Egypt (Part 1) - Spring is an ideal time to visit Egypt, with low humidity and moderate temperatures. This incredible journey began in Luxor, followed by a four-day cruise on the Nile River to Aswan. An extended bus excursion to Abu Simbel was then added to the itinerary, concluding with a Falucca ride to a Nubian Village.
Hot air balloon rides are almost always conducted before dawn for technical reasons. This allows for the optimal use of cool temperatures necessary to create lift from the heat and calm winds, ensuring a safe flight. The darkness of pre-dawn creates a magical, colorful, and exciting moment before takeoff, as the flames from the burners illuminate the balloon. Undeniably, floating over Luxor at dawn is a truly unforgettable experience.
Just a short drive from the balloon launch site lies the colossal site of the Colossi of Memnon statues. These magnificent statues have stood tall since 1350 BC. This was the briefest stop of an intense five-part tour that concluded at Luxor Temple.
Hatshepsut Temple, renowned for its impressive ramps, massive terraces, and porticos, stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient architecture. The sheer scale of this mortuary temple is truly awe-inspiring, complemented by the rugged backdrop that provides a breathtaking setting.
The Valley of the Kings, located near Luxor, houses at least 63 royal burial tombs. Deep into the limestone, these tombs were excavated over a 500-year period which dates back to the 16th century BC. Despite being raided and damaged by flooding, the tombs remain remarkably well-preserved, even though they attract millions of tourists each year. The stop was short, but three tombs were visited within the allotted time.
Karnak Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Egypt for a reason. This vast complex dates back to 2000 BC and, despite its immense popularity, offers ample space for exploration and the appreciation of its most impressive archeological elements.
A very intense first day of touring ended at Luxor Temple, located very close to Karnak. Luxor is one of the most remarkable temples with its distinct columns. One of its most striking features is the missing obelisk on the right pedestal at the entrance. This obelisk was gifted to France and now stands in Place de la Concorde in Paris.
After a night of sailing, the ship arrived at Edfu Temple, a remarkable structure built in 57 BC. Over the centuries, the temple was buried to a depth of 12 meters (39 feet) beneath drifting desert sand and layers of river silt deposited by the Nile. It was only identified by a French expedition in 1860, and excavation revealed this incredible specimen of Egyptian architecture.
Late in the afternoon the ship sailed to Kom Ombo Temple, constructed between 180 and 47 BC. The temple has been ravaged by earthquakes and floods due to its proximity to the Nile River. The temple comprises two distinct parts, one dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god revered for fertility. Notably, a crocodile museum is housed at the temple’s exit, showcasing a collection of crocodile mummies.
The last day of the cruise ended in the town of Aswan with a pre-dawn bus ride to Abu Simbel Temple. Dedicated to Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari, the temples were originally situated at a lower elevation, which is now part of Lake Nasser on the border of Sudan. Carved into the mountainside in the 13th century BC, the twin temples were later relocated to their present location in 1959.
On the way back to Aswan, was a visit to Philae Temple, formerly known as the Pearl of the Nile. The temple was constructed between 380 and 362 BC. Like the temple of Abu Simbel, the structure was disassembled and relocated from Philae Island when it was submerged by the construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. After visiting the temple, a brief stop at a spice store was part of the Abu Simbel excursion.
Back to the ship for quick lunch, a felucca ride, a swim in the Nile, and the to Gharb Soheil, popularly known as Nubian Village for an exhilarating ride to a lookout point. The excursion ended with a mini course in Arabic, a snack at a Nubian home, complete with a pet crocodile.
A cruise on the Nile River offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the most significant sites and temples of Central Egypt. The accommodations are exceptionally comfortable, providing breathtaking views of the river. The customer service is top-notch, ensuring a memorable experience. Among the many highlights, a fantastic Egyptian dinner stands out as a visual and culinary delight.
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