Let's go on an excursion, by felucca or dahabieh

Departing from Luxor, right in the centre of town, you can choose between an excursion lasting around two hours, with a stopover atBanana Island, for example, or simply spend some time sailing along the Nile. This experience can take the form of a real oriental holiday, on a dahabieh, a boat with flats, a kitchen and a crew, with excursions to the spots.

The Nile is the nourishing and revered river of Egypt. Whether you come to Luxor to visit its temples or the immense necropolises that are the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the Nile remains the central axis of all your travels. Seeing the feluccas sailing between the two banks, you won't be able to resist its charms. So let yourself be seduced.

Near the Winter Palace, the pier invites you to take a river trip. You'll always find feluccas at the quayside and their feluccans welcoming you with open arms. It should only cost a few euros, but since tour operators have entered this market, it is no longer unusual to find trips costing around €30. That said, the competition is so fierce that prices could be revised downwards.

There's no need to plan or prepare such a felucca trip. That said, if you prefer to plan ahead and book one, you should be aware that there are online packages, which come at a price, but which will save you the hassle of haggling on the street and include a few extras. But don't confuse a stroll with an excursion. A simple half-hour stroll for two should cost you around 100 Egyptian pounds, or between 6 and 7 euros, but tipping is a must. All in all, it's a very affordable way to experience a moment you won't forget so easily.

Once on board, you'll let yourself be carried along by the water. From the outset, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the softness of the air, which will keep you cool and oxygenated. As you climb aboard this wooden sailing boat and take your seat, you'll find yourself in the shoes of the Egyptians who live on the river's economy, but also on its balance. They respect the Nile, and you'll see virtually no pollution.

For the Nile valley is an oasis, immense and long, a garden 1,500 kilometres long, a hospitable haven in the middle of the desert, planted with palm trees, populated by people and birds, where fruit and vegetables, sugar cane and wheat grow. An essential dimension of the marvellous Egypt.

A stay in a dahabieh is not for everyone, as it comes at a price. But given the price of some hotels nowadays, this alternative is worth considering.

Let's be clear: a dahabieh is nothing like a felucca. It is a good-sized wooden vessel (between 28 and 45 metres long) generally equipped with two sails and an engine, like all large sailing ships. In principle, during your stay, you won't hear much of the engine - which is used for manoeuvres such as mooring - if at all. So you'll have the pleasure of feeling like you're simply on a sailing boat.

A crew will be at your service, as well as room service and a small kitchen brigade, in addition to the captain. You can make the yacht private for your family or friends. Several cabins will be at your disposal. These are often Victorian-style bedrooms with refined furnishings, a shower and toilet in each flat, wall lights and a choice of linen.

The upper deck will welcome you for meals and refreshments in the morning and afternoon. Tea and coffee are served regularly. Dinner is often served by candlelight or oil lamps. Remember to apply mosquito repellent.