A Nile River boat cruise is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt, visiting the temples and cities along the banks.

One of the most popular ways to view towns and temples between Luxor and Aswan is with one of the big Nile River cruise ships. There are over one hundred of these boats plying the river, so there’s plenty to chose from. Most of them have the same programme and don't pay extra for an upper deck cabin, as you won’t be spending much time there.

Ship Facilities

As well as the pleasant dining room where you'll be having breakfast, lunch and dinner, there's a large lounge, a forward area with comfortable tables and chairs, and a stem section with swimming pool and deck chairs. Shops where you can buy guidebooks, download photos from digital cameras onto disks, and buy odds and ends that you might have forgotten are on board.

Tour Group

When you join your boat you’ll be assigned to a tour group with a leader who is usually a trained archaeologist and a font of information on all things ancient Egyptian. You'll stay with this tour for the length of the trip. Information pertaining to the tour is posted on the notice board each day.

Early Rising

If you forget what time your tour departs in the morning, the reception desk gives you a wake up call at 4.30, 5, 5.30 or 6, to rouse you in enough time for a hearty buffet breakfast.

Tour Destinations

Then it's "Isis group! Over here please!" and follow the guide to the buses that take you to the first site/sight of the day – Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, or a boat ride on Lake Nasser to Philae Temple.

Guide Explanations

The guide explains the historical significance of the site, the relevant rulers or gods, and the techniques involved: the different methods of carving, the way the ancient Egyptians obtained their paint pigments, and so on.

Complete Immersion

At the site it's complete immersion in the culture and history of ancient times. The guide points out all the important features. Then there's some free time to look around, buy some souvenirs, or ask more detailed questions.

Alabaster Workshop

Back to the bus, and onto the next place on the itinerary, be it the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut, a perfume factory, or an alabaster workshop.

Buffet Lunch

The whole operation is run like clockwork, as the number of boats and visitors could easily become overwhelming. On the ship a delicious and picturesque buffet lunch, featuring hot and cold meats and vegetables, salads for the health conscious, and sumptuous desserts fit for kings, is served.

Free Afternoons

Afternoons are often free, to sit in the deck chairs and watch the mountains and deserts of Egypt drift by, admire the feluccas, photograph the palm trees reflected in the water, and wave at the passengers on other cruise ships.

Evening Activities

The evening meals are served by nimble footed waiters, and are followed by entertainment – music, belly dancing, etc., in the main lounge. But an early night is usually advised to prepare yourself for the next day's adventures.

Tipping

Although you will have a steward assigned to your cabin, individual tipping is discouraged. You are asked to put a daily amount per person into an envelope, and drop it in a box at the reception desk. At the end of each month, the monies are divided between the entire crew, even those "behind the scenes" such as cooks, kitchen workers, engineers, and so on.