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Aswan on the Nile River (Photo: AlexAnton/Adobe Stock)

Nile River

Ancient temples. Wondrous pyramids. And golden sunsets.

Ultimate guide to cruising the:Nile River

The Nile River needs no introduction – the region's breathtaking pyramids and ancient tombs are part of our collective cultural consciousness. But trust us: You'll still gasp in awe when seeing them in real life on a Nile River cruise. Whether you're traveling north or south, history and culture are everywhere, from the Great Pyramids near Cairo to Luxor and the Aswan High Dam.

Viking, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways all sail the Nile River and offer an array of shore excursions including a tour of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the Temple of Khnum in Esna. To help plan your trip, check out our expert tips below, including when to go on a Nile River cruise, cruise lines sailing the region, itineraries and suggestions and advice from previous cruisers.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to your top questions from our experts

Viking Aton on the Nile

Everything You Need to Know About Sailing a Nile River Cruise with Viking

Here's what it's like to sail on a Viking ship in Egypt.

What cruisers are saying

(5.0)
Epic Adventure Among the Wonders of Ancient EgyptMiddle East on Viking Aton
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Thank you Viking for making every effort to safely see our friends and family return home.Also, very importantly; while in Jordan Viking did an amazing job supporting and ensuring calm, efficient, and consistent service even in the midst of the histo...

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SciviasFirst Time Cruiser • Age 70s
(5.0)
Absolutely fabulous exper...Middle East on S.S. Sphin...

We did so many exciting things (Aswan, Abul Simbel, etc) that it would take me too much time to go through everythi...

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sfoleyFirst Time Cruiser • Age 70s
(5.0)
A once in a lifetime trip...Middle East on Viking Osi...

From our time in Cairo to the actual cruise down the Nile I was totally enthralled with the itinerary that Viking p...

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Cruisetemple16-10 Cruises • Age 70s
(5.0)
Cruise from Luxor to Aswa...Middle East on Viking Ra

But the cruise up the Nile made the trip the most memorable.Viking has made a repeat customer of us for life.

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Duffee110+ Cruises • Age 70s
(5.0)
Best Cruise Ever!Middle East on Viking Osi...

The Room cleaning staff (especially Ali) was professional, polite and always available to help in anyway possible.T...

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artjurema2-5 Cruises • Age 60s
More Reviews
Cruise ship on the Nile River (Photo: erichon/Shutterstock.com)
Entrance to the Abu Simbel temple complex (Photo: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock.com)

Ports on the Nile River

Luxor

15

Aswan

15



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