Nile Cruise Duration: How Long Should You Stay?
How Many Days Do You Need for a Nile Cruise in Egypt?
Taking a cruise along the Nile River is considered one of the most exciting means of visiting sites associated with Egyptian history in its transition from one destination to another. One of the commonest queries that many visitors tend to ask when planning their tours is how many days for a Nile cruise? This depends entirely on the number of days one has, the sites he wishes to see, and the kind of tour he prefers.
Most of the classical Nile cruises run from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa with cruise lengths varying between short Nile cruises and long Nile cruising trips. One's preference will depend not only on his time constraints but also on whether he wishes to take the conventional Nile cruise or the classical Dahabiya Nile cruise.
How Many Days Is Enough for a Nile Cruise?
In general, 3 to 4 nights are sufficient for first-time travelers who wish to enjoy all the main tourist places on the Nile. There are a number of attractions which you will see when traveling from Luxor to Aswan, and, therefore, any cruise on this river becomes an exciting part of your Egyptian vacation.
The standard tour can involve visits to such places as Luxor and Karnak Temples, then Edfu and Kom Ombo before you arrive in Aswan. It depends on the program whether you can visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, as well as a number of other monuments in Luxor.
It should be mentioned that the shorter tour is recommended to travelers who have limited vacation period, or who wish to combine a cruise on the Nile with a few days of touring such cities as Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, or Red Sea resorts.
Keep in mind that any cruise on the Nile implies a busy schedule when it comes to sightseeing because it is organized according to the schedule.
Is a 5-Day Nile Cruise Better for First-Time Visitors?
Indeed, a Nile cruise of 5 days will be a good option for those who wish to see all major tourist attractions of Egypt without hurrying. In addition, more days of the itinerary provide more opportunities to relax and see something special on the board of the cruise ship, as well as to see important archaeological monuments.
There are many popular itineraries for Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruises which include all the necessary sights of these two cities. According to a particular itinerary, travelers will have an opportunity to visit the temple of Edfu and the temple of Kom Ombo and see the different parts of the Nile Valley from the deck. In addition, there will be enough time to feel the atmosphere of the cruise ship instead of treating it just as transport.
A 5-day cruise will be a good way to plan a longer itinerary of Egypt. It will be possible to spend some days in Cairo and in the vicinity of the Pyramids, and then go to Luxor and visit it at the end of the cruise.
What Can You See on a 7-Day Nile Cruise?
While the shorter Nile cruise lasts 4 days, the longer one is a 7-day cruise. This allows for leisurely exploration of Egypt and the cruise itself. Not being focused exclusively on the main attractions and places, it can help you to enjoy your journey through the Nile Valley, discover its ancient monuments, etc.
The schedule may vary depending on the cruise operator and the sailing direction, but longer cruises allow visitors to visit some extra places that are usually not included in the program of the short ones. People will have time to explore the East and West Bank of Luxor, such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings and then sail to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
Moreover, you might prefer taking a longer cruise simply because you like spending time onboard. Onboard there is a chance to take some rest on large ships which offer their guests a restaurant, swimming pool and lounge.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
It is worth noting that the Nile Cruise Dahabiya can need a bit of different treatment in order to decide how many days to have the cruise booked. In fact, the dahabiya represents a type of sailing boat which provides a smaller scale experience than the large cruise ships. It appeals to the people who are seeking something quieter and who would like to spend some time admiring the landscapes of the Nile.
The duration of the dahabiya trip can vary from night to night but the longer it is, the better. As it goes along, travellers can see not only famous temples but also quiet spots of the river and riverside places. Therefore, it does not seem to be as touristy as the other types of cruises.
It is possible to spend from 4 to 7 nights aboard of the dahabiya depending on the itinerary and the amount of holidays one has.
How to Choose the Right Nile Cruise Duration for Your Trip
Ultimately, the decision regarding the number of days to spend on the Nile cruise will depend on the overall itinerary planned in Egypt, personal preferences and budget. Travellers who have only limited time might find a 3 or 4-night trip suitable enough to see all of the highlights located on the way from Luxor to Aswan. Travellers who have some more time could choose a 5 or 7-day cruise to enjoy a more leisurely trip.
You need to take into account your plans to spend some time both before and after your cruise. For example, if you are planning to spend several days exploring Cairo or visiting the Giza Pyramids, Alexandria and the Red Sea coast, a shorter cruise will be more convenient for you. If you have two weeks or even more time to spend in Egypt, you can allocate some more time to Upper Egypt.
The cruise itinerary, the sightseeing program and embarking options are also very important. Make sure to study all of these aspects carefully before making your choice.
