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It’s difficult to overstate the importance of the Nile. Surrounded by the harsh Sahara Desert, the world’s longest river winds through Egypt like a green ribbon. Running for 4,100 miles, it weaves through five countries – but it’s Egypt that it’s most strongly linked with. And no wonder: without the river, Egypt could never have produced one of the world’s greatest civilisations.
To the ancient Egyptians, the Nile was more than a natural highway; it was a life-giving artery. So much of Egyptian history unfurled on this mighty river that almost all the country’s important cities and historical attractions are located on its banks. That’s why, if you’re fascinated by ancient Egyptian society, culture, and history, going on a Nile river cruise is the best way to explore.
Cruising what’s arguably the world’s most iconic waterway isn’t just a holiday – often, it’s a life-changing journey. Not only will you see Egypt’s most famous landmarks from a whole new perspective, you’ll get a real sense of what life on the Nile is like. As you glide down the river, you can see palm trees heavy with dates, farmers and fishermen paddling canoes, and children splashing in the shallows. In some ways, life here remains much the same as it was over 5,000 years ago.
To shine a light on how exciting and immersive a Nile river cruise can be, we’ve partnered with easyJet holidays. While they might be best known for their beach and city breaks, easyJet holidays have just launched Nile river cruise holidays. These packages include flights, transfer, 23kg of luggage, and accommodation on the ship (excursions are booked separately). And, with six different ships to choose from, you’re sure to find the vessel to suit you.
So, aside from the obvious sights, like the Valley of the Kings, what can you expect to see? Here are eight hidden gems you can explore on a Nile river cruise.
1. Karnak Temple
In terms of size, the temple complex of Karnak is one of the most impressive of the Egyptian monuments. The only complex in the world that’s larger and more spectacular is Cambodia’s Angkor Wat – yet Karnak is over 2,500 years older. Karnak was known as Ipet-Isut to the Egyptians – ‘The Most Chosen of Places’ – and this is an apt description. It was one of the most important religious and intellectual hubs of the ancient world, and for over 1,300 years, pharaohs built upon it, gradually enhancing its splendour.
Hypostyle Hall is particularly awe-inspiring. As you explore these 134 gigantic columns, it can feel like you’re walking through a forest of intricately-carved pillars. The main area was believed to be the home of the sun god Amun-Ra and, today, a sense of timeless power still seems to pervade the site. It takes a day to see the main sights, including the 97 foot Obelisk of Hatshepsut and the sphinx shrines of The First Court, but try not to miss less-obvious attractions. Look closely at the hieroglyphics, for example, and you can still see traces of the original paint!
2. Kom Ombo
Located right on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo is one of Egypt’s most beautifully situated temples. It’s also unusual, as it’s dedicated to two deities: the crocodile god, Sobek, and the sky god, Horus. Its location makes sense given that during ancient Egyptian times, this part of the Nile was infested with crocodiles; the temple was a way of appeasing them, so locals could use the water for cooking and washing. The riverside setting has eroded some of the forecourt, but much of the interior has survived.
As you explore, you’ll notice that there’s two of everything. Kom Ombo’s unique, perfectly symmetrical layout was designed to show that one god wasn’t favoured more than the other. There are twin halls, twin entrances, twin sanctuaries and, presumably, there would’ve been two priesthoods. Head to the adjoining Crocodile Museum if you want to see mummified crocodiles and beautiful carvings, as well as learn about why these reptiles were so sacred to the ancient Egyptians.
3. Sunset felucca ride
Navigating the Nile by boat is a time-honoured tradition…but obviously, the ancient Egyptians didn’t drift along the river in sleek cruise ships. Instead, they sailed in feluccas – traditional wooden sailing boats. The design of these single-sailed vessels has barely changed since the time of the pharaohs, and sailing on one gives you a unique insight into what a Nile cruise would have been like in ancient Egypt. And, on your Nile river cruise, you’ll have the chance to enjoy this historic sailing experience.
The sunsets along the Nile are sensational and, as you glide along these rippling waters during the magical golden hour, you can sit back and savour the views. You’ll pass Luxor and, as evening falls, can admire the city skyline as it lights up. As you sail, your guide will bring the surrounding sights to life, and you’ll even have the chance to stop off at Luxor Temple. Even if you’ve already visited, seeing it at night, with the huge columns and intricate carvings illuminated, is a whole other experience.
4. Temple of Hatshepsut
Beneath the rugged limestone cliffs of Deir el Bahri lies the Temple of Hatshepsut. While this is a site of spectacular natural beauty, the monument itself is just as impressive. With its stepped platforms and soaring pillars, it looks almost modern – yet this is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Built in the 15th century BC, it would’ve been even more impressive then, when you’d approach via a grand sphinx-lined causeway. But its architecture is only part of what makes this temple so interesting.
The temple was commissioned by Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s first female pharaohs. Ruling for more than two decades, she went to great lengths to be remembered. After her death, the ensuing pharaoh tried to destroy her legacy, defacing her images and crushing her statues. Following the discovery of the Rosetta stone, however, scholars could read the temple’s inscriptions, and Hatshepsut’s legacy was finally restored.
5. Temple of Horus
Built between 237 and 57 BC, the Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved of all the ancient Egyptian monuments. Located outside the small city of Edfu, on a hill overlooking the Nile, the temple was buried under sand for centuries, and only excavated in the 1860s by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariett. The temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon god, and the huge 36 metre high gateway is guarded by two enormous and elaborate hieroglyphic-decorated statues of him.
The temple is one of few ancient Egyptian monuments that still has its roof intact, which makes exploring incredibly atmospheric. Inside, there’s an outer court, a massive inner hall, a court of offerings, and several chambers, so it’s nice to take your time to explore properly. The countless inscriptions on the walls are still legible, and these provide key information about the period – not just the temple itself, but religion, mythology, and what life was like in Egypt at that time.
6. Mummification Museum
If you’ve always been fascinated by the ancient art of mummification, you won’t want to miss Luxor’s Mummification Museum. While small, the museum provides a comprehensive view of the ritual – not just the mummification process, but its religious and cultural significance too. The ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, so preserving the body was thought to be essential for a successful journey to the next world. But they didn’t just embalm humans; they embalmed cats, dogs, crocodiles, and other animals too.
At the museum you can see a host of mummified animals, as well as well-preserved human mummies. If you’re interested in some of the gorier details, you can see tools that were used in the mummification process as well – like the spoon and spatula used for scraping the brain out! But this was a very meaningful act for the Egyptians, and seeing these preserved bodies, with their peaceful faces and intricate burial adornments, offers a powerful insight into the people who lived thousands of years ago.
7. Luxor Temple
After Karnak, Luxor Temple is probably the most impressive of Luxor, and this long and narrow temple is incredibly atmospheric. The 1.7 mile road that links the two temples is called the Avenue of Sphinxes, and walking up here as you approach the temple gives you an idea of just how awe-inspiring it would’ve been when it was first built. There were once 1,350 statues of these majestic mythical creatures lining the path – although the 650 that stand today are still very imposing!
At the entrance there are two enormous statues of Ramses II, who was one of the last pharaohs to have added his designs to this temple. On the walls you can see carvings of people dancing, drumming, and clapping, and the energy of these scenes can still somehow be felt millennia later. After you’ve explored the temple, you can also check out Luxor Museum, which has a small but splendid collection. The ground floor is dedicated to the New Kingdom period, while one large wing is dedicated to ancient Thebes and royal mummies. You can also view some of the objects that were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.
8. Nubian village
Seeing ancient Egyptian history come to life might be the main reason people take a Nile cruise – but there’s so much more to this country. The Nubian people have lived in Southern Egypt for more than 8,000 years, and were one of Northeastern Africa’s earliest civilisations. You can learn more about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions by taking a boat tip to a traditional Nubian village and meeting a local family. This is an immersive experience that’s included in your cruise, so it shouldn’t be missed!
Home to rainbow-painted houses, a bustling market, and welcoming locals, the village is extremely picturesque. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, whether that’s fragrant spices to cook with or hand-made trinkets and jewellery. Past the market there’s a tangle of backstreets you can stroll through, and restaurants and cafes where you can stop for refreshments. The journey to and from the village also winds through some of the most scenic parts of the Nile, and on the way back you might be treated to a glorious sunset.
Final thoughts…
Some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks are dotted along the Nile, and travelling along the river while delving deep into ancient Egyptian history is an experience you’ll likely never forget.
From visiting religious sites like Kom Ombo and Edfu to going on fascinating cultural excursions, cruising offers you a wealth of magical experiences. Not only is it the best way to make the most of Egypt’s many historical treasures and architectural wonders, but it’s also a uniquely special way to relax.
After an action-packed day exploring, you can enjoy drinks on deck as you watch the sunset, and then retreat to your cosy cabin for a good night’s sleep. Your cruise can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like, and there are all kinds of trips and excursions you can book – from walking tours of Luxor to private yacht sailing experiences. You can even visit the capital, Cairo!
Known for their budget-friendly prices, easyJet holidays Nile cruises are probably more affordable than you might think – while the ships themselves are just as stylish and comfortable as you’d hope. So, if you’ve been dreaming about pyramids and pharaohs since you were small, why not turn those dreams into reality?
A Nile river cruise is more than a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it’s a journey of magic and mystery, a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and beauty of one of the world’s greatest civilisations. To see all the Nile cruises that easyJet holidays has to offer, you can visit their website using the button below.
Are you tempted by a Nile river cruise? Are there any other attractions you’d be keen to explore? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.