The Nile, which rises in East Africa and empties into the Mediterranean via Egypt, is the world's longest river at 4,250 miles. Nile River cruises and tours begin in Aswan and continue north to Luxor, one of Egypt's most important archaeological sites.
The Nile is the world's longest river, spanning 4,100 miles from Uganda to Egypt. Depending on where you are along the Nile, you could be in practically any current environment, including high and low mountains, deserts, and rainforests. The wonderfully diverse Nile is home to thousands of plant and animal species, as well as archaeological monuments along its banks.
Pyramids of Giza
These are a few must-see sights for travelers exploring the Nile.
The Great Pyramids are located just outside Cairo, Egypt, where most Nile River cruises end. These achievements of ancient engineering were designed as opulent tombs for the Pharaohs, who were regarded as gods, and they exist in practically everyone's imagination today.
The complex consists of three major pyramids, three smaller pyramids, and the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it is the only ancient wonder that still exists today. After your Nile trip, ride a camel to the desert to explore these ancient and mystical treasures. A vacation to Egypt is not complete without seeing the pyramids!
ABU SIMBEL
Two gigantic rock temples are located in Aswan's town of Abu Simbel. They are instantly recognizable temples associated with Egypt in the popular imagination. Abu Simbel is merely a necessary stop for tourists visiting Egypt. The huge temples, with four large carvings at the entryway, some of which are incomplete, display indications of their antiquity and past. The twin temples, originally sculpted in the 13th century, are permanent memorials to King Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari.
The temples were moved from their original location in the 1960s, and the rescue mission was critical in protecting these remarkable structures from degradation as a result of the Aswan High Dam's construction in Lake Nesser.
VALLEY OF KINGS
The Valley of the Kings is located on the Nile's West Bank, opposite Luxor in Egypt. There are 63 tombs built here for Royal Egyptians and high-ranking nobles. Tutankhamun is the most famous ruler buried in the valley. Much of your Nile River Cruise will take you through the Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings, also known as the "gateway to the afterlife," continues to inspire legend today, just as it did when the Pharaohs declared it sacrosanct. Your tour will reveal this through old myths and a dive into the area's historical realities. With various temples, tombs, and ancient monuments, take advantage of shore excursions to discover this interesting cultural landscape.
LUXOR
Depending on your itinerary, your Nile River cruise will begin at either Luxor or Aswan. Shorter Nile River cruises start in Luxor. The biggest disadvantage of starting in Luxor is that you may not visit Edfu Temple to the south. Luxor is the current name for Thebes, Ancient Egypt's capital and key hub.
Thebes is located within Luxor, and visitors can explore the royal necropolis, Karnak Temple Complex, and Luxor Temple. Luxor, sometimes referred to as an "open-air museum" due to the sheer amount of ancient buildings and statues that dot the city, is the ideal place to start your Nile River cruise adventure or to revisit ancient Egypt's potent symbolism.
ASWAN
If your Nile River trip is on the longer side, it will start in Aswan. For ages, Aswan has served as an important port and Nile River entrance in Egypt, and it remains a thriving market today. There are several museums to visit here, which is an excellent idea before beginning on your boat over the historic Nile! Aswan has a remarkably extensive history dating back to the third millennium. Archaeologists discovered mummies, ancient pottery, and hieroglyphics at Aswan.
If you have time, spend a day or two at Aswan to learn about the local culture, swim in the Nile, and visit the nearby island of Seheyl.
From the pyramids of Meroë to the temples of Luxor, the Nile is a river of wonders
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