- Floating down the ancient waters and the lifeblood of Egypt on a river cruise.
- Seeing first hand the incredible historical and archaeological sites along the Nile’s banks.
- Learning about the incredible importance of the Nile from ancient times to today.
- Getting amazing photographs of the Egyptian landscape and traditional village life.
- Visiting local villages and being introduced to new customs and cultures.
- Watching the desert simmer under the sun while you are sipping a cold drink in the shade of your boat’s desk, a light breeze cooling you down as the ship glides forward.
- Trying different and delicious Egyptian delicacies and you travel between regions.
Best Things to Do in Nile River
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Things to do in Nile River - Expert's guide
The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching over 4,100 miles from Uganda to Egypt. Depending on where you are along the Nile, you could be in almost any existing ecosystem; high mountains, low mountains, deserts, and rainforests. The incredibly diverse Nile is home to Thousands of different plant an danimal species, as well as archaeological sites along the river banks.
For travelers looking to see what the Nile has to offer, these are a few can't miss attractions.
1. Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids are located just outside of Cairo, Egypt where most Nile River cruises finish. Designed as extravagant tombs for the Pharaohs, who were considered gods, these feats of ancient engineering exist in an almost worldwide imagination.
The complex includes three large pyramids, three small pyramids, and the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World,a dn it is the only ancient wonder still in existence today. After your cruise on the Nile, take a camel ride out to the desert and explore these ancient and mysterious masterpieces.
Any Visit to Egypt is not complete without visiting the pyramids!
2. Abu Simbel
Located in Abu Simbel, a village in Aswan, are two enormous rock temples. They are incredibly recognizable temples synonymous with Egypt in the collective imagination. Abu Simbel is simply a right of passage for travelers to Egypt. The massive temples with four large carvings at the entrance, some incomplete, showcase the signs of its age and past.
Originally carved in the 13th century, the twin temples serve as lasting mouments to King Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari.
Moved from their original location in the 1960s, the rescue mission of the temples was essential in saving these incredible structures from erosion due to the erection of the Aswan High Dam in Lake Nesser.
3. Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is an area on the West Bank of the Nile, opposite of Luxor, Egypt. Built here are 63 tombs of Royal Egyptians and high ranking nobles. The most famous king buried in the Valley is Tutankhamun.
Much of your Nile River Cruise will be through the Valley of the Kings. Called the “gateway to the afterlife” the Valley of the Kings inspires much mythology today as it did when Pharaohs determined this site as sacred.
Your journey will bring this to light through ancient stories as well as diving into the historical realities of the area. Consisting of numerous temples, tombs and archaeological sites, be sure to take advantage of shore excursions to explore this fascinating cultural landscape.
4. Luxor
Depending on your itinerary, your Nile River cruise will either start in Luxor or Aswan. Shorter Nile River cruises begin in Luxor. The main drawback of starting in Luxor being you may not see Edfu Temple to the south.
Luxor is the modern name for the ancient city of Thebes, the ancient capital and major hub of ancient Egypt. Thebes is located inside Luxor, and travelers can see the royal necropolis, Karnak Temple Complex, and Luxor Temple.
Often called an “open air museum” for the sheer number of ancient buildings and statues dotting the city, Luxor is the perfect way to begin your Nile River cruise experience, or the perfect stop along the way to reiterate the powerful symbolism of ancient Egypt.
5. Aswan
If your Nile River cruise is on the longer side, it will begin in Aswan. Aswan has been a crucial port and Nile River gateway in Egypt for centuries, and is still a busy market today.
There are a number of museums here to visit - a great idea before embarking on your cruise through the historic lands of the Nile! Aswan has an incredibly long history, going back to the third millennium. Archaeologists have discoverd mummies, ancient pottery, and hieroglyphics in Aswan.
If you have time to linger, try and stay a day or two in Aswan to get a feel for the local culture, take a swim in the Nile, and explore the nearby island of Seheyl.
6. Temple of Edfu
Built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which was the last period before Rome conquered Egypt in 30 BC, the Temple of Edfu represents ancient Egypt’s fascinating culture and religion.
Today, the temple is largely intact which makes it a popular tourist destination for those who are interested in Egyptian mythology and history. It is the second largest temple in Egypt and includes beautifully engraved walls, courts, statutes, and numerous chambers.
It was built in honor of the falcon-headed war deity, Horus. He was also known as the protector of the pharaohs which made this temple that much more important to the ancient Egyptians. The Temple of Horus is definitely the focal point when visiting here. Due to its size, it is recommended that you get a guided tour when visiting here just so you don’t miss anything!
7. Karnak Temple
Of the many temples you’ll encounter along your Nile River cruise, one of the most impressive, and largest, is Karnak Temple. Karnak is part of the ancient city of Thebes, located inside Luxor. It is actually a temple complex, consisting of several chambers, columns, hidden pathways, and many many detailed hieroglyphics. The photography opportunities here are endless!
Karnak is a large open site, so dress according to the weather. If you’re visiting in the summer time, be prepared for some crowds, as it is a very popular attraction.
8. Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt, and trips to Egypt typically begin in Cairo as a home base - including a Nile River cruise, most of which begin in either Luxor or Aswan. Cairo is a great starting point for your visit to Egypt, providing much historical context.
Be sure to visit the Egyptian Museum, where a staggering array of fascinating artifacts can be found, detailing Egypt's unique past and culture. A culture you come up close and personal to as you sail along the Nile on your river cruise.
9. Djoser Step Pyramid
The Djoser Step Pyramid is located in the necropolis of Saqqara. It is noticeably a different style than the sheer faced pyramids of Giza. The Djoser Step Pyramid was constructed in the 27th century, as a part of a large mortuary complex, for Djoser the Pharaoh, who was one of the first kings of the 3rd Dynasty. The pyramid consists of multiple underground chambers, and several unique stone architectural styles.
This is a classic tour destination in Egypt for Nile River cruises and features many unique archaeological points of interest. Be sure to explore with a guide to discover all the secrets and histories of Djoser Step Pyramid.
10. Philae Temple
Located near the Aswan Dam, this is a great place to explore before embarking on your Nile River cruise. A large temple complex it is most notable for the many different cultural influences overlapping each other in the exterior architecture and carvings on the temple walls.
You can spot evidence of Greek and Roman presence and it’s easy to see how essential this temple was at various points in time. Be sure to take your time when you visit! There is much to see and explore, several small chambers, courtyards, and a wealth of unique reliefs and other artistic marvels.
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