A river Nile tour is not a visit to the river; it is a trip to the past. The water will take you through ancient cities, great temples, and sceneries that were the envy of many travellers over the past millennium as the waters flow between Luxor and Aswan.
For anyone dreaming of Nile cruise holidays, this route is the most popular and rewarding. Travelling by an old-fashioned ship or a modern luxury liner, each of the points en route discloses further details of the fantastic Egyptian past.
When you are reserving one of the numerous Nile cruise tour packages in the UK, you can find it all here on which of the various attractions you should not fail to see between Luxor and Aswan and why each place should be given special consideration on your list.
Luxor- The Iron Gate to Ancient Thebes
Your voyage along the Nile starts at Luxor, which is known as the greatest museum in the world it is open-air. Luxor, the former capital of ancient Thebes, still possesses some of the most wonderful archaeological relics in Egypt.
East Bank
Karnak Temple dominates the East Bank. It is not a single temple but a huge system of shrines, chapels and towering columns which covers more than 2,000 years of construction. Very nearby, there is Luxor Temple, shining in the evening sunshine, a magnificent spectacle, which would be a wonderful beginning of your tour.
West Bank
On the other side of the river, there is the Valley of the Kings, where Egyptian pharaohs were interred in tombs hewn out of the desert rock. The most recent is the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Temple of Hatshepsut is another great monument close to the town, which commemorates the most potent woman leader in Egypt.
Travel Hint: Get into Luxor a day before your cruise trip. That will leave you time to visit the other side of the river without being in a hurry and have a relaxing night before departing.
Esna – Where the Nile Rises
Esna is approximately 60 kilometres south of Luxor, and a smaller, but necessary location to visit on your cruise. This is where the river becomes narrow and the ship goes through the Esna Lock, whereby the ship is lifted softly to a higher position on the Nile. It is surprisingly interesting to watch this miracle in engineering and provides a tremendous photo opportunity.
The shrinking place at Esna is the Temple of Khnum, the worship place of the ram-headed god who is said to have created mankind on his potter’s wheel. The temple is intact, and it is very much carved. Although it is nine metres below the street level of modern times, it is well kept, and in the afternoon it is as golden as it can be seen in the afternoon.
Fun Fact: The lock system at Esna used to be one of the most popular places with travellers, as even the royalty who came to Egypt in the 19th century visited it to observe ships on the Nile.
Edfu – Home of the Falcon God
As another great site, Edfu, featuring the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, is also on the list as the next major destination to the south. The temple was constructed in the John age of the Ptolemaics, and it was dedicated to Horus, the god of protection and kingship, whose head is that of a falcon.
There is a small carriage ride pulled by horses that will take you to the docking point and then to the temple, and will provide you with a glimpse of the everyday life of Asia. There are large courtyards, massive columns, and walls with the descriptions of the eternal conflict between Horus and Set inside.
Edfu’s combination of mythology, architecture, and atmosphere makes it a highlight for anyone on Nile cruise holidays – especially if you’re interested in Egypt’s religious history.
Kom Ombo -Two Temples of the Nile
A few hours below Edfu, a docking place, your ship will be at Kom Ombo, one of the strangest archaeological places in Egypt. One of the most stunning temples to be found near the river is the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two deities: Sobek, god of fertility and a crocodile, and Horus the Elder, who is the God of protection.
Don’t Miss: The interior shrine of the temple contains a granite shrine in which is still preserved the pedestal of the sacred barque (boat) of Horus.
Such dual commitment resulted in an exact symmetrical design, that is, two similar parts, one committed to each god. The walls are adorned with reliefs, which show ancient surgical instruments and medical practice, indicating early Egyptian medicine.
Still directly adjacent to the temple is the Crocodile Museum, where dozens of actual mummified crocodiles were found in the area, a pretty, albeit a little creepy, experience!
Photo Tip: Go to Kom Ombo at high afternoon. The photos of the sunset bouncing off the walls of the temple made of sandstone present some of the most captivating pictures of the whole trip.
Aswan -Where the Nile shines the most
The final stop will be Aswan, a peaceful city that delivers a combination of old culture and the modern dynamic socio-culture. It is also called the Jewel of the Nile, and it features beautiful scenery, a hospitable culture, as well as a relaxed lifestyle.
Must‑Visit Sites in Aswan
Philae Temple: This is one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, which bears the name of Isis, the goddess. The original building has been transported to Agilkia Island, where it is accessible only by boat.
The High Dam: It is one of the most recent engineering projects that manages the flooding of the Nile River and makes Lake Nasser one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
The Unfinished Obelisk: This is an unfinished monolith in a granite quarry, which gives one an intriguing insight into how the ancient Egyptians started carving blocks of monumental size.
Nubian Village: This is a complex of colourful houses where the visitors are allowed to taste the Nubian culture, music and food.
Priceless Scenes: Sail on a classic felucca over a river at sunset. The golden-coloured Aswan waters during dusk indicate why tourists are in love with Aswan.
Planning Your Nile Cruise
When planning Nile cruise holidays, you’ll typically find three main itineraries:
- 3-Night Cruise (Aswan to Luxor): An honest and brief journey with all significant visits.
- 4 Night Cruise (Luxor-Aswan): The most common request, it is nice for first-time tourists.
- 7 Nights Cruise: A more leisurely voyage that has more time in every one of their destinations and in some cases, an excursion to Abu Simbel or Lake Nasser.
In booking through packages of Nile cruises in the UK, seek packages which also provide:
- Air Transfers and returning flights.
- Egyptologist guides who speak English.
- Admission charges to big temples and attractions.
- Breakfast
- . Breakfast on board (breakfast, or full breakfast).
When you select a reliable provider, you do get to experience comfort in addition to cultural experiences and good value.
Your Nile Journey Awaits
Egyptian civilisation can be traced on every step of the Nile, with its gigantic temples in Luxor and the peaceful splendour of Aswan. Cruising these ancient waters with Travelodeal connects you not only to Egypt’s fascinating past but also to the timeless rhythm of life that still flows along the river today.
Whether you’re drawn by history, culture, or the serenity of river travel, Nile cruise holidays promise an unforgettable experience. It has never been easier to visit Egypt in comfort and style, with its wide spectrum of packages that have been offered by the UK.
