Adventure Cruises in Luxor
Luxor small ship cruises are wildly popular among the scores of visitors who come to explore Egypt and its main artery, the Nile River. Luxor, meaning “the palaces” in Arabic, is an ancient city once the center of power and activity when the Thebes inhabited it from the 11th to the 16th century. It has, over time, retained its charms and attractions, becoming one of the most popular destinations for travelers. The city lies in Upper Egypt and, once called “The City of a Hundred Doors’, has a variety of tourist attractions. Many liners ply on the 200-kilometer stretch between Luxor and Aswan, typically offering itineraries from anywhere between 4 days to 8 days. Travelers can take cruises from Luxor to Aswan or opt for a roundabout cruise beginning and ending at Luxor. Breakfasts while sailing to Kom Ombo, a private island dinner, and swimming time over the pristine and cleanest waters of the Nile are some of the activities these tours constitute.
Top Things to Do in Luxor
Lying on the East Bank of the winding Nile, Luxor, an ancient holy city, has temples and tombs that any avid traveler would not miss during their river cruise. Some of the most beautiful sites that Luxor has to offer are:
The Luxor Temple is one of the two most important sites in Luxor City on the East Bank of the River Nile. While the palaces of Thebes have not withstood the test of time, the Luxor Temple stands tall parallel to the river bank. Made of stone, the temple was built by Amenhotep III and completed by Tutankhamun in the 12th century. Once buried under the streets and houses of Luxor, the temple is now used as a place of worship by inhabitants.
Valley of the Kings: As the sun set in the West, the West Bank of the River Nile was turned into a necropolis, where the dead were buried. Within these valleys, ancient Egyptians built elaborate, ostentatious mausoleums, or their royalty’s place of final rest and journey onto the next world. The Valley of Kings is a mystical location on the West Bank of the River Nile, where lie some of the most eminent figures in Egypt's history.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: A structure dedicated to one of Egypt's most successful and popular female Pharaohs, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a vast complex replete with ancient hieroglyphics and carvings. These tell the story of the celebrated queen's birth, life, and death.
Colossi of Memnon: The Colossi of Memnon are two monolithic statues facing the Nile River. The 60-foot-high figures are carved from a single sandstone and weigh 700 tonnes each.
Sail to El Ramady Island: Guests can indulge in a private island dinner with an exquisite Egyptian Rababa show.
Hor Diab Island: After a visit to the Kom Ombo temple, guests can take a hearty dip in the sparkling, clean waters of the Nile River at Hor Diab Island.
Esna Lock Overnight Island Stay: Travelers get to sail through the famed Esna Lock, a renowned man-made marvel that makes for a great spot for a photo shoot. Guests can bask on the sundeck while sipping tea as the day progresses smoothly toward an overnight stay beside an island—an experience that is bound to be truly unique and memorable.
Best time to cruise Luxor
October to April would be the most favorable time to take up a Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. The time between October and April is best recommended since the weather is pleasant, and travelers can enjoy visiting sites like the Valley of Kings and other Temples without discomfort. Visiting Egypt between November and February usually means braving the bone-chilling cold. So, travelers must plan and time their Nile cruise river between February to April and September to November.
Where do Luxor cruises depart from?
Travelers taking the cruises from Luxor to Aswan generally arrive from the neighboring city of Cairo. Once in Cairo, there are several ways travelers can reach Luxor. For instance, some trains run from the Ramses Train Station in Cairo to the Luxor Railway Station from 8 AM to 11 PM. Depending on their budget, travelers can choose between the “Special” newer trains and the older, “Spanish” trains. Tickets must be booked in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Another way to reach Luxor is via Nile River Cruises, which fly from Cairo to Luxor. The cruise from Luxor to Aswan offers several sites to visit and relish. Other means of transportation to Luxor include an 11-hour bus ride and a short airplane ride from Cairo.
