Nile Cruises
From LoveToKnow Cruises
Taking one of the many Nile Cruises that sail up and down this historic river is a wonderful way to see the many treasures of Egypt. From the natural wonders at Giza to the remote and larger-than-life Temple at Abu Simbel, the life and times of the Pharoahs and people of ancient Egypt comes to life. Nile Cruises can be as short as two or three days or last over a week. Unlike huge Mediterraean liners, ships that cruise the Nile River are more like luxurious ferry boats, rather than mega-ships.
Nile Cruises: the Ships
Nile Cruise boats are largely owned and operated by international hotel chains, such as Sheraton Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and Sonesta. Because they are navigating a river, not a large sea or ocean, the ships that ply the Nile are more shallow-bottomed, and generally quite a bit smaller than a typical cruise ship. Most ships accommodate between 150 and 200 passengers. The luxury Nile cruise ships have their own water-purification system on board, so drinking water is not a concern. Accommodations are air conditioned and generally have telephones, radios, a private bath, and large picture windows from which to enjoy the sights.
Sightseeing is the main attraction on Nile Cruises. However, most ships include a passenger lounge, a swimming pool, and usually a gift shop and a beauty salon. Meals are taken on-board, usually with a combination of elegant Egyptian and Continental cuisine.
The Sites
Ancient History is around every bend of the river on a Nile Cruise. Most Nile Cruises begin in Cairo, near the mouth of the Nile River, and sail south to Luxor -- or vice versa. Among the many sights along the river are:
- Giza - site of the magnificent Great Pyramid, one of the "Wonders of the Ancient World." Visitors can tour the pyramid and the smaller adjacent ones, created as burial places for the ancient Egyptian rulers.
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel is a complex of temples, built by Ramses "the Great" II. The site is, perhaps, best known for the massive (and successful) UNESCO effort to save the site for the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s. The imposing figues that guard the entrance are magnificent and imposing.
- Luxor - Luxor, at Upper (southern) end of the Nile River, is home to one of the most important archeological sites in the world -- The Valley of the Kings. It is here that the majority of the New Kingdom era Pharoahs are buried. King Tutankhamun is buried here. So is Ramses VI and a score of other kings. One admission gains entry into three tombs. Bear in mind that the Egyptian government, who operates the site, periodically closes some tombs to visitors in order to help perserve them.
Adjacent to the Valley of the Kings is the Western Valley, a much less tourist-ridden archeological site and burial place of several Pharoahs, including Amenhotep III.
Across the Nile from the Valley of the Kings and the Western Valley are the colossal Temple of Karnak and Temple of Luxor, built by Ramses V and Amenhotep III. These two temples have been amazingly preserved. The evening "Sound and Light" show here is a "must-see." - Memphis - Located just south of Cairo, Memphis was once the capital of ancient Egypt before it was moved to Cairo. The city, today, houses an important Egypitan art museum whose collection includes a huge limestone sculpture of Ramses II.
[edit]
Extending Your Cruise Vacation
Cairo, Africa's most populous city, is a fascinating metropolis of over 16 million residents. Any Nile Cruise is enchanced by spending a couple of days in the city, either before or after your cruise. The Egyptian Museum, repository for many of the priceless treasures found in the pyramids and other excavation sites, is the world's largest Egyptian Art Museum and visitors can easily spend a day just glimpsing at all there is to see here. Other Cairo sights include the Citadel, the Al-Azhar Mosque, and the Coptic Church.
[edit]Booking Nile Cruises
Nile cruises can be booked directly through one of the hotel operators who own Nile cruise ships or by contacting a travel agent who specializes in Egyptian travel. A travel agent can also assist you in choosing the ship that's best for you as well as making flight reservations and securing the proper travel documentation. A good travel agent can be an invaluable resource.
[edit]
Learn More
This page has been accessed 672 times. This page was last modified 19:12, 5 September 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
