Feluccas are the
traditional sailboats of Egypt’s Nile. Egyptians and foreigners alike
enjoy a relaxing felucca ride, as they are perfect for catching the
breeze on a hot summer night, for brisker sails the rest of the year and
watching the sunset anytime.
The felucca has remained, over the centuries, the primary transportation
of the Nile. Its ancient form still graces the river as it has done
since the time of the Pharaohs. Motorized barges transport bulk material
and modern cruise ships transport tourists, but the felucca remains
despite modern alternatives.
The felucca rarely has any
form of engine and relies entirely on the breeze which builds during the
day and usually subsides at night, and the Nile River's current. Egypt
is blessed with a predominant southerly wind that pushes sailboats
upriver, while allowing them to return on its current downstream.
Some of the craft today
are used to carry tourists who wish to enjoy an eternally peaceful
journey carried along by the gentle breeze and the currents of the Nile
river.
Feluccas are usually furnished with cushions around the circumference
and a table fixed in the middle; where one can surely enjoy picnic style
lunch or dinner while enjoying a different view of the metropolis.
There are several
places in Cairo available for those who enjoy felucca rides. They are
usually parked on the side of the Nile in very unique spots. Felucca
rides can also be enjoyed in most other tourist cities along the Nile,
especially at Luxor and Aswan, where they are easy to find along the
main riverfront streets.
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