Cruising the Nile by Felucca

Felucca's are simple sailboats based on a traditional design and have plied the mighty Nile since ancient times. Our feluccas are proudly owned and crewed by friendly local sailors and they have been adapted to comfortably carry our travellers.

They are a wind-powered craft with no motor, so are dependent upon the wind to travel. The itinerary is not rigidly defined, for this reason. However, during our cruise, we make plenty of stops to visit points of interest, areas for swimming and for the purpose of performing our ablutions. The felucca sails during the day, and prior to sundown, the anchor is dropped and we moor at the riverside for the night. The craft carries between 5-10 passengers comfortably and the deck is strewn with soft colourful cushions and rugs and equipped with a canopy that offers shade and protection from the elements. Accommodation is on the deck itself. Nothing beats the experience of sleeping under a blanket of stars, though you'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sleeping sheet and also a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome would-be helpers! The food is simple but there is plenty of it.

Water, soft drinks and beer can be purchased aboard at a very reasonable cost, a tally for which is kept. On the last day, everybody pays his or her drinks bill!

There are no ablution facilities on board; however, the captain makes regular en route stops for sightseeing, ablutions and swimming (in the safer areas of the Nile, where water is fast flowing, minimising the risk of bilharzia). Taking in the colourful sights of the Nile village life en-route with various stops, planned or impromptu, the peaceful routine of life aboard allows us to escape the stress of everyday life! We dock at shoreline and later sleep under the stars. Preserving the natural state and beauty of the Nile basin and in support of reducing environmental damage on board our felucca cruises, we operate a simple yet effective and hygienic waste disposal system. Please ensure that you abide with our request that all toilet paper and sanitary items are deposited in the bags we provide. We will then dispose of the bags. All other organic waste should be buried. Drink cans should be compacted and cigarette ends disposed of responsibly. That means - not in the Nile! Help us to help the River Nile.

There are many Felucca tour options available, I have included the  most popular Felucca itinerary below,

TOUR DETAILS
Day 1:
Arrive in Aswan where you will be met and transferred to your Hotel. Your afternoon tour starts with High Dam and its huge lake then take a short ferry ride to Philae Temple this Romantic and Majestic Temple. Overnight at your Hotel.
Day 2:
Early morning shared tour to the fascinating temples of Aby Simble, when you return you will be transfered to ya traditional felucca boat to visit Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island after which you will sail towards Kom Ombo. A relaxing day on board the felucca. Overnight on the felucca.
Day 3:
After enjoying your breakfast on the Nile. Free time on Felucca. Overnight on the felucca.
Day 4:
Local transfer to visit the Greco Roman Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the two gods Sobek the crocodile God and Harveris the Sun God. After visiting Kom Ombo Temple visit Edfu temple, then continue to Luxor, arrive there, check into hotel. In the Afternoon you will then visit the Luxor temple. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5:
In early morning start as you cross over to the West Bank of Luxor, as you come from sun, sand and rugged mountainside you enter - The Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Then visit the Karnak temple, End of service

The tour price is $100USD per person, based on double occupancy.

INCLUDED IN PRICE

- One night in Aswan (based on Hotel with Bed and Breakfast) 3 stars hotel - Two nights on Felucca (Full Board, drinks excluded). - One night in Luxor (based on Hotel with Bed and Breakfast). 3 stars hotel - Aswan Tour: Visiting The High Dam and Philae Temple. - Luxor Tour: Visiting the East Bank ? Karnak Temples and Luxor Temple. - Luxor Tour: Visiting the West Bank ? Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut?s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. - Visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples along the Nile. (without guide) - An English-speaking guide in Aswan and Luxor. - All stations transfers including "Meet-and-Assist"  

Tour Cost Excludes:

- Entrance fees to all sites, temples & Museums. - Any meals not stated on the itinerary. - Tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.