Why is Egypt considered special for tourists? The answer lies in the fact that it provides tourists with a combination of culture, history, deserts, and rivers. The Nile Cruise in Egypt makes tourists get a combination of all these features at once. It makes travel problems much fewer since travelers will be able to see all sights sitting on a ship.
Traveling along the river is another special feature of Egypt. Along with visiting all monuments, tourists also have an opportunity to see farms, villages, date palms, and fishing boats on the river.
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Why the Trip to the Nile is Successful
Most of the best sights in Upper Egypt lie along the shores of the Nile River. Therefore, the cruise journey is extremely convenient as there are no connections which require road time.
The most common routes of the cruise traditionally go from Luxor to Aswan. When traveling, one has an opportunity to visit some archaeological sites during the day and move at night.
It is quite comfortable to travel by cruise for those tourists who want some comfort without organizing all the transfers. The accommodation, transportation, and food are usually included.
What You Should Know About the Itinerary of Nile Cruise Egypt
Nile Cruise Egypt itineraries give a perfect blend of tourism and travel throughout the river at all times. The choice can be made between starting from Luxor or Aswan based on the time of the cruise and travel itinerary in Egypt.
A majority of Nile Cruises feature visits to some of the important archaeological destinations including Edfu and Kom Ombo. There are also cases where the travel packages feature some extra tours and activities that require paying for separately.
The daily itinerary needs to be looked at and all of the things offered checked out. A low cost might be very appealing, but may not include tickets, guides and other extras.
Luxor’s Archaeological Legacy
The best places for someone interested in learning about the ancient Egyptian civilization would be Luxor, which is located near temples, tombs, and archaeological sites which are located on both sides of the Nile River.
For people traveling to the east side, they can visit the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. The Karnak Temple is an expansive temple which was constructed in layers and is comprised of various elements including columns, courtyards, statues, and other architectural features.
On the other side, there is the Valley of the Kings which is home to several tombs which were the final resting place of kings during the New Kingdom era. Other places of interest on the west side include the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
It is important for visitors to avoid the mistake of seeing all these attractions within a very short span of time.
Edfu and Kom Ombo Visits
One of the well-known temples in Edfu is the large temple of Horus, which gives a visitor a great deal of information about how an Egyptian temple was constructed and what religion was practiced there.
Kom Ombo Temple situated close to the Nile has an unusual architecture, connected with two gods worshiped here. Moreover, being situated by the river, it offers additional beauty during sunset time.
It is a good idea to take such tours as a part of relaxation on the way from Luxor to Aswan.
Finding Out about Aswan
Aswan is different from other Egyptian cities as it does not move quickly. The surroundings of Aswan include blue water, desert terrain, green islands, and local villages.
The Philae Temple is among the notable landmarks in Aswan. One has to use the boat ride to access the temple, making it one more activity on the river.
One can also go for a boat ride through Felucca. Felucca is the name for the small sailboats that run by using wind energy.
If one needs to make his or her own tour plan, he or she can consult with experts such as MSM Travel Egypt Tours to organize their cruise, tour, transportation, and site seeing.
Including Abu Simbel in the Tour Plan
Abu Simbel is situated further down south and requires extra effort to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel. At Abu Simbel, tourists find temples built out of stones in memory of Pharaoh Ramesses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari.
Most people travel to this place in the morning due to distance and climate considerations. Some travelers prefer using a plane, whereas others would love being part of the road tour.
It may seem logical for those interested in history having enough time on hand to go to Abu Simbel.
Selecting the Right Kind of River Cruise
Cruises do not necessarily offer the same experience. A bigger cruise ship usually has facilities such as a restaurant, lounges, sun deck, entertainment, and organized tour guides for sightseeing.
Dahabiyas tend to be smaller and traditional cruises. They may take less number of travelers on board and can be quieter than big cruise ships. The itinerary may include visiting smaller towns as well.
Some factors that tourists might consider before paying the deposit are space of the cabins, placement of the sun deck, food arrangement, tour guides, and excursions. Tourist reviews of past tours can be useful as well.
The Nile Cruises Egypt package needs to satisfy the tourist rather than offering a cheaper one.
Selecting the Right Season for Travel
Weather has an immense effect on how the site visits in Egypt are influenced by the same. Given that tourists will be visiting outdoor temples, then good weather will be vital.
Cooler weather is likely to attract visitors due to the fact that they are looking for good weather for their tour visits. The peak times for tourists will lead to expensive hotels and cruise prices.
The weather during the summer in places such as Luxor and Aswan can be too hot. The travelers should schedule their outdoor visits in the early morning during summer.
Visitors should always pack clothes, sunscreen, good walking shoes and drinking water regardless of the weather.
Practical Planning Before Departure
Travelers need to find out about Egypt’s visa regulations depending on their nationality prior to making non-refundable bookings. There may be different passport validity periods, visa regulations, and entry procedures.
Travel insurance will come in handy if there are any unforeseen medical issues, cancellations, delays, or loss of belongings. Travelers need to read about travel insurance very carefully since coverage may differ.
It may be a good idea to take some local currency for minor purchases and tips. Credit cards may work at hotels and large companies, but some of the vendors might want cash.
One could rely on mobile data and hotel Wi-Fi for navigation and communication purposes. Nevertheless, it is always helpful to have downloaded all necessary information before excursions.
Respecting Local Culture and Historic Sites
The historical and archeological sites in Egypt require careful handling. One should adhere to signs, not touch any historic surface, and obey photo prohibitions if any.
Modest dressing is acceptable when visiting mosques or conservative neighborhoods. Tourists are advised to seek advice on how to dress and take photos of locals.
Basic knowledge of some Arabic greeting phrases can help make daily interaction more pleasant. Simple gestures of courtesy make traveling experience better than any elaborate planning.
Creating a Balanced Egypt Vacation
The cruise can be easily included into an overall tour plan. Most tourists start their trip from Cairo, visiting the Giza Plateau, museums, old districts and cultural sights, then moving on with the plane or another transport to the south.
Upon completing the cruise, tourists can head to the Red Sea for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, or diving. Others can explore Aswan or Luxor leisurely.
The combination of several cities should not include a full schedule. It is better to have some free time for cafes, markets, enjoying the Nile scenery and relaxation.
An Interesting Way to Explore the Nile
Going on a journey along the Nile River gives you an opportunity not only to explore some of the most significant sites in Egypt but also to take in the natural beauty that has led to the development of Egyptian civilization. At the same time, it is essential to get the right balance of exploring and enjoying the river.
Planning carefully is also one of the essential things in case you want to have a nice Nile cruise in Egypt. By comparing different itineraries, it will be possible for you to choose the ones that you like.
With the proper itinerary, it will be possible for you to make the cruise the most interesting part of your entire vacation.
