egypt felucca cruise

Felucca Boat Trip on the Nile: What Is It Like?

There are few things in life as relaxing as taking a felucca boat on the Nile River in Egypt for an overnight trip.

A Nile Felucca cruise is a traditional way to take an enticing journey through the ancient land of the Egyptian Pharaohs. While there are many options when it comes to river cruising in Egypt, there is no experience quite like that of the traditional Felucca boat.

Often referred to as a floating bed, we sailed for 2 days & 2 nights with our feet in the water by day and sleeping under the stars at night. Just the way the Egyptian’s and Nubians have done for centuries.

Taking a Nile River Felucca trip in Egypt is one of the Top 100 Travel Adventures  in the world.  View the list  and follow our mission to complete them.

Sailing a Felucca Boat on the Nile River in Egypt

Table of Contents

What is a Felucca Boat?

Feluccas are solely wind-powered, acting like a sailboat, and have no engines or power aboard.

They cruse the river with large sails, zig-zagging back and forth with the currents and wind patterns. If there’s no wind your trip will take longer if there’s wind you will get there faster. It will be slow but that’s life on a Felucca.

At first, Lina and I really were not sold on floating slowly down the Nile river on a floating mattress in the unforgiving Egyptian heat. I mean, who really wants to do that?

It didn’t even sound fun to us but we dig adventure and this is one of Egypt’s best. So, as we always do, we looked at it as an adventure and if anything it would be two lazy days sleeping on a boat doing nothing.

Now that we’ve done it, there’s really no wonder why National Geographic named this adventure as one of their top 500 journeys of a lifetime. As a result, we have added this to our Top 100 Travel Adventures in the World.

Introduction to Life on the Nile River

After checking out all of the sights in Aswan,  we were ready to set off down the Nile river on our own traditional Felucca boat.

Once aboard it was time to say goodbye to shoes and to go barefoot for the next two days. We were handed a welcome drink, two pillows and were left to find our spot on the floating mattress.

I know it sounds funny, floating mattresses, but there really is no exaggeration. The boat floor was made with wood slats and then set atop it was a layer of foam mattress, covered with a futon type cover.

This would be where we sat, laid, ate and slept during our trip. Above our heads was a canopy that covered the width and length of the felucca to shield us from the hot Egyptian sun.

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With Elephantine Island to our left and Aswan to our right, we started our trip down the Nile River. Our trip started in the early afternoon, around 11 am, and we set sail upriver with the current.

After sailing for a few hours and enjoying the sights our group decided it was time for a pee break. Felucca boats do not have onboard toilets.

For us guys, it’s no problem, we just go over the side but for the girls, this can be a problem. No worries though, there’s a rope off the back of the boat.

All you have to do is jump in, grab the rope, hold on and do your business.  Alternatively, you can hold it until you pull up to one of the banks, where you are greeted by a bush toilet.

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Camping on the Banks of the Nile

After the first day of sailing our Nubian crew picked a spot on the riverbank where we would anchor the Felucca to enjoy the sunset and settle in for the night.

Who can say they have camped on the banks of the Nile River? Well, we did! Not an experience you will get on those larger river cruise boats. Our perfectly chosen spot offered cover for the bush toilets, an area to swim and a hill to watch the sunset from.

I quickly jumped off the boat to climb up that hill to watch the sunset. The view from the top of the hill showed us that there was nothing for miles.

It was what I would imagine the surface of Mars would be like, just sand for miles and rolling landscape. It was just us and the raw nature of Egypt, that made it a special experience in itself.

While the aroma of dinner began to fill the air we took our time to relax, explore the area and go for a swim.

The Nile River is a refreshing welcome after spending a day in the heat. Eventually, the smells of dinner and our selfish stomachs couldn’t keep us away from the felucca.

It’s amazing what the crew cooked up for us and seeing as we were on the Nile River, it was only fitting that we had fresh Nile perch.

After dinner, it was time to enjoy ourselves and take in the moonlight on the river. It was a great time to play some card games and just enjoy the darkness.

Felucca Camping Tips: You sleep on the deck mattress of the boat and will need a blanket or light sleeping bag in the winter months. Canvas walls and a roof are erected at night if it is cold or windy and mosquito nets are also provided at night while you sleep. Mosquito repellent is recommended for the evenings and early mornings, and wearing long sleeves at night is a good idea.

Cruising the Nile River – Day 2

Around 3 am I awoke to fisherman fishing near our felucca. They were in little wooden fishing boats and were hitting the water with their paddles and throwing nets into the water.

We had been warned to put whatever we did not need under the deck during the night so no one could see what we had.

They easily could have paddled up to our boat and grabbed whatever they wanted. These fishermen did not even care that we were parked in their daily fishing hole.

As the rest of our group began waking up, our crew cooked all of us eggs, brewed hot coffee and served us fruit before raising our sail.

The rest of our day would be one of relaxation. After spending the morning lying on our floating mattress we found a great sandbar along the river to pull up on and enjoy an afternoon of swimming.

The local villager was worried that we might damage his crop, so he watched from far away as we all played in the water.

Shortly after lunch, which was another great meal, we were back on the river to sail. A surprise afternoon tailwind put us ahead of schedule and we found ourselves docking for dinner near our stop for the following day.

The night was short and we woke up finding ourselves just steps from the temple of Kom Ombo.

Would we take another Nile River Felucca trip?

Yes, this was a great adventure. It was certainly a little slower then our typical adventures and a lot more laid back but can easily be added as a unique adventure experience to have in Egypt.

Felucca Tips: Don’t bring too much stuff. You’re just going to relax, eat and sleep. Bring a book, I-pad or something to play music on. You can even pass the hours on the Nile playing games on your iPad. There’s nowhere to charge your items so bring a power cell to charge things. Use lots of sunscreen and bug spray. Don’t forget snacks just in case you get hungry between meals. Don’t forget your towel, remember that it can also act as a blanket. It can get cold at night, I was happy in my silk sleeping bag but an extra blanket is always nice.

We took our Felucca trip while traveling through Egypt with Oasis Overland on their 17-week expedition from Cape Town to Cairo.

More on Egypt:

• Is Egypt Safe?
• The Best Places to Visit in Egypt
• Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

3 thoughts on “Felucca Boat Trip on the Nile: What Is It Like?”

Awesome trip guys! I’ve always wanted to do that!

Looks amazing! We are heading down the Nile in March.

I think you’re in for a fair bit more luxury than we had!! 🙂 You’ll enjoy it though. Egypt is awesome.

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Felucca Nile Cruises – Sail The Nile In Timeless Tradition

Most Felucca Nile cruises are typically journeys that last from one to three hours, and a trip in one of these traditional sail boats can really allow you to get up close to some fascinating sites which aren’t accessible via larger boats or ships.

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What is a Felucca?

The Felucca is a type of dhow, a traditional boat that originated in the Middle East. They are typically characterized by two tall, lateen sails, and they have been used in one form or another for thousands of years already. They have been historically important to commerce in this region, and in fact, they were the main means of water transport all the way up until the mid Twentieth Century.

These days, they are frequently the option of choice among tourists who want a relaxing, and also very quiet experience of Felucca Nile cruises.

Visiting Archaeological Sites with Felucca Nile Cruises

The Nile River snakes its way through some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The famed Valley of the Kings; Valley of Queens; Philae Temple and Karnak Temples are just some of the spectacular ancient sites located all along its winding path.

Nile cruise holidays are more popular than ever because unlike most things in life, Nile cruises have become increasingly affordable over the years. All Nile cruises offer travelers an opportunity to enjoy and experience what they will never forget. Making such a journey in a boat that makes no sound save for the wind in the sails and the bow cutting through the water, allows one the peace to reflect upon where they are and the significance of what they’re actually witnessing.

Watching farmers work their fields (just as they have been doing for thousands of years) from the deck on a Felucca Nile cruise while silently sailing is well and truly a magnificent experience. If a Felucca cruise is too “bare-bones” for you, and you would prefer a similar experience but which is far more comfortable and luxurious, then we would recommend a Dahabiya Nile cruise instead.

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Types of “Felucca” Cruises on the Nile

Many modern “Feluccas” are converted yachts that are owned and operated by private captains or by tour agencies, as are the bigger and more elegant Dahabiya boats, as seen in the picture above. Nearly all Nile River cruises , including Felucca cruises, depart from either Luxor or Aswan and head up or downriver, respectively, following much the same route as the large cruise ships.

Felucca tours can be booked for a few days or for longer than a week, and are more often than not private tours booked by families and/or small groups of friends.

Felucca Nile cruises are by their very nature smaller than the majority of the boats you will see sailing up and down this historic river. The original Feluccas (unmodified versions) can typically accommodate between 6 and 8 people, which makes them perfect for a small group of individuals who are travelling together.

Private Felucca Nile cruises can also be arranged, either through a reputable tour operator of by negotiating a price with one of the locals. However, the latter option is not recommended. It’s also worth noting that with very basic cruises, you will almost certainly have to forego any luxuries. Amenities are often very basic or sometimes almost non-existent.

These days, an increasing number of tourists are also making the journey from Aswan to Luxor or from Luxor to Aswan on Feluccas, but it can be quite a costly choice.

An Authentic Experience

For a truly authentic experience, it’s really impossible to beat a Felucca cruise. You’ll be taking part in a history that spans millennia, and you will be doing so just as the people who are native to these lands have done for generations. The boats themselves represent part of Egyptian culture, and the closer to the culture one can get, the better.

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Last Updated on March 27, 2024

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Egypt Nile Felucca - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Felucca vs. riverboat: How will you discover the Nile?

Travelling Egypt without spending time on the Nile, would be like going to Italy and not seeing the Colosseum or visiting Peru and not stopping by Machu Picchu .

Having said that deciding how to tackle this mighty beast can throw up all manner of questions. For instance, when’s the best time to go? How long should I spend onboard? And, most frequently, do I choose a felucca or riverboat?

To quickly address a couple of those queries, October to April is the best time to travel because it’s not too hot (between 25-30°C), making temple pitstops much more pleasant. Also, on an Intrepid trip you can expect to spend a maximum of one night sleeping on a felucca, but three nights if choosing a cruise.

That detail alone should give you some indication of what you’d prefer. But, if you’re still befuddled, don’t worry, all will soon become clear as we help you to decipher the differences between these two river roving options.

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Option 1: Felucca

Photo captured by Ryan Bolton

Simply speaking, a felucca is a traditional Egyptian wooden boat with a canvas sail, but they do come in lots of different shapes and sizes. Aswan is the usual boarding point for felucca rides, although you can also hop on at Luxor. Once aboard you’ll journey along the river between these two spots, but how far you travel is heavily dependent on the wind and water current.

The felucca offers some welcome shade and protection from the sun (and other elements), but there are no cabins or enclosed areas. Passengers will sleep in the open air on a communal mattress for the night. You’ll be provided with a blanket, but you may wish to bring a sleeping bag during the cooler months. It’s worth mentioning that these can be rented locally, so you don’t need to worry about lugging one all the way from home!

RELATED: 7 EGYPTIAN EXPERIENCES EVERY TRAVELLER SHOULD HAVE

Your Nubian sailing crew, which tends to be made up of two sailors and a chef, will cook all the deliciously hearty meals you’ll tuck into on your trip. Get ready to gorge yourself on local delicacies like foul (an Egyptian fava bean stew), falafel, hummus, pitta bread and more.

As well as sharing a sleeping space, which also triples up as your dining and relaxing space, you’ll share a bathroom with your fellow passengers. On an Intrepid trip you’ll have access to a proper Western-style toilet and a shower, the only felucca on the Nile to have one! Who says travelling this way has to be basic?

Hints and tips

1. No shoes are allowed on deck to avoid contact with your sleeping mattress, so they’re left in a basket at the front of the boat when boarding.

2. Swimming is safe (and encouraged). The section of water between Aswan and Luxor is clean and taking a dip is a real highlight.

3. You can enjoy a drink onboard, although these need to be ordered in advance. Please mention this to your guide and crew ahead of departure.

4. We’ve been working with the same felucca provider for 15 years and Captain Jamaica (or JJ to his friends) is a core part of the Intrepid family.

Trips travelling by felucca

• 8-day Egypt Adventure
• 8-day Egypt Family Holiday
• 9-day Essential Egypt
• 15-day Explore Egypt

RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLING IN EGYPT

Option 2: Riverboat

meunierd/Shutterstock

If you’d rather not compromise on creature comforts, then a Nile cruise is absolutely the right route for you. These riverboats could easily be compared to boutique four or five-star floating hotels, housing 50-70 private cabins. Just like the feluccas, these vessels operate between Aswan and Luxor. However, they run on a schedule meaning you’ll always spend three nights onboard.

Typically on these trips you’ll get up early to explore before the heat of the day and then have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. You’ll disembark the boat daily, which will give you plenty of opportunities to check out the abundant ancient sights peppering the shore. From Abu Simbel to Kom Ombo temple, you can look forward to seeing it all!

RELATED: 7 MUST-SEE SIGHTS IN EGYPT THAT AREN’T THE PYRAMIDS

Given the capacity of these riverboats, you’ll be sharing facilities with travellers who are not a part of your Intrepid tour. What a great way to meet even more like-minded people though, right? Facilities include a luxury lounge, sundeck, restaurant, rooftop pool and bar. You’ll also enjoy all your meals onboard, the menus for which will feature a wide selection of mouth-watering local dishes. With some boats even able to cater for gluten and lactose-free diets.

We couldn’t tie off this section without mentioning the cabins, which come fully airconditioned, beautifully decorated, with a private bathroom, colour TV, minibar and more.

1. The boat will be anchored at port each evening and only on the odd occasion would you be sailing through the night. So, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the views.

2. Be sure to bring your bargaining skills, as plenty of small boats will approach trying to sell souvenirs and onshore excursions will have their fair share of local merchants too.

Trips travelling by riverboat

• 12-day Egypt Experience

RELATED: THE ULTIMATE EGYPT PACKING GUIDE

No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to bring the following along: swimmers and a towel, sunscreen and insect repellent, a good sense of humour and excellent conversation skills.

Want to experience the best that Egypt has to offer? Check out Intrepid’s diverse range of tours today!

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I'm a firm believer in the saying: "you'll always regret what you didn't do, not what you did". So, even after people told me I'd never get a job again if I left London to travel, I did it anyway. 29 countries later, and it will always be one of the best decisions I've ever made (corny maybe, but true). Life's short, the time to get out there and see the world is now!

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• Felucca Ride

Feluccas are the traditional sailboats of Egypt Nile. Egyptians and foreigners alike enjoy a relaxing felucca ride, as they are perfect for catching the breeze on a hot summer night, for brisker sails the rest of the year and watching the sunset anytime. They are ideal for an impromptu party after work, a romantic evening, and for soothing the tots on the weekends. It is not unusual for friends to get together and rent a felucca for an hour or two for a small social gathering. Such gatherings, frequently after sunset, may not do much sailing at all, but simply sit in a quiet cove where everyone can enjoy the lights on the banks and the river traffic.

The felucca has remained, over the centuries, the primary transportation of the Nile. Its ancient form still graces the river as it has done since the time of the Pharaohs. Motorized barges transport bulk material and modern cruise ships transport tourists, but the felucca remains despite modern alternatives. The felucca rarely has any form of engine and relies entirely on the breeze which builds during the day and usually subsides at night, and the Nile River’s current. Egypt is blessed with a predominant southerly wind that pushes sailboats upriver, while allowing them to return on its current downstream.

Some of the craft today are used to carry tourists who wish to enjoy an eternally peaceful journey carried along by the gentle breeze and the currents of the river. In fact, a felucca ride is very often included in many standard tours. Some feluccas even carry passengers for longer voyages of several days, but only the most adventurous tourists usually take part in these, as the accommodations are rather primitive.

Few feluccas are now made entirely of wood, but the basic layout has barely changed. They don’t have a keel as such, but a heavy center plate which can be raised in the shallows. The sails are seriously low tech affairs made of native cotton and other natural fibers.

Feluccas are usually furnished with cushions around the circumference and a table fixed in the middle; where one can surely enjoy picnic style lunch or dinner while enjoying a different view of the metropolis. Your captain tucks his Galabeya (tradition Egyptian male dress) about his waist and steers with his feet, while busily drawing and letting the sail to and fro as the vessel tacks up and down the Nile.

This is the perfect short trip if you want to enjoy the best of Egypt in an adventurous and informal style. Beginning with the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, we see all the classic sights of Egypt. There’s Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and a free day in Aswan to allow an optional visit to Abu Simbel. The adventure comes in our choice of Nile transport, where we have opted for the single-masted, lateen-rigged sailing boat called the felucca. These age-old workhorses of the Nile give us the freedom to cruise between the great sites along the river, watching rural life pass us by. The winds and currents may necessitate some adjustments to the itinerary, but the schedule is designed to allow for flexibility. Throughout the trip you will be accompanied by one of our local guides who are all experts on ancient Egypt.

Felucca Adventure Packages

Package 01:, 2 nights aswan / 2 nights nile felucca sailing boat adventure / kom ombo / edfu / 1 night luxor tour package 6 days 5 nights.

you can see details and prices of this package in the following link

http://www.egypt-nile-cruise.com/2-nights-aswan-2-nights-nile-felucca-sailing-boat-adventure-kom-ombo-edfu-1-night-luxor-tour-package-6-days-5-nights/

Package 02:

Aswan / luxor felucca sailing tour 5 days / 4 nights.

http://www.egypt-nile-cruise.com/aswan-luxor-felucca-sailing-tour-5-days-4-nights/

Package 03:

2 nights nile felucca ride adventure sailing boat from aswan to kom ombo and transfer to luxor.

http://www.egypt-nile-cruise.com/2-nights-nile-felucca-ride-adventure-sailing-boat-from-aswan-to-kom-ombo-and-transfer-to-luxor/

Package 04:

Fishing day trip in luxor.

http://www.egypt-nile-cruise.com/fishing-day-trip-in-luxor/

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• Karnak Temple
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• Felucca Nile Cruise From Cairo to Luxor

Felucca Nile Cruise From Cairo to Luxor 9 days

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Explore Egypt's ancient wonders in an 8-day tour. Starting in Cairo with the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum, travel by train to Aswan for a felucca Nile cruise and Nubian village visits. Marvel at Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo Temples, and relax on board. In Luxor, discover Edfu, Karnak, Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and Tutankhamun's Tomb, with an optional hot air balloon ride. The tour concludes with a return train journey to Cairo.

Day 1 Cairo

Meet and assist at Cairo International Airport, transfer to the hotel, dinner.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2 Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel then start your tour by visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx. Have a lunch and afternoon visit Egyptian Museum then visit old Cairo. Dinner then transfer to the train station for a train 1st Class seats to Aswan.

Overnight in the train.

Day 3 Aswan - Nubian Villages

Arrive to Aswan by early morning then transfer to the sail boat (Felucca) to discover the country side and visit the Nubian villages. Lunch on board made by the crew then afternoon start visiting High Dam and Philae Temple, later back to the Felucca, dinner on board.

Overnight in Aswan.

Day 4 Abu Simbel Temples - Kom Ombo

Breakfast on board then you will the chance to visit Abu Simbel Temples (300 km south of Aswan - it is an optional) then back to Felucca and sail north to Kom Ombo. Have dinner.

Overnight on board the Felucca boat.

Day 5 Kom Ombo

Relaxing on the Felucca board, breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.

Visit Kom Ombo Temple which had 2 Gods Horus and Sobek.

Day 6 Relax onboard

Overnight at the Felucca boat.

Day 7 Edfu Temple - Luxor Temple - Karnak Temple

Breakfast then check out from the Felucca boat and visit Edfu Temple. Transfer to Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple then transfer to the hotel.

Lunch and Dinner.

Overnight at Luxor.

Day 8 Valley of the Kings - Habu Temple - Tutankhamun Tomb

Breakfast at the hotel, check out (and there is a chance to do Hot Air Balloon ride early morning - it is an optional) then visit the West Bank of the Nile (Valley of the Kings and Habu Temple), Tutankhamun Tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Lunch and dinner then transfer to the train station for 1st Class seats train back to Cairo.

Over night in the train.

Day 9 Cairo

Arrive in Cairo early morning around 07:00 then transfer to Cairo international Airport for flight back home.

What's included

* Please check prices for full list of inclusions and exclusions

• Accommodation
• Guiding in selected language
• Meals (full board)
• Pick up and drop off
• Transportation
• Park/ museum entrance fees

Available in

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Please, note that the language(s) offered (if applicable) )

Available for

Children, Students, Adults, Seniors

Departure & Return

Start city : Cairo , Egypt

Pick up times available: 07:00

Pick up location: Cairo International Airport

Ends at: Cairo International Airport

Nearest airport : Cairo International Airport (CAI)

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Felucca Nile Cruises (3) Tours

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Nile River with one of our Felucca Nile Cruises by Ibis Egypt Tours . Embark on a remarkable journey in Aswan or Luxor and board a traditional Felucca boat , where you'll bask in the southern sun during the day and marvel at the starry night skies. 

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Experience relaxing Of Egypt Nile Cruises journey to fresh your mind, escape masses and explore the ravishing weather of Nile River onboard Felucca Ride in Aswan, camp at Koubaneya village, taste Nubian food and more with Felucca Nile Cruise .

Kom Ombo and Edfu Felucca Nile Cruise

Succumb With Egypt Nile Cruises to the beauty of the Nile River and saver at the wealth of history with Ibis Egypt tours, try Felucca Nile Cruises in Aswan where you will have the chance to scout around Edfu Temple , Stare at Kom Ombo Temple , moreover explore Nubian Lifestyle and more.

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Book Egypt Nile Cruises to Touch the gleaming parts of ancient Pharaonic while trying Felucca Nile Cruise to Aswan and Kom Ombo with Ibis Egypt tours, Escape the crowds, exploring major landmarks like Gebel el Silsila, and more with Felucca Nile Cruise.

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Questions and Answers related to Egypt Tour Packages .

Egyptian cities are very safe in general, especially at the areas where tourists are visiting frequently, as tourist sites are far from episodes have occurred and it was not affected, even during protests happened after the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 Most of our clients arrived during these periods mentioned how it was safe during their trip to Egypt.

Traveler must have a valid passport for at least six months, You can apply for a tourist visa at any Egyptian embassy in your country before your arrival. If traveler citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Korea, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, Serbia, the Ukraine, a country that is part of the Russian Federation, or a country that is a member of the European Union, he can apply for a visa upon arrival at the Egyptian airport, it will cost him $25 or the equivalent amount, and visa will be valid for 30 days.

For sure you can visit Egypt and Jordan, where you can explore fascinating Egypt and Jordan and more with Ibis Egypt tours.

If you have a visa for Sinai, it will allow you to visit any destination in Sinai, but if you want to visit Cairo , Luxor or Aswan you can obtain Visa according to rules at questions number One.

Yes, there are direct flights from the United States to Cairo organized by Egypt Air, where you can find a flight from New York, the JFK Airport, direct to Cairo five times a week. it takes approximately 12 hours. There is flights belongs to Egypt Air as well flies from Los Angles directly to Cairo, it takes approx. 17 hours, However tourists arriving from U.S.A prefer to make transit either in Paris, North Africa ( They prefer to stop in morocco ), or London.

Because of the cheap price of the airline tickets, clients prefer airlines, but the only exception for this client arriving from Jordan via Aqaba Port, as they are crossing by ferry boat from Aqaba Harbor to Nuweiba , but the ships were coming to Egyptian Mediterranean harbors from Cyprus or Greece, is not working nowadays. On the other hand you can find a variety of cruises coming to Egypt’s Mediterranean and the Red Sea Ports, it is stopping at the different harbors for one or two days, and Ibis Egypt tours will be more than happy to offer day trips to Egypt and Jordan for clients wanted to enjoy tours to Egypt or Jordan, and clients can obtain visa at the Egyptian ports, kindly open this link, it contains different Egyptian Shore Excursions trips for clients who intend to ride an international cruise will stop at the Egyptian ports or Jordan port.

We recommend for you to Purchase Cigarettes and Alcohol upon your arrival to Egypt, where you will find duty free shops at Egypt’s airports, at Cairo, Hurghada , Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh , and El Gouna , you will be allowed to purchase 200 cigarettes and 03 liters of alcohol upon arrival.

All travelers arriving to Egypt have 48 Hours to buy cigarettes or alcohol from any duty-free shop either located at Egypt’s airports, or from other locations located in Cairo or from hotels in El Gouna or Hurghada or Sharm El-sheikh, the traveler can purchase 200 cigarettes and 03 liters of Alcohol.

Deposit required for your holiday is 25% of the total holiday cost, except at the peak periods “ Christmas, New Year and Easter “ deposit will be 50% of the total price. and you can pay the deposit by credit card ( Visa or Master Card ) or by bank wire transfer to Ibis Egypt tours bank account.

Ibis Egypt tours is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. Our number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at our homepage. www.ibisegypttours.com

Yes for sure Ibis Egypt tours offering special prices for private groups. We are offering discounts starting from 10% and more, depending on the nature and length of the trip. For groups more than 15 people, we will offer you one person in double free of charge from the group.

Ibis Egypt tours has good deals with all hotels all over Egypt, which makes our prices competitive, another thing you’ll notice is the inclusions. While we don’t include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see, on the other hand, we leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.

A charge of 3% will be paid as bank fees for payments made by credit card, No additional charges will be applied.

As Per our terms and conditions, Ibis Egypt tours refund depends on how far in advance we are notified about the cancellation, Except Shore Excursions day trips booking you will refund whatever amount you have paid in advance in case of force majeure.

Ibis Egypt tours is glad to offer a discount for clients wanted to pay the total amount of their tour in advance, However, If you paid the total amount of your tour six months before arrival, we will be more than happy to offer 5% discount for your trip.

You should book your tour maximum one week before your arrival. On the other hand during peak periods “ Christmas and New Year’s, Easter “ earlier is much better to secure space for your holiday before arrival.

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06 Sabbah Mosque St., Behind Sabah Mosque, El Badrawi St. from Al Haram St., Giza - Egypt

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Egypt Nile Felucca

Sailing boat tours.

• Cairo Tours
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Egypt Nile Felucca TRIPS

Cruising the world’s longest river has long been a popular pastime for intrepid travelers. The most authentic and intimate way to cruise the Nile is aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat used in Egypt since ancient times. Here are some of the best options for Nile felucca cruises throughout Egypt. Cairo Even the most time-pressed travelers can enjoy some time on the Nile River aboard a wooden felucca sailboat from Cairo. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline—its mosques, bridges, and skyscrapers—as you bob along, enjoying a warm breeze and a cool drink. Choose between an afternoon or sunset sailing. Luxor There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the sun set over ancient Thebes as you float along the Nile, and a short evening cruise is an excellent option for travelers with limited time in Luxor. Those with more hours to spare can embark on a full-day Nile River cruise to explore sites like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon alongside an Egyptologist guide. Aswan From the city of Aswan, a Nile cruise might take the form of a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, a leisurely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens. Read more about Nile River Felucca Cruises in Egypt

Cairo Trips

Cairo Even the most time-pressed travelers can enjoy some time on the Nile River aboard a wooden felucca sailboat from Cairo. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline—its mosques, bridges, and skyscrapers—as you bob along, enjoying a warm breeze and a cool drink. Choose between an afternoon or sunset sailing.

Luxor Trips

Luxor There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the sun set over ancient Thebes as you float along the Nile, and a short evening cruise is an excellent option for travelers with limited time in Luxor. Those with more hours to spare can embark on a full-day Nile River cruise to explore sites like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon alongside an Egyptologist guide. Aswan From the city of Aswan, a Nile cruise might take the form of a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, a leisurely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens. Read more about Nile River Felucca Cruises in Egypt

Aswan Trips

Aswan From the city of Aswan, a Nile cruise might take the form of a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, a leisurely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens. Read more about Nile River Felucca Cruises in Egypt

urely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens. Read more about Nile River Felucca Cruises in Egypt

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Egypt Explorer - Felucca cruise & Red Sea

• Fully Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in November 2023

Places You’ll See

• Visit the Pyramids of Giza and see the mythical Sphinx
• Enjoy the scenery as you sail along the Nile on felucca
• Explore the stunning Aswan and the West Bank of Luxor
• Go sightseeing in Cairo and experience the open market
• Introduction
• Day 1 Airport pick up to hotel in Cairo
• Day 2 Cairo, Giza
• Day 3 Aswan
• Day 4 Felucca Cruise
• Day 5 Kom Ombo, Luxor
• Day 6 Luxor to Hurghada, Red Sea
• Day 7 Hurghada, Red Sea
• Day 8 Hurghada, Red Sea
• Day 9 Cairo
• Day 10 Cairo airport transfer

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• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Itinerary Excellent 4.7
• Guide Excellent 4.9
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Excellent 4.4
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Timeless Tours 4.6
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• NR Nicholas · 13th May 2024 George the guide was excellent. The itinerary was excellent. Hotels were good. Sam, George's supervisor should be binned. Meet him twice. He is a MAJOR negative Trip date: May 2024 Review collected by Timeless Tours
• PH Penny · 3rd May 2024 Mina was an absolutely amazing guide! Would definitely recommend!! :) Trip date: December 2023

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• -50% Saturday 15 Jun, 2024 Monday 24 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,173 €586 Confirm Dates
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Frequently Asked Questions

Optional excursions prices vary, for instance, Abu Simbel tour and Alexandria day trip each cost $137, while Hot Air Balloon ride costs $192.

The final payment for the tour should ideally be made before the departure date indicated, but adjustments can be discussed.

You have the option to cancel the booking; however, extreme cases may see waiver of cancellation fees.

Accommodations during the tour are scheduled at 3-4 star hotels and a felucca sailing boat as per the itinerary.

The tour includes several meals - typically breakfasts, lunches, and some dinners as per the itinerary.

You will receive the tour voucher and travel documents via the dashboard on your booking page.

Yes, you can pick new dates as the tour is available every Saturday and Wednesday throughout the year.

You could pay for the entrance fees, the extra meals and drinks, and the optional excursions by credit card.

The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP); however, many tour related expenses are quoted in USD to avoid inconvenience due to unstable exchange rates.

The price excludes entrance fees to sites visited, flights, travel insurance, tipping kitty, tour guide tips, meals not indicated, and drinks or personal expenses.

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Good to Know

• Currency £ Egyptian Pound Egypt

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Egypt. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 12th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 12th August 2024, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Timeless Tours . The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Timeless Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Timeless Tours " tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Timeless Tours . Please familiarise yourself with the Timeless Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Cruising the Nile in Egypt: The Complete Guide

Written by Jess Lee Apr 29, 2021

Cruising the Nile is one of Egypt's iconic experiences . Without the Nile, Egypt's grand Pharaonic civilization would never have survived and thrived across the centuries, dominating so much of what we know about the eastern Mediterranean's ancient world.

Today the Nile still controls modern Egypt, with around 95 percent of the population living along its banks and in the river's delta region before it spills into the Mediterranean.

A cruise along this river is a journey into Egypt's epic human history; the river banks scattered with Egypt's most famous vast temples and painted tomb sites.

It's also a taste of Egypt at its most lush and tranquil, and an up-close experience of the country's rural riverine scenery.

Before you head to Egypt, use our complete guide to cruising the Nile to help plan your trip.

On This Page:

Nile cruisers, life onboard, nile cruiser routes and itineraries, dahabiyas: a more intimate and personalized nile cruise, dahabiya routes & itineraries, feluccas: the adventure travel alternative, felucca routes & itineraries, short felucca tours.

The most popular way to take a Nile cruise is on one of the big Nile cruiser boats .

Think of a Nile cruiser as a floating hotel. Normal onboard amenities include a sundeck (or sundecks) complete with a pool and restaurant.

Just like with hotels there is a huge amount of Nile cruiser choice, and boats differ hugely in price and the range of facilities.

Some of the top deluxe boats (often run by, or in conjunction with, five-star international hotel brands) dish up a luxury cruise experience, complete with onboard spa facilities, opulently styled cabins, and gourmet food.

On mid-range boats, you can still expect excellent staff service, but décor will be much less grand (and cabin space will usually be much smaller), and there won't be as many onboard facilities.

Some of the very cheapest Nile cruisers can be rather run down and are best avoided if you want a comfortable cruise experience.

One Nile Cruiser, the M/S Sudan , offers a special heritage cruise stay and the unique chance of cruising onboard one of the original Nile tourist steamships, now refitted for modern comforts but still brimming with 19th-century character.

In general, Nile cruisers carry between around 50 and 100 passengers . Note that this means you will always be visiting the tourist attractions on your included excursions in a large group. If large group tours really aren't for you, think carefully before signing up for a Nile cruise.

Nile cruiser packages usually include all meals and a range of included onshore excursions.

For example, on the most popular Luxor-Aswan cruise route, tours of Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple are included, as well as a tour of Luxor's major West Bank sites .

During the evenings, a range of optional entertainment is included onboard. This can range from musical entertainment to Egyptology lectures depending on the cruise.

As with all cruises, onboard schedules are regimented, as they're corralling a large group. All good Nile cruisers advertise their schedules, so you can check if you're happy with the itinerary before booking.

Cabin accommodation style ranges wildly. More deluxe-style boats offer cabins with big picture windows, which make the most of the Nile views.

Typically, lower deck cabins are the cheapest cruise option. This is because your view will be impeded. If cabin views are important to you, it is worthwhile paying the extra for an upper deck cabin.

The most typical Nile cruiser route is between Luxor and Aswan , with cruises starting from either end.

This route is usually three or four nights , though you will be spending two of those nights at port onboard in your start and end point.

Note that more time than you think will be spent at dock. Actual cruising time upon the river is limited.

On a Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor cruise, typical itineraries include a guided tour of the highlight tourist attractions of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple in Luxor's west bank and the Temple of Karnak on Luxor's east bank; stops while cruising along the river at Edfu and Kom Ombo for guided tours of the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Kom Ombo; and a guided tour of Philae Temple at Aswan.

While docked in Aswan , optional excursions to the Temples of Abu Simbel are normally offered, and hot-air ballooning is usually available as an optional extra at Luxor.

Some Nile cruisers offer longer cruises along this route - for example, a seven-night Luxor to Aswan cruise package.

It's important to note that on these longer cruises, the included guided tours and stops mostly stay the same, though a stop in Esna for a guided tour of the Temple of Khnum is usually thrown in.

What these longer tours offer is a less rushed Nile cruise experience with an itinerary that travels from Luxor to Aswan and then returns to Luxor (or vice versa), so that there is more time spent cruising the river, and the offshore guided tours of the temples are more spaced out along the route.

If you're looking for this longer Nile cruise option, though, the Cairo to Luxor or Luxor to Cairo route is a much more interesting route.

This itinerary usually takes between nine and 11 nights . This route usually continues on to Aswan, so you can opt to add in that section as well.

Compared to the amount of boats heading up and down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, only a handful of Nile cruisers ply the full river route, and there are much fewer sailings through the year.

This itinerary is something of a dream trip for historically minded travelers , heading to all the major Ancient Egypt tourist attractions along the Nile between Cairo and Luxor.

Typical stops along the route (heading north to south) are Beni Suef, to visit the Pyramids of Maydom and Hawara; Minya, to visit the archaeological sites of Tell Al-Amarna, Tuna Al-Gebel, and Beni Hasan; Sohag to visit Abydos and its Temple of Seti I; and Qena to visit Dendara.

As with the Luxor to Aswan cruises, sightseeing tours at your embarkation and disembarking points are also normally included. In Cairo, this is usually a guided tour of the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.

The most exclusive way to cruise the Nile is on a dahabiya. These sailing boats brim with character and hark back to the early days of Nile tourism , before steamboats began plying the river; all the famous 19th-century Nile tourists, including Gustave Flaubert and Florence Nightingale made their journeys on dahabiyas.

The boats generally only take between 10 and 20 passengers .

What you lose in facilities (you won't find a restaurant or swimming pool onboard), you make up for with personal service, itinerary flexibility, and a lack of crowds.

If you are looking for a more intimate Nile cruise experience but still want the comfort of a cabin, dahabiyas are an excellent alternative to the big Nile cruisers.

Instead of docking for the night amid a crowded Nile cruiser dock, dahabiyas usually anchor at Nile islands for the night , so passengers can have a taster of the Nile at its most tranquil.

Note that there is much less choice of boats and sailings than with Nile cruisers, so it's best to organize and book as far in advance as you can.

Due to the small size of dahabiyas, if you are traveling in a group, you can also book a completely private dahabiya cruise .

As with Nile cruisers, all meals (served communally on a dahabiya) are included in the cruise price, but the inclusion of guided tours and entry fees to tourist attractions depends on the individual cruise operator. Always check and compare schedules and inclusions.

Dahabiyas most typically sail a route between Esna (58 kilometers south of Luxor) and Aswan (with departures available from either end) with a three-night or four-night itinerary. Transfers from Luxor to Esna are included in the cruise price.

The small size of these sailing boats mean they can dock at places along the river that the large Nile cruisers can't, so itineraries take in interesting monuments and places that the Nile cruisers miss.

A typical three-night itinerary on a dahabiya, with guided tour excursions included could encompass tours at Edfu's Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo Temple, as well as stops at local riverside villages, the ancient quarry and monuments of Gebel El-Silsila, and the village of Daraw with its camel market.

Feluccas are the traditional single lateen-sail boats of the Nile. This is a Nile cruise for the more adventurous . What you lose in facilities, you gain in scenery, tranquil star-filled nights, more time spent on the river, and a close-up experience of river life.

Feluccas generally take up to eight passengers and have a two- to three-person crew that do the sailing and cooking during the trip.

There are generally no bathroom facilities onboard. Passengers don't expect to shower until they have disembarked, and the felucca anchors at a Nile island or bank when passengers ask for a toilet break.

Passengers sleep on the cushioned deck at night . It's a good idea to bring a sleeping bag although feluccas usually provide plenty of blankets if needed.

Meals are simple but tasty Egyptian home-style cooking, often kept vegetarian due to the only refrigeration being the onboard icebox.

Time spent on a felucca is life reduced to the basics , so don't expect Wi-Fi onboard or electricity. At night, the felucca is lit by candle lanterns, while daytime cruising activity is basically lazing about on deck admiring the scenery, or reading, with plenty of time for swim stops as well.

Guided tours and monument fees are not included in a felucca cruise price. Felucca cruises are priced in the budget price-point , and the cost usually covers the felucca transport, meals, and copious cups of tea.

Unlike Nile cruisers and dahabiyas, felucca cruises are often arranged and booked on-site in Aswan.

Always check out the boat before agreeing, and discuss what amenities will be available - for example some feluccas will stock their boat with soft drinks and water to sell to passengers, while others will expect the passengers to bring these extra supplies with them.

Feluccas start from Aswan to follow the flow of the river . Journey itineraries are generally sold as one-night, two-night, or three-night cruises.

Itineraries are very relaxed (sailing speed depends completely on the wind and weather conditions) and can be customized completely, with stops at local villages and lesser-visited sites along the river such as Gebel El-Silsisa.

The one-night option includes almost two full days on the river, so it's a great choice if you really want to experience Nile life up close but are not sure if you can handle more time without creature comforts.

One night felucca cruises finish at Kom Ombo Temple. The most popular felucca cruise option is the two-night cruise , which stops along the way at Kom Ombo and finishes at Edfu for the Temple of Horus. Three-night cruises disembark at Esna.

Transfers to Luxor (or back to Aswan) at the end of the journey can be included in the cruise price, but as feluccas are all individually operated, all inclusion details need to be agreed on before sailing.

If you love the idea of felucca travel but don't think you would be comfortable on a felucca overnight tour, fear not - you can experience cruising the Nile in this traditional style on a day trip.

Both Luxor and Aswan are prime destinations for short felucca trips , which are usually priced by the hour.

Some Nile cruiser itineraries offer a short felucca ride around Aswan's islands as one of their included excursions while at dock there.

Short Aswan felucca tours loop around the islands, usually making stops at Kitchener's Island and on the west bank near the Monastery of St. Simeon. For a longer felucca tour, head south to Seheyl Island.

For the best photography options, time your trip for just before sunset.

More on Egypt

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Felucca Nile Cruise in Egypt: a Must Do Activity

Egypt is literally built along the Nile, it’s the lifeline of the country since the ancient history of the country. The 4000-mile long river connects almost all the cities of Egypt. A highly recommended activity during your visit to Egypt is to do a Nile cruise and especially in a traditional felucca.

We visited Egypt in October while the weather was still pretty hot and traveled all around the country. From Aswan, we went up to Luxor during an overnight trip with a traditional felucca Nile cruise. Sailing along the river, sleeping on the open boat, and having dinner on the water was an amazing experience. In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about the felucca Nile cruise from our own experience.

Find cheap flights to Egypt here!

Where to Start the Cruise

Most of the Nile cruises are in between Luxor and Aswan and you can start the cruise from either of these cities. If you are traveling all over Egypt we would advise starting in Aswan since it’s the most south of the country. If you take a train from Cairo you can sleep in and arrive fit in the morning and from Luxor it’s easier to go to the next place since it’s located more centrally. The river flows from south to north so in this direction you go with the flow, but either way is possible.

Felucca Nile Cruise

There are many Nile cruises, most of them are big cruise boats but when you want a more authentic experience we would recommend a felucca Nile cruise. A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat, without a backup motor. It’s a very relaxed way to travel the Nile. We went with Egypt Nile Cruise and the felucca we traveled with was a double-deck boat. At the top deck you can relax, enjoy the sun, and watch the sail swing from one side to another while on the bottom deck you can chill out in the shade and enjoy the fresh wind blowing through the open boat.

Where Do You Eat & Sleep?

The bottom deck of the felucca was covered with cushions and makes one big bed where you can sleep with a lot of people. When we took the felucca cruise we were only with 5 guests and 3 friendly crewmembers. In the back of the boat is a small kitchen part where the crew cooked the most delicious local meals and it was honestly better than in most restaurants we ate.

During the day we sailed among the Nile and after sunset the boat anchored at a pier. While the cook was preparing dinner, we were invited to walk with another crew member to the Nubian village where they lived and he showed us his house and offered us tea. It was great to experience their culture, and for once they didn’t do it for the tips but just to show us their way of living.

Upon return at the boat dinner was served, and afterward, we stayed docked at the pier overnight.

How Long Does the Cruise Last?

The Felucca Nile cruise we joined was 2 days one night, but they also had a 3 days 2 nights option . With the 2-day tour, we spent the first day on the boat sailing on the Nile. On the 3 day tour, you have 2 days of sailing on the river. While you zigzag along the river you will see Egypt from a different perspective. It’s calm and peaceful and you get totally relaxed.

On the last day of the tour we were dropped off after breakfast and the tour continues by can/van. First, we visited the temple of Kom Ombo where a guide explained to us everything about the temple and the hieroglyphs. Afterward, it was a 60 km drive towards Edfu where we visited the Temple of Horus. After this temple, it’s another 120 km drive to Luxor where we were dropped off at our hotel. The transfer and a guide during the visits were included in the price of the Felucca Nile Cruise.

Where to Stay After the Felucca Nile Cruise

In Aswan, we stayed a few nights on Elephantine Island. It’s a 5-minute ferry to the mainland but on the island, it’s way quieter and nobody will bother you with tours and such. We stayed at the El Prince Guest House , it was not very clean but the owner was so friendly and helpful which made up for the dirtiness.

Find all hotels in Aswan here! 

When we arrived in Luxor we stayed at the Nefertiti Hotel Luxor . It is opposite the Luxor temple and it was a great and affordable place to stay. They also offered drivers to explore Luxor and the West Bank for a reasonable price. We can advise you to book a driver from the hotel instead of negotiating with drivers on the street because at the end of the trip they always want a ridiculous tip or let you pay more than agreed on.

Find all hotels in Luxor here!

Read all our other blogs about Egypt here!

This felucca Nile cruise was a great experience which we really enjoyed. Especially with the friendly crew, the relaxed day on the water, and the beautiful views along the way. We would definitely recommend trying it out.

Check out all our other bucket list activities here!

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• Destinations

Egypt Explorer – felucca cruise & Red Sea

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Why book with us.

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If you have any questions about our tours, then please don’t hesitate to contact us 24/7.

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Tour Details

Discover this ancient civilisation steeped in the history of the grand temples of the Gods and their tales of the past. This journey through Egypt packs in awe-inspiring culture and adventure in ten energetic days. But still manage to relax, at the Red Sea. Dive deep into the clear, warm waters.

Departure & Return Location

Price includes.

• Qualified English speaking Egyptologist
• 2 Nights at a 4* star hotel in Cairo
• 1 Night at a 4* hotel in Aswan
• 1 Night on a traditional felucca sailing boat
• 1 Night at a 3* star hotel in Luxor
• 2 Nights at a 4* hotel in Hurghada
• Two way overnight travel in an A/C bus: Cairo - Aswan; Hurghada - Cairo
• Guided tours of the Pyramids and Cairo city
• Guided tours of Aswan; Valley of the Kings; Kom Ombo and Luxor Temples
• Airport pickup and transfers
• Transportation in A/C bus
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners

Price Excludes

• Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$80)
• Flights (airfare)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping kitty (allow US$30)
• Tour guide tips
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
• Great Pyramids of Giza
• Sphinx & the Giza Plateau
• Philae Temple
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Hurghada,, Red Sea
• Egyptian Museum
• Old Cairo Bazaar - Khan El Khalili

Day 1 Airport pick up to hotel in Cairo

Arrive at Cairo airport where you will be met by our representative who will assist you through the formalities. Transfer to your hotel to meet your guide for a briefing explaining the tour itinerary. Overnight stay at your hotel in Cairo.

Day 2 Cairo

After breakfast we start the tour by visiting the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at the Giza Plateau, before heading to Sakkara to visit the Step Pyramid – the first completed pyramid in Egypt – as well as ancient Pharonic tombs. Overnight on A/C bus to Aswan. Breakfast included. *Optional extra: upgrade to flight from Cairo to Aswan

Day 3 Aswan

Arrive in Aswan. You will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. We begin the day with a tour of the romantic Philae Temple – perched atop a picturesque island, its beautiful location is reached by small motor boat, making a truly magnificent approach to the site. Overnight stay at your hotel in Aswan.

Day 4 Felucca Cruise

After breakfast, step aboard your Nile Felucca. Watch the world go by as you sail down the Nile observing rural life on the shores and taking in the changing landscape of the mighty river. Overnight on the Felucca. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. *Optional extra: Visit Abu Simbel – the stupendous Sun Temple of Ramses the Great, located at the southernmost tip of ancient Egypt’s borders.

Day 5 Kom Ombo, Luxor

After breakfast we travel on an A/C bus to the city of Luxor, often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum and home to some of the grandest monuments that have survived from ancient Thebes. On the way we visit the temple of Kom Ombo – its perfectly symmetrical twin entrances overlook the spectacular riverside. In the afternoon we tour of the East Bank of the Nile. Here you will experience the immense Karnak Temple, considered by some as Egypt’s most important Pharonic site – the country’s powerhouse of ancient times; as well as the magnificent Luxor Temple where visitors are greeted by the impressive Avenue of Sphinxes. Overnight stay at your hotel in Luxor. Breakfast included.

Day 6 Luxor to Hurghada, Red Sea

After breakfast we explore the West Bank of Luxor, starting the tour with the world famous Valley of the Kings, the richest archaeological site on earth. Then on to the breathtaking Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir al-Bahri), built for the only woman to reign over Egypt as pharaoh. Finally we visit the great Colossi of Memnon – the last remains of Amenophis III’s temple. We then take the A/C bus to Hurghada, Red Sea. Overnight stay at your hotel in Hurghada.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7 Hurghada, Red Sea

This is a free day to be spent at your leisure. With snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and good food and drink available you will find much to do; or simply relax and enjoy the sun. Overnight stay at your hotel in Hurghada. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Hurghada, Red Sea

This is another free day to be spent at your leisure. With snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and good food and drink available you will find much to do; or simply relax and enjoy the sun. Overnight on A/C bus to Cairo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Cairo

Arrive in Cairo where you will be transferred to your hotel. Today we tour the City of Cairo, beginning with the Egyptian Museum where you may view the treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. From there we head to the Coptic area of old Cairo to visit the hanging church, so named as it is suspended above two Roman gate towers. Then on to the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, which sits majestically on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin. Afterwards we make our way to the old Cairo Bazaar, Khan El Khalili, with its maze of intriguing alleyways that are home to numerous souvenir stalls and coffee shops. Overnight stay at your hotel in Cairo. Breakfast included.

Day 10 Cairo airport transfer

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Take the memories of your adventures with you on your flight home. Breakfast included.

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