To me, there has always been something mystical about the thought of gliding down the River Nile, Egypt. It has always conjured up beautiful and romantic images against a backdrop of history and wonder.
I was so fortunate to experience this on a trip to Egypt in June this year. We were lucky enough to stay in a five-star cruiser sailing from Aswan to Luxor in addition to taking a ride on a traditional felucca in Luxor and seeing the Nile from many different locations across this fascinating country.
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The Nile of course, does not just travel through Egypt.
At around 6,650km (or 4,130mi) in length, it is acknowledged as the world’s longest river.
In total it flows through 10 other African countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan.
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As so much of Egypt is covered by the Sahara, it is not surprising that the vast majority of the population can be found all along the banks of the Nile.
The Nile is life.
It has been this way for countless generations here. It is the primary source of water for millions of Egyptians and has been the main source of transportation and trade for Millenniums.
Contents
First Impressions
My partner James and I arrived in Cairo very late at night on a flight from Europe. Hence there was no chance of seeing the Nile from the air on approach to landing and although our hotel was just opposite the Nile, we were so tired we just crashed in our room.
The following day after getting ready, we headed down to the restaurant to grab some breakfast with the intent of checking out the Nile immediately after. The table we were provided actually overlooked the Nile, which made for a great way to start the day.
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The river looked so blue. I know that’s the way rivers are meant to look but in a major city like Cairo with 23+million inhabitants, I honestly did not expect the Nile to look this good. At least not in downtown Cairo. It made me long for our upcoming itinerary where we would escape the city and explore the more remote parts of this land and to see the Nile in a much quieter and natural setting.
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Catching our Nile Egypt cruiser
A couple of days later, leaving Cairo well behind, we had arrived by overnight train in Aswan. Aswan is famous for its dam and is the gateway point to other places in the south of the Nile, Egypt such as the beautiful Lake Nassar and legendary Abu Simbel.
We checked into the cruiser ‘Miriam’. The Miriam has 5 levels including 2 floors for restaurants, bars, lounges and reception, 2 floors of guest cabins and a top-level area for sunbaking, swimming and sightseeing. It also had a gym, retail shops and a library. Most of all, it had great air conditioning which is very welcome, particularly in the middle of the day.
This was to be our home for the duration of the travels on the Nile as we headed toward Luxor.
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Sightseeing on the Nile
The days we were on this cruise were spent simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery and atmosphere of this incredible river. The Nile, Egypt is just not like any other river I can recall, given its unique mixture of greenery and dry desert as it backdrop.
The stark contrast between the lush vegetation that you see so close to the Nile versus the barren desert land of the Sahara immediately behind does hit you. The demarcation is just so sharp. It is literally a line that separates one from the other with no gradual blending in or out. I found that to be quite surreal.
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The wildlife you could see was just as fascinating. To observe birds and even farmed animals above, on and along the riverbanks just makes anyone want to reach for their camera to preserve the memories of what they are witnessing. It is an experience anyone who loves the outdoors should plan on doing at some point.
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Interaction with local people that wave to you along the banks was also so nice. The people this far south on the Nile, Egypt I found particularly genuine and more so the Nubian people were especially friendly. There are some very entrepreneurial people along the Nile also who take to their boats and attach them to the cruiser while they throw up goods to sell to passengers above, who in turn throw money back down to them to purchase all sorts of souvenirs.
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And finally, here I need to mention the sunsets. The photos really do speak for themselves as I’m sure you would agree. This just completes the entire ‘picture’ of every you imagine a trip down the Nile, Egypt, should be. Simply magical.
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A visit to Kom Ombo
A key stop of our cruise was to visit the double temple of Kom Ombo, situated right on the banks of the Nile.
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Constructed during the period between 180-47BC, the northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god ‘Haroeris’ while the southern part was dedicated to the crocodile god ‘Sobek’. This is also where a few hundred crocodiles were ‘mummified’ with some of these recovered and on display within the crocodile museum located next to the temple.
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Like other temples and monuments we visited across Egypt, there was a lot of damage inflicted over the years. However, there were also a lot of living history that remains. The solid structure, the clear Egyptian hieroglyphics and symbols tell us a lot about life back then and we were fortunate to have a qualified Egyptologist explaining much of this to us.
Travelling through the Locks at Esna
When you mention locks in connection with waterways, most people immediately think of canals such as Panama, and of course in the case of Egypt, at Suez. It was a surprise to many onboard that the Nile has locks as well.
Esna is a city located some 55kms south of Luxor on the west bank of the Nile. Here we went through the locks on our final leg of the journey to Luxor.
This was a fun experience as all the way on the approach to, as well as while in the locks, the locals were extremely interactive with all the passengers. There was much going on in the way of selling with local goods being thrown up for inspection and negotiations on price. Other passers-by called out friendly expressions or just waved. Local police were about to ensure the peace was kept to a degree and it was interesting to watch this scene all unfold.
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A more traditional way to explore the Nile, Egypt
Having enjoyed such wonderful and carefree days on the Nile Cruiser ‘Miriam’, we arrived in Luxor completely refreshed and rejuvenated. It was a fabulous and fulfilling trip but there was one more thing we wanted to experience where the Nile was concerned.
Namely, we were keen to sail on the Nile in a traditional ‘felucca’. If you haven’t heard of a felucca before, it is an Egyptian traditional wooden sailing boat. It is the sailboat most featured in images that depict the Nile, Egypt and would be included in most Egyptian holiday brochures you are likely to come across.
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We joined with a group of other keen tourists to hire a felucca to take us all for a sail on the Nile. It was a more intimate experience as the river was so much closer to where you sat aboard the felucca. The water was just below eye level. You felt the vessel cutting through the water as the wind filled the sails right above you.
It was the closest thing to actually being in the Nile itself. A few of our fellow passengers decided to jump in and have a bit of a swim during our sail and then found it quite a challenge to get back in! Whether you were keen to go swimming or not, taking a sailing trip on a felucca down the Nile Egypt is something I would definitely recommend you have on your bucket list.
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Conclusion
My time experiencing the Nile Egypt was extremely special. I think it will always stand out as memorable from many other places I have visited. There was a connection with nature on a different level for me compared to elsewhere which is not easy to explain.
Being there calmed me, excited me and fascinated me. It was not a destination so much as it was the journey. Something I hope you enjoyed my sharing and something I hope you will want to experience also.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
WOW this looks so absolutely gorgeous!!!
Thanks very much Laura, it certainly is something quite special.
The cruise looks exceptional! Going down the Nile sounds like a dream. Everything looks beautiful and very elegant. It makes me think visiting Egypt to experience that would be so good.
Thanks so much, Lyosha, I can’t help but agree.
Though I haven’t travel a lot, I like to travel to different regions. The Nile, in particular, is such a beautiful place.
Thanks!
Thanks very much, Sazzadul.
This looks like the trip of a lifetime! In terms of safety, how did you feel? I keep waiting for the “right” time to go. It looks amazing and I think the river cruise is the best option to see the most.
I’m not sure there will ever be a “right” time as such, Debra. I do know what you mean about safety, particularly as there have been well-publicized incidents in the past. However, there is a fair amount of security around, especially if you take a tour. Do stay tuned for the last (7th) article in the series on Egypt where this is looked at in more detail. Entitled “Solo Women Travel: Egypt” a lot more is discussed in this regard. There is also a lot more to see in Egypt that is worth considering, beyond the beauty of the Nile, which is also covered in this series.
Wow, looks like an amazing experience and what lovely accommodations you had! I love river cruises and will definitely be looking into this one.
I agree river cruises are so enjoyable Kara, and I’m sure you would love doing this on the Nile.
Woah the Miriam looks like a luxury ship, and that beautiful view of the Nile is out of this world! I’m getting major wanderlust and would love to sail on the Nile one day!
I felt the same way when I saw similar promotional shots of Egypt, Thuy – and hence why I really wanted to make this trip. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed and I hope you will experience this as well.
I’ve always wanted to go to the Nile! I’m not much for traveling but I’ve been racking up quite the list of places to go when I retire. The Nile and Egypt in general is one of them. Great pictures of some beautiful land!
Thank you so much Kaye. I’m not surprised that Egypt is one of the places you really want to see when you retire. There is really so much to see there. Do stay tuned for the other five posts coming in the series for a lot more in the way of things to see and do.
Wow! A lot of those shots are breathtaking! I didn’t realize that the Nile was so beautiful and it looks kind of out of place right along a city. But it’s gorgeous!
It certainly is gorgeous Alexandra, even in the massive city of Cairo. Luckily for us though, most of the Nile, of course, is well away from major cities. It looks so wonderful out in rural areas – much like it would have looked back in the times of the Pharoahs.
Wow! What a gorgeous place to visit! That cruise on the Nile looked absolutely breathtaking!
Thanks Megan. I was blown away while I was there. It really is quite special.
Egypt has been one of my bucket list vacation destination that I’m looking forward to going. Hopefully I will be able to make it soon.
Thanks Toyin. I’m sure you will enjoy it also.
Wow….that cruise screams luxe ? I would love to checkout all the spots someday. For a moment I thought those crocodiles were real!
The condition of the crocodiles is certainly amazing when you consider how old they are Snehal. So much amazing history like this has been preserved so well. Hope you will go and check it out as well someday and thanks for reading and commenting.
What gorgeous pictures! Egypt is on my bucket list of places to visit. We’ll be Empty Nesters all too soon, but traveling overseas is what we plan to do after the kiddos are off and on their own 🙂
Now that is a great plan Karen and Egypt would be a perfect place for you to consider once you are empty nesters! You can bring back stories, adventures and photos to inspire your kids as well. Thanks so much for reading and commenting and do drop us a line sometime when you are starting your new adventures.
What a beautiful and life-enriching experience! I totally understand when you said your Nile (Egypt) trip was more a journey than a destination – Egypt is considered the birthplace of modern civilization and you, perhaps, were experiencing the unseen essence of the Nile’s significance to that history. I certainly felt it throughout your post! Your photos are so gorgeous, too. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Wow – what a wonderful thing to say Charmaine, thank you so much. Egypt overall is absolutely an amazing blend of beauty, history and wonders all thrown in at once!
I have never been to Egypt. The Nile Cruiser looks like a great way to explore the country. Lovely pictures as well.
Thanks so much Arunas. So pleased you enjoyed this post.
I’ve been waiting for this post, Nicole! Ever since you wrote about the beginning parts of your Egypt trip. This is the one that excited me to finally see the pictures. The pictures didn’t disappoint either! I can only imagine what a fantastic place this was to visit. I totally understand what you mean when you talked about a journey and not just a destination. I’ve felt the same way when I was in Scotland and I am so drawn to going back and experiencing it over again. I’m so glad you shared this incredible place with your readers!
Thank you so much for such lovely comments Erica. I’m so pleased you can relate to this being a wonderful journey, rather than a destination. Your Scotland experience sounds fabulous and I am definitely looking forward to going there one day.
Wowza! What beautiful photography you have of your trip! You’re right, the sunsets are spectacular and I love the look of the Nile with the intensely green shoreline and desert in the background. It reminds me how unbelievable and beautiful our planet can be! I am also astounded by the vendors who would come right up to the ship and sell like that! I feel like it would be a difficult means of trade but hey, i guess if it works, why not!
You bet Lindsay! They are certainly very entrepreneurial along the Nile but still extremely friendly nonetheless. I totally agree with your observation of the beauty here and thank you so much for your comments on the photos.
The pictures are beautiful. It seems like an awesome experience to take a cruise through the Nile. It seems very calm and relaxing.
It definitely was Norma. It was a huge highlight and one I would absolutely recommend.
What beautiful photos. Looks like you had a wonderful time. I have a friend who did a cruise like this a few years ago and she said it was the best trip she’d ever had.
It is right up there in terms of cruises I have done as well Elizabeth. It is just such a beautiful place and would be so relaxing and fulfilling while on holiday.
Wow, A cruise! would love that. Egypt is so beautiful. I love the pictures.
Thanks so much Sonia! It is a beautiful place for sure.
This looks like such an amazing experience!! I am loving all the pictures…Egypt is on my travel bucket list!!!
Definitely somewhere you should visit for sure Angela! Thank you for your comment.
What a magnificent tour and a terrific set of photos from one of my favorite parts of the world. My best friend and her mom were on the same tour in June… Serendipity!
Thank you so much Elizabeth. There are literally so many different types of tours with a number of operators, all of which have different itineraries and some just having the cruise as one component. The numbers of tourists are definitely on the increase to this fabulous destination and it’s great to hear that your best friend and her mom had a great time as well.
I have always wanted to visit Egypt and this post has intensified the wanderlust to the Nile. Ps love your colorful outfits 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah! The outfits, although colorful, were above all – very practical for the heat in and around the Sahara, surrounding the Nile.
Beautiful! What an adventure of a lifetime.
Next time you go, ill just stow away in your suitcase…deal?
No problem at all Elizabeth…the more the merrier as they say! It makes for a fabulous adventure in such an amazing place.
I’ve never thought about an Egyptian river cruise, but it’s a great idea! I love seeing all your pictures. Egypt is such a beautiful place, so rich in culture and history.
Definitely Tracy! Certainly well worthwhile. Thank you for commenting.
What an interesting contrast in topography with the Nile and the Sahara like that. And two very different experiences in the river for you in two very different vessels but each offering it’s own bit of fun. I would one day love to visit Egypt and experience all it has to offer. Just the sheer history.
Thanks so much Scott. It certainly is two very different experiences but each offering a lovely time there. And yes, you are right, the history, of course, is just second to none.
Looks like a really fun trip! I’ve been to Egypt once but that was in 2007. We were staying at the tourist resort but had a one day trip to Cairo and the pyramids. I assume much has changed from then. Will have to go visit it again!
I hope you do end up going again Dinka, simply because there is so much more to see in this fascinating and beautiful country. Thank you for reading and commenting.
A cruise down the Nile has never crossed my mind before this. But looking at the pictures I could tell that you had such an amazing trip. Would love to add this to my bucket list.
I totally recommend you do add this to your bucket list, Karen. It really is quite a wonderful experience.
I’ve never been to the Nile yet, in fact i’ve never been to Egypt and would love to go the soonest. Love it.
Thanks, Chad, I hope you get there soon as well and have an amazing time.
What an amazing way to explore the Nile. I would have expected it to be brown and polluted so I’m glad to hear that’s not the case. The felucca ride really adds to the authentic experience. This is such a historically important area that it’s good to know that you can explore it in comfort. The size of your cabin was impressive!
It was indeed a lovely way to travel and appreciate the Nile, Annick. I was so pleasantly surprised at the lack of pollution as well and this made it all the more special.
Oh wow, what an absolute dream trip! Cruising the Nile is definitely on my bucket list.
Thanks so much, Christa. Let me know when you cross it off!
I don’t know if I would have thought of the Nile as a place to vacation, but it looks amazing! I have a friend from Kenya who wants us to go visit with her, so we could possibly see the river while there, too.
That would be a great plan for a trip Stephanie! Explore the Nile and other wonderful locations in Egypt before heading for some safari trips in Kenya with your friend. Sounds pretty good to me.
I’m planning to go to Egypt with my mom for her 60s! I’ll save this blog post for that trip!
There is no doubt that Egypt is a paradise, looks amazing
I hope you and your mom have a fabulous trip Lina. I would suggest you also look at the other posts that will be published in this series on Egypt (Sahara just recently published as the first one). There are 7 in total and thank you for sharing your exciting upcoming trip.
What a beautiful trip! I never would have thought to cruise down the Nile! Definitely need to add that to my bucket list.
I think you should Angela. More and more people are making the trip to experience this beautiful place.
Wow that looks like an amazing adventure! Lovely pictures as well, it all just looks inviting. I’ve always wanted to go there myself!
Hopefully, you will Melanie! Thanks so much for reading and your lovely comment.
I have always wanted to visit the Nile. I’m a bit envious right now and planning to make it my reality.
Definitely go for it, Tamara! No doubt you will love it as much as I did. Let me know if I can help at all as you plan your trip. All the best for a great adventure.
Ack! This is so gorgeous! I’ve heard of the Nile how many times but I’ve never actually seen modern pictures before!
Thanks Liz! So pleased you enjoyed the photos of this amazing, beautiful river and surrounds.
Taking a cruise on Nile has been on my list for so long! I would want to plan is exactly like this – start from Cairo, spend 2 days there and then move on to Aswan, see Abu Simbel and then board the cruise. The one you took seems to be a great option and the experience looks totally worth it. Also, you get to visit some really cool cities along the way! I would get off the cruise at Luxor and spend a couple of days there before returning. Let’s hope I make it to Egypt in 2020!
That sounds like a great plan for 2020 Medha. We were lucky enough to spend time in all those locations as well as travel elsewhere in Egypt. Do ensure to stay tuned for the other posts in this series on Egypt which might give you more ideas for planning your 2020 adventure.
I must admit this post brought back loads of memories as I did this on my honeymoon. The Nile Cruise is something that just cant be missed if you visit Egypt. Not the largest ships but has all you require. It’s fun to see all of them dock up together and you go through them to reach your own cruise ship. The scenery outside is just stunning and literally takes you back in time and very well captured in the photos Nicole. It is a great way to see most of the country as you stop at so many places and see them and return to your ship off to the next location . Thanks for sharing a great post and bringing memories back.
That is so lovely to hear Amar, thank you for sharing your experience, which sounds so fabulous also. I’m so pleased this brought back memories and to have done this on your honeymoon must have been very special. It is a beautiful way to see this part of Egypt without a doubt.
The Nile river is unique in its setting. The cruise that goes along the river looks beautiful. As I always enjoy cruise trips, the Nile cruise trip will be on my list as well.
That’s exactly how I thought as well Mijia, which is why we booked it. Having done this trip, we have no regrets at all.
Wow! Such a wonderful experience. I would love to ride the felucca and just be as close as possible. Will definitely make sure to include that on itinerary if we get a chance to visit. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re most welcome Val. I agree the felucca ride was great for being really up close to the water, although you could argue that the Nile cruiser was better to enjoy a broader view. Thanks for reading and your comment.
I have always wanted to visit Egypt to enjoy the Nile Cruise. I have heard a lot about it and your pictures have intrigued me so much now. The start of your journey with having food at a restaurant overlooking the Nile was surely great. Also, the cabin you got at Miriam looks pretty decent and spacious. It is great that you got to visit places like Kom Ombo also during the cruise. I would definitely like to enjoy the felucca ride as well.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed all the elements of the Nile presented in this post, Shreya. Honestly, I found this experience to be so worthwhile and fulfiling and I’m sure you will as well.
I did not know that the Nile had locks. I did not know about Esna either. This is a journey we are planning for 2020 so your information is very timely. I have always had a dream to sail on a Felucca, your description and photos now have really got me excited. I wish it was this year now instead.
It’s so great to see you comment again after the Sahara post, Jane. I am now starting to get excited for you as you commence your planning process. It is an exciting country to visit in so many ways. You may also want to consider other things like a scenic rail trip, heading to Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel, the Red Sea Riviera and up to the Mediterranean. All these are covered in future posts that are coming and do let me know if there is anything I can help with while you plan your trip.
Your five-star cruiser from Aswan to Luxor to looks and sounds fabulous! It does look like a stark contrast between the green landscape and then the on-going dessert. That must have been interesting seeing locals selling products to passengers and them sending money back down! Seems like a wonderful way to explore the Nile River 🙂
You bet Elizabeth! It just added a lot of fun to an already fascinating and relaxing cruise. Such captivating scenery and friendly local people.
We are hoping to visit Egypt soon, so I am glad I came across this post! I have always been fascinated with Egyptian history. The Nile Egypt Cruiser looks like a great way to explore Egypt. It’s neat to see the contrast of the green versus the Sahara in your photos.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post Leah and taking a cruise is certainly a great way to see the Nile. If you are seriously thinking about planning an Egyptian trip, do stay tuned for the rest of the series here (including checking out the Sahara one recently published) for loads of ideas for your itinerary.
Wow…what an incredible trip you had. Sailing on the felucca is like a dream. I am sure that it was nothing less than a dream trip. The gorgeous sunset, cruising, sailing & visiting crocodile museum, Ahh you have done it all. Can’t wait to visit soon.
Thanks so much Parnashree. There is still a lot more that we did, contained in this series we are publishing on Egypt. I hope you enjoy it every bit as much as James and I did.
I would love to do this wonderful cruise tour on the world’s largest river, the Nile. The Miriam cruise liner looks great with all amenities. The water is truly blue and even the sight of palm trees while cruising must be a beautiful sight.
It was truly a special time Yukti and I hope you will choose this as a future holiday. I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Wow. That was an awesome experience! The Nile river is so majestic and its waters is amazingly blue! I love the sunset photos! I wish I could travel to Egypt too and experience a river cruise on the Nile.
Majestic is a great word you chose to describe the Nile, Kristine. I completely agree with you and the water colours, sunsets and other sights all make it quite special. Thank you for your lovely comment.
What an amazing place… So much fun. How I wish am the one that experiences this. I really envy you, Have always wanted to visit Egypt and this post has just made me look forward to it more.
Thank you Ewuzie. It was a lot of fun as well as inspirational and relaxing.
I would love to visit Egypt one day. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos with us.
You’re most welcome Kristal. I’m so pleased you liked this post.
What a beautiful scenic cruise on the Nile! This is also on my bucket list so I’m itching now more than ever to go. I love that you were able to see some wildlife on your cruise and herds grazing nearby. It’s nice to know that the traffic of the ships on the water hasn’t deterred animals away. The ship looked immaculate! The beautiful chandelier and lounging chairs on the deck were magnificent.
It is true that the Miriam was a very nice, spacious and comfortable vessel from which to see the Nile, Martha. While the main attraction for me was the location itself, there is no doubt that taking this type of cruise allows you to enjoy the experience in a very comfortable way. Thanks so much for your comment and I hope you will be able to experience this in the same way soon.
Oh wow, what an amazing adventure! The Nile is absolutely gorgeous, I would love to go to Egypt and take a cruise down the Nile!!
Thanks so much Michele – I hope you will plan to do so as well. I found it so worthwhile.
Well done!
You’ve convinced me to take a cruise along the Nile.
The Miriam looks so majestic, with its spacious rooms, plush interiors and killer views from the cabin windows.
I found this post quite amazing, as I never imagined the surroundings to be so beautiful, as can be seen in your photos, and that blue colour of the water – immediately transported me to this beautiful place.
I was as captivated by the photos I saw of the Nile before going there as well Arnav. Most people don’t necessarily associate natural beauty when you first mention Egypt – and yet – there it is! Thanks so much for reading and your lovely comment.
OMG… This trip looks amazing! How beautiful is the Nile and I just love the temple of Kmo Ombo, not to mention the wildlife around and the sunset shots. A bucket list item for sure!
That’s for sure Mamie. The photos do speak a thousand words in that regard. Thanks for your comment.
The Nile is beautiful. Since I read the famous crime novel I have been dreaming of there. Actually we had attempted to choose the cruise you took but due to the private reasons the trip didn’t take place. But here I enjoyed the scenes through your article. Thanks!
If it’s the same book I’m thinking of, it was written on the banks of the Nile at Aswan, Mijia. What a shame your trip did not go ahead but hopefully, you will book there again someday soon. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
Egypt it is! Sailing on the Nile is as historic as one can get and a felucca?? I learn something new everyday on the interwebs.
You bet Kemi! Surfing the net can be a great way to discover all sorts of interesting stuff. Egypt is about the best place in the world to see ancient history and natural beauty existing so well, side by side. So pleased you enjoyed the post.
Wow! I can’t wait to be able to travel! This will definitely be on my list, it looks amazing! Great photos!
Thank you very much Salma. When you go, I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did.
Loved seeing all these photos! Looks like a wonderful trip!
Thanks Monica – it sure was and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Egypt is really beautiful. I agree with you when you say you didn’t expect the river Nile to look as good. Also I cannot believe that paint is over 2000 years old…my goodness. Talk about quality. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I was really expecting the Nile to be quite polluted and look dirty, particularly around the major city of Cairo, but this was not the case at all Viano. So great to see how good it did look. The paint from thousands of years ago is even more amazing – there is no doubt they created things back then to stand the test of time and they really succeeded! Thanks so much for your comment.
Beautiful locations! You got some great shots! Never been to Egypt! But might have to now.
If you enjoyed this post Serena, I think you should plan to go as I’m sure you would enjoy it as I did.
What a lovely time you had sightseeing the Nile! I’ve to say, I’m still yet to visit Egypt, so currently enjoying it vicariously through your post! Your photos capture the landscape well, and the friendly Nubians too. I also like the contrast in scenery.
Neither James nor I regard ourselves as great photographers Lisa so I really appreciate your comment – although the scenery is that good, so it is a bit hard to make really bad shots there! The contrast is definitely what struck me as I haven’t seen that before to that degree. Plus I just love how friendly and genuine the local people are.
Amazing post!! It takes a lot to write in such great detail about a destination particularly during sightseeing. Loved it.
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment Talat. I am so happy you enjoyed it and while it does take some effort to put these posts together, I really do love writing and sharing these types of adventures.
This is one of my dream trips. I would so like to do this cruise and see the settlement along the river Nile. Loved your shots from the cruise. I even loved the offbeat stops like Kom Ombo. You are right – the temple is just gorgeous.
Thanks so much Ami – I did love Kom Ombo as well. It was so interesting, set in such a beautiful location along the Nile. This is an amazing river with so much to take in with the scenery, wildlife and friendly locals that live along its banks.
A cruise on the Nile has been my dream for many years now. Am really fascinated by the Egyptians and their gods. That crocodile museum is something I had never read about. Crocodile mummies! That’s like really taking care to preserve the ancient world. And the last sunset picture, sailing off, that’s a really nice one.
Thanks so much Ambica. It was a dream for me also and it was so wonderful to see it come true. Crocodile mummies took me somewhat by surprise as well and I was interested to learn about the southern part of Kom Ombo being dedicated to the crocodile god ‘Sobek’ – so I guess the mummification of the crocs all makes sense in that context. I love sunsets as well and James did capture that last shot really nicely. I hope you make the trip as well one day.
A cruise on the Nile? Talk about a dream come true. I remember doing a Nile River project as an elementary student and to see it in real would be so amazing.
I remember studying Egypt in history at school Lynn and seeing photos back then of the Nile, the Sahara and of course the ancient monuments for which Egypt is famous. Can’t recommend the cruise enough and really appreciate your comment.
Oh, how gorgeous! I would never have thought to add this to my “must see” travel list, but I think you just made this location a real contender.
Thanks very much Jaymi. A lot of people (myself included) consider Egypt to be a real bucket list destination as it really is beautiful in many ways.
It looks like you had a wonderful time! Egypt would be so much to visit and it looks beautiful!
It can be expensive Diana, but like anything, it pays to shop around for the best deals and be a little patient. Deals on flights, cruises, tours etc offer low prices and discounts every now and then and that is obviously the best time to jump in and book. It is a special destination though and one that you will always remember.
Oh how beautiful! Egypt has been on my travel bucket list since I was a little kid.
Me too Rachelle! I was so excited to plan and take this trip. It really is beautiful.