Nile Cruises
A trip to Egypt without cruising the Nile is incomplete – it’s a worthwhile experience invariably feeling Egypt closely. The cruise itineraries run between Aswan & Luxor. It’s a 3 Nights itinerary from Aswan to Luxor (starting around 3 am so one can explore Aswan that day even after check-in into the cruise) and 4 Nights from Luxor to Aswan and longer itineraries are also available.
Nile Cruises are categorized among 2 to 5 stars Deluxe Nile Cruises. However, there is a lot of difference even among similar ratings of the Cruise so the selection of the cruise has to be of utmost importance. Knowing the age of the cruise is crucial for the best experience.
One has to select the cruise based on the following:
- Cruise Facilities (special features like – Gym, Sauna, Swimming Pool, etc, onboard entertainment)
- Cruise Cabins (Size, has balcony or windows, cabin features, on which deck the cabin would be allotted)
- Food and Beverage (Buffet or Set Menus, availability of Vegetarian Food, quality standard of the food)
- Cost of the cruise
- Usually, the onboard entertainments included belly dancing, Tanoura Dance (He is a man with a big jepone or big colourful scarf keep dancing circularly), high tea session, etc.
Certain Nile Cruises have set itineraries and they operate accordingly making their customers visit sightseeing based on their structure. However, the majority of cruises do permit taking private tours based on customer’s planned itinerary and this is the best way to explore as to avoid groups so that one can understand its history efficiently and its most recommendable.
Usually, the itinerary of the Nile Cruises flows as – visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu Temples, East (Luxor and Karnak Temple) & West Banks (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon) of Luxor.
These are some of the best Nile Cruises that are recommended – Esmeralda Nile Cruise, Farah Nile Cruise (best for guests who are vegetarians), Amwaj Livingstone Nile Cruise, Movenpick Royal Lily & Royal Lotus, Sonesta Moon Nile Cruise, etc.
If one can shell a bit more money for luxurious cruising then these are the recommendable ones are – Oberoi Nile Cruise (Philae, Zahra, etc), Esplanade Nile Cruise, Mayfair Cruises, Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise, Viking Ra, Sanctuary Sun Boat Nile Cruise (III & IV), etc.
From our gallery
Gallery
Sightseeing
Kom Ombo Temple serves as a distinctive temple as it has 2 worship temples for 2 Gods (Haroeris & Sobek). There are duplications of almost everything entrances, courts, halls, rooms & sanctuaries. One was dedicated to Horus (Falcon Headed God) and the other to Sobek (Crocodile headed God).
Sobek’s sanctuary was located at Kom Ombo and the Nile was infested with crocodiles who would prey on animals and humans alike near riverbanks. The magnificent carvings depict the winning battles of the Kings. Sobek was known as the God of The Nile, God of Fertility (myths claiming the Nile was formed from his sweat to protect the fertility of land) & Creator of the World whereas Horus (Falcon God) was one of the oldest God, Sky God and one of the Great Creators.
Inside the temple, one would see the chapels of 2 Gods which were made of black granite probably holding God’s image or statue were worshipped by Egyptians. One impressive carving is of medicinal and surgical instruments (most of the instruments if you see are similar to today's age), sterilizing pools, and seated Isis representing childbirth.
Kom Ombo Temple calendar was a numerical representation of days and years. Its discovery enhanced the Egyptian calendar and was used to note seasons and understand the number system.
Don’t Miss: A fascinating Crocodile Museum next to Kom Ombo which displays incredible mummified crocodiles of different sizes and ages, mummified crocodile eggs & pilgrim offerings.
Edfu is an impressive temple dedicated to God Horus that is done as an excursion from Nile River Cruise. The way to reach this temple complex is by riding in a horse carriage as your cruise disembarks.
This temple was built mainly in 3 phases:
- 1st phase was the original building;
- 2nd phase includes temple decorations with their inscriptions
- 3rd phase was the columns halls.
The temple receives touristic importance as the walls and columns demonstrate battle scenarios, religious scenes, the marriage of Horus and Hathor (which is celebrated at Edfu temple).
The entrance has 2 huge granite statues of the God Horus. Sanctuary (Room of the Gods) – it was where once the Golden Statue of Horus stood upon a Granite Shrine. This temple serves as a great example among Egyptian Temples because of its archaeological impact.
A nilometer is a well inside the temple that was used to measure the water level of the Nile River and played a major role during the Nile flooding season. It was an underground river channel connecting the river and the temple.
A fascinating Crocodile Museum next to Kom Ombo displays incredible mummified crocodiles of different sizes and ages, mummified crocodile eggs & pilgrim offerings.