Nile River

A Nile river tour is a quintessential Egypt experience and there are plenty of ways to get on the water. Admire Cairo's illuminated skyline on an evening dinner cruise, marvel at the ancient Egyptian wonders of Luxor's East Bank and West Bank on a sunset cruise, or set sail aboard a traditional felucca for Elephantine Island or Soheil Island from Aswan.

Multi-day cruises also run up and down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, affording spectacular views and stopping at sights such as Aswan High Dam and the Philae Temple (Temple of Isis), Kom Ombo Temple, Temple of Horus (at Edfu), Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple. Travelers can even travel as far south as the Blue Nile and Lake Tana or the White Nile and Lake Victoria, the two river's two largest tributaries to the south.

• Be sure to pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and lightweight clothing, as well as modest clothing suitable for visiting temples and mosques.

• Most multi-day cruises include a choice of standard or deluxe cabins, and meals (often a buffet) are served on board.

• Many boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check in advance.

The Nile River flows north right through the heart of Egypt, passing numerous towns and cities along the way. The main ports for multi-day cruises are in Aswan and Luxor, while short sightseeing cruises are a popular choice in Cairo.

Cruises run year-round, but the best time for a Nile River cruise is between October and April, when the weather is hot but manageable. Temperatures can reach over 104˚F (40˚C) in the summer months of June to August.

The vast riverbanks of the Nile River provide a habitat for a huge variety of wildlife. Most notorious is the Nile crocodile, which can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters), but more welcome sightings include African tigerfish, Vundu catfish, turtles, and tortoises. In more remote rural areas, hippopotamuses, wildebeests, rhinoceros, and mongoose flock to the Nile to drink, while the Nile Delta in the north is home to a sizable population of water birds, including little gulls and whiskered terns.

Yes. Popular options are multi-day cruises that run one-way between Luxor and Aswan, stopping for guided tours of Edfu, Karnak, Abu Simbel Temple, and other treasures of ancient Egypt. Alternatively, if you're staying in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, you can get out on the Nile's waters on dinner cruises or short, scenic felucca sailboat rides.

Nile River tickets for a cruise vary in price depending on the season, duration, and the boat's comfort level. A typical 4-night Luxor-Aswan trip on a cruise ship can cost around 12,000 EGP ($388) in summer (low season) to 32,000 EGP ($1,034) in winter (high season), including full-board accommodation and excursions. Meanwhile, cruising the Nile in winter on a luxurious, small-group dahabiya boat might hit 80,000 EGP ($2,587).

The months between November and March are prime for Nile cruises as Egypt's weather is sunny and comfortable for sightseeing. Cue average daytime temperatures of around 68°F (20°C)—perfect climes for lounging on a boat sundeck and investigating UNESCO-listed ancient gems like Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Aswan's Philae Temple.

Yes, Nile cruises are worth it, especially if you like visiting numerous sights in one relaxed, seamless trip. You'll glide by scenic riverbanks, be transported directly to some of the greatest treasures of the ancient world like the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, and enjoy the amenities of a floating hotel—all for one very affordable price.

Most Nile cruises are full-board, so they include your cabin and all meals, which are typically buffet-style. Most trips also include guided tours at each stop (but not necessarily admissions), return airport and hotel transfers, and onboard entertainment. Some cruises include water, tea, and coffee, while others charge extra for all drinks.

While aboard your Nile boat, swimsuits and shorts are fine during the day, although some cruises request smart dress for dinner. During shore excursions, however, plan for cool, light, and airy garments and respect local customs: Men should wear long pants, while women should cover their legs and avoid revealing clothing.