A ride on a felucca, the sailing boat that epitomises the Nile, is a unique experience. Depending on the weather and the inspiration – being on a felucca is propitious to indolence and contemplation – you can choose between a short tour opposite Aswan, on Elephantine Island and Kitchener's Island, and longer circuits (from a few hours to two or three days). For instance, the trip to Sehel Island takes you up the Nile towards the First Cataract, before taking in Nubian villages and cave paintings. Other circuits go to Edfu and Kom Ombo and back to Aswan.