continuing along the regular route to Aswan. There are also Lake Nasser cruises that navigate between Aswan and Abu Simbel, offering visits to the temples in the southern region of Egypt.
• Exploring the Nile by cruise isn’t just about gliding along the river; it’s an opportunity to step ashore and marvel at ancient temples and complexes that vividly recount Egypt’s rich history. You’ll be fully immersed in the treasures found at renowned archaeological sites, enhancing your joy of discovering the authentic essence of Egypt in the most accessible manner possible
• What’s more exciting is the chance to unravel the mysteries of an extraordinary civilization while capturing stunning, iconic photographs and eagerly collecting souvenirs to remember your unique River Nile Cruise experience fondly.

 

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Best Shorter Nile River Cruise in Egypt takes about three to five days:

The shorter trips from Aswan, and vice versa, are a type of tourism that southern Upper Egypt depends on and attract millions of tourists annually, whether they are foreigners from different countries of the world or some Arab countries, alongside Egyptian tourists.

This type of Nile River Cruise in Egypt is preferred by some customers that come mainly from foreign countries, especially “Germany, Japan, the United States of America, England, Belgium and others” to enjoy the magic of nature on the banks of the Nile River and visit tourist and archaeological sites while enjoying a purely natural atmosphere surrounded by scenic scenery, greenery, and fresh air The magic of the mountains in its beauty.

 

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Longer Nile River Cruise in Egypt: Experience a voyage lasting six to seven days.

The six to seven nights of the Nile River Cruise in Egypt take place from Luxor to Aswan and then Luxor again, back and forth. They include visiting the archaeological sites located on the banks of the Nile and on the way of the journey. For example, in Aswan Governorate, the program includes visiting temples: “Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae” as well as the high dam and the missing obelisks, and in Luxor Governorate, the program includes a visit to: “The Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor, the temples of the West Bank and the Valley of Kings and Queens,” pointing out that there are so-called “Option programs” or optional trips such as sound and light shows, visit to the Temple of Abu Simbel, Nubian villages, stagger tour, etc.

1- Small ships cruises:

Considering the best Nile River Cruise in Egypt, small ship cruises are the most prevalent among tourist vessels navigating the Nile, numbering around 300. These ships accommodate between 50 to 150 passengers and offer comprehensive packages including meals and excursions.

• Even the smaller ships boast amenities such as air conditioning and private cabins with attached bathrooms, along with a range of facilities like restaurants, bars, pools, sundecks, and lounges hosting various events, including lectures and occasional themed parties, The M/S Amarco 1 stands out as the sole accessible cruiser in Egypt, catering to wheelchair users.
• These tours typically traverse between Luxor and Aswan or vice versa, spanning three to seven nights. They make obligatory stops at the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, providing guides and small coaches for sightseeing at each location. Compared to other tourist vessels, these boats spend less time navigating the river, often docking outside Aswan or Luxor for a couple of nights, lined up alongside similar ships.While on the river, the vistas are breathtaking; for optimal views, opting for a cabin on an upper deck is recommended to avoid obstruction from the riverbanks.

2- Feluccas:

These traditional wooden boats, usually propelled by sail or occasionally by oars, allow travelers to experience the Nile, much like in ancient times. Carrying between six to eight passengers, they need cabins and running water.

• However, they do offer a deck space with mattresses for nighttime stargazing and sleeping. In the daytime, a canopy provides shade from the sun. Some captains have added toilet facilities on board, and specific tours include a support boat equipped with clean toilets, showers, and a kitchen. The sailing crew, often Nubian, prepares simple, primarily vegetarian meals.
• Starting primarily from Aswan, feluccas, restricted from sailing on the Nile after sunset, take longer to cover all major sights. Nevertheless, the true advantage of felucca travel lies in meaningful interactions with locals and access to destinations unreachable by larger ships, like visiting Daraw’s camel market or trekking through Wadi el-Chott’s sands. The cruise package encompasses guiding, meals, deck sleeping arrangements, and visits to historical sites in its price.

3- Dahabiya:

For an affordable Nile River Cruise in Egypt, consider booking Dahabiya.

• A dahabiya, essentially a sail-powered houseboat of small wooden construction, relies on winds and boasts around ten cabins, providing the nostalgic charm of a felucca but with more comfort.
• These graceful vessels were adored by upper-class Egyptians and Victorian tourists during the 19th century but lost popularity after the advent of steamships in Egypt in 1869.
• Experiencing a resurgence, a typical dahabiya now accommodates around 12 to 20 passengers and features a spacious lounge, wood-paneled cabins with private bathrooms, a library, and an upper deck designated for dining. A dedicated chef prepares freshly bought daily produce from markets and farmers, while a professional Egyptologist guides trips. Some boats are authentic 19th-century originals, while others are replicas, but all are notably smaller than the widely seen cruise ships.

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Top liveaboards in Egypt

• TILLIS: Cutting-edge, contemporary vessels merging a seasoned crew with meticulously organized dives, exceptional visibility, schedules that encompass stunning Red Sea locations, and numerous chances to observe grey sharks and groups of hammerhead sharks. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this impressive liveaboard.
• EMPEROR ELITE: The Emperor Elite, honored with the 2011 ‘Liveaboard of the Year’ award, stands as a top-tier, tailor-made craft providing divers with captivating journeys that showcase the finest dive sites in the Red Sea. Its opulence is matched only by the awe-inspiring itineraries that showcase the pinnacle of Red Sea diving spots.
• GHAZALA EXPLORER: Divers highly favor the Ghazala I, featuring contemporary cabins that afford stunning ocean vistas. Options include triple cabins or the possibility of chartering the entire boat. Indulge in Egyptian specialties and onboard BBQ from the menu. Unwind in the main salon, on the sun deck, or opt for a shore excursion during your stay.
• FREEDOM III: The Freedom III, characterized by its streamlined design, swiftness, and comfort, transports scuba divers to prime dive locations within the biodiverse Red Sea. Despite offering budget-friendly itineraries, it maintains high standards in service and safety, ensuring a fulfilling diving experience.

• SNEFRO PEARL: With a length of 29 meters, this boat caters exclusively to 12 guests, providing increased roominess and seclusion in contrast to larger liveaboards. This makes it an excellent option for small groups, individuals, and diving partners seeking a luxurious diving venture.

• BLUE MELODY: Recognized as the ‘Best Liveaboard’ in 2013 by Sport Diver Magazine and awarded ‘Liveaboard of the Year 2012’ by DIVER magazine, this boat merges opulent cabin options with an expansive dive deck and thoughtfully planned routes, ensuring an unparalleled Red Sea journey.
• SEVEN7SEAS: honored with multiple awards, it showcases a lavish sundeck and a state-of-the-art dining space while transporting divers to the finest dive locations within the richly diverse Red Sea.
• HEAVEN SAPHIR: Focusing on itineraries in the southern Red Sea, repeat customers highly favor this chic liveaboard due to its meticulously planned routes and dedicated diving amenities, including a well-equipped camera area.

The best time to take the Nile River Cruise in Egypt

You can immerse yourself in the essence of the Egyptian Civilization and enjoy our Nile River Cruise in Egypt at any time, but November emerges as the optimal period to visit. Why, you might wonder? Well, it’s due to the exceptionally pleasant weather in Egypt during this month, sparing you from enduring the sweltering summer heat. Exploring the breathtaking surroundings in their pristine, natural state while cruising in November undoubtedly offers the best way to appreciate the beauty of ancient Egyptian civilization. With warm, sunny days and cool, breezy evenings, you’ll enjoy delightful weather throughout your stay, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid to high 20 degrees Celsius.

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Entertainment on Egypt Nile River Cruises

These trips also include some recreational and cultural programs for passengers, including black parties and cultural competitions. There are also singing parties, dances, and folklore in the Nubian and Aswani style among the localities that visitors adore and attract their attention, and the Sudanese cuisine and beverages that feature them, such as Dom, Karkadian, dates, and others.

 

What Attire to Choose for My Nile Cruise in Egypt?

For daytime tours in the summer, opting for lightweight attire is advisable. Considering Egypt’s Muslim culture, It’s important to demonstrate consideration, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. While aboard your Nile Cruise, feel free to wear any attire as desired.

conclusion