View on the river Nile at sunset in Aswan, Egypt

Nile River cruises

Ancient sights and Egyptian treasures

Nile River cruise holidays take you into the realm of ancient Egypt. Embark on a Nile cruise and you’ll instantly be transported back to a time where romance, intrigue and adventure where bywords in travel.

The world’s longest river is aligned with archaeological sites and dramatic landscapes. It’s a symbol of hope to the people of Egypt and North Africa as well as an exciting opportunity to explore in the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak.

From the ancient city of Thebes and the tombs of the Pharaohs to luxurious cruise ship cabins and delicious Egyptian specialities – if you’re looking for a Nile cruise, here’s where you set sail.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt marks the midpoint between Africa and the Middle East. It’s a country that’s cultural threads stretch back in time in much the same way as the River Nile snakes from the capital city of Cairo to Aswan before crossing the border and flowing through neighbouring Sudan. Explore amongst the architectural remnants of the Ottoman Empire and the pyramid goliaths of Giza before embarking on a cruise to see the magnificent monuments set on either side of the Nile River Valley.

The Red Sea

If you’re looking for a golden sand beach and an offshore coral reef, the Red Sea resorts around Sharm El Sheikh and El Quseir provide perfect places to hang out before or after a Nile River cruise. Situated to the south of the biblical settings of the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea has become one of Egypt’s best loved locations for holiday makers with several all-inclusive beach resorts adding to the magical mix of ancient treasures and romantic river journeys.

The Tombs of the Pharaohs

No cruise along the River Nile is complete without experiencing Egypt’s most intriguing architectural feats. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Kings, especially, is where you’ll find some of the region’s world-famous rock hewn tombs and hieroglyph daubed walls. Located on the opposite west bank to the temples of Luxor and Karnak, this is the most exciting section of a cruise along the Nile and a great precursor to Kom Obmbo Temple that sits at the approach to Aswan.

What is the flight time to the River Nile?

The flight time from the UK to Cairo is roughly four and a half hours.

Do I need a visa to travel to the River Nile?

You don’t need a visa to visit Egypt from the UK as long as you stay for less than three months. Go to GOV.UK for entry requirements to Egypt or, alternatively, visit CIBT visas for more information.

What’s the weather like in the River Nile?

The River Nile is one of the hottest places in Egypt with July and August showing peak temperatures. As river cruises run all year round, it’s well worth visiting outside of summer when the climate’s more comfortable and there will be fewer crowds around the main monuments at Karnak and Luxor.

What’s the time zone for the River Nile?

Egypt is on Eastern European Time and therefore three hours ahead of the UK.

What language is spoken around the River Nile?

Arabic is the official language of Egypt and widely spoken throughout the Nile regions. English is also commonly understood in tourist areas and around the beach resorts on the Red Sea.

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