If you are looking to enjoy the sites of Ancient Egypt in a romantic and relaxing way, the only way to get a memorable experience is to take a luxury Nile cruise. The Ancient Egyptians used to reside along this river and this is the reason why Pharaohs built most of their tombs and temples near or on the banks of the River Nile. If you want to view these tourist attractions well, it is best to do it while cruising down the river.
If you are thinking of cruising the Nile, we have selected the most beautiful attractions that you should consider seeing. You can either choose to start your cruise from Cairo or from the southern cities of Luxor and Aswan. This post will discuss the attractions that you will view if you start your cruise from the beautiful and magnificent city of Aswan which is located in what was the southernmost tip of Ancient Egypt. We will then follow up with the delights that you can expect if you start your cruise from Luxor. Lastly, we will provide a post on the epic landmarks you should see while in Cairo.
Aswan – The True Jewel of the Nile
Aswan which was originally known by the name Swenet or Swen is nestled on the most beautiful points of River Nile and it cuts across emerald islands and golden deserts. In Ancient Egypt, it was an important trade town and was the gateway to the rest of Africa. In this city, ancient Egyptians mined granite which was used to construct temples and monuments. Aswan is a great tourist attraction and has a relaxed Nubian culture and way of life that is unlike the frenetic activity you are likely to see in Luxor and the bustle of Cairo. If you are starting your cruise in Luxor, there are some attractions that you should not miss out on like Abu Simbel, the Temple of Isis, Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus.
Abu Simbel
This is an ancient temple complex that you cannot easily get into. However, should you gain entrance, it will definitely be worth the hassle. It was created during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The temple has two chambers that are guarded by four huge statues of Ramesses. This awe-inspiring temple was originally hewed out of rock and was built over a period of 20 years. In the 1960s this temple was relocated so that it could be protected from erosion as the Aswan High Dam was being constructed.
Temple of Isis Located at Philae
This temple is considered to be the last construction that was done in classic ancient Egyptian style. It was also relocated by UNESCO as the Aswan High Dam was being built. Visitors to this place can marvel at the soaring temple columns at night and hieroglyphics in the structure. The view can also be enjoyed with the accompanying light and sound show.
Kom Ombo
This is a unique double temple that was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek. This huge temple has perfectly symmetrical multiple chambers that could have been used as temples, courts, sanctuaries and halls. On visiting this temple, you can be transported to the ancient times as you are strolling under the colonnades.
Temple of Horus in Edfu
This temple which is located 60 kilometres north of the city Aswan is located in the west bank of the Nile. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. This Ptolemaic temple was built in dedication to the son of Osiris and Isis. It has a classic architectural design with many chambers, courts, statues and walls with hieroglyphics. This temple is the second largest in Egypt. It is very popular with tourists as it offers one of the most authentic experiences of how life was in ancient times.