7 Nights Nile Cruise

Luxor is a must see destination so much unbelievable history and what a great civilisation it was., how could it be so broken.. Luxor and Egypt is clearly helped by tourists but the locals are so poorly paid to make them extra nice to tourists in the hope of tips.. Please tip even a little. Don't ride 4 to the horse and carts that race up and down the corniche the poor horses and donkeys are very tired from 45dg heat so gentle 2 person ride and not to go fast.. Animal care Egypt a charity in luxor do wondrous things to help the animals in luxor and would kindly accept any donations.. The nile temples and country is fascinating

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Hakan and Mahmood

Hakan and Mahmood have been amazing. Make sure you’re served by Mahmood who is going to ensure you have a VIP treatment for all the time you’re on the boat!! Ensure his treatment is complimented!! 100% recommend. Dienside: bad internet

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A once in a lifetime trip

On the plus side-An incredible week, full of temples and magnificence, but not to be underestimated in its gruelling schedule. I’m 67 and with only one dodgy knee! Think if I’d left it any longer and it would have been a trial rather than a pleasure and definitely glad we went at the cooler time of year. The boat Ruby Nile 1 was as I expected, this is Africa so please lower your expectations of 5 star and you will be ok. The food was lovely, I was very cautious at first and must admit I didn’t touch any salad the whole we Our tour guide Abdallah was great, really helped make the trip, we were a small group of 12 and he gave us just enough information before leaving us to look around. Talking to other people it seems not all were so lucky with guides going missing and not giving them enough time to see things. The temples were very busy and you had to be savy avoiding people to get photos , but what a privilege to be there, just wish the tourists could be spread out a bit! The downside is the diesel! Apparently 15 years ago a few boats traveled together-now it’s more like 40or 50. Our boat wasn’t to bad but some belched out fumes and diesel all the time-your snot turns black!!!! Felt like a London smog of the’50’s! If I had asthma or a chest condition I would have been seriously worried! The steps down the quayside to the boats mostly don’t have handrails so my husband and stick were constantly needed-health and safety is non existent, our catch phrase became “Trip hazard!!” 3men of our group had various falls, trips and bumps. The street vendors-I’d read all about the relentless nature of them, it’s out of our comprehension-our guide said , ignore them they aren’t offended, but boy is it tiresome-one glance and they are on you. At Aswan dam where the vendors actually let you browse I looked, bartered and bought but everywhere else it was just to busy. Oh the boys riding alongside the boat, throwing up goods got a sale off me-that was fun! Be prepared to tip everyone, and have plenty of change for the loos, which are mostly really clean ( much better than some in UK or France) We went with Travel o deal and I think we were very lucky with our boat, guide and itenery , we were moved one day back to start the cruise but other people had it changed loads. Some flew in to Hurghada to be told their cruise started the next day on a different boat than they thought, you really need a day or to to relax first as once you get on the boat it’s early morning trips-especially Abel Simble which they tell you leaves at 5am but turned out to be 4am! Adrenaline got me up at 3am and we saw the sunrise in the desert and managed to get there ahead of hundreds of others so saw first temple in relative peace-just a shame our travelling companions from another boat thought it was acceptable to talk loudly for the first 1 and a 1/4 hours of the trip when we could all have been dozing! All in all, glad I’ve done it, watch Alice Roberts documentary as taster ( no crowds for her!and remember its Africa- not Austria!)

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Hapi 5 nile boat and splendours along the way luxor to aswan

The hapi 5 nile cruise ship was a little bit in need of updating but the service and cruise along the nile was 5 stars the boat has since been upgraded and would recommend anyone to use this boat.. The tours were amazing though a little rushed at times. It's very hot in luxor and lots of people visiting and the horse and carts are used a lot for tourist but please only use one that has a fit healthy horse and just 2 person to a carriage and to not make the horses speed along the hot roads.. This is a lot of locals only source of income and it's a very poor country but so rich in history and most of the people are kind

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Royal Esadora with Classic holidays

We’ve just got back from a 7 night Nile cruise which we booked through classic holidays. We were very wary of the whole thing given that we’d never been on a cruise before and usually book our holidays independently. We were relieved to find that classic holidays were most efficient, all comms and transfers ran on time and without any problems. First worry over. Second concern was sharing a boat with people we didn’t know.All our fellow travellers ( around 30 from classic holidays) were wonderful, like minded people . We were able to enjoy the tour experience with other people who had the same interests. Third concern was the dinner arrangements.All was well there. We ate around a small collection of tables designated to our tour group and it was all vary informal . You could sit where you liked each meal time and chat to fellow guests .The buffet ( this was also worrying me ) turned out to be a good option.Given the amount very early starts, delayed returns from sightseeing trips and very tired passengers at the end of an evening, waiter service would have been just too much . The boat was very clean and well looked after. Our room was immaculate and a decent size with lovely French doors opening onto a Juliet balcony. Rooms were cleaned daily . The sun deck was just too hot to spend much time on,maybe a few more sunshades would have helped there. We did have a drink or two up there in the evening though . What made our Nile cruise a true success was our guide Marco who works as an independent guide . He was truly amazing with his enthusiasm and knowledge of Egypt. What we noticed was how he was able to read the room so to speak. He was aware of the severe heat, and people with mobility issues etc. He had the ability to work around issues effortlessly which allowed our whole group to enjoy the experience. On one occasion he switched itineraries so we were visiting temples on a much quieter day, arranged a coach transfer so we could arrive at another temple before closing time ( Esne lock can cause boat delays) he allowed us free time and always did his best to give us his guide info in the shade . Small things make a big impact. We will be forever grateful for his consideration. One last thing, while having tea at the Old Cateract hotel he arranged for us to have a tour of Agatha Christie’s suite. This was a true highlight. All optional excursions were sold so well by Marco that we booked them all. They were truly fabulous. Abu simbel, ballooning , Philae temple by night and high tea in Aswan. Book them all if you go, worth every penny . I thought this cruise offered good value for money, even with the optional ext it worked out a great way to see so much of Egypt while cruising along the beautiful Nile. There is one thing which is a little bit of a shame though. The options of international wine brands were pretty poor as was the lack of any drinks being served cold . There should be no instance where a drink is not served chilled . Because of this we purchase hardly any alcohol and our total bill for two people over seven nights was £109!! This include coffee and soft drinks . Cannot award 5* because of this . Don’t book the upgrade drinks package . Get your refrigerator sorted,stock up on some half decent bottles of vino and you will make a killing at the bar !!

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