One of the Most Unique Travel Experiences I’ve Ever Had

The 3-day Felucca Cruise down the Nile was the part of my Egypt trip I was most looking forward to, and a bucket list item I was keen to tick off sooner rather than later. A felucca cruise is a traditional way to experience river cruising and there really is nothing quite like it. I’m not sure I was prepared for just how basic we would be living for those three days. We didn’t have a shower for three days and going to the toilet meant finding a bush on the banks of the Nile that were sometimes far and few between.  

The deck of the felucca is draped with soft cushions perfect for lounging on during the day and sleeping out in the open air at night under the stars. The living conditions may have been basic, but it was one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve ever had.  

The Nile River is one of the world’s longest and surrounded by fantastic historic sites from centuries ago. We made numerous stops to visit temples but the highlight for me was visiting a traditional village in the middle of nowhere. We were greeted by the village children as we pulled up on the banks of the Nile, and they led us to their homes where we were invited in for tea.  

At the end of each day, we stopped on the banks of the Nile and built a bonfire. The sunsets filled the sky with a stunning red and orange color which was quite spectacular and unlike anything I had ever seen. The Egyptian locals who crewed the feluccas would sing in their native tongue and play traditional instruments; it was just the perfect way to end the day.  

Despite lacking the luxuries of modern life, it was by far the best three days of my trip to Egypt. To read more about my ten-day tour of one of the worlds earliest and greatest civilizations, see my travel inspiration story called, Egypt through the eyes of 20 something year old me. 

Bucket List Adventure Rating