In this issue of Wanderlust magazine

February issue • On sale 05 January

Seratonin levels dipping? Then reach for our winter-blues-busting February issue, with a 20 page South-East Asia special covering Cambodia’s coast, Thailand’s offbeat temples and an uplifting Laos treetop lodge. There’s more unspoilt beach-and-jungle in our feature on eastern Cuba (as well as sultry music and delicious food), and more rugged adventures too: cruising the bergs of west Greenland, hiking through Russia’s Altai mountains, and hanging out with the Himba peole of Namibia. Plus mini guides to Sydney and Sark, 9 great wildlife trips, and some of the world’s loveliest little beach houses. Don’t forget your shades.

Click here to subscribe and receive a FREE £50 travel voucher


February 2012 issue

Subscribe here >>>

Member experiences
loading...
Forum Posts
loading...
Members who've been
loading...
previous next
Cruising the Nile, Egypt

Cruising the Nile, Egypt travel guide

To cruise along the River Nile in Egypt is to appreciate over 2,000 years of history. But what is the best way to set sail?

The bray of a donkey, an ox cart working the fields by the riverbank, wood smoke rising from a simple hut – the sights and sounds that glide past on a Nile cruise today could almost be plucked from any century in Egypt’s history.

The River Nile is Egypt’s lifeblood, tracing the country’s entire length from the southern border with Sudan into the Mediterranean. Boats have plied the Nile since time immemorial; these days, many of the Nile’s vessels are transporting travellers in search of the most romantic of travel experiences.

While the Nile dissects the whole of Egypt, the government forbids cruises from Cairo to Luxor; tourist boats may only sail as far north as Abydos. Most Nile cruises travel the Luxor-Aswan section, which can take between three and seven nights. This may discount a large section of the river, but most of Egypt’s historic sites – such as the temples of Kom Ombo, Karnak and Edfu – are along this stretch.

Picking the right boat for your Nile Cruise is essential: more than 250 vessels operate the route, plus feluccas (wooden sailing boats).

Feluccas offer real no-frills travel – no cabins, no toilet, no running water. You will sleep on deck or camp ashore. There are plenty of cheap ’n cheerful cruise boats available, as well as luxury liners that can be opulent in the extreme – plush and spacious cabins, swimming pools, cigar lounges, even a full-on spa.

A dahabiyya (barge-like houseboat with sails) offers the authenticity of a felucca but with a lot more comfort. These restored and replica 19th-century sailing vessels have style and glamour as well as all the mod-cons.

But however you chose to sail, a trip along the River Nile will give you a timeless look at this oldest of tourist destinations.

Latest Member Galleries

trips

loading...

Articles on Cruising the Nile, Egypt

Read more
select
select
select
select
Departure date:
Return date:
Date flexibility:
Search

Need some travel planning inspiration?

Simply select the destination you’re interested in or the activities you’re looking for and we’ll send your request to a select panel of tour operators.

Each operator will respond to your request individually. Your details remain private and are not disclosed to any partners unless you decide to proceed with a booking. Enjoy!

Search

Hot Offers

Find a deal
  • SAVE with G Adventures!

    15% Off Discovery with G Adventures!

  • Save 43% on train tickets with the Train Line

    Save 43% on average on train fares booked in advance

  • Explore the best of the west with Tropical Sky!

    14-Day Tour SAVE £150 per person!

View all
Email

Wanderlust in your inbox

Wanderlust sends out regular email newsletters – be the first to know about web exclusives, competitions, hot offers and travel jobs. Register today!





I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions

Submit