Egyptian Holidays - a Cruise Down the River Nile

Ports of Call at Luxor, Karnak, Edfu, Aswan and Abu Simbel

Jan 14, 2009

The River Nile has for centuries been the lifeblood of Egypt, its Pharaonic legacy now a magnate for visitors embarking on a luxury cruise down the Nile.

The River Nile is generally regarded as the longest river in the world at 4,187 miles long (Egypt State Information Service). Formed by three major tributaries: the White Nile, the Blue Nile and the Atbara. It has its source in Ethiopia and flows south to north.

River Nile - River of Life

For centuries the Nile has been known as the “River of Life” which after annual flooding left rich soil deposits allowing surrounding farmland to flourish. Today as in ancient times the precious Nile waters are used in vital irrigation schemes.

Greek philosopher Herodotus said of the Nile: “The river rises of itself, waters the fields, and then sinks back again; thereupon each man sows his field and waits for the harvest.”

Today this waterway, still with its traditional feluccas plying their trade, retains its importance to farmers but now allows visitors to Egypt to explore the remains of the most amazing architectural treasures from the ancient civilisations that grew up alongside the River Nile.

Nile Cruises

A Nile cruise itinerary may vary considerably and could be three, four or seven nights long and may include visits to:

Luxor

Luxor, today a city of over 150,000 people, was built on the ancient site of Thebes and offers visitors a unique experience. The city is split into three districts: the City of Luxor on the east bank of the river, Karnak a little north of Luxor and Thebes on the west bank of the river.

Valley of the Kings and the Tomb of Tutankhamun

The Valley of the Kings, and in particular the tomb of Tutankhamun, situated on the west bank is an essential stopping point on most itineraries. On the east bank, in Luxor proper, is the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, which took centre stage in the ancient festival of Opet.

Aswan

Aswan, although larger than Luxor, has a slower pace of life and is a great place to relax. It’s best known for its High Dam but also offers the visitor some beautiful places to visit including the Temple of Philae

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel, re-discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, is tucked down near the Sudanese border and is home to two of the most magnificent monuments in Egypt: the Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari.

Visitors to Egypt

For visitors with a little extra time to spend in Egypt why not visit Cairo and the Pyramids at Giza before joining the cruise ship at either Luxor or Aswan.

Nile Cruise Boats

Nile Cruise boats will vary in size but are in essence floating hotels and have various standards of rooms, restaurants, nightclubs with entertainment and some even have small swimming pools.

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