Where does the Nile cruise start?
The Nile cruises can start from different locations on the Nile. Depending on the selected route, you will travel on different sections of the Nile on your cruise. A popular departure port and the linchpin of every Nile cruise is Luxor. From there, various stations on the upper Nile between Aswan and the ancient city of Thebes are headed for. If you choose a longer river cruise, Aswan or Cairo will be the start and end point of the trip, depending on whether you are going up and down the Nile. Unfortunately, this is not possible all year round due to low water on the Nile between Cairo and Luxor in the winter months from November to January. It is also possible to board a Nile cruise ship in Aswan, from there the 2-week long Nile cruise to Cairo starts. The Egyptian capital Cairo on the Nile Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a must-see. In Aswan, marvel at the dam named after the city, through which Lake Nasser is fed. At Luxor, about 210 kilometers as the crow flies from Aswan, fertile areas line the river.
Nile cruise like Agatha Christie?
Like Agatha Christie, you can follow the traces of the Pharaohs or Agatha Christie. Combine a Nile cruise with a stay in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids of Giza, the Hotel Winter Palace – the writing place of Agatha Christie, the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, the temples of Karnak, Kom Ombo and Abu Simbel. The cruises no longer take place today across the Egyptian-Sudanese border to Wadi Halfa.
How does a Nile cruise work?
From arrival to departure – we will of course take care of you. You are in good hands as soon as you arrive at the destination airport. You will be welcomed there by friendly and competent staff. Your transfer will be organized to the designated Nile cruise ship and you will also receive important information and useful information about your stay. In addition to the Phoenix tour guide, support during the cruise is provided by German-speaking, licensed and trained Egyptian travel guides. The travel guides will provide you with detailed information about the cultural sites, the country and its people during the excursion program.
What should you watch out for on a Nile cruise?
No matter how small, a tip is expected and is an oriental specialty. The excursions from the ship usually take place in the early morning hours due to the heat during the day. Photography is prohibited in many places. The Egyptian sun should not be underestimated, provide sufficient sun protection and drink enough water, not from the tap. Please also respect the customs and traditions when choosing your clothes. You should avoid shorts and overly short or skin-tight clothing in Egypt. At least cover your upper arms and knees.
What clothing is recommended for a Nile cruise?
During the day we recommend light summer clothing, preferably made of cotton, as well as good sunglasses and light headgear. For cool evenings and air-conditioned rooms, it is advisable to bring warmer items of clothing. Comfortable, informal clothing and flat, sturdy shoes are recommended on Nile cruises. When choosing your clothing, you should take into account the prevailing notion of morality and decency among Muslims and avoid clothing that is too short or too tight. At least cover your upper arms and knees. When visiting a mosque, women need a light headscarf. Men should also do without shorts and sleeveless T-shirts there.
What is a Nile cruise?
A Nile cruise takes you on one of the most impressive rivers in Africa. With 6,650 kilometers, the Nile is – depending on the definition – the longest or (after the Amazon) the second longest river in the world. The Nile springs are in the mountains of Rwanda and Burundi; near Alexandria in Egypt the river flows into the Mediterranean. During your Nile cruise you will travel on a ship designed for rivers that can easily keep up with the ocean liners in terms of comfort, but is of course much smaller. As with an ocean cruise, your cruise ship will dock at important stops along the river, which will then serve as the starting point for excursions to Egypt’s sights.
What to see on a Nile cruise
One of the greatest advantages of a Nile cruise: The traces of the Egyptian civilization line up, following the course of the river. You relax on deck as you travel there. Stops that you shouldn’t miss on your trip are the temples of Karnak and Luxor. From Aswan there is a side trip to Abu Simbel, where there are two impressive rock temples, one of them with colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, on the west bank of Lake Nasser. The Amarna archaeological site, a city from the 13th century BC is worth seeing. A visit to the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is also a must for visitors to Egypt.
What do you have to take with you on a Nile cruise?
To enter Egypt you will need your identity card or a valid passport and a visa. In order to be well equipped for your Nile cruise, some utensils should not be missing in the luggage, a waterproof sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is particularly important. Sunglasses and suitable headgear such as a sun hat or a cap complete the sun protection. A good mosquito repellent and a remedy for indigestion in the first aid kit are just as important. If you are not used to boat trips or are sensitive to exotic cuisine, you will feel safer. You choose your travel wardrobe in bright – i.e. cooling – colors.
When is the best time to take a Nile cruise?
There is a semi-dry oasis climate throughout the Nile Valley: the fertile riparian regions are flanked by deserts on both sides. This leads to special heat and moisture conditions. The best time to travel on the Nile is generally the months between March and May and from September to November. Midsummer is less suitable due to the very high temperatures. In winter, it is relatively cool in Egypt too. If you want to combine your Nile cruise with a beach holiday, you can expect pleasant Mediterranean temperatures in the coastal region, in the seaside resorts such as Hurghada or Sharm-El-Sheikh.
What should I look out for on a Nile cruise?
Your Nile cruise takes you to a country that is strongly Muslim. Show respect: For women, this means choosing long-sleeved clothing that is not figure-hugging; same-sex couples should exercise restraint in public. If your trip happens to fall in the month of Lent Ramadan, there may be restrictions during your shore leave – such as opening times or in restaurants. Care should also be taken when taking pictures. For example, there is a photo ban in most museums in Egypt, unless you acquire a license to do so. When buying souvenirs, remember that antiquities and some products of animal origin (such as corals or shells) may not be exported.
