The Nile cruise is a journey through Egypt’s thousand-year history, enhanced by the natural beauty that surrounds the river. That river, the Nile, which was a major contributor to the development of Egypt’s millennia-old culture…
At 6852 km in length, the Nile is one of the longest rivers with the highest water flow in the world (it contends for the record with the Amazon River) crosses as many as eight nations-Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt-where it ends its long journey in the Mediterranean Sea, flowing into a massive delta.
Much of its course is navigable, and the famous Nile Cruise is a tourist attraction that attracts millions of tourists to Egypt every year. The Nile cruise is a one-of-a-kind trip, an experience that combines the majesty of the Pharaohs’ imperial past with the magnificence of the North African landscape.
Let’s find out together the best time to embark on this adventure and five must-see stops along the way.
The Best Time: Fall and Spring
The Nile cruise is a memorable experience at any time of the year, however, the best time to fully enjoy this adventure is during autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) when temperatures are moderate, the sun’s rays are not overly powerful, and the flowering vegetation along the riverbanks add a touch of magic to the view
1: Departure from Aswan the Jewel of the Nile
The prime starting point to begin the Nile cruise is the city of Aswan, the southernmost city on the Nile, called the Jewel of the Nile. In Aswan it will be possible to visit the Great Aswan Dam, Lake Nasser and the ancient Temple of Philae, where the deity Osiris was believed to be buried.
2 Abu Simbel – The Temple of the Colossi of Ramses
One stop every tourist should consider is a visit to Abu Simbel on Lake Nasser, one of Egypt’s architectural wonders. Built during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century B.C., the temple is known for its imposing colossi, the four large statues of Pharaoh Ramses II. The two pairs of colossi, about 20 meters high, represent Pharaoh in a sitting position, with a regal expression and proud attitude. These giant figures are carved directly into the surrounding rock and are visible from a distance, creating an impressive sight.
3 Kom Ombo – The Temple of the Falcon god and the Crocodile god.
The temple of Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic period, it is one of the most unique and fascinating temples in Ancient Egypt. What makes this temple so extraordinary is its dedication to two deities, Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris (solar manifestation of the god Horus) the falcon god. This dual devotion is evident in the architecture and layout of the temple. Indeed, the twin rooms, one for each of the two deities, highlight a fascinating view of the dual devotion of the ancient Egyptians. Here you can admire the details carved into the stones and immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of 5,000 years ago.
4 Edfu the Temple of Horus
The Temple of Horus at Edfu built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 B.C. and 57 B.C. is one of the archaeological jewels of Ancient Egypt, a majestic monument that attracts visitors from all over the world. Located on the west bank of the Nile, this extraordinary temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, a deity associated with protection and the sky.
5 Luxor – The City of Temples (east coast of the Nile)
Your journey may reach its destination at the city of Luxor on the eastern bank of the Nile, a true symbol of the power of the ancient Egyptian empire. Luxor is a key stop on the Nile cruise, here you can visit two of the most important temples in Egyptian culture: the imposing Karnak Temple, one of the most majestic buildings in the world, and that of Luxor both dedicated to the god Amun Ra, the parent of all ancient Egyptian deities. Last but not least in importance to not miss the Valley of the Kings in nearby Thebes, where many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried with unimaginable riches.
In conclusion, generally the Nile cruises last for a week, the classic route being just that from Aswan to Luxor, the same one illustrated in this article. It is an exciting journey, with great cultural value that every lover of history and art dreams of taking. A trip suitable for everyone, especially families.
