The Best Activities to Do While Taking a Nile River Cruise

In this article we give you all information you need about the best activities to do while taking a Nile River Cruise.

Discover Egypt’s timeless treasures along the legendary Nile River. From the Temple of Philae in Aswan to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, embark on a historical journey through ancient wonders.

One of Egypt’s countless blessings is the magical Nile River, which extends about 4,160 miles from Uganda to Egypt. The most wonderful thing about it is that it is considered the longest river in the world, and the Amazon River is the only river that challenges the Nile in its length, but the Nile River presented to the whole world that it is incomparable, more wonderful, and more than wonderful.

The Nile River collects its water from 11 different African countries, and passes through many different ecosystems along its length. There are dozens of fascinating artifacts, attractions and landmarks located throughout its shores, and the most popular and recommended way to explore and visit them all is through a Nile River Cruise that will take you into the depths of the Nile River.

The Nile River has always had great real importance throughout different ages and eras, starting with the era of the ancient Egyptians, as it influenced the formation of their lives, culture, history, and agricultural system.

While on board your Nile River Cruise, you have the opportunity to do the  best activities to do while taking a Nile River Cruise, and you will have the best opportunity to check out the greatest attractions of Luxor and Aswan, as well as take advantage of the amazing facilities on board the luxury ship, making for a truly enjoyable and wonderful experience in Egypt. Below are the main Egyptian cities that you will have the opportunity to visit while on board a Nile River cruise:

The best places and activities to do while taking a Nile River Cruise in Aswan 

Located on the eastern bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt, Aswan is home to some of the greatest ancient Egyptian monuments, and the finest modern achievements and structures. Read the following to know about the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise.

Philae Temple

The Temple of Philae is one of activities to do while taking a Nile Cruise, and a miraculous symbol of divine golden allure and pure grandeur that came into existence around the 7th or 6th century BC but the oldest part of the temple, built during the period 380 to 362 BC, is the temple of Isis, the goddess of motherhood and healing. Many of the world’s Ptolemaic rulers sought to perpetuate their epic legend of Osiris, who raised him from the dead to become the ruler of the underworld.

Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970, with help from the Soviet Union to open a gateway to the industrial age. It includes the wonderful Lake Nasser, which is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. It provides water for irrigation and promotes finishing, agriculture and tourism. It has also become the main center for hydroelectric power production, providing Egypt with a brighter future.

Abu Simbel Temples

The gleaming golden temples of Abu Simbel have stood firm in the sands of time throughout the ages after Ramesses the Great in 1200 BC created this heavenly jewel as an immortal symbol of his might and many victories. The temple is dedicated entirely to the gods Ptah, Ra, Horakhty, and Amun, as well as to Pharaoh Ramesses II himself, as seen on the Feast of the Sun. Just 100 meters from the main temple is the temple of Nefertari, his beautiful wife, whom he tried to immortalize as the cornerstone of his entire existence. Along with the Temple of Philae, they were transferred in the 1960s and 1970s by UNESCO for their enormous historical and architectural importance.

Kom Ombo Temple

The enormous temple of Kom Ombo is one of the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise, and a timeless golden jewel created in the Greco-Roman era between 180 BC and 47 BC to honor two great gods, Horus the Great, the falcon-headed god Horus, and the crocodile-headed god Sobek. Which is associated with fertility and the Nile River. Its double design is completely symmetrical and has many fine hieroglyphic inscriptions with reliefs and scenes showing medical instruments and surgical instruments, as well as many mythological and historical exhibits.

Edfu Temple

The powerful Temple of Edfu gained a reputation as one of the greatest and largest temples in the world, having been built around 237 BC and 57 BC. The temple is famous for being highly preserved, as it is located on the land where the great battle took place between Horus, the falcon god of the sky, and Set, the evil god of the desert. The temple is filled with a number of wonderful inscriptions and engravings of ancient Egyptian mythology, religious beliefs, and very important historical events.

Unfinished Obelisk

In the blessed golden lands of Aswan was found the unique unfinished obelisk which would have been the largest man-made obelisk in history and which was never completed. It will weigh 1,200 tons and be 137 feet (41.75 meters) long. It’s consider one of the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise. Queen Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BC) ordered it to be placed in the Karnak Temple, so it was carved into the rock, but it was destroyed during its construction. It has the ability to shed light on how obelisks were made and the many developments that occurred in the world of ancient Egyptian architecture and stone sculptures.

The Nubian Village

One of the most charming destinations located in the southern parts of Aswan is the honorable Nubian Village, which is famous for its traditional architecture, unique culture, colorful displays, and rich history, in addition to the warm hospitality of the Nubian people. The Nubian village has the ability to tell many wonderful stories and provides the opportunity for all artisans to enjoy a new world that has lived along the Nile River for thousands of years. Read the following to discover the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise.

The Monastery of St. Simeon

The majestic Monastery of Saint Simeon dates back to the 7th century AD on the golden lands of Aswan, where it served as a center of worship for Christian hermits and monks. It is made of mud brick and contains unique Nubian and Coptic influences. It was named after a Christian hermit who lived in the area in complete prayer and solitude.

The most important landmarks that you can explore and the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise in Luxor 

This is the most visited city in Egypt, right after Cairo, as it was created on the site of the ancient capital of Egypt, Thebes, and gained its great importance from the numerous tourist attractions that were built there. Top Landmarks to Explore and the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise in Luxor.

This is the most visited city in Egypt, right after Cairo, as it was created on the site of the ancient capital of Egypt, Thebes, and gained its great importance from the numerous tourist attractions that were built there.

Karnak Temples Complex

The Golden District of the Complex of the Gods and Kings of Karnak is a living piece of celestial art made up of an epic collection of temples, obelisks, towers, chapels and stunning ancient structures. This large cult center is located on 247 acres and was established between 2000 BC and 30 BC. The complex is dedicated to the Theban Triad and consists of the Amun-Re area, the Mut area, the Montu area, the Hypostyle Hall, and the Sphinx Street. Complete your reading to discover the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise.

Luxor Museum

The epic Luxor Museum houses some of the most amazing collections of artefacts and antiquities, completed around 1975. It has the potential to convey an informative view of Egypt’s amazing treasures from different periods but mostly from the New Kingdom. By exploring the museum, everyone will learn valuable facts about the history, art and culture of ancient Egypt.

Luxor Temple

The wondrous, royal temple of Luxor has earned a number of different titles such as the South Sanctuary and the House of the Golden Kings, as it served as a center for the shrines of many rulers such as Amenhotep III, Ramses the Great and others. It was completed around 1400 BC as a major center for the worship of the creator god Amun and the Theban Golden Triad of the 18th Dynasty. It is very well preserved because it is filled with some of the most amazing collections of intricate carvings, architectural marvels and hieroglyphic inscriptions that convey a lot of meaning about the history of the New Kingdom.

The Valley of the Kings

In the legendary golden sands of Thebes are hidden chambers filled with amazing stories and treasures that have stood the test of time during the New Kingdom period. The Valley of the Kings served as a cemetery for the pharaohs and senior officials of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, such as Ramesses II, Thutmose III, Seti I, and Ramesses III. The 63 royal tombs are filled with magical images of their lives, achievements and fascinating facts about their religious beliefs.

The Tombs of the Nobles

The majestic Tombs of the Nobles are magnificent pieces of art found buried in the sands of Aswan on the west bank of the Nile River. The tombs date back to the era of the Old Egyptian Kingdom (2686-2181 BC), the Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC), and the New Egyptian Kingdom (1550-1070 BC).

The tombs belonged to a number of influential and important officials and nobles who worked under the authority of the pharaoh. The adjacent tombs of father and son Mekhu and Sabni, the tomb of Sarenput II, and the tomb of Harkhuf are the most famous. The megalithic tombs are all found on cliffs and hills and are filled with a number of informative hieroglyphic inscriptions displaying exquisite detail.

The majestic Tombs of the Nobles are marvelous pieces of art found buried in the sands of Aswan on the west bank of the Nile River. The tombs date back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2686-2181 BCE), the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2055-1650 BCE), and the New Kingdom of Egypt (1550-1070 BCE).

The tombs belonged to a number of influential and important officials and nobles to worked under the authority of the Pharaoh. The adjoining tombs of father and son Mekhu and Sabni, The tomb of Sarenput II, and The tomb of Harkhuf are known to be the most famous. All the Rock-Cut tombs are found on the cliffs and hillsides and are filled with a number of very informative Hieroglyphic Inscriptions showcasing great details.

Hatshepsut Temple

The immortal Temple of Hatshepsut is a true sign of eternal grace and attraction, which has always remained sacred and a true vision of the greatness of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. This three-level marvel was created around 1479 BC as an architectural marvel dedicated to Amun and her remarkable legacy as one of the greatest rulers in Egyptian history.

Colossi of Memnon

One of the great monuments of the Great Temple of Memnon is the powerful, giant statue of Memnon, and consider the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise which was made of two great statues during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III between 1386 and 1349 BC. Each giant statue is made of quartzite sandstone and stands 60 feet (about 18 meters) tall. It bears the face of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, sitting on the throne with his hands on his knees.

Dendera Temple

The Dendera temple complex is a hidden gem of treasures and epic stories created around the Old Kingdom and continuing into the Ptolemaic and Roman era (from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD). The temple holds some of the finest examples of art and architecture, which include the Temple of Hathor, zodiac signs, crypts, and many other great works of art.

Abydos Temples

One of Egypt’s most important monuments is the epic temple of Abydos, and one of activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise, built during the 19th Dynasty (ca. 1290-1279 BC) and dedicated to the god Osiris. Its most valuable possession is the legendary Abydos king list, which provides valuable historical information about the succession of many kings from Menes to the New Kingdom.

Best Recommended Nile River Cruises

You can now book a wonderful Nile River cruise by checking out our Nile River Cruise Packages to enjoy a wonderful experience around the previously mentioned locations and much more. And to discover the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise.

Conclusion

Taking everything into consideration, taking a Nile cruise in Egypt is a truly amazing experience that will leave you in awe of the country’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Nile cruises offer unparalleled comfort, ensuring you relax in style while savoring delicious cuisine and enjoying world-class amenities. Enjoy the magic of Egypt with Egypt tours through our operations department that works around the clock to ensure all your needs are met. Contact us now, so we can turn your dream trip into a flawless reality. Finally we wish we give you all information you need about the best activities to do while taking a Nile river Cruise.

The Best Activities to Do While Taking a Nile River Cruise: FAQS

What is the best time to take a Nile River cruise?

The ideal time to cruise the Nile is between October and April, during Egypt’s winter season. Temperatures are cooler, making it more comfortable to explore ancient sites.

How long is a typical Nile River cruise?

Most cruises last between 3 and 7 days, with the most popular route being between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa). There are also longer cruises available, such as from Cairo to Aswan.

What should I pack for a Nile River cruise?

Essentials include:

Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen).

Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Modest clothing for visits to religious sites.

Evening wear for dinner, as some cruises have formal nights.

Are Nile River cruises family-friendly?

Yes, many cruises are family-friendly, offering activities suitable for all ages. However, the sightseeing focus may appeal more to adults or older children with an interest in history and culture.

What’s included in a Nile River cruise package?

Most packages include:

Accommodation (in a cabin on the boat).

Meals (full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Guided tours to historical sites.

Onboard entertainment.

Some luxury cruises may also include extras like spa access or special excursions (e.g., hot air balloon rides).

Do I need a guide during the cruise?

Yes, most cruises provide Egyptologists as guides to explain the history and significance of the temples and monuments. They offer valuable insights and make the experience more enriching.

Is it safe to travel on a Nile River cruise?

Yes, Nile cruises are generally very safe, with modern boats equipped with necessary safety features. The areas along the Nile, especially between Luxor and Aswan, are well-guarded and popular tourist spots.

Will I experience motion sickness on the cruise?

The Nile is a calm river, and most people do not experience motion sickness. The large riverboats are stable and sail smoothly.

Can I swim in the Nile River?

It is generally not recommended to swim in the Nile due to pollution and the risk of parasites like schistosomiasis. Most cruise ships have onboard pools for safe swimming.

Is tipping expected on a Nile River cruise?

Yes, tipping is customary. Many cruise lines have a tipping guideline, often recommending around $10–15 per day per person for the crew and guides.