Discovering the Wonders of the Nile
Extraordinary experiences await those who embark on a journey down the Nile. By the third morning of my voyage, I find myself captivated by the sights and sounds around me: water buffalo lounging under the shade of swaying date palms, donkeys grazing on lush grass that rivals the green of a Premier League football pitch, and children gleefully splashing in the river’s shallow waters. All the while, I am serenaded by the muezzin’s call to prayer as the sun gently sets on the horizon.
This marks my inaugural adventure on the world’s longest river, tracing the footsteps of pharaohs who once ruled this land. Admittedly, my travel experience is far more luxurious than that of ancient Egyptian rulers. I am aboard the elegant, adults-only Tui Al Horeya—with ‘Al Horeya’ meaning ‘freedom’ in Arabic. This is Tui River Cruises’ inaugural ship on the Nile, accommodating 145 passengers, primarily Britons aged between 40 and 70. They share a common desire to explore the Nile’s treasures while avoiding the challenges of independent travel. Our journey spans from Luxor to Aswan and back, covering approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) each way. It’s January, and the weather is simply delightful, with daytime temperatures reaching a pleasant 24°C and cooler nights.
New Sailing Adventures
Nile cruises have long held a special allure, and Tui has recognized the demand, launching its first Nile holiday experiences. A second vessel, Tui Bahareya, is set to commence sailing this November, further expanding the options for travelers. Tui offers one of the most competitively priced cruise packages on the Nile, with fares starting at around £1,600, in stark contrast to some other lines that can charge as much as £7,500.
The cruise operates on an all-inclusive model, which means meals, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, flights, and gratuities are all covered in the cruise price. During our week-long sailing, daily guided tours are provided—two of which are included in the fare—eliminating the need for any personal itinerary planning. A fellow passenger, Jake, a Tui regular traveling with his husband, shares: “We were deterred by the thought of navigating chaotic streets and large crowds—this seemed like a stress-free method to experience Egypt’s ancient marvels.” As our expedition commences in Luxor, we are greeted with a packed schedule of sightseeing led by our knowledgeable onboard Egyptologist, Bishoi.
Exploring Ancient Marvels
Our first stop is the dusty Valley of the Kings, a burial site for rulers and their kin during the 18th and 19th Dynasties. Of the 63 royal tombs unearthed here, nine are accessible to tourists, including the famed tomb of Tutankhamun. Entering from the bright sunlight, my eyes take a moment to adjust, but soon I am enchanted by the exquisite wall carvings that remain vivid and colorful, alongside the remarkably intact hieroglyphics. I am left in awe as I gaze upon the gilded wooden coffin containing the mummy of the young king who tragically did not reach his 20th birthday.
However, the Valley of Kings serves merely as a prelude to the grand spectacle of the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut. Carved into rugged limestone cliffs, this temple is a stunning architectural achievement. Even more remarkable is the story of the woman who commissioned its construction. Bishoi enlightens us about Hatshepsut, a formidable queen whose reign in the 15th century BCE brought about an era of peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, not everyone celebrated her legacy; after her passing, her monument was desecrated by her stepson Thutmose III and his son Amenhotep II.
At Karnak Temple, I stroll through an expansive open-air complex adorned with statues, obelisks, and towering pillars, wondering where I’ve experienced such grandeur before. Just then, Bishoi appears with a smile: “You’re thinking of The Spy Who Loved Me. James Bond battled Jaws amid these stunning columns.” Indeed, Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt.
Onboard Entertainment and Relaxation
The tours are consistently engaging, but to prevent monument overload, our itinerary includes ample opportunities for fun and relaxation. This could entail dressing up for the Galabeya party night, participating in line dancing classes, or attending informative lectures about our next port of call. Personally, I find joy in lounging by the pool on the sundeck, occasionally interrupted by enterprising Egyptians who paddle alongside the ship, offering to sell their goods. I savor the delicious oven-baked tagines of okra and aubergine served in the ship’s two restaurants.
Lazeeza serves as the main dining venue, providing buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, while dinner is served à la carte. The Felucca offers an al fresco, Arabic-style dining experience, though reservations are a must. The culinary offerings include regional specialties such as mahshi (stuffed vegetables), alongside a variety of soups and salads. Cocktails are plentiful and flow freely, making it a delightful way to spend a week exploring the Nile.
Crowd-Free Discoveries
In Edfu, we visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god, designed to celebrate his glory in every intricate detail. Our next destination is the Kom Ombo temple, a unique Ptolemaic-era structure dedicated to two deities—Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god—just as the sun sets. With the site almost to ourselves, we explore the remarkably well-preserved temple, marveling at 300 crocodile mummies and wall carvings that depict surgical instruments strikingly similar to those still used today.
On the following morning, we arrive in Aswan. Here, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a staggering 42 meters high and weighing around 1,200 tons. My heart goes out to the ancient stonemasons who had to abandon their work due to cracks appearing in the granite. We also explore the stunning Temple of Philae and the controversial Aswan Dam. Built between 1960 and 1970, the dam has provided electricity and alleviated seasonal floods and droughts for farmers, but it also led to the displacement of thousands of Nubians, who still dream of returning to their ancestral homes.
Later, I reflect on these stories over a gin and tonic on the terrace of the luxurious Old Cataract Hotel. It’s easy to see why Agatha Christie chose this enchanting location to pen her bestselling novel, as I watch silver kingfishers flit gracefully in and out of the water, just as they have for millennia.
As we make our way back to Luxor, there’s time for one last breathtaking experience of Egypt—from the heights of a hot-air balloon. Rising before dawn, my fellow passengers and I ascend into the basket, gliding silently over the temples, tombs, and the great river that winds through the lush valley below. We drift along in serene silence, punctuated only by the bursts of flame from the balloon’s burner. In this magical moment, words become superfluous; Egypt and its remarkable river have cast an enchanting spell over all who visit.
Booking Your Adventure
Tui River Cruises offers a seven-night Legends of the Nile sailing aboard the Tui Al Horeya, starting from £1,611 per person. This price is based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony on an all-inclusive basis. The itinerary includes stops at Luxor, Edfu, Aswan, and back to Luxor. The package includes flights from Gatwick to Luxor on 18 November 2025, 25 kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. For more details, visit tui.co.uk/river-cruises, or contact a Tui holiday store or download the Tui app.
