Egypt Nile Cruise Guide: A Water Tour of Thousand-Year Civilization

The Nile River is the cradle of Egyptian civilization. Cruise on it is a great way to deeply experience the history of ancient Egypt. The following is a concise and practical cruise guide: Cruise selection • Luxury cruise: such as MS Alexander or Sonesta series, with complete facilities (swimming pool, SPA, observation deck), suitable for tourists who seek comfort, 5-7 days per person 1500-3000 US dollars. • Traditional sailing boat (Felucca): unpowered triangular sailing boat, suitable for short-distance experience (such as Aswan to Komenpo), low price (about 50-100 US dollars/day), but you need to bring your own tent and food. • Inland passenger ship: operated by Egypt's state-owned passenger ship company (such as West & East Delta), economical but outdated facilities, suitable for backpackers with limited budget. Classic itinerary recommendation • Aswan-Luxor route (4 days and 3 nights): connect the most essential monuments in Egypt. Must-see attractions include the Aswan Dam, the Temple of Philae, the Twin Temples of Kermon, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. • Luxor-Cairo route (8 days and 7 nights): For those with plenty of time, you can visit the Temple of Dendera, the ancient tombs of Beni Hassan, and finally reach the Pyramids of Giza. Best time to experience • Season: The weather is pleasant from October to April of the following year, avoiding the hot summer from May to September. • Time: Early morning and evening are the best times to visit the temples, with soft light and avoid the peak crowds; at night, you can watch the stars on the deck and listen to the tranquility of the Nile. Tips for life on board • Food: Cruises usually provide three meals a day, mainly traditional Egyptian dishes (such as roasted pigeon and Foul), and Western meals can be requested. • Guided tour service: Most cruises include guided tours for shore excursions. It is recommended to choose an English-speaking guide and confirm in advance whether the ticket is included. • Entertainment: Luxury cruise ships have belly dance performances or Sufi dance whirls every night, and traditional sailboats allow you to experience singing Nubian folk songs with the boatman. Notes • Visa: Egypt can apply for a visa on arrival (US$25), and you need to bring your round-trip air ticket and hotel reservation. • Currency: You can use US dollars or Egyptian pounds for consumption on board, but you need to prepare a small amount of Egyptian pounds to pay tips when you go ashore (about 5-10 Egyptian pounds/time). • Cultural respect: You need to cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temple, and women can bring scarves as a backup; before taking pictures, you need to confirm whether it is allowed (photography is prohibited in some tombs). The Nile cruise is not only a visual feast, but also a journey through time and space to dialogue with ancient Egypt. Choose a suitable ship, slow down, and let the thousand-year civilization unfold slowly in the waves. #7月好去处2025