Nile Cruise

The classic Nile cruise runs between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) — a distance of about 220 km on the Nile. Along the way, the most important temples of Upper Egypt are visited: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The journey lasts depending on the program 3 to 7 nights.

Typical Routes

The classic — the most popular route in the most popular direction (upstream):

Day 1: Luxor (Embarkation)

Arrival in Luxor, embarkation in the afternoon. Check-in to the cabin, explore the ship. Evening: Visit the Luxor Temple at night (the lighting is spectacular). Dinner on board. Ship stays in Luxor.

Day 2: Luxor West Bank

Early morning (departure at 6:00 AM): Valley of the Kings (3 tombs), Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari), photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship around noon. Lunch on board. Afternoon: Karnak Temple (2–3 hours). Evening: Departure southwards (Esna Lock, often passed at night).

Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo

Morning: Arrival in Edfu. By carriage or minibus to the Temple of Horus (1–1.5 hours visit). Continue on the Nile. Afternoon: Arrival in Kom Ombo. Visit the double temple at sunset (particularly atmospheric!). Crocodile museum. Continue to Aswan overnight.

Day 4: Aswan

Morning: Visit the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk (a 1,168-ton obelisk left in the quarry), and the Philae Temple (boat trip to the island). Afternoon: Free time. Recommendation: Felucca ride on the Nile at sunset, visit a Nubian village, bazaar in Aswan. Evening: Nubian show or gala dinner on board.

Day 5: Disembarkation

Breakfast on board, disembarkation by 9:00 AM. Optional: Day trip to Abu Simbel (by flight 30 min. or convoy 3 hours). Transfer to Aswan airport or onward journey.

Over 300 cruise ships sail on the Nile — the quality varies enormously. From floating luxury hotels to rundown barges, everything is available. Here is an honest comparison:

Ship Categories

Alternative: Dahabiyya

A Dahabiyya is a traditional Egyptian sailing boat — smaller (6–12 cabins), slower, and more luxurious than the large cruise ships. The journey lasts 5–7 nights (more sailing time, less motor) and stops at places the large ships cannot reach. Prices: from 800–1,500 € per person. For an intimate, exclusive Nile experience, the best choice.

Alternative: Felucca

For adventurers: A multi-day Felucca ride (2–3 nights) from Aswan to Edfu or Kom Ombo. Sleep under the stars on deck, cook on the shore, sail wind as the only motor. Budget option: from 30–50 €/person/night including meals and crew. No luxury cabins, but the most authentic Nile experience.

When to Book?

• High Season (October–April): Book 2–3 months in advance, especially for the upscale ships. Christmas/New Year: 4–6 months in advance.
• Low Season (May–September): Bookable at short notice, prices 30–50% cheaper. BUT: Temperatures of 40–50 °C in Luxor make temple visits a torture.

Where to Book?

• Package from Germany: Through TUI, FTI, DER Touristik — often as combo packages Cairo + Nile cruise + Hurghada. Prices from 700–1,200 € p.p. (1 week, incl. flight).
• Online Providers: GetYourGuide, Viator, Egypt Tailor Made — flexible individual booking. 3–4 nights from 200–500 €.
• On-site in Luxor/Aswan: Can be cheaper (especially in the low season), but risky — quality varies greatly, and you see the cabin only upon embarkation.
• Luxury Providers: Sanctuary Retreats, Oberoi Hotels, Uniworld — book directly through their websites.

What to Look For?

• Cabin with Nile View: MUST have! There are no interior cabins on Nile ships (every cabin has a window), but the side makes a difference. Ask for the west side — there is less sun in the afternoon, and the view of the West Bank (with the tombs and temples) is nicer.
• Excursions Included or Extra? Some cruises include temple visits with a guide, others do not. Pay attention to what is included — entrance fees add up (150–300 € per person for all temples).
• Read Reviews: TripAdvisor and Google Reviews are invaluable. Look for recent reviews (last year) — ship quality can change quickly.

Daily Schedule (Typical)

Dress Code

During the day: Light, comfortable clothing (cotton, light colors). For temple visits: Covered shoulders and knees (especially in mosques). Evening: Smart casual — no shorts in the dining room, but no suit required. On 5-star ships, the gala dinner may be a bit more formal.

Galabiya Party

A highlight on almost every Nile ship: The Galabiya Party — all guests dress in traditional Egyptian garments (Galabiya/Galabeya). The ships sell them on board (150–300 LE) or you can buy one at the bazaar in Luxor or Aswan (50–150 LE — much cheaper!). Accompanied by oriental music, belly dancing, and lots of laughter.

The Lake Nasser Cruise (Aswan → Abu Simbel, 3–4 nights) is the lesser-known but perhaps more beautiful alternative to the classic Nile cruise. On the huge reservoir (500 km long, up to 35 km wide) are several relocated Nubian temples, which were moved here during the UNESCO rescue operation in the 1960s.

Highlights

• Kalabsha Temple: The largest freestanding temple in Nubia, originally located 50 km south, relocated in 1970.
• Wadi el-Seboua: "Valley of the Lions" — a temple of Ramses II with an avenue of sphinxes.
• Amada Temple: The oldest temple on Lake Nasser (18th Dynasty) with the best-preserved reliefs.
• Abu Simbel: Grand finale — arrival at sunrise on the shores of Lake Nasser in front of the colossi of Ramses II.

The Lake Nasser Cruise is more exclusive and expensive than the Nile route (from 600–1,200 € p.p., 3 nights), but the absolute tranquility, the empty temples, and the experience of the Nubian desert landscape are unique.

What to Bring?

• Light, bright clothing made of cotton (no synthetics — too sweaty)
• Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits (sand, steps, uneven ground)
• Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+
• Light jacket or scarf for evenings on deck (October–February can be cool)
• Travel pharmacy: anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), electrolytes, band-aids
• Galabiya for the party (buy at the bazaar, not on board!)
• Binoculars for bird watching on the Nile

Tipping on Board

Tipping is expected at the end of the Nile cruise:

• Guide: 200–400 LE (4–8 €) per person per day (for good performance)
• Crew Tip: Often collected as a lump sum — 200–500 LE (4–10 €) per person for the entire trip
• Cabin Steward: 100–200 LE (2–4 €) for the trip

Health

The water on board is treated, but still drink only bottled water. Gastrointestinal complaints are the most common travel illness — the buffet is prone to heat. Avoid raw vegetables washed with tap water and ensure food is well-cooked. Have electrolyte powder on hand!