Intrepid adventurers and nature lovers can hire a felucca for trips of several days, trying their hands at a more primitive way of life. In the spring, when the locks at Esna are closed, three-day cruises between Aswan and Esna are also available. These trips are only for the hardiest of travellers, whose constitutions are strong and to whom lack of privacy is of little concern. Cruise in comfort Cruising along the Nile was once your only choice of transport within Egypt, but today's traveller is more often moved by pleasure than by necessity. The Nile cruise is recommended for first-timers since it offers a greater diversity of monuments and the opportunity to see rural areas, simple villages and local crafts.
Cruises are either four or seven nights, depending on how far they go.
The seven-night cruise takes the visitor beyond Luxor, as far north as Dendera with an overland excursion to that most holy of ancient cities, Abydos. Alternately, you can deal directly with Mohamed Awi, who owns a felucca fleet. Awi is a local expert in making arrangements, including getting the necessary police clearance to take a group on the Nile. The average cost is between LE75-100 per person, per day, inclusive of food and sightseeing and depends on the size and comfort of the felucca. There are numerous travel agents in Cairo that arrange Nile and Lake Nasser cruises.