NILE CRUISE

Every river has a story to tell, and the Nile is no exception. Sail its waters on a blissful river cruise, and you'll see ancient landscapes that have changed little since pharaohs ruled the land. Boys bathe their donkeys in the river, farmers tend their land with hoes, and families live along the banks in traditional mud brick houses, just as they have done for 5,000 years.

Huge ocean liners and modern pleasure crafts have no place on the slow-paced Nile. Instead, the waterways are graced with traditional feluccas and the sailing vessels used to ferry tourists around. More than 280 ships are moored in the waters between Luxor and Aswan, the site of the nation's best-preserved monuments. Cruising is the easiest way for tourists to engage the Nile and the famous temples and tombs that straddle it: Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Dendera, and the Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings.

The mighty Nile runs 4,184 miles in length and winds through nine nations, from Lake Victoria in Uganda to the Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria, Egypt. Unlike most rivers, it flows south to north. It doesn't take more than a quick look to appreciate its value. Against its banks lies the nation's breadbasket: fields of corn, alfalfa, wheat, sugar cane and sesame. That constant throb you hear, like a heartbeat, is the sound of irrigation pumps. Not surprisingly, agriculture is the region's second-largest industry, after tourism. Move away from the Nile, and all that is left is desert.

Historically, the Nile has had three seasons: flooding, farming and harvesting. Since the Aswan High Dam opened in 1971, the river depth has been regulated, depending on the needs of navigation and irrigation.

Today, Nile river cruises, lasting three to seven nights and we can even arrange a cruise and stay for you, 7 nights in a Hurghada hotel and 7 nights cruising the Nile.

MS Semiramis

In the ever-continuing efforts of SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises to provide the highest level of service and luxury that nestle on rivers and seas, we are honored to announce that Sunrise have fully renovated the Semiramis I, II & III, MS Mahrousa & MS Terramar to carry you on a stunning experience through Luxor and Aswan that will captivate you with its ancient charm.

Enjoy the fascinating scenery on your way from Luxor to Aswan and explore the enchanting culture and history of the Pharaohs – where it all began. Enjoy all amenities of a luxurious holiday on our floating hotels. Wake up with a daily changing, breathtaking panorama, but still feel like home in the cabins and suites of MS Semiramis I, II or III (all built to the same high spec) Nile Cruisers. The 66 standard cabins offer all possible comfort for an enjoyable stay. If you would like to experience this cruise in an even more luxurious way, choose one of the 4 suites. Tastefully decorated, they offer you a spacious and delightful accommodation.

Sunrise MS Semiramis Nile Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Embark your cruise ship, unpack your bags & get comfortable then enjoy a welcome meeting and 5-star dinner with overnight stay on board in Luxor.
Day 2 – Luxor (Nile Cruise). Visit of the East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples opportunity. Lunch on the cruise. Noon time sailing to Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board in Edfu.
Day 3 – Nile Cruise sailing around 9am to Kom Ombo and visit Sobek Temple opportunity. After visit sailing to Aswan with arrival around 21hrs, dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.
Day 4 – Morning in Aswan with opportunity to visit the High Dam, Philea Temple and Felucca trip on the Nile. Afternoon at leisure with chance to explore Aswan, try the excursion to the Nubian village or have a ride on a camel along the Nile arranged by the guide on the spot. Overnight on board in Aswan.
Day 5 – Early morning (optional) visit to the famous temple of Abu Simbel in the south of Aswan or you can just spend a relaxed morning on the sun deck. Afternoon sailing (around 14 hrs) back north to Edfu and arrival (around 21hrs) overnight on board in Edfu.
Day 6 – In the morning sailing to Esna, around (10hrs) with chance to visit Temple of Khnum. Then time to relax and enjoy the cruise sailing downstream to Luxor, (arrival 1430hrs). Afternoon possibility to join the tour to the heart of the city of Luxor. Overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 7 – Morning opportunity to explore West Bank including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Evening visit to the sound and light show at Karnak Temple (optional), then stay overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 8 – Breakfast on the cruise then transfer to your home bound flight or possible extension at beach hotel in Hurghada or Marsa Alam.

This is a sample itinerary and may differ slightly from real experience depending on weather, time of year or unforeseen circumstances.

During your cruise you can choose to join the professional Egyptologist guided excursions, relax on the boat or disembark & spend your time exploring Egypt your own way. Full Sightseeing Package at an additional cost and includes: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamen), Hatshepsut Temple, Collossi of Memnon, KomOmbo Temple, Khnum Temple in Esna, Philae Temple in Aswan, High Dam of Aswan. English speaking tour guide (Egyptologist) at all tours. All ground transportation by modern A/C vehicles.