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Cruise Passenger Editor-in-Chief Peter Lynch is a big fan of the world’s longest river. He explains why Egypt is a must-see destination – particularly while Viking is offering free flights up to $2,400 per person.
I’m at lunch with four well-travelled friends, and as the talk turns to where we are going next, one name comes up more than any other: Egypt.
I’ve been twice in the past 12 months. That makes me the centre of attention – and fielding a lot of questions.
Not since I went to Antarctica have I experienced so much interest in a single destination. Everyone wants to know every little detail. My four seasoned travellers are no exception.
After discovering I’ve been to Egypt, what’s the question everyone asks? Who did you go with? Why? Because not all journeys down the world’s longest river are created equal. Everyone wants to know about the best Nile cruise options available.
In my most recent journey, the answer is: Viking. The company which claims to be the “Thinking Person’s Cruise Line” and which proudly boasts no kids or casinos would need to excel in a destination as fascinating as Egypt. It does so in spades.
Sailing the Nile is more than a cruise. It’s a passage through the history and development of mankind.
You’ll hear amazing stories of kings, queens, and battles that will make you an in-demand after-dinner speaker for years. You’ll marvel at just how much people knew about science and medicine 4,000 years ago. And you’ll ask an eternal question: Did the Egyptians have help? Were aliens really responsible for miracles like the Pyramids?
But before we go into that, there are some essentials you’ll need to take into account to make your introduction to Egypt a happy and comfortable encounter.
Egypt: The essential list
Firstly, while Egyptians are among the most hospitable people you could meet on your travels, chaos is a way of life. When visiting cities like Cairo, you’ll need to be sure you are going to be looked after. The good news is: Viking has your back.
From the moment we land at Cairo’s International Airport, the reassuring red Viking lollipop signs are everywhere. Our luggage is scooped up in a flash and we are soon on our way to the city and the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel on the banks of the Nile in a Viking coach.
Our bubbly Egyptologists Hanan El-Deib and Sherine Barakat are there to greet us and map out our stay. There will be magnificent museums to see, bustling markets to visit, and delicious restaurants to try. All in the capable hands of our guides, who have been with Viking almost from the company’s first Nile cruises in 2008.
Their professionalism and knowledge are impressive. They know they play a pivotal role in the success of our stay. Remember: not all Nile cruises are created equal.
Secondly, your ship will be your home from home – a haven from the heat and hectic nature of life in Egypt. Viking has one of the river’s largest fleets – now six, but soon to be ten. The luxurious cruise ships offer top-notch amenities and services, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey along the Nile.
We are cruising on the Viking Sobek. She is brand new and a blend of the traditional Viking Scandi-style of chic light woods with cool and comfortable nooks and crannies. She has a small pool at the back which is perfect for sitting in while watching life on the riverbank, waving at villagers, and being cheered by children out from school. You’ll feel like a Pharaoh!
The Sobek carries just 82 guests in 41 outside staterooms – 12 Standards, 21 Veranda, 6 Veranda Suites, and 2 Explorer Suites. Our Veranda Stateroom has a balcony, comfy leather reading chair, plenty of storage, and an efficient and perfectly sized bathroom.
Viking’s famous Aquavit Terrace and Lounge is an indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining with an excellent menu of exciting local and standard staple dishes.
Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with meals in Viking’s traditional high-value packages, offering excursions, Wi-Fi, evening entertainment, and enrichment talks.
The lounge and bar have glass doors, and the restaurant has windows for panoramic views.
There is a library a small shop onboard shop, and an Elevator from the Main Deck to Pool Deck. Viking offers a laundry service.
With a crew of 48, service is a strong point.
The Sobek’s sister ship Osiris‘ identical itineraries were named the “Best Luxury River Cruise” in Forbes’ 2023 Best Luxury Cruises list.
Third essential: your itinerary needs to deliver on Egypt’s major marvels. The historical equivalent of Africa’s Big Five. My advice: do a little research so you know what’s a must-see, and then check out the itineraries to ensure you are going to see them.
A great place to start is Viking.com. Its video library includes an introduction by the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, godfather of the Viking Osiris, whose great-grandfather discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, famous for its wonderful gold mask, 103 years ago.
Find it here.
You can also view a video of a unique Viking tour extension examining some of Egypt’s greatest treasures in England, including exclusive after-hours access to The British Museum and Highclere Castle, best known as Downton Abbey in the famed TV series.
See it here.
Egypt: My personal Big Five
- Grand Egyptian Museum – Opened during our cruise, this brilliantly designed building showcases the treasures of King Tutankhamun and more. It has an escalator passing many massive statues which leads to a climax: a window overlooking the pyramids. Clear some time to spend in this magnificent new building that is earning plaudits across the world.
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx – These iconic landmarks are a testament to ancient engineering marvels. You can take a camel ride and enter the tombs. It’s Insta heaven! I did all of the above. You’ll find plenty of advice on how to take the perfect picture.
- Valley of the Kings – Home to the tombs of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. You can go down into the tombs and up over the valley in a balloon – it’s a marvellous experience I highly recommend.
- Karnak Temple – One of the largest temple complexes in the world, it’s a stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture and is second only to the pyramids for visitation. In the evening, the amazing columns are lit up and make an eerie but stunning spectacle.
- Abu Simbel – These massive 20-metre rock-cut statues are renowned for their intricate carvings and fascinating history. Constructed in the 13th century BC during the reign of Ramses II (some may remember the record-breaking exhibition of his artefacts at the Australian Museum in Sydney last year) these huge statues were moved in 1968 before they were scheduled to be sunk by the construction of the Aswan Dam.
I’d like to cheat and add two more outstanding experiences: Luxor, with its stunning views and graceful felucca sailing boats; and the Cataract Hotel in Aswan, where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. Beautifully restored and now serving a delicious high tea, you’ll honestly think you can hear Ms Christie’s typewriter as you sip your English Breakfast out of bone china.
A typical Nile River Cruise itinerary
Viking’s main Egyptian itinerary is a 12-night Pharaohs and Pyramids journey which includes all of the above. Here’s what you will experience:
Day 1: Cairo
It has been said of Egypt’s exhilarating capital: “He who has not seen Cairo has not seen the world.” This city is 5,000 years old and at the centre of Egyptian life. You’ll have three days here to soak up the atmosphere, and taste Egyptian dishes like rice-stuffed vegetables, hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab, and kofta.
Day 2: Cairo
You’ll visit the Great Pyramids of Giza – as you drive there, the anticipation is palpable and then, suddenly, there they are – just like you always pictured them! You can take horse-drawn carriages, ride camels, and climb inside. But leave time to just drink it all in. This is when you’ll start to ask: how could this be done by an ancient civilisation?
Day 3 Cairo
By now you’ll be hitting your stride. Splendid Islamic architecture—from elegant mosques and mausoleums to ornate palaces and former residences of Egyptian dignitaries and prominent merchants—provide a glimpse into the glory of the Fatimid dynasty and the periods that followed. Markets filled with traditional Egyptian brassware, perfume stores where experts will create the perfect fragrance (they say the ingredients of Channel No5 can be found on the walls of an Egyptian temple) and what the locals love to call “genuine fakes”.
Day 4 Luxor
You’ll fly to Luxor to join your ship. Set on the east bank of the Nile River Luxor is a World Heritage Site lined with beautiful colonial hotels and some of the world’s most ancient and significant ruins. Many consider this city one of the world’s great open-air museums – and I’m one of them. The ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes is a marvel and the Valley of the Kings, containing the tombs of the great pharaohs, is nearby.
Day 5 Qena
The Sheikh el-Qenawi Mosque on the main square serves and the magnificent ruins of the Dendera Temple, filled with hieroglyphics are some of Egypt’s best-preserved structures. You will be amazed how much information is contained in hieroglyphics and Viking provides a handy guide. You’ll be reading the words of people, thousands of years old.
Day 6 Luxor
Your chance to take to the skies with an experienced balloonist and guide as you rise above the Nile’s west bank for spectacular sunrise views of the Valley of the Kings. It’s an early risers’ adventure with a boxed breakfast, boat ride, and coach to the launch area at dawn where scores of enormous hot air balloons await. Skilled pilots and guides will take you over temples and tombs before you land – probably in someone’s backyard. It’s serene, peaceful and not to be missed.
Day 7 Esna
Colourful street markets – fabrics, carpets, and mother-of-pearl – and the glorious Temple of Khnum, with 24 columns topped with intricately carved floral capitals, are the highlights here.
Day 8 Aswan, Egypt
The Aswan Dam is a remarkable engineering feat completed in the 1960s to protect the Nile’s fertile lands from flooding. You’ll sail on a felucca boat. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass stunning landmarks including the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the West Bank. Young boys will paddle up to your boat on surfboards and sing in any language you choose for a dollar.
Day 9 Aswan
The building of the Aswan Dam was not without consequence. The Nubian nation lost much of its land between Egypt and Sudan and the peaceful artist people were offered a choice: Sudan or Egypt. You will visit a village and meet a traditional Nubian family. Learn about their lifestyle and gain insight into the traditions the Nubians have followed for thousands of years. You will also board your motorboat and visit the Temples of Philae – the UNESCO Nubia Campaign Project took nine years to complete, protecting this and other complexes before the completion of the Aswan High Dam, including the significant Philae Temple.
Day 10 Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo, in the heart of one of Egypt’s fertile agricultural regions, is surrounded by vast fields of sugarcane and corn. The village is home to a large Nubian population, and the town’s highlight is its namesake temple, perched on a low hill overlooking the Nile. Construction was started by an Egyptian pharaoh in the 2nd century BC and completed by a Roman emperor around 30 BC.
Day 11 Edfu
Edfu is a sacred place, ancient myth says that the falcon god Horus battled his uncle Seth after Seth brutally killed Horus’s father Osiris. To honour Horus, the people of Edfu built a grand temple from 237 to 57 BC, a young structure by Egyptian standards. Egyptologists have paid particular interest to its design, as it closely resembles that of much older temples. Nearby, an ancient settlement provides hints of life along the Nile, with its interesting artifacts dating as far back as 3100 BC.
Visit the Luxor Museum showcasing artifacts spanning from the Old Kingdom to the Mamluk Sultanate. Among its most notable exhibits are those displaying the mummies of Ahmose I and Ramses I, and objects excavated from King Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Day 12 Cairo
After a short flight, you are in for a treat. Viking has saved the best till last – the magnificent Grant Egyptian Museum was finally opened while we were in town last year and Viking arranged a special visit.
This isn’t just any old museum – the GEM, as it is known, has been years in the making, cost $1 billion, and will eventually house 100,000 exhibits – 5,000 of them from Tutankhamun’s tomb alone.
The first exhibit was moved before the museum was completed. The 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II, weighing in at 83 tons, was stuck on a traffic island in the city and becoming badly decayed from traffic fumes. Now it takes pride of place at the entrance to the GEM.
Make time for this special place which will eventually see 15,000 visitors a day. You won’t regret it. An escalator takes you through scores of statues to a magnificent picture window overlooking the pyramids. It’s spectacular.
Day 12 Cairo
Fly home or join extensions to Jordon, Petra, and the Dead Sea or Alexandria. My advice: write yourself a journal and put your favourite pictures in it. You’ll need it to answer all those questions when you get home.
Planning Your Nile Cruise
Planning a Nile cruise can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your Nile cruise:
When to Take a Nile River Cruise
The best time to take a Nile River cruise is during the cooler months from October to April. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the ancient wonders and guided excursions without the oppressive heat. Avoid the peak summer months of June to August when temperatures can soar, making it less enjoyable to explore the ancient monuments and temples.
Choosing the Right Nile River Cruises
Choosing the right Nile River cruise can be overwhelming, but consider the following factors to ensure you select the best option for your needs:
- Duration: Nile cruises typically range from 3 to 7 days. The duration of the cruise depends on the itinerary and specific sites included. Longer cruises often provide a more comprehensive experience, allowing you to see more of Egypt’s ancient wonders.
- Type of cruise: There are different types of Nile cruises, including luxury, budget, and adventure cruises. Luxury Nile cruises offer high-end amenities and services, while budget cruises provide a more economical option. Adventure cruises may include additional activities such as hot air balloon rides or desert excursions.
- Cruise operator: Research and choose a reputable cruise operator that offers a range of amenities and services. Look for operators with positive reviews and a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
- Itinerary: Consider the itinerary and the sites included in the cruise. Make sure it aligns with your interests and preferences. Key sites to look for include the Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel.
To get the most out of what will be a sensory overload of wonders, stories, and jaw-dropping sights, you need to make sure you’ve got comfortable clothes, a guidebook (call me old fashioned but WiFi and the Pyramids don’t necessarily mix) and, of course, a great Egyptologist.
Viking has a longstanding presence in Egypt, offering expertly curated itineraries that combine luxury with cultural immersion.
Viking partners with local experts – most of the ship’s crew are Egyptian, as are the captains and Egyptologists. The crew ensures guests enjoy authentic experiences, from guided tours of ancient landmarks to onboard lectures about Egyptian history.
Enrichment programs, such as lectures on Egyptology and traditional music performances, enhance the onboard experience.
Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and solid walking shoes (hiking shoes are best – you’ll be walking in dusty, uneven terrain most of the time).
Viking will provide a trusty headset so you can hear your guide. It will quickly become your best friend.
Make sure you’ve got your best camera or lots of space on your phone’s memory. You are going to need it.
Always keep your refillable water bottle handy. Hydration is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a Nile River cruise?
Nile cruises go all year round, but June, July, and August are best avoided because of the heat.
How long does a typical Nile cruise last?
11 or 12 days are best to soak in all the sites.
What should I pack for a Nile cruise?
Comfortable long-sleeved clothes, sunscreen and a hat, hiking shoes, and a good camera or phone with lots of memory
Are Nile River cruises safe for families?
Yes, but Egypt is about history. Teens are good, but Egypt is not recommended for young children. Viking does not carry passengers under 18.
How much does a Nile River cruise typically cost?
Viking’s 2025-2027 voyages start from $11,295pp, which includes everything you’ll need – breakfast lunch, and dinner, tours, hotels, and transport – plus free flights up to $2,400pp. Offer is limited. See details here.
What are the dining options available onboard Nile cruises?
Viking includes three meals, and sensibly has Egyptian options – think chicken, meat and fish, plus mild curried vegetables, yogurts, and fruit – and more staple fare. You will dine out at markets, and rice-stuffed vegetables and grape leaves, hummus, shawarma, kebab, and kofta are common. My go-to lunch dish: is a falafel burger!
Should I tip?
Most suggest tipping your guides, who really do the heavy lifting. Ours appeared to be working 24/7 and taking our group around temples, tombs ,and museums requires a lot of physical activity. All other onboard gratuities are included.
Is travelling to Egypt safe?
I felt perfectly safe in Egypt. Smartraveller suggests a high degree of caution in areas close to borders with countries like Libya and South Sinai. The Nile runs down the centre of Egypt, one of the safest areas.
I’m a bit old for lots of Walking but would love to cruise Viking but my daughter and son-in-law would be living a dream to take it.
Egypt via River Cruising would be a dream!
Fabulous review of this cruise through Egypt. I am currently looking for my next holiday and this was a great read. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Peter.