There has always been a fascination with Egypt because of its pyramids and ancient civilization. A journey across it will take you into beautiful and fascinating landscapes, filled with ruins but with modernity creeping up everywhere. What better way to explore it than by a cruise across the River Nile?
What Are the Places to See on the River Nile?
A journey across the River Nile offers the opportunity to see some iconic sites from the comfort of a cruise ship. Beautiful views of the river, lovely wildlife, exotic flora and heritage buildings are some of the many things to experience on the trip. Opt for Egyptair to reach this country for a lovely sightseeing tour. Here’s a look at the places that you can see on the journey:
- Elephantine Island: It is a beautiful place situated right in the middle of the Nile and can be accessed by boat. A unique feature here is the nilometer, an instrument that was used to test the quality of water in ancient times. You can learn about Egypt’s past by visiting the Temple of Khnum and the Aswan Museum.
- Philae Temple: It is situated on the beautiful Agilkia Island and is dedicated to Isis, who is the goddess of healing and magic, and also to her spouse, Osiris, who governs fertility and agriculture. It is one of the last places where ancient Egyptian religion was practised. Inside, you can see detailed work related to the goddess’s mythology as well as hieroglyphics that show how various rulers and religions influenced it.
- Aswan Dam: It is a majestic dam that was built with assistance from the Soviet Union and is located on Lake Nasser. Its construction finished in 1970. It serves as a means of irrigating farmlands and producing hydroelectric power. Through it, the waters of the Nile were controlled, and there was no more danger of flooding or drought.
- Abu Simbel: It is a temple built by King Ramses II by cutting through a solid rock cliff. It is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian gods Ptah, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun, as well as Pharaoh Ramesses II. It consists of two main temples, one the main temple and the other a second temple. A unique feature is when the rays of the sun come inside the illuminated statues of Ramses II and Amon twice a year.
- The International Museum of Nubia: It has some amazing artefacts and a collection of ancient items that are from various rulers of the Islamic world, as well as Pharaonic Egypt (Graeco-Roman Era) and Coptic Christians. Some of the items put on display here even date back to prehistoric times. After exploring it, you should also make a visit to its botanical garden.
- Valley of the Kings: It is part of Thebe city and is the place where 63 pharaohs, who were quite prominent, were laid to rest, as well as their families and their possessions. Their tombs were carved out of the hills. You can see so many walls with painted or carved hieroglyphs that give details about their lives.
- Luxor Temple: Its purpose is to celebrate kingship and rejuvenate it. Many pharaohs were crowned in this place, and they were also resting there. At the entrance, you can see scenes of military victories carved out by Ramses II. The Hypostyle Hall could be used only by pharaohs and priests. During the Roman Period, this temple was used for their rituals. It also transformed into a Coptic church when Christianity spread here.
- Abydos Temple: It is dedicated to God Osiris and was built by Seti I and Ramses II. Look at its colours and ornate carvings, which are quite majestic. Inside, there are many hieroglyphics on the walls that bring out detailed information about royalty during ancient times, right from Mesopotamia to the New Kingdom.
A cruise through the Nile will begin in Luxor and finish in Aswan, and it typically lasts for four days, so plan your trip accordingly. Arrive in Cairo through Egyptair, and once you have gotten into your hotel, get in touch with the tour operator to find out where you have to meet during the tour program. The stunning monuments and ancient buildings reveal the science and technology that was put into building them, such that they can even stand up to this day.
