Travel: Cruising the Nile by felucca

The Star Online (Revathi Murugappan)

Instead of taking a five-star cruise on the Nile, try the felucca.

For a long time in the past, travelling in Egypt meant sailing the Nile since the world’s longest river was the main transport corridor. The river was the lifeblood of the country and the quickest way to move about.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and any holiday to Egypt is incomplete without a cruise on the Nile. Almost all cruise lines travel between Luxor and Aswan, stopping along the way at various temples to show tourists the archaeological richness of the country.

While there are many all-inclusive, five-star ships clamouring for passengers, this is not the only sailing option. If you’re game for an alternative river journey (read: budget travel), then jump into a felucca (sailboat).

Cheaper and more popular among independent travellers, the felucca sails as the wind dictates. The simple wooden boat uses one main sail made of cotton and allows you to be close to the water.

A fortnight ago, my cousin and I signed up for a 4D/3N felucca adventure beginning in Aswan and ending in Luxor, followed by a 10-hour train ride back to Cairo.