Nile cruises with flights from Romania
Cruise with flight, accommodation and transfer included.
The temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and sunsets over the Nile — the Egypt of the pharaohs from a ship's deck.
A Nile cruise is the easiest way to see the temples of ancient Egypt: the ship is your hotel, and the sites appear one after another along the banks between Luxor and Aswan. By day you visit Karnak, the Valley of the Kings or the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo; in the evening you watch villages, palm groves and the sunset over the desert from the deck.
It is a trip for those who want plenty of history without repacking every day.
Cruise highlights
Karnak Temple
The largest temple complex of ancient Egypt, built and extended over almost two thousand years in Luxor. The Hypostyle Hall, with 134 giant columns covered in hieroglyphs, is its most striking part.
The Valley of the Kings
On the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in tombs cut deep into the rock, their walls painted in colours that are still vivid. Tutankhamun's tomb is here, and Queen Hatshepsut's temple is close by.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu
One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus and built in the Ptolemaic period. Its entrance pylon, over 30 metres high, and its sanctuary with the roof intact show what a complete temple looked like.
A felucca ride in Aswan
In Aswan, the Nile flows between granite boulders and islands. A ride on a felucca, the traditional sailing boat, takes you around Elephantine Island and on to the botanical garden on Kitchener's Island, best of all towards sunset.
Everything you need to know before you go
When to go
October to April is the best time, and December to February brings pleasant days of around 23–26°C and chilly nights. In summer, temperatures in Luxor and Aswan regularly top 40°C, and sightseeing is kept to the early morning.
The ports
Cruises usually sail between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction. Along the way the ship typically stops at Esna, where it passes through the lock, at Edfu for the Temple of Horus and at Kom Ombo, whose double temple is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus.
Excursions
From Aswan you can reach the temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramesses II near the Sudanese border, on a day trip; check the offer to see whether it is included. Bring a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes, as the temple visits involve plenty of walking in the sun.
Local food
Try koshari (rice, lentils, pasta and crispy onions with tomato sauce), ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta'ameya, the Egyptian falafel made from fava beans, and karkadé, hibiscus tea served hot or cold.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Nile cruise include?
- The package includes the return flight from Romania and the Nile cruise, plus TravelTheme assistance throughout your trip. The ship, cabin type, meals on board, embarkation port, transfers and included visits are set out in each offer.
- Where does the ship depart from?
- Nile cruises usually start in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the direction of sailing, and finish in the other city. The exact embarkation port and the length of the cruise are given in each offer.
- When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
- October to April, when the days are warm but bearable and the nights are cool. December to February is the most pleasant time for sightseeing, and also the most popular. Summer is very hot in southern Egypt, with temperatures often above 40°C.
- What documents do I need for Egypt?
- You need a passport valid for at least six months and a visa, which Romanian citizens can obtain online (e-Visa) before departure or on arrival at the airport. Check the current requirements before you travel.
- How do I pay on board?
- Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). On board, extras such as drinks are usually charged to your cabin and settled before you disembark; accepted payment methods vary from ship to ship. You will need cash for tips and markets.