Cruise on the Nile: tickets, prices, times

You stay on the land of the pharaohs, and would like to make your trip an exceptional experience? We offer you to discover the Nile River, a must-see tourist site of the Egyptian heritage!

The Nile is, with its 6700 kilometers, the second longest river in the world. It’s a long river of the world. He has a leading role in the development of East Africa. This wastewater course is a world-famous tourist point of interest! It is taken by travellers who wish to travel the region by taking advantage of the advantages of a cruise. Moreover, the boat is the best way to catch the river. Thus, you will realize its historical, economic and spiritual importance!

You will have understood, making a cruise on the Nile is an incredible experience! It is also for you to make the most of it that we have prepared a small guide that gathers essential information if you are considering this trip.

Drop the moorings, it's gone!

History of the Nile

The Nile, at the origin of the Egyptian civilization

It must be understood that the Nile is the central axis of the development of the Egyptian empire. Historians date the foundation of the Egyptian Empire to – 3,150. The great civilization of the pharaohs begins to grow along the green shores of the river, north of the present city of Aswan. But why exactly around the Nile? Everything is based on its impressive annual floods. The waters of the river come out of their bed, loaded with lemons. When the waters withdraw, the surrounding lands become very fertile. The area is therefore particularly favorable to the establishment of human populations!

In addition to the water available in abundance, the progressive mastery of agriculture allows men to create a sedentary and organized civilization. Very quickly, the river is used as a commercial channel. It promotes the exchange of goods -wheat, linen, spices and other goods.

The Nile, the key to the major vault of Egyptian culture

By its strategic position, the river quickly becomes a diplomatic axis between the different territories crossed. But its importance is even greater on the spiritual and religious level. The Nile represents such a source of well-being that the Egyptians attribute its benefits to a god named Hâpy. The latter is supposed to master his floods. In addition, the river was regarded as a point of passage borrowed by the souls of the deceased in their quest for eternal rest to the west of the Nile. This is why the tombs were placed on the west side!

During the twentieth century, the installation of colossal infrastructure ended the floods that fertilized its coasts. We all have the top-barrage of Aswan, built in the 1960s. As a result, the decline in agricultural production leads the authorities to promote tourism development. The tourism sector still remains the main source of income in the region.

What to see and do during a cruise on the Nile?

What boat to visit the Nile?

When one wishes to visit the Nile by boat, one must keep in mind that the cruises do not allow to trace the entire river. In fact, we only discover a part. It is generally located between Louxor and Aswan for security reasons. The southern part of the river is sometimes subject to violent geopolitical tensions...

But in the eyes of the traveler who came to visit the Nile, whatever: the previously mentioned portion, travelled by many cruise ships, remains one of the most beautiful and interesting! The boats in question are, in most cases, motor boats. They have all the modern advantages and comforts usually encountered on a cruise ship. But it can also be traditional sail boats, of modest size - a dozen meters- and more rustic comfort. They are called "faluch". They will be preferred by travellers looking for authenticity to visit the Nile.

In any case, a standard cruise, i.e. the formula usually used by the passing tourists who came to visit the Nile, offers a course of 250 kilometers. This distance separates the pretty town of Louxor - the starting point, north-east of Aswan - arrival, south. But don’t be afraid, you will not be asked to stay wisely on your boat! Many points of interest in the tourist are always on track and are normally offered by travel agencies!

On your journey along the Nil

As soon as you arrive on board, the journey starts! You take the wind towards the splendid religious complex of Karnak, almost four thousand years old. It is one of the world’s largest religious sites, dedicated to the god Amon. In continuity, you can admire the famous temple of Luxor and its famous obelisk, that of the Place de la Concorde, in Paris!

Let us continue our journey to a vast site of international renown. This is the famous Valley of the Kings. Here rest great Egyptian pharaohs like Ramses II or Toutankhamon. The places follow day after day, without ever resembling. You will discover the wonders of the ancient world.

• The incredible temple of Queen Hatchepsout on the mountainside;
• The famous Colossus of Memnon, two gigantic statues almost twenty meters high;
• The visit of the temple of Edfou, dedicated to the god Horus,
• The visit to the Kom Ombo temple. The latter is indeed an architectural wonder that has become a must-see tourist site, offering a magnificent view of the river.
• The city of Aswan
• The temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. It has unique frescoes.

But the temples do not do everything, and modern Egypt is also impressive! To convince you, go discover the prodigious Haut Barrage d’Assouan. Launched into service in 1973, offering a fantastic panorama of Lake Nasser, he was at the time the largest dam in the world.

It is possible, once arrived in Aswan, to enjoy a getaway to the Abu Simbel temples 290 kilometres south. Many travel agencies offer a minibus or plane trip to these majestic buildings dug to the rock.

What offer to choose for a cruise on the Nile?

There are as many cruises on the Nile as tour operators! These offers include, most of the time, the boat trip, meals, the presence of a French-speaking guide and the right of entry to archaeological sites. However, some may be optional or others, added when choosing the benefits included. For example, it is possible to leave visit the famous pyramids of Gizeh near Cairo. But Cairo is several hundred kilometers from the portion borrowed by your boat. You can also admire the banks of the Red Sea, or the city of Alexandria.

This is both the advantage and disadvantage of a cruise: the possibility of creating your own journey, on the map. The only limit: your budget! And to be honest: it can explode considerably.

How do I get a cruise on the Nile?

Normally, your cruise on the Nile starts in the city of Luxor. It has its own airport, as well as a train station. Do not hesitate to consult the offers thanks to our partner Ulysses . Travel agencies therefore welcome you directly to your departure from the aircraft or train, and transfer to the cruise ship.

The plane ticket - to go, as to return - can be included in the price of your cruise, but this is not always the case. So, to you to properly select the options you want when making your trip!

Schedules & Rates of a cruise on the Nile

As a general rule, the journey between Louxor and Aswan lasts four or five days. But the duration can extend or shorten, from three to seven days. This will depend on the desired benefits, monuments to visit, as well as various additional tourist sites chosen.

The fare side is the same! Depending on the type of boat, the level of comfort on board and the various extras, each cruise is offered at a unique and personalized price. For a five-day ride on a comfortable ship, count a budget between €600 and €800 per person.