Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise: A 5-Day, 4-Night Review

Thinking about seeing ancient Egypt in a somewhat different way? So, a Nile cruise just might be the ticket! Quite a few cruises go between Luxor and Aswan, usually lasting four nights and five days. This review will give you a fairly honest peek at what one of these trips is like, with some pointers to help make your adventure great, too it’s almost.

What to Expect on Board

Well, picture this: You’re gliding down the Nile on a ship, is that right? Most of these ships have pretty comfy cabins, some with small balconies that are really a treat, too it’s almost. They typically have a sundeck where you can, like, soak up some rays, maybe a small pool, a lounge, and a restaurant. The quality, arguably, can vary. Some boats are really luxurious with fancy amenities, and others, they might be a little more on the simple side, yet.

Food, generally, tends to be buffet-style with a mix of Egyptian and international dishes. It’s usually decent, if not really gourmet. Entertainment is commonly part of the deal, so look out for belly dancing shows or maybe some Egyptian music in the evenings, that.

The Cabins

Okay, so your cabin should be like, you know, your home away from home during the cruise. They often come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and big windows with some outstanding views of the Nile passing right by. Don’t expect tons of space, even so they’re usually cozy and functional. If you can, maybe try getting a cabin on an upper deck because those will likely give you views that are even better, right?

Dining

As I was saying, food on board is typically served buffet style, and the selection aims to cater to most palates. In some respects, expect salads, some grilled meats, pasta, and a bunch of different Egyptian specialties. Now and then they have themed nights for their meals that make it a little more interesting. Remember, too it’s almost that drinks usually cost you extra, so, you know, factor that into what you expect to spend.

Onboard Amenities

Alright, lounging on the sundeck is practically a requirement. Like your will get lots of spots for just relaxing and gazing at the scenery. If it’s available, the pool can definitely be a great way to cool off, especially during the warmer parts of the year, right? Quite a few ships even have little shops where they sell souvenirs, in that case. But the prices could be better, as I was saying. Also, you know, there’s sometimes Wi-Fi available, if not reliable, yet.

The Itinerary: Temples and Tombs

So, really the cruise is about checking out some impressive spots along the Nile, you know? The common stops tend to include:

• Karnak Temple: Extremely close to Luxor, it’s a huge temple complex that will leave you in utter amazement.
• Luxor Temple: Very striking, this temple, frankly, looks super impressive, mainly at nighttime.
• Valley of the Kings: It is here you can spot a number of ancient pharaohs’ tombs, in that case, along with, arguably, King Tut’s.
• Hatshepsut Temple: A really distinctive mortuary temple created for a female pharaoh.
• Edfu Temple: Super nicely kept, which honors the falcon god Horus, naturally.
• Kom Ombo Temple: Rather unique because it is really devoted to two gods, and so its design is just a little symmetrical.
• Philae Temple: Which had to be saved from floods and relocated, is that right?, now, this scenic island temple is something special.

Normally, tour guides lead groups in these sites. They often know lots about the history of the country! If not mandatory, using a guide can seriously make your visit far richer. So keep that in mind!

Day 1: Luxor – Karnak and Luxor Temples

Most cruises start here, in Luxor, clearly. Karnak Temple might be, you know, one of the planet’s biggest religious complexes. Wandering around, that, amongst the columns, feels practically awe-inspiring. Next up is usually the Luxor Temple, that, arguably, looks just magnificent lit up after sunset. Get ready for tons of people and perhaps blazing heat during the day!

Day 2: West Bank – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple

Valley of the Kings, as a matter of fact, holds a selection of pharaoh tombs, many ornately decorated. Hatshepsut Temple has a pretty striking design featuring colonnades and terraces, next. Remember to wear really good walking shoes and pack a lot of water. Keep in mind that taking pictures might cost you in some of the tombs, still.

Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

Early, early on day 3, expect the ship to head off to Edfu, basically. Here you’ll find, in some respects, the Temple of Horus, basically, incredibly well-preserved. The next temple is in Kom Ombo, by the way, which features, as a matter of fact, dual sanctuaries, and so dedicated to Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (the “elder” Horus), clearly. After your tours you might very well, enjoy some relaxed time lounging on the sundeck, is that right?.

Day 4: Aswan – Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk

Aswan is usually a much calmer city compared with Luxor, finally. Philae Temple has a beautiful setting, I mean, located on an island. You’ll take a little boat there, so keep that in mind. Next, you’re off, really, to the Unfinished Obelisk to witness how the ancient Egyptians did work their stone. So there may be a chance to see a Nubian show, very, yet, in the afternoon.

Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan

This morning brings to an end your sailing, alright? You’ll pack up and head on home, in other words, or very, very, carry on with additional travels, really. You might possibly want to look around Aswan further, possibly heading out to Abu Simbel, a great distance off but fairly extraordinary.

Choosing the Right Cruise

So finding just the right cruise depends much on what you wish and are hoping for, finally. Have a look at some points here:

• Budget: Clearly cruises are from seriously affordable to wonderfully opulent, actually.
• Read Reviews: Find what other folks say concerning various ships and just how delighted they really were with their trip, first.
• Itinerary: Make sure all of the sights are on it which really catch you, that, and make sure of the length of time invested at each location.
• Amenities: See whether they do have things such as Wi-Fi, the pools, also the language which tours happen to be guided in.

Tips for a Great Nile Cruise

If you need the trip to proceed really well, I mean, several little suggestions can make all the big difference, first:

• What to Pack: You would like sun block, so, a head wear, comfy sneakers for wandering. Light clothing might actually be ideal, especially during summertime.
• Stay Hydrated: So very hot! Continue to keep taking a whole lot of liquid; use plastic bottled liquid simply, and so confirm it is really shut.
• Bargaining: At market segments, haggling seriously will be just about expected and so an ordinary component with all the buying knowledge, actually.
• Tipping: Consider packing several tiny money pertaining to tipping guides as well as personnel relating to the cruise ship. Tipping goes much within Egypt’s tradition.
• Be Respectful: Whenever touring places of worship, ensure it is that the attire is not revealing as well as get approval prior to having any shots pertaining to localized individuals, first.
• Stay Alert: Just about any traveler location requires, too it’s almost, vigilance for keeping goods secured coupled with getting informed concerning an individual’s area.

Common Concerns About Nile Cruises