Nile River

Stretching for over four thousand miles, the Nile is the longest river in the world. Flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, in Egypt, this river has many of the country's major cities on its banks. The White Nile has its source in Central Africa, in the Great Lakes region of the continent, while the Blue Nile rises in Ethiopia. The two rivers meet near Khartoum, in Sudan.

The Nile is one of the best-known rivers in the world and cruising down it is incredibly popular. There are a wide range different options available, though most of them last for around seven nights. However, if you are interested in taking a longer cruise there are several companies that will accommodate you.

The main cruising route on the Nile is from Luxor to Aswan, which is actually only a relatively short distance, no more than 140 miles. For this reason, many cruise itineraries include stops in Luxor and Aswan, which last for several days. These ports of call offer visitors some of the most fascinating opportunities for exploration anywhere on the river and there is plenty to see and do in the time available. Luxor is the location of the Valley of the Kings, an ancient burial ground that is sure to be one of the highlights of your tour through Egypt.

Generally, cruises on the Nile are focused on excursions, rather than facilities on the vessel itself. On most cruise ships, however, especially the more luxurious ones, you will be accommodated in extremely comfortable cabins and have access to excellent restaurants. The main reason travellers take cruises on the Nile is to explore the towns and cities on its banks and this is the reason the ships only cover a relatively short distance. The operators know that most passengers want to explore, rather than spend time on the ship.

If you are interested in finding a vessel that has excellent onboard facilities, you are in luck, because there are many to choose from. Some have a selection of shops and even swimming pools, while almost all provide all meals onboard. This means you are assured of enjoying a consistently high standard of cuisine and do not have to risk dining in whatever port the ship happens to be docked in.

One of the best things about taking a cruise on the Nile is that you are going to experience a different view of Egypt than you would if you stayed in just one place. Visiting Cairo will allow you to see some of the most famous attractions in the country, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx, but if you prefer a real view of country, then a cruise on the Nile is one of the best ways to get it.

Along the banks of the Nile there are an incredible number of historical buildings, ancient monuments and notable ruins. By taking a cruise you are going to be guided through the best of these and come away with memories of Egypt that you are likely to have missed out on had you decided to explore in any other way.