Egypt is the land of history with 5000 plus years of ancient sites; hence it is one of the main countries that tourists love to visit. Since there are several sites to see and less time, a Nile cruise works as the timing controller here. Want to know why?
A Nile cruise gives the perfect experience to those who want to explore the great pyramids and other famous historical sights of Egypt by touring the Land of the Pharaohs. The ideal way to view the attractions in time is to cruise the Nile, with your choices for the tour ranging from short everyday voyages to long multi-day boat trips.
1] Pyramids of Giza
The last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive, the Giza Pyramids are by far the most identifiable sights in the world. Designed as tombs for the powerful Pharaohs and defended by the mysterious Sphinx, the pyramid complex of Giza has fascinated travellers over the centuries and left historians chasing their tails about how they were constructed for ages.
The majestic royal tombs were constructed to last for eternity, and are a testimony to the brilliance of ancient Egyptian architecture at over 4,500 years old. The Great Pyramid, 147 metres high, is the most iconic of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau on the outskirts of Cairo.
The Giza pyramids, an absolute showcase of every trip to Egypt, must not be skipped as it also comes in the route of your Nile trip.
2] Karnak Temple
Most cruise ships start in Luxor, so Karnak Temple is certainly going to be one of your first or the very next destinations. And what a starting spot!
The central building was considered to be the worldly home of Amun-Re, the Egyptian sun god, and the temple here is the biggest holy site ever constructed.
Ancient Egyptian architects were high on natural imagery, and in most of the places you visit, you can see evidence of this. Karnak does have particularly compelling instances and you will notice it once you are there.
3] Valley of The Kings
The Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt, renowned for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Hatshepsut Memorial Temple, has a multitude of tourist hotspots. It is historic Thebes, the seat of power of the pharaohs of the new empire, and host to more scenes on a single trip than most of us will see.
Spend a bit of time traversing the brightly coloured wall art of the ancient temples and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples. You'll see why historians and archaeologists are still fascinated by Luxor.
4] Islamic Cairo
The scenic, narrow streets of the Islamic Cairo region of the capital are full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic learning schools), and monuments from the Fatimid to the Mameluke eras. It is where you will locate Khan al-Khalili's labyrinth shopping souk, where coppersmiths and craftsmen still have their little studios, and pottery, textiles, spices, and scent filled stalls.
A fudge of roads surrounds the market, close to many of the old Islamic empire's most magnificent surviving architecture. There is an abundance of heritage to experience here. Enter the Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque and make sure you rise to the roof of Bab Zuweila 's ancient mediaeval gate for the highest panoramas of the minaret-speckled city.
5] Aswan
Aswan, located on the sweeping curves of the Nile, is Egypt's most peaceful city. It is the ideal place to rest and take a break for a few days and absorb the chilled-out aura, accompanied by orange-hued dunes. See the river voyage out towards the Elephantine Island and walk through the lively streets of the townships of the Nubians.
Race your camel to St. Simeon's desert monastery on the East Bank. Or sip endless cups of hot tea while observing the lateen-sailed feluccas float by from one of the riverboat restaurants.
6] Luxor Temple
The Luxor temple among the other main temples in Luxor city, along with the gods Mut and Khonsu (known as the Theban Triad), is also chiefly related to Amun-Re.
Two colossal sitting statues of Ramses II, the last of the pharaohs to have tasks performed on this temple, rest at the threshold. The opportunity to handle a thorough look at the exquisite carvings of individuals clapping, pounding drums, spinning and trying to perform gymnastics has been one of the best bits of a tour to this temple.
7] Abu Simbel
The four giant monuments that rule Abu Simbel's entry will greet you to one of the most impressive structures in Egypt. It was built to reflect the influence of ancient Egypt against Nubia and its southern neighbours.
There is a narrower shrine of the queen of Ramses II- Nefertari- and it is one of the few places in Egypt where the statues of men and women are the same height. Within, texts written mostly on walls share stories of the army successes of Ramses II and his private affairs.