| There is endless fascination with ancient Egyptian | | | | a few luxury suites. While the size of an individual |
| artifacts and architecture and the desert ruins of | | | | vessel varies, river cruise ships accommodate from |
| these compelling structures attract tens of thousands | | | | just 100 to at most 500 passengers. |
| of visitors every year. The itinerary of world traveler | | | | A luxury Nile cruise is an ideal way for a new visitor |
| is incomplete without a trip to these impressive | | | | to Egypt to experience this unique culture since all |
| ancient sites in person at least once. For those who | | | | services are included. Cruise passengers need not |
| wish to view these magnificent structures while | | | | worry about food quality or palatability while eating at |
| traveling in luxury, consider cruising the Nile River like | | | | restaurants in an unfamiliar culture, for example. Also |
| Cleopatra and the pharaohs. | | | | the cruise company arranges all the tours to the |
| Average tourists visit Egypt by land and spend their | | | | major ancient attractions and provides reputable |
| days aboard hot buses traversing dusty desert | | | | guides who know Egyptian customs. |
| terrain. Meanwhile the ever-present Nile River quietly | | | | Even though the ships are smaller, expect fine |
| flows through lush local countryside, green from its | | | | accommodations, fine dining and other amenities like a |
| proximity to the river. Cruising the Nile is a unique and | | | | swimming pool on a luxury Nile River cruise. Luxury |
| unusual way to see the sights of Egypt, away from | | | | Nile cruises offer a limited number of suites or even |
| the crowds of the major tourist centers. At the | | | | penthouses for additional comfort. A resident chef will |
| same time, cruise operators provide ample | | | | prepare a variety of ethnic and international dishes |
| opportunities for passengers to debark from the | | | | that appeal to the palate of any gourmet traveler. |
| cruise ship and avail themselves of private tours to | | | | The main point to consider in selecting a Nile cruise is |
| the major historic wonders of Egypt. | | | | to be certain of selecting a quality cruise company |
| Renowned sightseeing stops for Nile cruise excursions | | | | that indeed offers luxury travel. Using the services of |
| include the treasures of Luxor, including the tomb of | | | | a travel consultant experienced with luxury travel is |
| Nefertiti and the Temple of Karnak. Many of the | | | | the best way to select a five-star Nile cruise from a |
| cruises allow time to visit ancient the Egyptian towns | | | | reputable cruise company. |
| of Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Edfu. The cruise line | | | | Nile cruises are typically just 3, 4 or 7 nights because |
| arranges for knowledgeable local guides who are | | | | of the short distances between major attractions. |
| available to explain the finer points of each site. | | | | The best time of year for a luxury cruise is during |
| Visiting these sites under the auspices of a reputable | | | | the Egyptian winter, from December to February. |
| cruise line eliminates any concern of dealing with | | | | Egypt is an ancient land with fascinating monuments |
| unscrupulous local tour operators. | | | | and temples that are adorned with mysterious |
| If the term cruise boat evokes a picture of an | | | | hieroglyphics. What better way to immerse yourself |
| ocean-going vessel that houses over 2,000 | | | | into this unique culture than to experience luxury |
| passengers, think again. Picture instead the intimacy | | | | travel while cruising the Nile like the royal pharaohs. |
| of a five-star ship that features about 60 cabins and | | | | |