The Nile River is as legendary and exotic as the country through which it meanders. It is also one of the highlights of a holiday to Egypt, as it passes by many of the most historically and culturally important sights in the country. A three- or five-day Nile River cruise can easily be fitted into an Egyptian holiday, but if you want your cruise to be your holiday you can try one of the longer eight- or even 14-day cruises.
Prices for a Nile River cruise vary according to the level of luxury you demand. It’s possible to coast along on a pittance, but your tour will be very, very basic. Don’t expect private sleeping quarters, buffet meals and guided inland tours. If you’re going to rough it then you will have to provide everything yourself, from your food down to your pillow. You might be able to convince one of the crew to take you inland to see some sights but it’ll cost you extra.
At the other end are five-star floating hotels. These are much like ocean going liners and, as such, your every whim is catered for. Buffet meals are served three times a day, private suites with private bathrooms are available, nightly entertainment is provided and there are often other amenities such as hot tubs, whirlpools and gyms.
Many riverboats and floating hotels will provide guides for inland excursions. Not only will they not fleece you for more of your hard earned currency, but they will also ensure that no one else takes advantage of your tourist naiveté.
Most tours stop at many of the same sights, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything important, such as:
- Karnak Temple: the temple complex is one of the most sacred sites in Egypt and contains the temple of the god Amun, as well as a number of obelisks.
- Temple of Edfu: the temple is one of the best preserved ancient Egyptian sites and was built in honour of the god Horus.
- Abu Simbel: the twin temples of Abu Simbel served as a monument to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari. They were relocated from their original location to save them from being flooded when Lake Nasser was created in the 60s. Abu Simbel is a World Heritage Site.
- Temple of Kom Ombo: the temple was built in honour of the gods Sobek and Haroeris.
- Valley of the Kings: the valley is another World Heritage Site and is most famous for the tomb of king Tutankhamun.
Egypt offers a cultural experience like no other country in the world. Grab any opportunity to visit this vibrant land with both hands, and make sure you include a Nile River cruise in your travel schedule.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
