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When to cruise to Nile

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Nile Cruise Season Guide »

All you Need to Know

by Travel Journalist Phil Davies

Imagine following in the footsteps of Egypt’s ancient kings, the Pharaohs, on a voyage back into time.

This is exactly the experience offered on a River Nile cruise adventure where all the modern conveniences of the 21st century combine with 5,000 years of history.

Egypt’s deserts, monuments and the Nile itself are so spectacular that you can’t fail to be awe-inspired.

Stepping on board a Nile cruiser is the most relaxing way to view all the incredible sites on offer.

It’s easy to feel as if you are stuck in a time warp despite the comprehensive modern facilities of today’s luxury Nile boats, which come equipped with bars, pools and restaurants.

Cruising sedately the 120 miles from Luxor upstream to Aswan there is just so much to see, particularly the magnificent temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god.

Luxor itself is home to such iconic sites as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens – to name but a few. Nothing can prepare you for the excitement as you tour the highlights of Luxor where the pace of life appears to have moved on little in thousands of years.

It’s easy to pretend to be a character out of an Agatha Christie mystery as you sip ice cold cocktails in the colonial Old Winter Palace hotel the night before setting sail. Once on board ship, it’s time to relax and take in the lush banks of the Nile from the sun deck contemplating the next awe-inspiring site on the itinerary.

It’s worth being on deck for the approach to the locks at Esna as local traders in feluccas surround the visiting cruisers selling their wares.

Aswan is a lot quieter than Luxor and far less commercial. Famous for its dam which supplies half of Egypt’s electricity, you can also visit the romantic temple of Philae, which can only be reached by boat.

From Aswan you can take an excursion to the temples at Abu Simbel, equal in magnificence and significance to the pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo. Or take a horse-drawn carriage to the Old Cataract Hotel, another Agatha Christie haunt.

DOS and DON'TS of Nile Cruising

DO take bottled water on excursions as the heat can get intense.

DO take a camera for a photographic record of all the amazing sites.

DO be prepared for early starts as sightseeing trips are timed to avoid the midday sun.

DON’T be afraid to haggle with local traders when buying souvenirs.

DON’T forget to pack comfy walking shoes and a sweatshirt or pullover to wear as it can be cold first thing in the morning at the start of excursions.

DON’T miss the opportunity to relax on deck in between shore excursions.

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