Nile cruises are no doubt one of most popular ways to visit famous sites along the Nile River banks between Luxor and Aswan. In comfort with a relaxing ambiance, a Nile cruise is the best way to take in these mind-boggling ancient monuments and temples that are not easily accessible by road. The roads are here, this is not the problem but if you’re not looking for a courageous road trip with the Walton’s and even possibly an extended holiday due to circumstances out of our control, trust me – a Nile cruise ship is the way to go!
Not only are Nile cruises the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor but it is the best way to fully discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, a cruise on the Nile River is truly an unforgettable experience. The Nile River has been Egypt lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt history than to follow the course of the Nile. A Nile cruise gives you every opportunity to explore new sights or simply enjoy a different view.
We have a great selection of superb boats to choose from, all specifically designed to enhance your Nile cruise experience. We carefully select all of our boats, so you can be rest assured of the best service and facilities as well as exceptional value for money. We offer a choice of 3, 4 and 7 night cruises ranging from budget class ships up to luxury class ships.
Nile Cruise Ship Classifications
Nile cruise ship ratings vary a lot in quality and you can be very disappointed if you’re taken in by the very low price and/or misleading pictures shown on many websites. Even if you search for ratings on review sites like TripAdvisor or Holiday Watchdog, it’s still difficult to get a accurate perception of the true quality a cruise ship. Remember the old motto “if it sounds too good to be true than it probably is?” Well this ageless proverb was made to help us avoid bad choices and it’s free advice! The bottom line is perceptions and/or standards in Egypt are simply not in line with western standards.
Here’s how it is usually works. Ratings you see on the internet for most Nile cruise ships are rated by the Egyptian authorities, typically by friends at the dinner table but the problem is their rating system is based different decisive factors than what you might expect. We prefer to use more general terms with pictures and details to be more biased so our scores are more in line with your expectations. And if we seriously disappoint you, be sure we’ll be available to discuss your criticism personally even after your return home.
Here are some of the criteria we use for our Nile cruise services. First, we do not put our guests on any boats we wouldn’t go on ourselves. We don’t use boats that permit river rat guests. We offer a selective range cruise ships that meet 95% of our client’s needs. Tourist class is a good choice for budget travelers, deluxe class for clients who need a little more than basic comfort, and luxury class for clients who want to need to be spoiled in royalty.
Tourist Class Ships
These ships typically are older, updated less often, have smaller cabins, ordinary cuisine, mediocre amenities and limited nightly entertainment. These ships often dock several ships from the banks so you must walk through several ships to get on shore. On the positive side these ships are less expensive and suitable for the budget traveler.
Deluxe Class Ships
These ships typically are more updated, have larger cabins, some suites, cuisine with more variety, more amenities and nightly entertainment. These ships usually dock closer to the banks and dock in better locations where you don’t have to hear the engines or smell the fumes of other ships. We strongly recommend these ships for western travelers and the extra cost for these ships is insignificant and a good value for most travelers who don’t necessarily need luxury but expecting comfortable accommodations.
Luxury Class Ships
These ships are among the best cruise ships on the Nile River. As the demand for cruises increases the designs and standards of these ships continue to evolve. Most have spacious well-appointed cabins, some with balconies, deluxe suites, international and high-quality cuisine, abundant amenities including internet access and delightful nightly entertainment. Some of these ships have private docking directly on the banks separate from the mainstream ships. For honeymooners or discerning travelers, these boats are sure to deliver the best cruise experience one could expect.
Sailing the Nile along the lush Nile Valley surrounded by golden dunes and sightseeing Ancient Egyptian monuments such as Kom Omboand Abu Simbel is tourism at its best. Wake to the soft light of the morning sun, take in the heat and cool off in the pool on the deck of a cruiser; watch fishermen cast their nets, farmers take to their fields, a flight of birds, and water buffalos staring back at you. Book a Nile cruise and you just might unravel another layer of the mystery that is Ancient Egypt.
For a softer but still very inspiring cruise experience in Egypt, try the short felucca cruises on the Nile, in Aswan, Luxor or Cairo, or take it to the next level and enjoy an unforgettable night aboard one of the luxurious dinner cruises available in the Egyptian capital, the different cruise mentioned below:
A Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor
Cruise from Aswan to Luxor and go for brief felucca sailing excursions to visit world renowned monuments and secluded islands.
During the first two days, you’ll get to explore the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and sail to the Temple of Philae and Kom Ombo. You also have the option to sail the Nile by felucca around Kitchener’s Island to visit the famous botanical garden.
During day three, you’ll love the Horus Temple of Edfu and the Galabiya party.
During day four, you’ll see the best of Luxor, visiting the Temple of Karnak, Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, andLuxor Temple.
One Week Nile Cruise
Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, visiting iconic ancient Egyptian sites during a one week vacation. This classic journey has been the standard way of travellingacross Egypt since the days pharaohs toured their empire.
During day one and two, cruise boats are moored on the East Bank and and tour operators take you to see the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank. After the tour, a buffet is served on board while you cruise for Esna.
During day three, you’ll visit the local market, the Temple of Edfu and enjoy theGalabiya Party while sailing to Aswan.
During day four and five, you’ll visit major attractions such as the High Dam, Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, Kitchener’s Island and Abu Simbel.
During day six, cruise boats sail to Kom Ombo for a visit on your way back toLuxor.
Day seven, you’ll get to explore all that Luxor has to offer, from hot air balloon rides, shop for souvenirs in a traditional bazaar, the Temple of Karnak, several museums to the Temple of Luxor.
The last day is spent at your leisure- check for the possibility of seeing a sound and light show at Philae Temple or Abu Simbel.
There’s no better way to experience Ancient Egypt in one week.
Lake Nasser Cruise
Lake Nasser cruises became popular after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, across the Nile, between 1958 and 1970, the anticipated rising waters behind the dam required major relocation projects that were carried out during the 1960s. There were 18 ancient temples in the area.
The Lake stretches for 180 miles and cruising on it is an unforgettable experience. The area is also home to temples such as Abu Simbelwhich were painstakingly moved to save them from the rising waters. The cruise offers a journey of natural beauty and discovery in luxury surrounds. Lake Nasser cruises Egypt are operated on a full board basis and can be part of your tailor made holiday to Egypt.
A great way to relax and see the sights is to take a cruise along the Nile or a sail around Lake Nasser. From the decks of a felluca , a traditional wooden sailing boat, or a luxury boat you can see many temples along the way.
Lake Nasser Cruises will take you to the great Temples of Abu Simbel for Ramses II and Nefertari which date back to Pharaonic Egypt and the reign of Ramses II. They were moved in an Unesco project to their present site when the Aswan Dam caused water levels to rise. They were in danger of being submerged under the water. They were literally, carved out of the mountainside. Motorboats take visitors on shorter trips too.
During a Lake Nasser cruise holiday you will sail between Aswan and Abu Simbel for 3 and 4 night journeys through Lake Nasser to discover the Legends of Nubia and the majestic temples and ruins of the region, a cruise holiday on Lake Nasser cruises at Egypt allow unforgettable experience of dining by candlelight on board the cruise mooring beside Abu Simbel temples the Egypt best treasure after the Great Pyramids of Giza .Lake Nasser Holiday will be unforgettable.
There is an impressive variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, with more than 100 species of birds having been recorded. Wild duck, Egyptian geese, pelicans, herons, egrets and various species of hawks, kites, falcons and eagles will be among the birds seen on Lake Nasser cruises.
Dahabiya
Are you interested in a different cruising experience on the Nile River, less commercial and more adventurous? Take a private sailing yacht on the Nile River – take a Dahabiya Nile cruise!
Dahabiya, in Arabic means “golden boat” derived from the historical boats of the Pharaohs and nobility of ancient Egypt which were painted gold. Dahabiya Nile cruises accommodate up to 8 passengers. Accommodations are in separate triple or double cabins, each with private w/c and shower. These boats are designed to entertain guests on the center of the upper deck. A spacious deck and a good size dining and lounging area and a comfortable cabin size are customary features. The sailing duration of the Dahabiya Nile cruises are also flexible, typically cruises are 3 nights or up to 5 nights. Since Dahabiya boats are privately chartered, the sailing schedule is totally flexible according to your personal holiday travel needs.
Cruising on a Dahabiya is like stepping back in time via an antique passage in world class historically rich country. These unique sailing boats are for travelers who want soft adventures; something different but not too much to handle. Escape to the pleasures of relaxing under the sun, visit temples of the Pharaohs, enjoy freshly prepared cuisine with magnificent scenery for desert. The daily experience of cruising to a new adventure on the Nile River on a Dahabiya cruise makes is an extraordinary holiday to remember!
The Dahabiya Nile cruise sailing programs are very flexible and the size of the boat makes it easier to maneuver and enables it to stop in small villages along the way to gives guests a unique experience and direct contact with the local life in the southern regions of the Nile River.
Explore the beautiful wonders of Ancient Egypt by a traditional Egyptian boat “Dahabiya”, escape to the tranquility of relaxing under the sun, visit temples of the Pharaohs and enjoy freshly prepared traditional cuisine. Enjoy the blue sky and green Valleys, lounge on the deck sunbathing, sipping your drink, read your favorite novel or explore the natural beauty of Egypt as you sail. Sightseeing tours of ancient ruins and temples are included. Highlights include Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Meal times are another form of entertainment with all that local Egyptian cuisine and wonderful conversation. Having a meal under the stars on the River Nile, its waters gently touching the sides of the boat is an experience not soon forgotten.
Long Cruises
After finishing your trip in Cairo and you want to travel to Upper Egypt to visit Luxor and Aswan, there is another way to take instead of the sleeper train or the domestic flight. You can make your trip strange and excited. This is by taking a Long Cruise from Cairo directly to Aswan. Really, it is a very fantastic and unique adventure.
The long Cruise Trip from Cairo to Aswan was stopped for more than 20 years ago. But the re-launch of the long cruises was a very interesting.
You will not only visit Luxor and Aswan like the classical Nile Cruise, but you will visit all the historical sited in your way towards the south. This beside the long relaxation you will have in your long stay.
Cairo dinner cruise
Before returning home after your Egypt holiday, why not top of your Egypt holiday going on a dinner cruise in Cairo? The Nile River banks are blanketed in ‘the city of lights’ of Cairo making it an exceptional experience as you sail onboard a floating restaurant. Dinner is included followed by live entertainment including life folklore show, belly dancing and a colorful belly dancing show with a folklore band, featuring the unforgettable Tanoura spin, in keeping with Egypt’s whirling dervishes tradition – an unforgettable show not to be forgotten!
Enjoy a Nile River dinner cruise aboard one of our elegant cruising restaurants sailing the world’s longest waterway.
You will begin your tour between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm; this is left to your discretion and also availability. An air conditioned vehicle will transfer you to the docks for your 2 hour cruise. This tour takes 3 hours.
A night spent on the Nile or at least an evening seems to be a must for every tourist. A number of floating restaurants in Cairo respond to this desire and offer a special nightlife experience. All of them entertain their guests with more than only with a luxurious dinner. This is a splendid way to see the Nile and city skyline at its best. Few can complete with the romantic setting of dinner on a Nile cruise ship. These cruisers float for 2 hours and bring you and your party tasty meals, excellent entertainment and an unforgettable evening of stargazing along the Nile banks. The tour includes belly dance shows and live music of all styles, Arabic as well as Western, and Sufi or even acrobatic performances.
Included:
Belly dancer, the Oriental Show, an open buffet style dinner, air conditioned vehicle transfer, the Western Show, and all taxes and service charges.
Excluded:
Gratuities and dinner beverages are not included in the price of this Dinner Cruise on the Nile tour package. Any services not listed here will be considered as separate expenses apart from the pricing of this tour.
You can choose from the set menu or go for the a la carte selection offering seafood, Lebanese and Chinese or Egyptian cuisines.
Highlights:
Two-hour dinner cruise on the River Nile
Views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline
Music provided by a house band
After-dinner belly-dancing show & folklore band
Choice of set menu or a la carte menu
Choice of early or late dinner cruises
English-speaking guide (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch & Russian guides are available if requested at time of booking)
Pick-up and drop-off from central Cairo and Giza hotels
Cairo Lunch cruise
Enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise in Egypt, fine food, accompanying live music, impeccable service and spectacular views of Cairo any day of the week! Bring the family along and make the most of Cairo sunshine.
You can choose between stable & moving restaurants Nile cruises on various standards.