What To Expect On A Nile River Cruise in Egypt
If you’re headed to Egypt, there is no better way to experience the country than to float down the Nile River on a cruise stopping off at each city along the way to see the sites.
Most of the major points of interest fall right along the Nile because with the frequent droughts and lack of rain, the Nile always was and still is a major lifeline for the population. It’s how ancient Egyptians moved from city to city and how they were able to grow crops in a hot, dry land surrounded by deserts.
So with each stop along the Nile River, you will be able to disembark from the ship and go visit world class ruins, incredible temples and ancient history right before your eyes!
Take the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor
The majority of travelers will fly into Egypt’s capital city of Cairo to begin their trip. This sprawling metropolis is situated right on the Nile River.
Some may choose the long river route and board a cruise in Cairo. However many will take the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor and board their river cruise in Luxor.
The train is listed as a 5 star experience. By Western tourism standards, it isn’t 5 stars but we LOVED it nonetheless!
Old timey train travel has always evoked such feelings of romanticism, nostalgia and history to me. It feels like an Agatha Christie novel brought to life!
You can take an overnight bus to Luxor but I highly recommend taking the train instead. Although it is a more expensive option, it includes a private room, meals and a comfy bed. And I loved the calming feeling of being rocked asleep by a train at night!
If you book a package tour, your guide will be able to arrange your tickets and get you to the train platform. Having a guide made the whole experience so seamless and easy!
Board Your River Cruise in Luxor
We first boarded our cruise in Luxor and were thrilled! We had paid so little for our river cruise, we weren’t sure what to expect.
But especially taking in the price of these cruises, the value is incredible!
The dining room on our ship was lovely and included a full buffet for each meal. All meals were included, only alcohol was an additional cost.
The room were spacious, private and comfortable. After a long and tiring day in Egypt, it was nice to come back to our rooms and collapse in the AC.
Egypt is a magical destination to visit but if you’ve been before then you know that the constant barrage of vendors hassling you, the pounding sun and lots of walking around monuments can really tire you out. Good AC and a private room to relax are a must!
Balcony Views Over The Nile
We loved so many things about this Nile River Cruise: the silly evening entertainment, the beautiful pool on the roof of the ship, the local cuisine in the buffet… but our favorite was the the little balcony in each room.
Although it was small, it was so lovely to open the sliding doors and watch the scenery change as we floated past. There was a constantly changing view of monuments, cows on the beach, palm trees and ancient civilizations.
Popular 4 Night/5 Day Itinerary
Most cruises will be about 4 nights and 5 days to go from Luxor to Aswan but it depends what company you use when booking!
I did the river cruise through the “Essential Egypt” tour I booked on TourRadar. Our guide took care of all our transfers from the airport to downtown Cairo, to the overnight train and then to the actual boat itself.
You can easily book a very similar cruise on Get Your Guide as well! All the river cruises follow the same layout and itinerary.
Our Nile River cruise Itinerary
Day 1 of Cruise
On arrival in Luxor – check-in on board the 5-star Nile cruise ship. Then head to visit the world’s largest temple complex, Karnak Temple to see the Temple of Amun and the Temple of Luxor. See it’s courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses II, then we’ll proceed by bus to visit the Karnak Temples. This temple was built by various Pharaoh’s during different ages. You will see the Avenue of Sphinxes of the Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarabeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake.
In the evening optional sound & light show in Karnak temple.
Day 2 of Cruise
Begin with the optional sunrise hot air balloon over the the Valley of the Kings for an unforgettable morning. Visit the West Bank of the Nile where you see Valley of the Kings, Colossai of Memnon and Hatshepsut’s mortuary Temple. The Valley of the Kings contains 63 tombs and chambers ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The amazing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut widely considered one of the “incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt” located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
That evening, we will set sail to Edfu enjoying a leisure dinner on board. Overnight on board cruise ship.
Day 3 of Cruise
Visit the Edfu Temple, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board and set sail towards Kom Ombo.
Later, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, which is shared by the two Gods, Sobek and Horus.
Day 4 of Cruise
Enjoy a full guided tour in Aswan. Begin with the High Dam and the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt, the Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. Optional tours to the Nubian village or botanical garden are available in the afternoon.
Overnight on board cruise ship.
Enjoy happy hour or go for a dip in the pool on the deck!
Read: VISITING THE COLORFUL, ENCHANTING NUBIAN VILLAGE IN EGYPT
Day 5 of Cruise
Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast.
Option to arrange a day tour to Abu Simbel before taking the overnight train back to Cairo.
Take the train back to Cairo
At the end of our river cruise, we boarded the overnight train back to Cairo.
Overall, the combination of train travel and dreamy Nile River cruise made for an unforgettable week in Egypt.
I can’t recommend enough taking yourself on a trip back through time to ancient Egypt. It truly is the experience of a lifetime!
Nile River Cruise Highlights
- Happy hour and snacks on the rooftop deck each evening
- Watching sunset from the pool on the deck
- Optional tours: Sunrise hot air balloon, traditional felucca ride and visiting a Nubian village
- Silly but fun entertainment in the evening on the cruise with the staff
- Meeting other travelers from all over the world
More on Egypt + Things To Know Before You Go?
- How To Travel Egypt On A Budget – 8 Day Guided Tour
- What to Wear in Egypt: A Women’s Guide To Feeling Comfortable and Fashionable While Traveling Egypt
- VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE
- 17 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOUR VISIT TO CAIRO, EGYPT
- OUTFITS FOR EGYPT – WHAT TO PACK!
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