Cruising Through History

Imagine a cruise – you’re automatically picturing the Caribbean or Mediterranean, aren’t you? Yet cruising offers the chance to explore more off-the-beaten-track areas, including the ancient and historic Nile.

Commonly known as the longest river in the world, Egypt’s famous waterway runs through mind-blowing ancient sites, giving holiday-makers a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with history.

Cruises are popular in peak season, October to April, when rain is less and temperatures are higher. Remember your hat and sun-cream! Generally lasting 3-7 days, tailor your cruise to meet your needs, with shorter cruises taking the route between Luxor and Aswan. Cruise ships are indulgent, with everything you need, including nightly entertainment and restaurants, swimming pools, and if you’re feeling energetic, many have gyms.

Fly to Luxor from the UK, directly and indirectly. Save time and money by pre-booking great value extras, such as Gatwick Car parking, with shuttles direct to the terminal.

So you’re onboard your ship and you’re ready to go.

What can you see?

Simply, a lot!

You’ll pass many tombs decorated with intricate hieroglyphics, such as those found in Thebes, an ancient city on the banks of the river. Explore the Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the final resting place of many Pharaohs. Here you’ll find the world-famous Valley of the Kings, with excavations still continuing. You’ll find the famous tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun, with stories of the rumoured Curse of the Pharaohs, however the glittering mask of Tutankhamun is on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Colossie of Memnon at Theban Necropolis

Further down the Nile you’ll visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of few female Pharaohs, as well as the Luxor temples.

Yet more temples come your way in the city of Edfu, home to the beautifully well-preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon God. Around 2000 years old, the walls are decorated with intricate inscriptions.

Further on, heading to the island of Agilkia, you’ll visit another temple, this time the Philae temple, dedicated to the God, Isis. Be sure to visit the hour-long sound and light show, giving you a truly comprehensive understanding of the story behind this ornate and beautiful building, and the legend of Osiris and Isis.

Heading into the city of Aswan, you’ll be awe-inspired by the tales of legend and sights you’ve seen, but it’s not over yet, with a true Egyptian experience in this busy market town. Here you’ll have the chance to haggle for souvenirs to remember your time in this ancient part of the world.

Luxor itself is a busy, bustling city, with lots of entertainment and shopping opportunities. Combining your Nile cruise with a stay here is a great two-centre holiday, and will certainly leave you with many memories. The money you save with your pre-booked value extras, e.g. Birmingham Airport Car Parking, could go towards this little adventure!

Luxor from Nile

Of course, the pyramids are another major tourist attraction in Egypt, yet they are a long distance away, probably requiring a sleeper train for comfort. One way to reach them is by air, with many flights from Luxor, enabling you to visit another of the country’s many wonders.

With so much ancient history in one place, a cruise down the Nile will leave you in wonderment, with memories to last a lifetime. Combine your break with stress-busting extras, try parking at luton airport if flying locally, and you’ll arrive calm, with extra pounds in your pocket.

So for something a little different this summer, why not try a Nile cruise?

Photo Credits: Nile Cruise by zolakoma/Colossi of Memnon by girolame/Luxor from Nile by argenberg