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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 05 August, 2023

One of the best ways to experience the magic of the Nile – and to see a glimpse of the authentic Egypt away from the tourist trail – is to go sailing in a traditional felucca (sailing boat).

Sit back on cushions as the single sail guides you upriver alongside farmland and villages, past grazing water buffaloes and camels – landscapes unchanged for thousands of years. Boatmen will offer drinks and may sing with drums.

Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Hire a boat opposite the Sofitel Winter Palace, or near the ferry landing on the West Bank. Rent by the hour and arrange the price and duration with the boat captain. Baksheesh (tips) will be expected at the end. Take your own drinks and snacks.

Or ask your hotel to arrange your felucca – you pay more but get a fixed price. Some agencies (Abercrombie & Kent) and hotels including the Hilton Luxor can arrange Champagne breakfasts or sunset cocktails onboard.

The river is broad in Luxor, and the East Bank heavily developed around Luxor city, so ask to go to the east side.

When to do it

Feluccas are available for hire all year round, at all times of the day. They are usually not allowed to sail at night.

Late afternoons are best, when the sun cools down and winds pick up, blowing off the desert. Avoid sweltering in the midday sun.

Avoid July and August, when it gets uncomfortably hot.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Amazing Sunset sailing by Felucca in Luxor -2 Hours (Private)

Luxor

Amazing Sunset sailing by Felucca in Luxor -2 Hours (Private)
Felucca ride enjoy taking a Felucca ride in Luxor in anytime ( Sunset in best time) you want to discover the places in Luxor during Sailing in the River Nile in Luxor. you will watch the views in Luxor for both banks so our delegate will come to pick you up from your hotel to the port of the Felucca then after you enjoy your tour We will drop you off in your hotel in Luxor.

Price: $38

Min age: 6

Rating 4.97 / 5 [39 ratings]

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Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner

Luxor

Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner
Have a chance to explore the natural life of Luxor on this amazing trip in nature. Relax on board of a sailing boat, watch the birds, the farms, walk around the banana island "an Island covered with banana plantations". Get back with sunset views behind the West Bank hills. With door-to-door transport by an air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch or dinner at the banana island restaurant included but beverages are not included. - Have peace of mind and enjoy a trip in nature to discover the real Egyptian life in Luxor. - Relax on board of a sailing boat for about 45 minutes to the banana Island. - Enjoy lunch or dinner and eat organic banana on the island. - Take it easy with door-to-door transfer at your hotel in Luxor.

Price: $50

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [60 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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One Day Sunrise Balloon, Sunset Felucca ride, Luxor full-day tour

Luxor

One Day Sunrise Balloon, Sunset Felucca ride, Luxor full-day tour
Early morning I Like Egypt Tours representative will pick you up to enjoy air balloon riding. Transfer to marine enjoy Soft drinks before you take the motorboat to the west bank, then you will be transferred to the take-off area of a balloon ride in the sky of the biggest open-air museum( Luxor ). The "Balloon Ride" trip departs every day, however, confirmation in advance is still highly recommended. The balloon ride takes 45 minutes, before your land again. Discover Luxor’s East Bank and West Bank on a full-day, private tour that gives you the flexibility to explore each destination at your own pace. Immerse yourself in Luxor's ancient history at the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak and Luxor Temple.then Sunset Fulucaa Sailing boat Nile River. • Sunrise Hot Air balloon ride • Private tour ensures personalized service. • Cover key highlights in a single day of sightseeing. •pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship by VIP 1st Class Car.

Price: $150

Min age: 6

Rating 4.56 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Luxor

Upper Egypt, Egypt

Egypt. Karnak Temple Complex - the Precinct of Amun-Re. Massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall

Exotic, bustling city on the Nile, packed with world-class ancient sites including the remarkable tomb of Tutankhamun. A tantalising glimpse into the exotic culture and remarkable sophistication of this ancient civilisation.