Destinations: Egypt - The Lovely Escapist

Egypt Travel Guide: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan Itinerary

Julie Mari Maca — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 01:42:57 +0000

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”40″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

Are you planning a trip to Egypt and wondering how to make the most of your time in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan? This detailed Egypt travel guide is based on our first-hand experience exploring the top attractions in Egypt over five unforgettable days. From ancient pyramids and temples to Nile River cruises and hidden gems, here’s everything you need to plan your Egypt itinerary. It’s a travel blueprint you can save, use, and follow as if you were right there with us.

Day 1: Cairo – Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and Egyptian Museum

[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

Where to stay in Cairo: Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo – centrally located in Garden City with Nile views and a rooftop pool.

Morning: Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
Start your Egypt trip with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Arrive by 9:00 AM to avoid large crowds. The complex includes the Great Pyramid (you can go inside), the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Allocate 2–3 hours for your visit.

Midday: Traditional Egyptian Lunch
After visiting the pyramids, head to Felfela Restaurant Cairo, located 20 minutes away, for authentic Egyptian dishes such as falafel, grilled meats, and lentil soup.

Afternoon: Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
Explore the Egyptian Museum, home to over 120,000 artifacts including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Spend 1.5–2 hours here. Consider hiring a licensed guide or using a mobile audio guide app for context.

Evening: Al-Azhar Park and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Relax at Al-Azhar Park with panoramic views of Cairo. Then head to Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s most famous market, for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts. Don’t miss a traditional tea at El Fishawy Café.

Want to pre-book a guided tour of the pyramids? Check out this link here.

Day 2: Luxor – East Bank Exploration and Karnak Temple

How to get to Luxor from Cairo: Take a one-hour domestic flight.

Where to stay in Luxor: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – located along the east bank of the Nile with excellent amenities.

Morning: Karnak Temple Complex
Start your Luxor itinerary with a visit to Karnak Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Key highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall, obelisks, and the sacred lake. Visit early to avoid midday heat.

Midday: Avenue of Sphinxes and Luxor Temple
Walk or drive down the Avenue of Sphinxes connecting Karnak to Luxor Temple. This temple, dating back to 1400 BCE, is especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated.

Evening: Relax by the Nile
Enjoy a Nile-side dinner at the hotel or explore local restaurants like the Pavillon Winter Luxor. Take a short walk along the Luxor Corniche for views of the West Bank at sunset.

Day 3: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple

Morning: Valley of the Kings
Take an early morning transfer (by car or boat) to the West Bank of Luxor. Start with the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of many pharaohs including Tutankhamun. Entry includes access to several tombs – Ramses IV and Tutankhamun are highly recommended.

Midday: Temple of Hatshepsut
Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning structure built into the cliffs. It honors one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs. Spend around 45 minutes here.

Quick Stop: Colossi of Memnon
On the way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues dating back to the 14th century BCE.

Afternoon: Rest and Shopping
Return to your hotel to cool off, then explore local shops for handmade souvenirs and traditional Egyptian crafts along the Nile promenade.

Day 4: Aswan – Philae Temple, Obelisks, and Nile Serenity

How to get to Aswan from Luxor: Take a 3.5-hour scenic train ride or a short flight.

Where to stay in Aswan: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – a luxury hotel on the Nile River with historical charm.

Morning: Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
Take a short boat ride to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was relocated to this island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Budget 1–2 hours.

Midday: Unfinished Obelisk
Visit the Unfinished Obelisk at the ancient granite quarries to understand how massive monuments were carved from stone.

Evening: Sunset by the Nile
Enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel terrace or take a felucca (traditional sailboat) ride on the Nile. For dinner, the Mövenpick Resort Aswan has one of the best rooftop dining experiences in the city.

Looking to travel around Europe to your next trip? Our blogs covers the best itinerary on budget options! Check out here.

Day 5: Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan

How to get to Abu Simbel: Join a group tour or hire a private driver for the 3-hour drive each way. Tours typically leave around 4:30 AM.

Morning: Explore Abu Simbel Temples
Visit the majestic Abu Simbel Temples, built by Ramses II. These rock-cut temples were relocated in the 1960s to prevent submersion by Lake Nasser. Allow 2 hours to explore both temples, especially the Temple of Nefertari with its impressive carvings.

Afternoon: Return to Aswan
Arrive back in Aswan by 3:00 PM. Enjoy a relaxing farewell dinner overlooking the river or on Elephantine Island.

You may want to book your Abu Simbel day tour with this provider in advance here.

Summary: 5-Day Egypt Travel Itinerary

Day	Destination	Main Activities
1	Cairo	Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili
2	Luxor (East)	Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Avenue of Sphinxes
3	Luxor (West)	Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
4	Aswan	Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Nile sunset
5	Abu Simbel	Day trip to Abu Simbel, final dinner in Aswan

Travel Tips for Egypt Visitors

Best time to visit Egypt: October to April for pleasant weather.
Visa requirements: Many nationalities can apply online for an Egypt eVisa.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is preferred in many local places.
Transportation: Use Uber in Cairo; book trains/flights between cities in advance.

Dress code: Light, breathable clothes; modest attire for temple visits.

Why Visit Egypt?

Egypt is a dream destination for history lovers, culture seekers, and adventure travelers. Whether you’re marveling at the Pyramids of Giza, exploring hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or cruising the Nile under golden sunsets, this country delivers unforgettable experiences every step of the way. Use this Cairo–Luxor–Aswan itinerary as your essential guide to travel through Egypt efficiently, comfortably, and meaningfully.

The post Egypt Travel Guide: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan Itinerary appeared first on The Lovely Escapist.

Nour El Nil: Malouka | Nile Cruise Review

Angie — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:03:21 +0000

When my husband, Layton, and I planned our dream trip to Egypt, sailing down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan was at the top of our list of things to do. We couldn’t help but imagine ourselves as a modern-day Anthony and Cleopatra lounging around on an open-air deck, drinking hibiscus tea and eating delicious treats while sailing down the life source of Egypt. This over-romanticization may sound a little ridiculous, but it is entirely attainable when you book a river cruise with Nour el Nil.

But what makes Nour el Nil different from other river cruises?

There are two major differences: the size of the ships and the length of the cruise.

Many other luxury Nile river cruises are large, multistory ships with sealed cabins, modern dining rooms, nightclubs, and pools. Yes, it is upscale, but perhaps missing an important factor: authenticity. Nour el Nil strives to offer guests an intimate luxury experience by sailing traditional Egyptian dahabiyas (boats that have been sailing the Nile for centuries), offering impeccable service, and serving delicious food. Also, being a much smaller ship, the Nour el Nil dahabiyas can access many more stops along the river, meaning you can see more ancient sites and local villages.

Nour el Nil also offers the longest sailing time between Luxor and Aswan—six days. Most other Nile river cruises are three or four days.

How much does it cost?

Prices to cruise with Nour el Nil start at €1,200 per person and go up to €2,400 per person. The prices vary depending on the time of the year, but the ones I’ve just listed are during the regular season. The cheapest Nile cruises start at around €600 for three days.

Was it worth it?

Yes! Sailing with Nour el Nil was one of the highlights of our trip to Egypt. After spending a few hectic days in Cairo and Luxor, it was incredible to disconnect and unwind on the Nile. It is even more wonderful to see lesser-known ancient sites and local villages along the riverbanks. However, I’m not going to lie; it can be difficult adjusting to the slow pace of the cruise, especially if you love being on the go and scheduling your day down to the last minute. But by the end of it, you’ll wish to stay aboard for another week!

If you’re still interested in cruising the Nile with Nour el Nil, keep on reading. Below is my Nour el Nil cruise review, including details about our boat (the Malouka), the room, food, service, and more!

The Malouka

The Nour el Nil fleet consists of six traditional Egyptian dahabiyas – Assouan, El Nil, Malouka, Meroe, Agatha, and Adelaide. The dahabiyas of Nour el Nil, while differing in size, each provide guests with comfort and luxury. During our cruise, we had the pleasure of calling the Malouka our home.

This 45 x 7 meter dahabiya offers 8 luxury rooms and 2 panoramic suites. Most ships of the Nour el Nil fleet accommodate a maximum of 20 guests. We stayed in one of the luxury rooms, which is available in a king bed or twin bed setup. The rooms have large, sliding windows offering views of the Nile and includes an en-suite with shower, toilet, closet, wall-to-wall mirror, and fans.

The deck upstairs is a common area meant for lounging – lined with chandelier and decorated with rugs, armchairs, daybeds, throw pillows, and hammocks – all covered by an awning that shields you from the sun. While relaxing in style, members of the Egyptian crew are eager to offer delicious hibiscus tea, snacks, or a cool towelette in order to help make your experience that much more enjoyable.

For a little more privacy, there is a salon downstairs next to the bedrooms. This room has comfortable red and white striped couches, a library of mostly french books, board games, and large windows so you can still enjoy the views.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”5″ bottom_margin=”5″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” spacing_right=””][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8718|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/high_res2.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”false”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8248|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dsc3378.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” spacing_right=””][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8244|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/AUC_8148.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”false”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8247|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/high_res-2.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” spacing_right=””][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8254|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/AUC_8435.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”false”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”8252|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://thelovelyescapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/AUC_8436.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_title title_type=”text” rotation_effect=”bounceIn” display_time=”1200″ highlight_effect=”circle” loop_animation=”off” highlight_width=”9″ highlight_top_margin=”0″ before_text=”” rotation_text=”” highlight_text=”” after_text=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”3″ font_size=”” animated_font_size=”” fusion_font_family_title_font=”” fusion_font_subset_title_font=”” fusion_font_variant_title_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_top_mobile=”” margin_bottom_mobile=”” text_color=”” animated_text_color=”” highlight_color=”” style_type=”none” sep_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” margin_top_small=”” margin_bottom_small=””]

Food + Drinks

Every morning we woke up to a family-style breakfast with eggs cooked to order. Fresh fruit, local bread, oatmeal, and eggs were our go-to foods during the morning before we started the day. Lunch varied depending on whether we were in a village or on the boat. When in the town, we would stop by a local area or visit a local host family who had a quick bite to eat prepared for us. When on the boat, our lunch ranged from yummy sandwiches to koshari (rice and chicken). While lunch was always a crowd favorite with our group, dinner provided a fantastic experience. Multiple times, we would dock along the shore and have dinner under the stars along the bank of the Nile. Dinners ranged from BBQ to stuffed pigeons. The food was a real highlight of our cruise.

I wouldn’t do the cruise justice if I didn’t mention the hibiscus tea. While there are many drink options on the cruise, I had never had hibiscus tea before, so on the first day, I decided to give it a try. To my amazement, it is my favorite tea in the world, and I would 100% go back just to drink more (when I try to make it at home, it just isn’t the same).

Photos by fellow cruise passenger Carly Walter

Service Onboard

The Nour el Nil service was phenomenal. Always there with a smile and a friendly greeting, the crew made our trip effortless by providing us with food, drinks, entertainment, and anything else we might need.

One evening, they docked us on the bank of the Nile and set up hookahs and bonfires for us to stargaze around. On another night, they had a huge Egyptian party with live music and dancing for hours. They also filled one of our pre-dinner evenings with a soccer game on the shore, which allowed us to swim in the Nile, play soccer, and eat BBQ. It was a truly unique experience!

I also had a few special requests that the crew helped with during our stay. I knew I wanted to get photos of our ship, so the crew took me out on the dinghy during sunset to snap the pictures I wanted!

From housekeeping to cooking to tour guiding to soccer players, the crew and their attentive service really made Nour el Nil special to us. While most of the crew did not speak English fluently, there was one who did, and he would keep us updated on our itineraries and relay any needs or requests to the rest of the crew.

This Cruise Is Right For You If You’re…

Looking to relax and go with the flow (literally down the Nile). Cruising with Nour el Nil is very slow-paced. After floating down the Nile for a day, the river and surrounding banks look the same. Obviously, you can get on and off to explore lesser-known ruins and local villages. However, the majority of your time is spent on the boat. There are board games and books to entertain you, but if you can’t sit still, you may find the cruise boring. While there is an itinerary, you never really get a great idea of the daily timeline.

Interested to learn about more than just Ancient Egypt. As I mentioned, your time off the boat is split between venturing through lesser-known ruins and visiting local villages. When you get off the ship, you follow your guide down a path through farmland and into a small town. There are not necessarily any sites to see, but you’ll have a chance to wander around through the streets and even get the chance to meet some locals. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about their culture and see how Egyptians in the area live daily.

Excited to get to know your fellow passengers. There are 10 to 20 passengers on each ship. You eat each meal with them, go on the same tours, and share a relatively small boat with them. To say the least, you get to know them relatively well in a short period of time. On our boat, there were four couples, one family of 4, and a solo traveler, all living in the US at the time. The kinds of people who take a Nour el Nil cruise have unique stories, backgrounds, and conversations. For us, it was a great experience! Nour el Nil would be a great fit if you like meeting new people and making friends.

Things I Wish I Knew Before My Cruise

Pack warm clothes. It gets colder than you think when you’re on the water, especially in the mornings and evenings. So be sure to pack a warm jacket, pants, and socks.
Bring lots of cash. Most entrance fees to ruins and shops along the bank do not take cards, only cash.
Tipping. It’s normal to tip €100 for each person in a cabin, so be sure to have enough cash for that as well.
The ship doesn’t sail (most of the time). While the boats are sailboats, you get towed by a smaller ship with a motor when there’s not enough wind to fill the sails. Unfortunately, that happened more than 70% of the time. It might have been that the time of year we visited wasn’t very windy. However, the sailing aspect of the experience wasn’t as ‘peaceful’ as it was portrayed online.

At the end of the day, you can get from Luxor to Aswan in many different ways. Trains, planes, and automobiles are all an option. However, sailing down the Nile is something mankind has been doing for thousands of years. To have the chance to take part in something with this much history and provide such an iconic experience isn’t easily passed up. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, cruise down the Nile with Nour el Nil.

The post Nour El Nil: Malouka | Nile Cruise Review appeared first on The Lovely Escapist.