The picturesque river is separated from the endless miles of stark desert by thick, lush greenery. As you cruise along, you will see the shores of the Nile are populated with temples and mosques, waterfowl, cattle, feluccas, pineapple farms and people. Enjoy the scenery as you slowly drift with the current through an amazing country of more than 5,000 years of history.

Riverboats have Ports of Call

The Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and along the shores are miles of greenery and small villages. Just like ocean cruises, river cruises also stop at ports of call, which are pre-selected towns or villages. These stops are part of the cruise itinerary. You should be able to discover prior to the Cruise where your riverboat will stop along the Nile. Once your ship docks, passengers are welcome to disembark for a day of sightseeing and shopping.

Riverboat Cruises and Land Excursions

Riverboat cruises do offer land excursions. When taking a Nile cruise land excursions are offered and will include options such as temple visits, felucca rides, shopping, perfumery purchases, bizarre tours, local restaurants, camel treks and night laser shows.

Top Attractions

There are endless delights to be experienced along the Nile, which explains why so many people return for a second or third visit. Although Abu Simbel is not along the Nile, it remains a top attraction all the same and is within easy reach of the river. This massive temple has been reassembled along the side of a mountain. Once there you will be greeted by the colossal statues of Rameses II, which guard the temple’s entrance. Transportation options to Abu Simble are either by bus, which takes a few hours from Aswan, or you can easily fly, which takes about 45 minutes.

Karnak is another top choice for riverboat passengers. Located in Luxor, the temple of Karnak is one of the largest temples of its kind. Don’t miss out on the Great Hypostyle Hall. Edfu is also large temple that should not be missed. Only outsized by Karnak, Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is by far, what many come to see. This massive area, which is located just outside the city of Luxor, is a showcase of more than 60 underground tombs that belong to various pharaohs. One of these tombs once housed King Tutankhamum.

Other sites that should be seen include Queen Hapshepsut, Kom Ombo, Valley of the Queens, the Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae. To reach this temple, which sits on its own island, a short motorboat ride is required and adds a touch of excitementto an already beautiful day of sightseeing.