The River Nile is the longest river in the world; it stretches north for around 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean dominating the desert landscapes with its endlessly meandering lush and green trail.

The Nile holds many mysteries that scientists may never fully understand.  The river generally flows north making a huge looping bend in the Sudan which is truly remarkable as the river is flowing through the largest driest desert on earth.

The best way to experience the wonders of the River Nile and its many ancient monuments and fascinating sights is to take a luxury Nile Cruise.

A traditional, 7 night Nile cruise will include all the major excursions along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back.  These excursions normally include Luxor, the Luxor Museum, the Temples of Karnak and Luxor - all on the east bank of Luxor along with all the sights of the west bank, these include the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

You will also visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu continuing on to Kom Ombo, the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo onwards to Aswan visiting the High Dam and the Temple of Philae.  A relaxing trip on a felucca will take you past the Agha Khan Mausoleum and Elephantine Island.  Pay a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, the hotel that inspired Agatha Christie to write Death on the Nile.  While you are in Aswan another amazing sight to see is Abu Simbel, this is situated on Lake Nasser and is one excursion not to be missed and can be arranged either by air or coach.

Continuing along the Nile from Aswan to Edfu and onto Esna, here you will visit the Temple of Khnum before crossing lock to Luxor.

There are also sound and light shows at both temples of Karnak and Philae which are extravagant performances retelling the history of Luxor and the Pharaohs.  These can also be arranged as extra excursions.

You can always extend your holiday and visit Cairo which is also situated on the banks of the Nile, here you can take in the sites of the Pyramids and The Sphinx and also visit the Egyptian museum.  An alternative option for a relaxing break is a week at a Red Sea resort.