Egypt's popularity as a holiday destinations has steadily increased over the past few years. Even with a tough economical climate, people still feel the need to get away for a couple of weeks a year. Travellers are becoming more conscientious about how they spend their money, so they are looking for a lot more from the countries they visit. Egypt is so desirable because it has a lot to offer all kinds of travellers, including short flight times from Europe, stunning beach resorts and world class diving, an incredible array of historical temples, tombs and monuments and relaxing cruises down the legendary River Nile.

This diverse country has so much to see, so a great way to experience some of the highlights on offer, but still have time to relax, is a cruise down the Nile on one of the many luxury boats. There are a large number of boats available for your cruising pleasure, from five star cruisers that are like floating hotels with swimming pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants and nightclubs, to more conventional sailing vessels. For shorter trips, travellers can hop onto a felucca, one of the traditional wooden sailing boats used in protected waters of the Red Sea.

The Nile is the longest river in the world and nearly all of the cultural and historical sites are on its banks. Seven night cruises will take you to see many of the most important and spectacular sights along this incredible river. A typical trip will start in Luxor, an important historical city, and the East Bank has many temples, museums and bazaars to keep you entertained. Typically, your first night on your boat will be spent onboard where you can relax and enjoy all the facilities on offer.

Day two begins with a crossing to the West Bank of Luxor and a visit to the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Colossi of Memnon, amongst other historical treasures. Here is where you can visit Tutankhamen's tomb where you can see the famous 19-year-old pharaoh's linen wrapped body in a climate controlled glass case.

After your tour of some of Egypt's most famous historical sites you will spend the rest of the evening onboard and the boat will make its way overnight to Edfu. Passing through the lock at Esna, you should be docked at Edfu by the time you wake up on day three. Today is the start of a ten hour trip to Aswan, so the morning can be spent in at the local market or the second largest temple in Egypt - the Temple of Edfu.

Day four is the first of two days in Aswan where there are many sights to see, including the High Dam and the stone quarries that were used to furnish many of the colossal statues, obelisks and pyramids of ancient Egypt. Trips can also be arranged to the Temple of Abu Simbel, an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples.

Day six is spent taking a leisurely sail back to Luxor, where you will arrive and dock in the evening. Day seven gives you more time in this historical city. After your last night on board it's time to depart from Luxor back home, spend a bit of time on the beach at one of the many luxury beach resorts like Sharm el Sheikh, or continue your historical tour around this incredible country.

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