Summary

• The Nile River, stretching across 4160 miles from Uganda to Egypt, is the world’s longest river.
• A Nile River cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore numerous ancient Egyptian attractions along its banks.
• It’s a recommended way to experience the wealth of historical landmarks and modern achievements found along the Nile’s shores.
• Aswan, situated on the Nile’s eastern bank, boasts remarkable ancient Egyptian attractions like the Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, Abu Simbel Temples, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Nubian Village, the Monastery of St. Simeon, and the Tombs of the Nobles.
• Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes, is a treasure trove of historical landmarks. Notable sites accessible via Nile cruise include the Karnak Temples Complex, Luxor Museum, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Dendera Temple, and Abydos Temples.

Among the uncountable blessings in Egypt is the bewitching Nile River which stretches around 4160 miles from Uganda to Egypt. The most amazing thing about it is that it is considered the world’s longest river, and the Amazon River is the only river that challenges the Nile for being so long but the Nile River provided the whole world that it is incomparable, more fascinating, and super impressive.

The Nile River collects its water from 11 different African countries, and it passes through lots of different ecosystems that exist along its length; there are dozens of fabulous artifacts, attractions, and landmarks that are located all around its shores, and the most recommended notable way to explore & to visit them all is through a Nile River cruise tour that will take you deep in the Nile.

The Nile River has always had real significant importance through the different ages and eras, starting from the era of the ancient Egyptians, since it has affected in shaping their lives, culture, history, and agricultural system. While on board a Nile River cruise, you will have the best chance to check the greatest attractions in Luxor and Aswan, plus make use of the incredible facilities on board the deluxe, which makes it a really interesting and wonderful experience in Egypt. Here are the main Egyptian cities that you will have the opportunity to visit while being on board a Nile River cruise:

Best Places to See in Aswan Through A Nile Cruise

Aswan is located on the Nile’s eastern bank in southern Egypt, and it is home to some of the greatest ancient Egyptian attractions, landmarks, and the best modern accomplishments and structures.

1. Philae Temple

Philae Temple is a miraculous symbol of divine golden allure and pure greatness that came into existence around the 7th or 6th century BC but the oldest part of the temple, which was built during 380-362 BC, is the temple of Isis, who is the goddess of motherhood and healing. Many Ptolemaic rulers in the world sought to immortalize their epic myth of Osiris, who she raised from the dead to become the ruler of the underworld.

2. Aswan High Dam

The influential Aswan High Dam came to be between 1960 and 1970, with assistance from the Soviet Union to open a portal to the industrial age. It held the marvelous Lake Nasser, which is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. It provides water for irrigation and promotes finishing, farming, and tourism. It also became the main center for producing hydroelectric power and providing Egypt with a brighter future.

3. Abu Simbel Temples

The shining golden temples of Abu Simbel have stood the powers of the sands of time for ages after Ramses the Great in 1200 BC established this heavenly gem as an immortal symbol of his might and many victories. The temple is entirely dedicated to the gods Ptah, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun, as well as to Pharaoh Ramesses II himself, as seen in the sun festival. Just 100 m away from the main temple is the temple of Nefertari, his beautiful wife, whom he attempted to immortalize as the Centerstone of his entire existence. Along with the Philae temple, they were moved in the 60s and 70s by UNESCO for their phenomenal historical and architectural importance.

4. Kom Ombo Temple

The phenomenal Kom Ombo Temple is an immortal golden jewel that was established in the Greco-roman period between 180 BC and 47 BC to honor two great gods, Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god Horus, and the crocodile-headed god Sobek, who is associated with fertility and the Nile. Its dual design is completely symmetrical and has many marvelous hieroglyphic inscriptions with carving and scenes showcasing medical instruments and surgical tools, plus many mythological and historical displays.

5. Edfu Temple

The powerful Edfu Temple has gained the reputation as one of the greatest and biggest temples in the world which was built around 237 BC and 57 BC. The Temple is famous for being highly preserved, located on the ground which held the great battle that took place between Hours the Falcon sky god, and Set, the evil god of the desert. The temple is filled with a number of magnificent cravings and inscriptions of ancient Egyptian mythology, religious beliefs, and very important historical events.

6. Unfinished Obelisk

Found in the blessed golden lands of Aswan is the unique unfinished obelisk which could have been the biggest man-made obelisk in history which was never completed. It would be 1200 tons heavy and 137 feet (41.75 meters) long. It was ordered by Queen Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BCE) to stand at Karnak temple, so it was carved in the bedrock, but it was broken during its creation. It has the power to shed light on how the obelisks were made and the many advances made in the world of ancient Egyptian architecture and stone carvings.

7. The Nubian Village

One of the most magical destinations found in the southern parts of Aswan is the honorable Nubian village which is known for its traditional architecture, unique culture, colorful displays, and rich history, plus the warm hospitality of the Nubian people. The Nubian village has the power to tell many great stories and offer all artisans the chance to enjoy a new world that lived along the Nile River for millennia.

8. The Monastery of St. Simeon

The majestic Monastery of Saint Simeon dates all the way back to the 7th century AD on the golden lands of Aswan, where it acted as a center for worship for Christian hermits and monks. It is made of mudbricks and contains unique Nubian and Coptic influences. It was named after a Christian ascetic who lived in the area in complete prayer and solitude.

9. The Tombs of the Nobles

The majestic Tombs of the Nobles are marvelous pieces of art found buried in the sands of Aswan on the west bank of the Nile River. The tombs date back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2686-2181 BCE), the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2055-1650 BCE), and the New Kingdom of Egypt (1550-1070 BCE). The tombs belonged to a number of influential and important officials and nobles to worked under the authority of the Pharaoh. The adjoining tombs of father and son Mekhu and Sabni, The tomb of Sarenput II, and The tomb of Harkhuf are known to be the most famous. All the Rock-Cut tombs are found on the cliffs and hillsides and are filled with a number of very informative Hieroglyphic Inscriptions showcasing great details.

Top Landmarks to Explore in Luxor While Boarding A Nile Cruise

This is the most visited city in Egypt, right after Cairo City, as it was established on the site of the ancient capital of Egypt, Thebes, and it got its significant importance from the numerous attractions that were constructed there.

Karnak Temples Complex

The golden area of the gods and Kings Karnak complex is a living piece of celestial art made of an epic collection of Temples, obelisks, pylons, chapels, and incredible ancient structures. This grand worship center is on 247 acres which was established between 2000 BC and 30 BC. The complex is dedicated to the Theban triad and is made of the Precinct of Amun-Re, the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, the Hypostyle Hall, and the Avenue of Sphinxes.

Luxor Museum

The epic Luxor Museum houses some of the most amazing collections of artifacts and monuments, which was completed around 1975. It has the power to convey an informative vision of the incredible treasures of Egypt from various periods but mostly from the new kingdom. Through exploring the museum, all will get to learn valuable facts about the history, art, and culture of ancient Egypt.

Luxor Temple

The Royal mesmerizing wonder Luxor Temple has gained a number of different titles like the Southern Sanctuary and the House of Golden royalty, where it acted as the center for the crowing of many rulers like Amenhotep III, Ramses the Great, and more. It was completed around 1400 BC to be a main center for the worship of the creator god Amun and the golden Theban triad of the 18th dynasty. It is highly preserved as it is filled with some of the most incredible collections of intricate reliefs, architectural marvels, and hieroglyphic inscriptions that convey a lot of meaning about the history of the New Kingdom.

The Valley of the Kings

In the golden mythical sands of Thebes are hidden chambers filled with incredible stories and treasures that stood the test of time during the New Kingdom period. Valley of the Kings was the burial ground for pharaohs and high-ranking officials of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties, such as Ramses II, Thutmose III, Seti I, and Ramses III. The 63 royal tombs are filled with magical depictions of their lives, achievements, and magnificent facts about their religious beliefs.

Hatshepsut Temple

The immortal Hatshepsut temple is a true mark of everlasting grace and allure, which has always been the holy and the holies and a true vision of the greatness of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. This three-level wonder was established around 1479 BC to stand as an architectural marvel dedicated to Amun and for her magnificent legacy as one of the greatest rulers in the history of Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon

One of the great remains of the grand temple of Memnon is the powerful colossi of Memnon, which is made of two great statues during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III between 1386 and 1349 BCE. Each Colossus is made of quartzite sandstone and is 60 feet (about 18 meters) tall. It holds the face of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who is seated on a throne with his hands resting on his knees.

Dendera Temple

Dendera Temples complex is a hidden gem of treasures and epic stories that were created around the old kingdom and continued all the way to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (4th century BCE to 1st century CE). The temple holds some of the finest examples of art and architecture, which include the temple of Hathor, the Zodiac, Crypts, and many other great works of art.

Abydos Temples

The epic temple of Abydos is one of the most important archaeological milestones in Egypt which was made during the 19th Dynasty (circa 1290-1279 BCE) and is dedicated to the god Osiris. Its most prized possession is the legendary Abydos King List which provides valuable historical information about the crowing of many royalty from menes to the new kingdom.