Whenever you visit Egypt, one of the best things to do is to take a cruise on River Nile. Considered a must-do in Egypt, the Nile River cruise is a gateway into ancient European culture, its temples, and some fantastic views. With exuberant bazaars and historical sites, it will be one of the most satisfying trips ever.
Nile River cruise is quite the talk even in pop culture like Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” book. So, cruising down the Nile is a beautiful and essential experience for everyone. But you could enjoy the river’s magic more by planning the trip effectively. You could also stop at some historic sites or fascinating temples.
Booking a cruise trip down the Nile River will be a bigger task than you imagine. Here is a complete guide to Nile River Cruise Trips to make it easier for you.
Nile Cruise Itinerary
The first step in planning any trip is to figure out the itinerary. Since there are different options when you talk about Nile Cruise, you should dig a little more before you plan your trip. The most popular cruise option is choosing to take a cruise between Luxor and Aswan cities. This is one of the most common but also famous options. Apart from this, you can also go for a long Nile Cruise between Cairo and Aswan or enjoy the cruise boat trip on Lake Nasser.
If you choose the common Luxor and Aswan trip, you would probably visit Unfinished Obelisk, Philae, the Aswan High Dam, etc. In Aswan, you can also go for an excursion to Abu Simbel, which is primarily optional. In addition, you can visit the Kom Ombo Temple, Karnak, Luxor Temple, and Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, among others. The trips are mostly divided into Aswan, Luxor East Bank, and Luxor West Bank. To cover all these places and a few other spots, the typical itinerary will be for four or five days. However, there are different cruises and the number of days may vary based on their programs.
Upstream and Downstream
Similarly, you can choose either an upstream or downstream trip based on how long you want to travel. Suppose you need shorter travel. You can start from Aswan and sail downstream; it takes a night less than usual. When you start from Luxor and sail upstream, the trip will often be slow, but you can enjoy the views and places more leisurely. So, you can plan your trip based on the number of days you want to spend and the last place you want to visit.
Shore Excursions
When looking for a Nile cruise package, it is best to find one with a private guide to explore the shores. This is because it will be easier and more informative when you visit the sights, and you can also plan your shore excursions so that you visit many places and avoid crowds. But if you are traveling on a budget, you can always opt for the tour group, which is much cheaper.
What Vessel Should You Choose?
After deciding on the itinerary, dates, and others, you should decide which vessel you want to sail. You have several options, from budget-friendly to luxurious trips, based on your preference. There are also varieties in vessels like hypermodern, retro style, etc. While choosing your preferred vessel, you might need help with suitable dates. So, always confirm with the agencies if the vessel will be available on your preferred dates.
Best Time To Plan Nile Cruise River Trip
The best season to cruise the Nile river is when the weather is not too hot. So, you can cruise down the river sometime between October and April. With moderate weather, you get to spend many day trips as well. So in case you have planned your cruise trip during the summer months from June to August, you should pack sun-protecting elements accordingly. If you love cooler weather, you can travel between November to February.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Generally, the meals and drinks for all times are included in the price. Most often, breakfast, lunch, and dinner – of them will be served buffet style. With a more luxurious package, you also get to enjoy different kinds of dining outlets based on the specific Nile cruise package you opt for. Sometimes, the meals will be included, but you might have to pay additionally for drinks.
No rules say you are not allowed to bring your own food and drinks on board. You can bring and consume them in privacy, like in your cabin. Some also stock a few drinks.
With a growing digital world, you can expect WIFI internet availability in most Nile river boats. But the network might not be so reliable. On the other hand, maybe you could get good WIFI in the lobby area. Either way, buying a local sim card with enough mobile data package is best.
Different travel agencies and operators now offer Nile river cruise trips. They also offer different date options, vessels, and multiple budget choices. Based on your need and plan, you can choose the trip type. Try to explore the different agencies and choose one based on your convenience.
Bottom Line
There is no better way to enjoy Egypt’s mystic and magical landscapes than taking the Nile cruise trip. You can also learn much about the river and its importance in Egyptian civilization. Such a trip also lets you explore the culture and history of the unique place. Besides, if you want to go on a cruise trip, there is no better way than to opt for a Nile river cruise trip. This guide on the Nile River Cruise is hopefully helpful in taking the perfect cruise trip. There are vessels and cabins with different styles, which hugely depend on your budget and preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the best landscapes and temples in one of the world’s most wonderful cruise trips.
This article was updated and re-written in part by Hesham El Gammal; on April 7th, 2025 + fact-checked.
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