7 Ancient Sites on a Nile River Cruise
Top 7 ancient sites you’ll see on a Nile River Cruise
An Egyptian holiday with a River Nile cruise makes for a spectacular escape with many astonishing ancient sites in one trip.
Whether you’re a history lover or not, you can’t help but be captivated by the seven unique attractions we’ll cover below.
An all-inclusive Nile River cruise is also extremely relaxing, and when you’re not in awe of your surroundings as you sail along, you can rest and recharge under the comforting Egyptian sun.
In no particular order, let’s go on a whistle-stop tour of our favourite highlights.
1. A quick look at Luxor
The city of Luxor has stood on the east bank of the Nile since around 3000 BC and is often referred to as the ‘world’s largest open-air museum’. It’s impossible to cover every attraction here, but we’d highly recommend taking the time to visit Amun Temple Enclosure, the Luxor Museum and Tombs of the Nobles.
When you book an Egyptian cruise and stay holiday with us, you’ll get two days in Luxor to walk in the footsteps of millions of people before you. It’s a city with an incredible ambience and is a memorable destination.
2. Karnak Temple’s historic charm
Just a short distance from Luxor, you’ll find the Karnak Temple complex. To give you an idea of its scale, it was developed over a 2,000-year period and spans approximately 1.5 square kilometres.
Some of the most impressive structures include the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, the Statue of Khepri, and the Statue of Ramesses II, which stands at a mighty 11 metres tall.
3. Valley of the Kings
Another unmissable destination in the Luxor area is the Valley of the Kings. For starters, it’s home to 63 tombs, including those of Tutankhamen, Seti I and Nehmes-Bastet.
It’s worth noting that in order to conserve the tombs, not all of them are open to visitors at the same time. If you’re not looking to visit specific tombs, a standard ticket will likely be enough for you to explore and get a sense of the majesty and history of this royal resting place.
4. The Temple of Esna
Also known as the Temple of Khnum, the well-preserved hieroglyphics showcase incredible ancient tales. It’s located at the end of the souk, where you can pick up lots of authentic Egyptian souvenirs.
Khnum was a ram-headed creator god who was also considered the protector of the Nile River's source. Wandering around the temple is a truly inspiring experience, and it’s incredible to learn more about what life was like here many centuries ago. A visit to Esna will certainly give you plenty to talk about as you enjoy dinner on the next leg of your cruise.
5. Unforgettable Aswan
Your blissful cruise along the Nile also stops off in Aswan, where you’ll find the Temples of Philae, dating back to 380 BC. The temple walls feature fascinating scenes from Egyptian mythology, which transport you to a completely different way of life.
Elsewhere in the city, the unfinished obelisk is an unusual ancient monument. It weighs over 1,100 tonnes and lay undiscovered for thousands of years before it was found in the early 20th century.
6. Why Abu Simbel is something special
The sheer scale of the Abu Simbel Temples will blow your mind. On approach, you're greeted by four iconic statues of Ramesses II, the pharaoh who had them constructed over 3,200 years ago.
There are twin temples carved out of the mountainous rock, which you can enter, and they form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with others in the area.
7. Outstanding sites in Kom Ombo
Where else in the world can you visit a temple dedicated to crocodile and falcon-headed deities that dates back well over 2,000 years? Kom Ombo Temple is a special site you’ll never forget as part of your Nile River cruise through Egypt.
There’s a wealth of things to see here. Our recommendations include the giant purification relief scene, the festive calendar, and the Nilometer, which was used to measure the river’s water levels.
Your Nile River cruise is calling
If all that wasn’t enough to convince you to cruise down the Nile, your Egyptian getaway will start with a week in Hurghada, a charming coastal city with brilliant beaches and magnificent markets to explore.
Book your African holiday with complete confidence. We’re here seven days a week if you’ve got any questions.
