The mere mention of the Nile River instantly brings to mind ancient wisdom, buried treasure, sorcery, kings and queens, an exotic afterlife, and mounds of history at every bend. The world of the Ancient Egyptians is cloaked in mysticism and grandeur. Ancient Egypt is one of the cornerstones of civilisation itself, and you can discover the lost world when you book a Nile River cruise. As you sail, keep in mind that you are using one of the world’s most important rivers. The Nile is the longest river in the world, and it was critical to the development of Ancient Egypt, and therefore all of humanity. Cruise itineraries vary, but you can find one to stop at all of the ports of call on your must-see list.
Marvel at the engineering feat that is the Aswan High Dam, one of the world’s most impressive sources of hydroelectric power and water for irrigation systems. Stroll through the huge open-air museum at the Karnak Temple Complex, where you can try to decipher hieroglyphics and imagine what it was like to walk these same walkways thousands of years ago. Take a snorkeling excursion in the Red Sea, home to more than 1,200 species of fish, more than 120 of them being completely unique to the Red Sea. Explore the impressive ruins of the Temple of Luxor, which might be recognisable to James Bond and Agatha Christie fans.
The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 sparked worldwide interest in the Ancient Egyptians. See King Tut’s famous gold mask among the historical treasures on display in Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, where an entire world built for the afterlife is beneath your feet. Explore the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the most well-preserved temple from ancient Egypt.
Visit the impeccable exotic collection of plants in the Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island. See the iconic pyramids at Giza and try to solve the riddle of the Sphinx. In the evenings, a fantastic sound and light show is put on in the shadow of the Sphinx.
Take an excursion on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailing boat. Wander around Abu Simbel, a complex of twin temples part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nubian Monuments. If you just cannot fathom how the Ancient Egyptians managed to carve such architectural marvels, then examine the Unfinished Obelisk and learn about their stone-working techniques.
A Nile River cruise gives you the opportunity to explore some of the greatest ancient historical sites known to man without having to change from hotel to hotel, but it also gives you the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the on-board luxuries a cruise has to offer. From seemingly unlimited cuisine and dining options, to the gym and spa, to the swimming pools and sunbathing lounges, to the live entertainment, cruising offers you the chance to holiday your way, either by fully relaxing or going on an all-out adventure.
Image by David Berkowitz
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