2- or 3-night Nile cruise

Hi there,

We’re heading to Egypt from April 19 to 28 and would love to do a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, but on a small boat—like a felucca or dahabiya—to avoid the big touristy cruises. Ideally, we’d like a 2- to 3-night cruise between April 20 and 25, since we arrive in Cairo on the 20th and need to be back there by the 25th for an event.

Our budget is around 500 € per person, and we’ve already contacted Terre d’Égypte, but they’re fully booked for those dates. Does anyone have recommendations for reliable agencies or companies that offer this kind of cruise? And if, unfortunately, we can’t find something that fits, do you have any recommendations for French-speaking guides on the ground who could take us on tours between Aswan and Luxor from land?

Thanks so much for your help! !

Hi everyone, First off, you’ll probably need to adjust the per-person price upward. Also, should you book through a local agency or arrange it with a travel agency near you? What time are you arriving in Cairo on the 20th? If you’re taking the cruise from Luxor, will you have enough time to get there by plane? Keep in mind that after landing, clearing customs, collecting your luggage, and reaching the boats—which aren’t in Luxor but in Esna—you’ll need at least two hours, assuming someone’s waiting for you at the airport. Same goes if you start the cruise from Aswan: it’s a minimum of 3 nights. Otherwise, with dahabiyas and feluccas, you’ll likely be dropped off in Edfu and have to continue by car to Luxor or Aswan, depending on your departure. Check out these two agencies: "Les Gréements du Nil" or "Les Voiles du Nil." Personally, with only a few days in Egypt and such a tight schedule, I’d skip the cruise—it’s a huge time sink if you want to see as much as possible. In Egypt, more than anywhere else, you always have to account for unexpected delays. Also, why fly into Cairo if you’re just doing a cruise? I’m just trying to understand the flight ticket price (though it’s none of my business). If you don’t plan to explore Cairo at all, it’s better to arrive in Luxor, do the cruise, and then visit the sites along the Nile on your way back from Aswan. Also, when do you have the French-speaking guide for the Nile-side tours by car—before or after the cruise if you decide to do one? Thoutmosis

Hi there, thanks for your reply. So we arrive in Cairo on the night of April 19–20 (at 1 a.m. and can take a direct flight at 5 a.m. to Aswan or Luxor, depending on the direction of the itinerary). We booked a round-trip flight from France to Cairo because we absolutely have to be back in Cairo for an event between April 25 and 28, so we’ll be staying there for the last few days. I found a few cruises that offer 2- or 3-night itineraries—maybe a bit above our budget, but we’re open to suggestions and good value-for-money options, even if it goes slightly over.

Basically, the idea is to be between Luxor and Aswan from April 20 to 25, which gives us 5 days to visit or go on a cruise. For us, the cruise seemed like the most "fun" way to see the temples, enjoy the landscapes, etc., without the hassle of a car or bus. But if you have alternative suggestions, we’re open to those too. The goal is to explore without spending all day in cars. Thanks! :)