One of the cradles of civilization, Egypt is a country with a long, rich history that can be seen by visitors in its landscape, architecture and culture. The Nile River runs through the heart of the country and was central to the development of the ancient societies, as well as being the focus of today’s society. Travellers to Egypt can take a cruise down the river to discover the country’s fascinating past. Nile cruises are perfect if you want to explore the historical and cultural beauty of Egypt and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. These are some of the things you can see on a Nile cruise.

Pyramids

No visit to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids at Giza, Memphis and Saqquara. These monumental structures were built as tombs and celebrations of specific Pharaohs. Among the most famous is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is where the majority of the royal tombs of the ancient Egyptian rulers are located. Between the 11th and 16th centuries BC, nobles and monarchs were buried in lavish burial chambers. You can visit 63 of them in the Valley, which borders the river. To fully enter into the spirit of such historical relics, you may choose to cruise the Nile in a dahabiyya, the tradition wooden sailing boat of Egypt.

Temple of Edfu

The city of Edfu on the West bank of the Nile houses one of the country’s best-preserved temples. The Temple of Edfu was built to honor Horus, the chief god of the ancient Egyptians. Hieroglyphics adorn the walls of the interior chambers, while the imposing structure towers over the local landscape.
 
Aswan

Located in the south of the country, the city of Aswan is typically the end or start point for a cruise along the Nile. It was from this region that the stone for the Pyramids was quarried, and visitors can still see remnants of that excavation today. In Aswan, the ancient meets the modern as the elemental river is controlled by the Aswan Dam, one of the largest feats of engineering in the world, while the traditional souks and bazaars sit alongside contemporary hotels and restaurants.

However you choose to travel, and whichever part of the Nile you see, a cruise down this awe-inspiring river is a journey of a lifetime.