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Nile River Cruises

Find the right river cruise for you on the Nile departing in 2024/2025. Trips are most popular in May, with the most river cruise departures on this route then.

250+ Nile river cruises with 7,260 reviews

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

A truly amazing experience better than I thought. Meena the guide was excellent and his history of Egypt was mind blowing.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor

The whole trip was great! You pack in a lot of excursions. Anas, our guide, was superb. He appreciated how much we wanted to learn and delivered really well. Anas had a lovely, gentle way and good sense of humour - we always felt like we were looked after. All of staff were super helpful. I'd recommend!

9 Days Nile Jewel (Cairo, Cruise, Hurghada) Superior hotels

The experience you received perfectly matched what you paid for. With iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids, Sphinx, museums, and countless temples, coupled with the guidance of an exceptional trip leader, your journey was truly remarkable.

• In-depth Cultural

Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Flights Included

The tour was fantastic! A lot of early morning starts, however it meant we were able to see all the sights we wanted to, maximising our time! The guides were all so knowledgeable and friendly. The accomodation and food was great, however the cruise boat was a bit loud when sailing at night. Highlights were the hot air balloon, Abu Simbel and Karnak temple.

Nile Adventure - Felucca cruise

THIS is the Egyptian tour of all tours! Our guide King Mina is your missing puzzle - so informative & fun to be around, SO many laughs had and SO much learnt. He went absolutely above and beyond to accommodate and make sure we didn’t go without! Cannot recommend enough, there isn’t one fault - from the converse prior to the tour start, the accommodation, food, service, transfers and all until the very end! A real home away from home! This is your sign to just BOOK IT - thank you expat!!!

• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Egypt is amazing, but best of all was Mo Fahrid as our guide. His skill at negotiating and managing all aspects of the tour was superb. Watching other guides at the Cairo Museum made me value his expert knowledge even more! Any possible contingency was anticipated and solved. Extras that we requested were delivered. Mo’s personal service made every day a delight. This was a dream of an experience.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Egypt Nile Jewel

Our tour guide George was AMAZING! So knowledgeable, organised, fun and accommodating. Highly recommend this tour!

10-Day Ancient Egypt Tour (Superior Hotels)

A friend recommended doing Egypt as part of a group, and I agreed. Our guide, Max, handled all the details and made sure everything went smoothly. As a solo female traveler in Egypt, the trip was beyond what I expected. Considering it? Just go!

Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight

The tour was well organised with the guide following us from the pick-up to the drop-off moment. We had all the conveniences and commodities to go between the places and the experience of a private tour almost (only another couple with us). The guide explained well without delivering a extreme amount of information but the necessary to we retain and know the history giving us free time to explore the things on our own! I truly recommend the Abu Simbel and The Nubian Village extra tours to know this unique places! My favourites besides everything in Luxor! A must Tour in Egypt and with this company and ship you will have a great experience!!

Egypt Adventure

Great planned trip! Nice people along the way.

Best of Egypt

To Whom it may concern, this letter is being sent to issue the award for EXCELLANCE. my name is Oweda " Weasy " Gerald. my family, son Andrew " Dru " Gerald and daughter Rachel " Rae " Gerald selected Egypt for our family vacation. our transportation was ready and waiting for us @ the airport. we arrived on a late flight. We missed the meet and greet session. we were escorted to our room and received a call to return to the lobby. Mudi was there waiting to give us 3 the " meet and greet " we developed a fast friendship because he returned back to the hotel just for us. he escorted us to the dinning room where we had a pleasant interaction. also informed that we were waiting for another couple who arrived after us. we dined and received our morning instruction. By day 3 , our group became so close that we named our group " the Mudies ". ( of course I adopted him on the spot !!!! ) the following information are acts of kindness shown to group members that were only made public by those who receive great love and selflessness . this is Mudi . 1.) he made arrangement for a couple's lost luggage to be waiting for them when we arrived @ a tour destination. 2.) my late mothers camera slid out of my pocket , got stuck between bus seats on tour bus.my Kids mentioned it to Mudi. my camera was waiting for me @ the next hotel. 3.) one of our group members arrived ill and Mudi took him straight to the hospital , stayer with him and got all his prescription medication. once his health care services were complete , Mudi brought him to the hotel. We have traveled to all continents except the south pole over the years and Mudi is , by far the most AWESOME and WONDERFUL guide EVER. I saved the best for last. our farewell dinner happened to fall on my 62nd birthday. no one know but my children. guess what ??? I had a surprise party there on the spot with singing and dancing !! Mudi gave group attention as well as one-on-one attention. this is why he should be recognized as the tour guide of the year or of the century !! His devout and loving dedication to us and those before us should earn him this great honor. Respectfully Submitted, the entire Gerald Family.

Egypt Nile Adventure

Thoroughly enjoyed my adventure in Egypt. All went very well, nice accommodations, great tour guide and transportation. My fellow tourists were all very pleasant and compatible. It was truly a trip to remember. Thank you!

Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - Included Internal Flights

Alles ok, gute Reiseleitung und Betreuung

• €110 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

King Ramses - 13 days

This tour was amazing! “On the go” the the perfect name for it because every day is packed with a lot of sights. This was our first tour and we were very pleased! Our tour guide MoMo made the whole experience amazing!!! This tour was to celebrate my wife’s birthday and I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to get her a cake for her birthday. He made it possible to get her a cake 5,000 miles from home. MoMo is very knowledgeable about all things Egypt and I am more informed than I would’ve been without his guidance. The negative parts were the sleeper train. This train was terrible in almost every way. The cars are small, dirty and loud! The train stops harshly often and getting a good nights rest is impossible. One more word of caution, smoking is prevalent in Egypt. We are from America where smoking in public places is illegal. Be ready to endure smoking almost everywhere. Overall we enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend taking this tour.

Enchanting Egypt Tours - Internal Flights Included

This was the perfect tour to explore Egypt. Our guides Abdul (Cairo) and Saladino (the Nile) were amazing. They were incredibly knowledgeable and so kind and friendly. They immediately made us feel very at home in Egypt. All of the tours were wonderful. We also added all of the optional tours and would highly recommend them all. Particularly Saqqara as it is so much quieter than Giza and was interesting to see another type of pyramid. The boat was brilliant; staff were friendly, food was great and cruising the Nile is truly an experience I will never forget.

Reviews of Nile Cruises

Husband & I enjoyed a 14 night trip to Hurghada & then a Nike Cruise. George was our cruise tour guide. We found him to be considerate & knowledgeable. He spoke excellent English & had a depth & breadth of knowledge on Egyptian history that only a person with a passion for their subject could have. George was an amazing guide & I would recommend him & the tour company 100%

The ship is very nice, Has a pool, an indoor and an outdoor bar. Meals are Served as a Buffet, there is Always good for every one. But the best of the Tour is the Tour Guide WAEL. He knows Everything. Explained the ancient Stories in a very Entertaining way. We loved ihm. Our friend did not feel very well, Wael organised very fast good medicine. What you Need to know about this tour, there is not a lot of sleep, behause there is always something to See.

An amazing trip, every guid was incredibly helpful and informative. Couldn't have asked for a better experience in Egypt.

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• River Tosca from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• S.S. Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
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• AmaLilia from AmaWaterways
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• RV Da Vinci from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Medea from Insight Vacations
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19 of the best Nile cruises for 2024

Discover egypt’s past on a voyage along the world’s longest river with one of these unforgettable nile cruises.

S ailing the River Nile is a bucket-list experience. Since the first tourists travelled down the river in 1869, it has attracted visitors enthralled by Egypt’s pharaohs, prophets and pyramids. The world’s longest river flows through 11 African countries for 4,100 miles before spilling out into the Mediterranean, but it’s the Upper Nile, which snakes through southern Egypt, that offers the most cruise itineraries. These visit some of the country’s famous ruins and archaeological discoveries, including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan and the Temple of Horus. Cruises operate year-round but sailings between October and May will avoid scorching summer temperatures. Whether you choose to sail on a modern cruise ship, a restored paddle steamer or even a traditional two-masted dahabiya, these are some of the best Nile cruises and itineraries for this journey of a lifetime.

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1. G Adventures: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile

Best for a dahabiya experience Leave the crowded ports to the oversized ships and opt for a more serene sailing with G Adventures. Its ten-day Egypt: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile itinerary includes four nights in Cairo and five on board a traditional dahabiya, which has no engine so you can sit back and listen to the sounds of the waves. With just ten cabins, it can dock at small sites close to villages for a more authentic experience. These include a visit to a nonprofit charity working with young people in the West Bank, a barbeque on a remote island in the middle of the Nile and a trip to Nubian village for mint tea with a local family.

Passengers 16 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £££

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2. ms farah: taste of egypt.

Best for on-board experience The real attraction of a Nile cruise lies on dry land, but guests on an Avalon Waterways cruise will be in no hurry to disembark. This ship has 56 deluxe cabins and two suites, and all have oversized balconies to watch the world sail by. Treats on board include free use of a sauna and steam room, complimentary wi-fi, barbecue lunches and dinners on the sun deck, a library and welcome amenities including a fruit basket and canapés. Guests can join an Egyptian cooking class, use a telescope to stargaze or attend a lecture by an Egyptologist. Ten-day Taste of Egypt itineraries feature five nights in Cairo, including lunches in local restaurants, trips to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Aswan High Dam, and an optional dinner cruise with live music and belly dancing.

Passengers 124 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over eight) Price ££

3. MS Nile Plaza: Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise

Best for visiting Alexandria While most cruises include time in Cairo before sailing from Luxor, Titan Travel’s Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise itinerary also squeezes in a full-day excursion to the port city of Alexandria, the former capital of ancient Egypt. The 12-day tour includes seven nights on the MS Nile Plaza with its restaurant, bar and sundeck, two and a half days of free time and even a VIP transfer from your home for your flight to Cairo. Highlights of the sailing include the Valley of the Queens, the beautiful Temple of Philae and an excursion on a traditional wooden felucca.

Passengers 110 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites No Children welcome Y (aged over 16) Price ££

4. Mövenpick MS Darakum: Wonders of the Nile, Cairo to Luxor

Best for watching the world go by Those who like to take the long route and stay on a boat for the duration of their Egyptian adventure in Egypt will enjoy a cruise on the 52-cabin MS Darakum. Thanks to its very low draft, it is one of the few vessels that can sail from Cairo to Luxor. After an intoxicating few days in the capital, exploring its markets, mosques and ancient wonders, it’s time to travel south. The beauty of covering a much longer distance than a traditional Nile cruise is the extra time it allows to simply sit and watch the world go by. Riviera Travel’s Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Luxor itinerary is sprinkled with long and leisurely sailing days where there’s little to do except relax on the sun deck and gaze out at the small farms and date plantations, before retreating inside to attend the fascinating onboard lectures.

Passengers 104 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

5. Mövenpick MS Royal Lily or Royal Lotus: Premium Nile Cruise

Best for ticking off the sights All of Egypt’s most significant sites are given adequate attention on Exodus’ nine-day Premium Nile Cruise. After time in Cairo and a short flight to Luxor, it’s time to board for a voyage through 7,000 years of history. The traditional-style ships include large Royal suites and very high levels of service and comfort throughout. As well as all the usual big hitters, there are plenty of offbeat options that make this an eye-opening choice for the curious traveller. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the impressive seventh-century St Simeon Monastery, the nearby traditional Nubian village and the chance to see Cleopatra’s unfinished obelisk.

Passengers 126 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

6. Oberoi Zahra: Luxury Nile Cruise

Best for maxed-out luxury Devotees of the namesake hotel chain can enjoy the brand’s luxury on the water aboard the plushest boat on the Nile. The modern and minimalist Oberoi Zahra enjoys prime position at its private mooring spot on the banks of the corniche in Aswan. Its elevated approach doesn’t end there. As well as offering trips to the temples of Edfu and the island of El Nabatat on itineraries that include a four-day trip from Luxor, the boat has plenty to keep guests entertained, from a library and games room to a gym and open-air pool. At night, astrology lectures reveal how the night sky influenced life in Egypt in the past. The 27 cabins are tasteful and decorated in a natural colour palette; both of the suites have a private terrace and a hot tub.

Passengers 54 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N (minimum age is 12) Price £££

7. Tui Al Horeya: Legends of the Nile

Best for home comforts Tui River Cruises launched its first Nile ship in November 2024. The sailings are aimed squarely at the British market and include charter flights from Gatwick and Manchester. The five-deck ship was fully refurbished for Tui and seven-night round-trip Legends of the Nile sailings from Luxor include two excursions to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Other optional shore tours available to purchase include the atmospheric sound and light show at Karna, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor and a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tui Al Horeya also has a top-deck pool, an area for alfresco dining on warm Egyptian nights and an on-board Egyptologist.

Passengers 145 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £

8. SS Sphinx: Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

Best for first-timers The SS Sphinx showcases the very best of Egypt, both old and new, in the utmost comfort. Uniworld’s 11-night Splendours of Egypt & the Nile itinerary provides the perfect introduction to Egypt. The Cairo-to-Cairo trip begins with highlights that include the Pyramids of Giza, as well as tea with a Nubian family and even a spot of fishing and birdwatching. The onboard experience is no less delightful, with 42 suites decked out with Egyptian art, hand-carved furniture, a massage room, swimming pool and two gourmet dining rooms. Trips include guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and sailing on a felucca.

Passengers 84 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

9. Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau: private charter

Best for families and groups of friends This 164ft-long traditional dahabiya sailing boat may be small but it is perfectly packaged. The first of its kind on the Nile, it is available through Sanctuary Retreats for private charter with personalised week-long itineraries to suit specific interests. This cruise is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility. On board there is a heated plunge pool and six individually designed cabins influenced by the country’s culture, geography and heritage, including the Farouk Suite on the upper deck, where the decor is inspired by Egyptian royalty. Guides can be arranged according to guests’ interests — from food to history.

Passengers 12 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sanctuaryretreats.com

10. SS Sudan: On the River Nile

Best for Agatha Christie lovers One of the most historic and atmospheric vessels to ply the Nile’s waters, this celebrated 19th-century steamer once welcomed Agatha Christie aboard. It is widely believed that it was that trip in 1933, accompanying her husband on an archaeological mission, which paved the way for one of her most accomplished murder mysteries. Following Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile , the SS Sudan is the perfect ship for fans of the Queen of Crime; there are cabins named after Christie and her character Hercule Poirot. The boat exudes opulent period charm, from the teak decks and parquet flooring to the brass bed frames in many of the rooms. Guests also have exclusive access to a network of expert archaeologists who will help bring the historical ruins to life.

Passengers 46 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price £££

originaltravel.co.uk

11. SS Misr: Timeless Nile

Best for traditionalists Misr, which means “Egypt” in Arabic, is a propeller steamer that has long enjoyed a romance with this country. Built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, in 1938 it was converted into a luxury yacht that played host to King Farouk, the country’s penultimate monarch. The vessel has now been fully restored to its former glory, and its 12 and 14-night trips are known for celebrating local food — there’s a rather regal feeling inside the main Marasem restaurant, with framed photos of past royalty dotted about and waiters smartly dressed in attire inspired by the glory days of Farouk. The food is largely international but local flavours are celebrated in dishes such as bessara, a local dip made from fava beans.

Passengers 45 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price ££

noble-caledonia.co.uk

12. MS Esplanade: Nile cruises

Best for R&R A sophisticated option, focusing on the Upper Nile, the MS Esplanade offers cruises of up to seven nights (minimum three nights) that take in both the east and west banks of Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and even the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. When it comes to relaxation, guests can spend time on their three, four and seven-day sailings in the hushed spa on the lower deck or relax on one of the shady poolside cabanas on the breezy top deck.

Passengers 150 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price ££

mayfaircruises.com

13. La Flaneuse du Nil: traditional-style sailing

Best for return visitors For those who have already sailed the Nile and may be looking for something different, La Flaneuse du Nil is a tempting option. While most boats travel north from Aswan towards Luxor, this intimate five-day cruise heads south into Lake Nasser bound for the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Powered by sails and tugs, just like the original dahabiyas that were once a regular sight on the waterway, this cosy vessel showcases the subtle beauty of the vast man-made reservoir that straddles Egypt’s border with Sudan. The boat sails at a leisurely pace, with stops for lake swims, sunset hikes and solitary mornings on quiet beaches, as well as guided trips to some of the most impressive ancient wonders Egypt has to explore.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over six) Price ££

authentichotels.com

14. Sanctuary Sun Boat III: luxury cruise

Best for fun on the river An extremely attractive boat, and one of the few vessels to (occasionally) cruise from Cairo to Aswan, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III takes its inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Think ecru tones, four-poster beds draped in the finest Egyptian linen and entertainment in the form of belly dancers and whirling dervishes. There are modern touches, too, with air conditioning and a swimming pool on the Cleopatra Oasis sundeck: the perfect spot on which to sip a hibiscus juice and watch the world go by.

Passengers 32 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

15. RV Da Vinci: Land of the Pharaohs

Best for value With its understated style, the RV Da Vinci is a good choice for passengers who want to travel in more contemporary surroundings. Built in 1993 and fully refurbished since, it offers a comfortable base to travel on the classic route from Luxor or add on a few days in Cairo. CroisiEurope’s eight-day Land of the Pharaohs cruise includes excursions to all the headline sights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Kom Ombo, and options to book others, such as a breathtaking balloon ride over the Nile Valley or the evocative sound and light show at Karnak. At the end of the day, enjoy a final cocktail as the sun goes down — all drinks are included in the fare.

Passengers 108 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £

croisieurope.travel/en

16. River Tosca: Splendours of Egypt and the Nile

Best for those with children Luxury line Uniworld has expanded its family-friendly Generations programme with an all-new multigenerational itinerary in Egypt. The adapted version of its 11-night Splendours of Egypt and the Nile holiday is aboard the River Tosca and includes child-friendly menus and two dedicated family hosts to oversee activities for junior cruisers aged four to 12 and teen cruisers. Alongside famous sights such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, activities include a football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding, swimming in the Nile, exploring the river by bike and traditional felucca, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the captain’s wheelhouse. While youngsters are having fun with the onboard hosts, adults can relax on the sun deck with its shaded cabanas and swimming pool.

Passengers 82 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

uniworld.com

17. MS Radamis II: Nile River Cruise including Cairo and Hurghada

Best for solo travellers If you’re fed up with being stung by single supplements, don’t want to set sail with loved-up couples, or simply just enjoy travelling alone, then check out the Travel Department’s dedicated sailings for singles. The company charters this comfortable ship, which has 75 cabins, and for solo travellers it makes for an exclusive and intimate holiday. The sun-deck bar is a top spot to mingle over cocktails with newfound friends and enjoy barbecues. The supplement-free solo itineraries take in a 12-night Nile cruise, with included shore trips to the Temple of Horus, Valley of the Kings, High Dam and temples of Karnak and Luxor. At the end of the cruise you’ll fly and flop with a couple of days of relaxation in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The tour operator also uses the vessel for its escorted group tours on the Nile.

traveldepartment.co.uk

18. Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat: Nile cruise

Best for groups You can sail the Nile in style on this twin-masted dahabiya, which harks back to the graceful travel of bygone times. Inspired by the 19th-century vessels used by royalty and aristocrats, this intimate and sophisticated 14-passenger ship is the smallest in the fleet owned by the international Sonesta hotel group. It’s a wonderful choice for extended families or groups of friends who want to book an entire ship for an exclusive holiday. Sumptuous cabins are decked out in blue, gold and cream, and guests can wallow in baths after a busy day sightseeing. The ship goes back and forth on week-long trips between Luxor and Aswan and wherever possible sails under wind power.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sonesta.com/sonesta-dahabeya-amirat

19. AmaLilia: Secrets of Egypt and the Nile

Best for being pampered AmaLilia, which sailed on the Nile for the first time in March 2024, would impress even the most discerning pharaoh with its marble bathrooms, heated pool, massage treatments — and even a nail bar. Its suites are stylish and contemporary, and the decor throughout the ship has an understated elegance, showcasing Egyptian ornaments and artwork. The thoughtful Secrets of Egypt and the Nile itinerary includes extras such as the Abdeen presidential palace for lunch and a lesson in papyrus making in Luxor. AmaLilia is an almost identical ship to AmaWaterways’ first Nile ship AmaDahlia, with the addition of more plush suites.

Passengers 72 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y (aged over four) Price £££

amawaterways.co.uk

Additional reporting by Jeannine Williamson and Siobhan Grogan

• Is it safe to travel to Egypt? • When is the best time to cruise the Nile? • Best tours of Egypt

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Everything You Need To Know Before Embarking On A Nile River Cruise

A Nile cruise is on nearly every international traveler’s wish list. The wonders of ancient Egypt go way beyond the pyramids and the sphinx, with countless treasures lying further south, a stretch away from Cairo, lying either within reach of Luxor or Aswan, which is why most people opt for a cruise between the two cities, stopping off at the most important sites along the way.

Having visited Cairo before, a Nile cruise had been on my wish list for years until I finally found the right ship, which I knew I would enjoy, together with the right duration of cruise and itinerary to suit me. It took a lot of research and some luck to chance upon the cruise that was right for me: very small, few people, historic connections, a touch of the glamor of 1920s- and 1930s-style travel, and plenty of class. I found my ideal cruise on the SS Sudan , the last true paddle steamer on the Nile, the one Agatha Christie sailed on and where she wrote Death on the Nile — and where the subsequent movies were filmed. Small enough to allow for privacy, large enough for comfort, with a five-night, six-day itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

But what is perfect for me isn’t necessarily perfect for everybody else. Some might want a pool, a shop, more people to socialize with, or maybe more modern cabins, and probably going from Aswan to Luxor, or even cruising the whole way from Cairo to Aswan. Timing is crucial as well, as is deciding what to do at either end. There are many things to consider before embarking on a Nile cruise, so, here I have listed a few points to mull over and research before you book yourself that trip of a lifetime.

Up Or Down River?

Let’s start with some nomenclature you will need to go along the right route: Cruising up the Nile means you are going south, toward the source of the Nile, which, by the way, I recently discovered in Uganda. Cruising down the Nile is sailing toward the estuary in the Mediterranean. But, just to confuse things, Upper Egypt is in fact southern Egypt, while Lower Egypt is in the north, by the coast.

Most Nile Cruises, except for the ones setting off from Cairo and cruising all the way up the Nile, actually sail only in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan.

I am unsure about what the statistics are when it comes to preferences, but all the cruise ships in Upper Egypt either cruise from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Luxor. Both Luxor and Aswan have airports you can fly into from Cairo, the main international airport in Egypt, so the choice really is yours. That said, personally, I felt that going from Luxor to Aswan was my preferred option simply because — in my mind — Aswan is so much prettier than Luxor. And from Aswan, you can travel to the temples in Abu Simbel, leaving you with the best bit at the end of your journey. But many people would argue the opposite and there really is no right or wrong.

Hotels At Either End

While many travelers, mostly those who are time poor, head straight from the airport to the cruise ship and, once docked after the cruise, fly straight back out again, I would like to plead for a night or two at either end. Not only does it give you the option of overcoming any jet lag or travel fatigue, but also there are some lovely historic hotels that are worth spending a night in. In Luxor, the famous Winter Palace is a historic hotel, a little frayed around the edges, but with a fabulous garden and a pedigree of former guests that is hard to beat. The only place that can beat the guest list of the Winter Palace is the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan where Agatha Christie stayed at the end of her cruise, and you can take a tour through numerous suites named after illustrious guests who stayed there over the last century. And the hotel offers rooms with some of my favorite views in the world .

What Kind Of Boat

There are essentially four types of boats on the Nile that can take you from A to B. There are modern cruise ships, relatively small when compared to ocean-going cruise ships with around 50 cabins, but many with swimming pools, cabins with balconies, and shops and restaurants on board. There is the SS Sudan , alone in its class, without amenities such as pools or shops, but with only five suites and 18 cabins, plus a superb sundeck, a bar, and a restaurant. Then there are the dahabiyas, beautiful boats with a sail at either end — and even more private with many only catering to around 12 passengers. The dahabiyas come without engines, but often have a tugboat for added speed, and offer the most tranquil and secluded cruises. Lastly, there are the feluccas, small sailboats, where in some cases you can spend one night on board, but generally, these lovely and traditional sailboats are only used for day trips.

Where Are The Stops?

Between the most popular cruise harbors of Luxor and Aswan lie the most amazing sights, most of which are taken in by all the various cruises, because, after all, that is why everybody is there. The main stops are Qena, a little downriver from Luxor, with the Dendera and Abydos temples; Luxor , with the various valleys of tombs; Edfu with the fabulous Kom Ombo temple; and lastly Aswan, with a visit to Philae. On a five-night cruise upriver (so going south), you will stay overnight in Qena, Luxor, Edfu, and two nights in Aswan.

Length Of Cruise

Most cruises between Luxor and Aswan take between three and seven days, the shorter ones skipping Qena and only staying one night in Aswan, the longer ones adding extra nights, usually in Luxor.

If you are lucky enough to have the time to sail from Cairo to Aswan , the itinerary takes a minimum of 11 nights, but more often than not 14 nights, with sightseeing in Cairo included, usually reaching Luxor on Day 11. Despite the current of the Nile, which is evident but quite slow, the cruises up or down the river take the same amount of time.

When Best To Travel

The best time to visit Upper (southern) Egypt is between October and April. That said, I went at the end of October, and the temperatures were still in the 90s Fahrenheit, making sightseeing a bit of an exhausting undertaking. In the summer, these temperatures are much, much worse, so travel then is best avoided. In December and January, the coldest months, the temperatures hover around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. As for rain, the rainy season is between October and April, with a negligible spike at less than an inch of rain in October.

What You Must Pack

Even if yours is a fancy cruise, pack light, pack layers, and pack sensible shoes. It will be hot and sandy whenever you go exploring. In the Valley of the Kings, for example, there is much sand, no shade, and plenty of stairs and steps to conquer, so light clothing but good shoes that keep you firmly on the ground are useful. Bring a light cover for the evening and something nice for the boat. A clothes brush to get the sand and dust off you at the end of the outing and a handheld fan to bring you some air when it gets warm are essential. And, if you like a tipple or two, know that in Egypt imported wine and champagne are extortionately expensive, so, get your full allowance in the duty-free shop and enjoy along the way.

What To Do Before (Or After)

Chances are that you will fly into Cairo, and unless you are embarking in Cairo, some sightseeing is a must. Allow at least two extra days to see the main sights before heading south. And once you are in the south, note that all cruise ships stop at Aswan because of the dams. If you want to see Abu Simbel, you can either fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel or take a tour either by bus or private car , but you will need to book the car in advance. This is because the tourist road caravan sets off first thing in the morning and is escorted by police all the way between Aswan and Abu Simbel because of potential bandits, and all travelers need to be registered and accounted for by the day before at the latest.

What To Read And Watch About The Nile

To get you in the mood and keep you going while you’re there, here are some books and films set in exactly the places you will be visiting, so you can go, “Oh, I know that place!” as you read or watch.

• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
• The films Death on the Nile from 1978 with Peter Ustinov , 2004 with David Suchet , and 2022 with Kenneth Branagh
• Some very light but fun mysteries by Elizabeth Peters , with lots of places to be recognized
• The superb old travel book by Amelia B. Edwards A Thousand Miles up the Nile , first published in 1877

One fantastic historical TV series presented by Bettany Hughes is entitled The Nile and is full of information, making for perfect viewing before and after your trip.

Pro Tip: In many places, you will either have to pay for a photography permit, or, at times, won’t be able to take photographs. But don’t let that stop you from carrying your camera everywhere with you!

Related Reading:

• How This River Cruise Allowed Me To Get To Know My Mom Again
• 7 Best River Cruise Lines Around The World
• American Cruise Lines Unveils Its Longest U.S. River Cruise — The Four Rivers You’ll Explore In 60 Days

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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There would be no Egypt without the Nile. Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Explore Luxor’s legendary temples and tombs, then cruise to Aswan, stopping in ancient Edfu, Kom Ombo and more. A true travel milestone.

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Follow the timeline of Egyptian civilization, beginning in Cairo and culminating with a spectacular Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back. Let your imagination soar as your ship meanders through panoramic desertscapes, fertile farmlands, colorful villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that preserve the ancient glory of Egypt’s greatest temples, palaces and tombs. Included excursions in every port reveal highlights like these:

• The pyramids and the Sphinx, the only Ancient Wonders of the World still standing
• Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamen
• Luxor’s Karnak Temple complex
• The Necropolis of Thebes, Egypt’s largest repository of pharaonic tombs
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• Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
• The graceful temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh
• The temple of Hathor at Dendera
• Aswan’s atmospheric souk
• Nubian village and school visit
• The romantic, waterbound Temple of Isis at Philae
• Horse-drawn calèche tour to Edfu’s Temple of Horus

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A Nile River cruise brings you all the history, the culture, and the ethereal magic that defines a quintessential Egyptian adventure.

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A luxury cruise on the Nile, the longest river in the world, is one of the most classic and traditional ways to see Egypt’s famed tombs and monuments, most of them not too far from the riverbanks. Every day is a different journey, a different story and river life itself is fascinating, which you will discover as you float by villages and farms, past sugar cane and bougainvillea. Many cruises begin at the city of Luxor with a stop at Karnak Temple, an ancient complex with a forest of carved obelisks reaching into the sky. Luxor Temple itself should be part of the itinerary, with its beautiful carvings and statues of Ramses II. The Valley of the Kings brings the famous tomb of boy pharaoh Tutankhamen, as well as the chambers of many other pharaohs, each lined with hieroglyphics and vivid art, the paintings hidden from the sun for centuries. The temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo are dedicated to half-man half-falcon god Horus and half-crocodile god Sobek. The city of Aswan in southern Egypt features many archaeological sites, including the Temple of Isis, which dates to the 4th century BC, and the landmark Aswan Dam. Tully can even extend your adventure, taking you all the way down to the storied temples of Abu Simbel.

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If you’re considering a luxury cruise down The Nile River, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of the Nile. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. With the Nile River, our Travel Designers have insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. We will help you select the perfect cruise line to whisk you down this iconic waterway on cruise ships like the Oberoi Zahra Luxury Nile Cruiser or the elite Sanctuary Sun Boats. And while you’re there, we can customize a full tour of Egypt, taking you to hidden luxuries on the shores of the Red Sea and to iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Travel Designer and start planning your luxury Nile cruise today.

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Silver Moon

Building on the phenomenal success of Silver Muse, Silver Moon mirrors her sister ship and establishes a new era of Silversea. At 40,700 gross tons and with a capacity to accommodate 596 passengers on board, Silver Moon maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation, which are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. Silver Moon also features the all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme – an immersive culinary concept that enables guests to travel deeper through a range of destination-based gastronomic experiences. Get ready for a new world of travel.

GO BEYOND YOUR FOOD HORIZONS WITH S.A.L.T.

Introducing a new way to experience the world’s food, drinks and traditions. The innovative Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme offers curated shore excursions that immerse you in the cuisine and culture of your destination. Back onboard, you’ll enjoy regional cooking classes and workshops in the S.A.L.T Lab, while in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, you’ll enjoy experiencing the traditions, recipes and flavours in mouth-watering meals. Finally, the S.A.L.T. Bar invites you to sip locally-inspired drinks made with only the best ingredients. This is S.A.L.T., our new travel and food experience that brings the flavours of your destination right to your table.

Let’s explore the moon! With a capacity to accommodate 596 passengers on board, Silver Moon is one of the largest ships in our fleet but maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation, which are the hallmarks of Silversea. Eight superb dining options complete the experience.

• Guests capacity : 596
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Silver Moon’s exclusive destination focused restaurant. Take your travel experience even further while enjoying the local cuisine, heritage and food culture of your destination.

Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame is the epitome of fine dining. Featuring the rich, smooth flavours of France, La Dame’s reputation for gastronomic excellence is fully upheld aboard Silver Moon.

Soft breezes and ocean views beckon at the Grill, especially as the sun goes down when cruise guests gather for cocktails at the outdoor bar and talk about the day’s events.

Pivotal to Silver Moon dining experience, this elegant bar and grill incorporates the best that the sea has to offer.

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Authentic Italian recipes and the freshest, sustainable ingredients come together in this restaurant at sea.

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Small plate tapas-style dishes of mouth-watering international cuisine perfectly complement the rich, exciting entertainment as the smooth sounds of jazz and blues gently caress your ears.

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Reflecting Silversea’s Italian heritage, this emblematic street in Naples divides the city in two and is renowned for its pizzerias.

One of the most immediately recognisable characteristics of Japanese culture by its stunning costumes and elaborate make-up, the ancient art of Kaiseki theatre reflects a passion for tradition and performance.

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Nothing says travelling deeper better than Silver Moon’s S.A.L.T. bar. Get a taste for the authentic and settle down to enjoy locally-inspired cocktails and drinks.

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Welcome to the S.A.L.T. Lab, an interactive space where guests can deep-dive into local culinary techniques through workshops, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

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A peaceful retreat that is the perfect place to break away to, a social place to meet and greet old friends, or an evening venue to partake in a cocktail as you sit back and watch the world go by.

Enjoy a selection of games at the Silversea Casino for guests 18 and older, or discover new games during your luxury cruise.

Dolce Vita is the gathering place for our savvy travellers of the world, a place where guests mingle and exchange stories and where new faces become lifelong friends.

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The Fitness Centre brings together elite design with programs that are specifically created for your body type and needs.

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The Zagara Beauty Spa by Silversea is a sanctuary of pure bliss… Sweeping sea views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, nine treatment rooms, an acupuncture suite, relaxation areas and a dedicated outdoor whirlpool allow delectable indulgence on board.

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The Observation Library boasts exceptional views overlooking the ocean as it stretches out below you while you enjoy your cruise.

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Rich and luxurious, yet airy and spacious, this indoor/outdoor venue is where you sip the finest cognac or whisky from a prestigious range and revel in the tranquil murmur of after-dinner conversation.

Hosting various, exciting exhibitions, the Arts Café will showcase painting and sculptures from a broad range of talent.

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Take a dip in the pool, relax in one of the whirlpools or simply soak up the view from one of the sunbeds, while your pool attendant anticipates your every whim.

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Maintain your fresh look throughout your luxury cruise at the Beauty Salon. Services are available for men and women.

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Viking IPO: Key Facts Behind the Luxury Cruise Operator’s Billion-Dollar Debut

Sean O'Neill , Skift

April 30th, 2024 at 6:37 PM EDT

Wednesday's IPO will value Viking, an operator of luxury river and ocean cruises, at roughly $10 billion. Leaders in the luxury travel sector will be eyeing the move closely.

Sean O'Neill

Viking , an operator of river and ocean cruises, and a group of shareholders were set to raise more than $1.54 billion in an initial public offering on Wednesday.

When the stock begins trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol VIK , the Bermuda-based luxury travel company anticipates that the price per share will be $24.

The company and its shareholders will offer 53 million shares . The IPO placed a roughly $10.3 billion valuation on the company on a fully distributed basis as of the opening bell.

10 Facts About Viking’s IPO and Strategy

• The IPO will enrich chairman, CEO, and co-founder Torstein “Tor” Hagen, 81, who will control a slim majority of Viking shares. The public debut will make Hagen worth roughly $5 billion , according to Bloomberg estimates.
• Hagen began Viking in 1997 with four river ships. Today, the company sails 80 river vessels, averaging 190 passengers each. It also has nine ocean-sailing ships, which typically hold about 900 passengers, making them relatively smaller than traditional ocean vessels. The company has three other vessels, such as those used to cruise the Nile in Egypt.
• Viking wasn’t profitable last year. It reported a $1.86 billion loss in its 2023 fiscal year. But it said that was related to one-time losses. The company reported about $1.09 billion in adjusted EBITDA in its SEC filings.
• The company targets well-off travelers, typically those above age 55. Its average revenue per passenger last year was $7,251.
• The company stands apart from traditional ocean cruise lines. There aren’t water slides or casinos on board. Small children are often banned.
• The company claims it served one out of four luxury cruise-goers on ocean cruises last year out of a market of about 1.1 million. Competitor brands include Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent.
• The company claims to have served one out of two river cruise travelers last year, out of a market of 700,000 passengers. Rivals include Grand Circle.
• About 90% of Viking’s guests are from North America. Most of its cruise ship itineraries are in Europe and Antarctica, but it has routes worldwide.
• Viking said it may use some of the capital from the IPO to help expand its offerings to land-based tours and excursions. It will also use some of the capital to pay down its debt, which was $5.4 billion in December.
• Viking has 24 new ships on order, with options for 12 more. It plans to enter China and other markets.

For more on the company, see Viking’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . Analyst Jess Peterson has crunched other key numbers.

UPDATE: This story was updated with the final pricing for the stock.

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Tags: cruise lines , cruises , ipo , IPOs , luxury , river cruise , river cruises , river cruising , viking

Photo credit: Sofa chairs in a public atrium on board a Viking river cruise ship. Source: Viking.

• 1.2 By train
• 2 Get around

Korolyov is a mid-sized city in North Moscow Oblast , best known as the "cradle of space exporation," as it was the center of the Soviet space program. It was also a former elite dacha location, a vacation spot for all sorts of famous Russians (e.g., Chekhov, Lenin, Akhmatova, Pasternak, Tsvetaeva, etc.). The city today has become one of the most desirable residential locations outside Moscow.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Take the M8 highway. The town starts right from the highway to the right of it, opposite to Mytishchi .

By bus [ edit ]

Buses 392, 565 and 576 from VDNKh metro station in Moscow, bus 28 from Mytishchi train station (starts on east side, opposite to bus station). Keep in mind jams on M8 for all of these buses, even though they become less severe after opening multilevel traffic interchanges on M8 between Mytishchi and Korolev.

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See [ edit ].

• House-Museum of Vladimir Lenin , ☏ +7 095 519-6265 . 11:00–18:00 .  
• House-Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva .  
• Church of the Birth of the Sacred Bogoroditsy in Kostino . (17th century)  
• Space operation center .  
• Temple Cosmas and Damian .  
• The monument to Sergei Korolev .  

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Sleep [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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Sergei Korolev

Sergei Pavlovich Korolev (1907-1966) is widely regarded as the founder of the Soviet space program. Involved in pre-World War II studies of rocketry in the USSR , Korolev, like many of his colleagues, went through Stalin's prisons and later participated in the search for rocket technology in occupied Germany . His incredible energy, intelligence, belief in the prospects of space flight, managerial abilities and almost mythical skills in decision-making made him the head of the first Soviet rocket development center, known today as RKK Energia. According to many of his contemporaries, Korolev deserves most credit for turning rocket weapons into an instrument of space exploration and making the Soviet Union the world's first space-faring nation.

Previous chapter: People of the Russian space program

At the pinnacle of his career, Sergei Korolev re-enacts for the camera historic commands for the liftoff of the Vostok spacecraft with Yuri Gagarin onboard in 1961, which opened human exploration of space.

Sergei Korolev was born on December 30, 1906 (January 12, 1907, in the Gregorian calendar, currently in use in Russia) in the city of Zhitomir in present day Ukraine, in the family of a Russian language teacher. A year later, family moved to Kiev, Ukraine. In 1910, Sergei's parents separated and he moved with his mother to her parents home in the town of Nezhin. Korolev's parents officially divorced in October 1916 and soon Sergei's mother remarried. In 1917, the year of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the family moved to Odessa, a major port city in Ukraine. ( 84 )

In 1922, as the city was still recovering from the civil war, Sergei Korolev passed qualifying exams for a senior year at the Odessa professional construction school, an equivalent of a community college in the West. Here he met his future wife, Kseniya Vincentini. In addition to a top-notch staff, the Odessa construction school gave its graduates a previlige of entering colleges without entrance exams. At the time, Sergei was already interested in aviation, likely ignited by his step-father, a well-educated engineer with a booming dual career in the railroad industry and technical education. In June 1923, Korolev joined newly created Friends of Air Fleet Society. ( 241 )

In 1924, Korolev transfered to the Kiev Polytechnic Institute, where he joined a group of glider enthusiasts. Two years later Korolev transferred to Moscow's Bauman High Technical School, MVTU, the best engineering college in Russia, later often compared to MIT in the United States.

Korolev graduated from MVTU in 1929 and in 1931 he joined the Central Aero and Hydrodynamics Institute, TsAGI. ( 2 ) In July 1932, Korolev was appointed chief of Jet Propulsion Research Group, GIRD, one of the earliest state-sponsored centers for rocket development in the USSR. In 1933, the group was reorganized into the Jet Propulsion Research Institute, RNII , where Korolev worked as Deputy Chief of the institute. At RNII, Korolev led the development of cruise missiles and of a manned rocket-powered glider.

On June 27, 1938, at the height of Stalin's purges, Korolev was arrested and sent to concentration camps in Siberia, in the region of the Kolyma River. Korolev fateful roller coaster continued in March 1940, when he was suddenly returned to Moscow and imprisoned in the infamous Butyrskaya prison. On July 10 of the same year, a special commission chaired by Lavrenty Beria, chief of Stalin's secret police, sentenced Korolev to eight years in labor camps on phony allegations of sabotage. "Fortunately" for Korolev, in September 1940, he was transferred to "sharashka" -- one of numerous design bureaus in prison. The sharashka network was organized in 1939, to exploit huge population of the Soviet GULAG. Officially called TsKB-29, Korolev's sharashka was led by Andrei Tupolev, also a GULAG prisoner and located in the city of Omsk. There, Korolev participated in the development of the Tu-2 bomber, a major aircraft of the Soviet Air Force during World War II. Korolev was then transferred to another sharashka in the city of Kazan, where he became a deputy to Valentin Glushko, his former colleague from NII-3 and future partner and competitor at the dawn of space age.

On July 27, 1944, the authorities "paroled" Korolev and on Sept. 8, 1945, Korolev traveled to Germany for evaluation and restoration of A-4 ballistic missiles . In August 1946, while still in Germany, Korolev was appointed chief of a department in the newly created NII-88 in Podlipki , northeast of Moscow. This organization was made responsible for the development and industrial production of missile technology based on German hardware .

At the peak of his career, Korolev led the development of the world's first intercontinental ballistic missile, known today as R-7 , which became a base for a long-lasting family of space boosters , carrying Russian cosmonauts into orbit for decades to come.

A still image from iconic footage of Korolev porbably inside the firing bunker of the R-7 missile in Tyuratam .

In the following years, Korolev led the development of several generations of ballistic missiles, launch vehicles , science , military and communications satellites , interplanetary probes and manned spacecraft. In 2016, the Soyuz spacecraft , which he had conceived at the dawn of the space era, turned half a century in operation. Korolev died at the height of his career as a result of a botched surgical operation on January 14, 1966. Even before his death, Korolev's largest undertaking, the development of the giant N1 Moon rocket , faced mounting technical challenges, unrealistic schedule and political pressure to beat Americans to the Moon .

Due to secret nature of the Soviet space industry, Korolev's contribution to the space program was widely recognized by the Soviet authorities only after his death.

For several more decades, Korolev's biography was laregely white-washed by the official Soviet press. His largely uncersored and detailed biography was first published only in 1994. ( 18 ) Korolev's daughter Natalya completed a life story of her legendary father in 2002. ( 241 )

Sergei Korolev (center) and Georgy Tyulin (right, in uniform) at Site 2 in Tyuratam probably in March 1965.

Page author: Anatoly Zak

Last update: January 29, 2023

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Korolev with his mother and nanny in 1913, in Nezhin. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

Sergei Korolev with the BICh-8 glider in Moscow in 1931. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

Korolev and Yakov Terentiev in Nakhabino in August 1933 during preparations for tests of Vehicle 09 .

Korolev in Moscow in 1934. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

Prison mugshot of Korolev, his darkest hour during Stalin's terror in 1938. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

For a brief moment of history, American, British and Soviet pioneers of rocketry met in Germany, during trial launches of the V-2 rocket near Hamburg in 1945. Korolev (far right) was not officially invited by the allies, but showed up anyway with the Soviet delegation, however he had to watch the launch from the behind the fence. ( 18 )( 241 )

Korolev during launch trials in Kapustin Yar in 1948. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

Korolev with one of the dogs launched on rockets in Kapustin Yar.

Korolev with his long time friend and colleague Aleksei Isaev in 1964. Credit: Natalya Koroleva. ( 241 )

At the peak of his career, the Soviet government provided Korolev with a spacious one family house not far from downtown Moscow. It was a late but very rare token of appreciation, in the era, when absolute majority of Muscovites, including high-ranking party officials lived in apartments or communal flats. Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2005 Anatoly Zak

Monument to Sergei Korolev in Moscow. Copyright © 2000 Anatoly Zak

Portraits of Korolev and Gagarin adorn a wall at RKK Energia's Checkout and Control Station, KIS, where all Russian manned spacecraft pass through before being shipped to Baikonur Cosmodrome for launch. Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2005 Anatoly Zak

A mural on the interior wall of the processing area at Site 254 in Baikonur quotes Sergei Korolev: "Road to Stars is Open." Copyright © 2001 Anatoly Zak