Top Five Stops on a Cruise down The Nile in Egypt
Taking a cruise means watching the world go by, while you only need to unpack your bags once. Cruises also provide a great option for families, as many ships offer recreational items such as water slides, mini golf courses, and fun clubs for children and teens; And it's all free. These are the five best places you can visit during cruises on the Nile River in Egypt
Karnak Temple
Most cruises start in Luxor, so Karnak Temple is likely to be one of the first ports of call. And what a place to start. A forest of intricately carved columns, obelisks, and walls, the sheer size of this ancient temple complex gives a sense of timeless power at its spine. The main area was thought to be the earthly home of the Egyptian sun god Amun-Ra, and the temple here is the largest religious building ever built.
Luxor temple
The other main temple in Luxor is mainly dedicated to Amun-Ra, along with the deities Mut and Khonsu (known as the Theban Triad). At the entrance are two colossal figures seated for Ramses II, one of the last pharaohs to do work in this temple. A highlight of a visit to this temple is the opportunity to get a closer look at the beautiful carvings of people clapping, drumming, dancing, and performing acrobatics, while boats are carried to the Nile under the instructions of the captain's cries from these scenes practically bounce off the walls.
Valley of the Kings
You've probably been reading about boy pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb and cache of hidden treasures in the Valley of the Kings since your elementary school days. Here's your chance to see the actual room for yourself. You can also visit the recently opened replica nearby, which was launched to mitigate some of the damage done by mass tourism to the original, and has garnered great reviews for its detail and authentic feel. Go to the great rooms where Ramses IX, Ramses II, Merneptah, and many others are buried, to admire the intriguing hieroglyphic scenes carved on the walls.
Edfu Temple
This huge temple in Edfu is dedicated to Horus, the falcon god, and you will see an image of a man with a falcon head representing him throughout the temple. Falcons were worshiped because they did not eat dead meat, so they were considered noble. It is one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, with antechambers and halls to explore, as well as the inner sanctuary that still contains a polished granite mausoleum that once housed the gold cult statue of Horus.
Kom Ombo
No Nile River cruise would be complete without honoring crocodiles. Do as the ancient Egyptians did and pay your respects at Kom Ombo, the double temple whose half is dedicated to Horus and the other half to the crocodile god Sobek. This stretch of the river was infested with vicious crocodiles, preventing locals from using the water for washing or cooking - this temple was a way to calm them down.
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