New horizons: The Nile, Egypt For about 15 years, Nile cruises were restricted to a stretch of the river between Luxor and Aswan. The route through lower Egypt, towards Cairo, was closed to cruises after violence flared in the mid 1990s and water levels became unpredictable. Now, after lengthy irrigation projects and a consensus that it is safe, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism says up to 40 of the 270 boats that ply the Nile can resume trips at the end of this month, taking in the rock tombs of Beni Hassan, ruins of Tuna el-Gebel and wildlife-rich scenery. Bear in mind that the FCO still warns of protests in Cairo. Sanctuary Retreats (020-7190 7728; sanctuaryretreats.com) has a 10-night cruise from Cairo to Aswan , departing 19 August, from £745 per person; flights not included.