Description

Cruising the Nile is an experience that every person should have at least once in their lifetime. The sights are breathtaking and the rich history of the area has enthralled travelers and archaeologists alike for centuries.

Here is an example itinerary for a Nile Cruise (With a maxi-excursion pack added)

PLEASE NOTE: There are various tours available, some of which are included in the cruise package as a maxi package option or a mini package option. Optional tours are also available throughout the cruise, and these are paid locally. All of the tours are escorted with a professional Egyptologist fully licensed English speaking guide. An alternative option is to book the cruise without the tours included in the package, and book a cabin only. If this option is chosen, any tours of interest during the cruise, can be booked locally with the Egyptologist guide.

NB: The itinerary below is based on the maxi package, any tours not included for the mini package can be booked locally if guests decide to do so whilst on board, and this can be arranged with the Egyptologist guide. At certain times of year itinerary’s may change due to lock and riverbank maintenance on the Nile

Day 1

Upon arrival at Luxor airport, take a transfer to the cruise embarkation point (We recommend that this is booked in advance).

Day 2

Depart for a journey to Esna. Enjoy the spectacular views while sailing. Lunch and dinner will be served on board and we remain overnight in Edfu.

Day 3

After breakfast on board, you will set off for your first visit to Edfu - The preserved Temple of Falcon-God Horus, Lord of the sky. Back on board - lunch will be served during the cruise along the palm-fringed Nile on your way to Kom Ombo. Visits include Kom Ombo and the hill top temple of Sobek. Marvel at the amazing carved reliefs and mummified crocodiles. We remain overnight in Aswan.

Day 4

Following breakfast on board, you will depart for your next tour to the Island of Philae, where you will visit the temple complex of Isis .After this visit you can take an optional trip to visit the unfinished Obelisk at the granite quarry and Aswan High dam. Lunch will be served back on board, and in the afternoon you will enjoy a felucca ride around the botanical garden. You will return to the boat for dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Day 5

An early morning sunrise tour will take you to the glorious and mysterious Abu Simbel Temple of Ramses II, this is an optional tour, and perhaps the most impressive and unforgettable, afternoon sailing back to Luxor. We remain overnight in Esna or in Luxor.

Day 6

After lunch, visit the Karnak Temple. This is built on a scale for giant gods, and sprawls across much of northern Luxor. The massive pylons and pillars of the Temple of Amun loom above the ruins of smaller chapel scattered throughout the enclosure. Then, continue to the Temple of Luxor dedicated to the triad of Amun-Min, Mut and Khonsu, which was planned by the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The temples artwork executed in the middle of the 18th century is some of the best in Egypt because the temples walls were deeply buried; the carvings are also well preserved.

Day 7

After breakfast we take you to the West Bank which includes a drive through fields of sugar cane, that line the West Bank, we will pass the twin colossi of Memnon, the enormous seated statues who guard the entrance to the Valley. Next, visit the valleys of the Kings, and enter the temples of some of the great pharaohs and after we go to the temple of Hatshepsut, finally we do a visit to Madinet Habu. Lunch will be served on board. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board, and your final night on board overnight in Luxor.

Day 8

The final day and disembarkation is after breakfast. Transfer to Luxor airport and board for flight back.

Shopping

In addition to the small shops on the boats, Luxor is a shopper’s haven. King Mina Bazaar is a place where a tourist can pick up souvenirs, fruit, papyrus, and stone carving replicas of monuments like the pyramid or the Sphinx. Another place of visit is the Aboudi Book Shop where tourists can pick up books by Egyptian authors to learn about the culture of the place. Some other souvenirs which a tourist can pick up are items made of Alabaster like vases, bowls or pots. In addition to these there will also be many locals selling you handmade goods. Make sure you barter hard! Never accept the first offer, no matter how cheap it seems - it can always be cheaper!

Restaurants

All Nile cruise vessels have exceptional dining facilities, and a range of board basis’ from Half Board to All Inclusive. For those who are more inquisitive there will be chances to eat in Luxor and Aswan at local restaurants.

Night Life

Nightlife will vary on each boat but all have night time entertainment which ranges through Egyptian folklore, Nubian style dancing, belly dancing and discos. The boats all have a at least one bar and many have dance floors.

Communications

The international access code to dial into Egypt is +20. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. There are internal codes used to call places within the country. Long distance calls are very expensive when made from hotels and it is suggested to be made from post, telephone and telegraph offices that are found in most of the cities. GSM 900 network cover the entire country and roaming is available due to its agreements with international operators. Internet is accessible at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts. International directory phone enquires can be made by dialing 120.

Contacts

Egyptian Tourism Authority, Cairo: +20 (0)2 285 3576 or http://touregypt.net/tourism 
Egyptian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 5400 
Egyptian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 3304 
Egyptian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 4931 
Egyptian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 4437 
Egyptian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 1590/1 
Egyptian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 6566 
United States Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 797 3300 
British Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 0852 
Canadian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 3110 
Australian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 575 0444 
South African Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 359 4365 
Irish Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 735 8264 
New Zealand Consulate-General, Cairo: +20 (0)2 574 9360 
Emergencies: 122 (Police); 123 (Ambulance)

Currency

EGP

Attractions

The city of Luxor is full of awe and surprises for a visitor. It retains an old world feel which transports them to a bygone era. The ancient ruins of the temple of Karnak are over 2000 years old. The valley of Kings and the valley of the Queens in Luxor are ancient burial grounds which contains the royal tombs of many Egyptian pharaohs and their queens. The Luxor Temple is a religious site and a place worthy of a visit. The Tomb of Queen Nefertari is the most awe inspiring and magnificent tomb in Egypt and is the highlight of all the tourist spots. One of Luxors spectacles is the atmospheric laser and narrated show of the history of Karnak temple which takes place several evenings a week. This is a recommended extra that you would be required to book locally.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language of the country. English and French are widely spoken in most of the tourist areas.

Tipping

It is customary to tip small change for most services rendered. “Baksheesh”, as tipping is called here, is very useful to gain entry to seemingly unreachable places, or to be treated in an extra special way. Drivers and waiters expect about 10% AND 5% tip respectively.