What else could be the best way to spend vacation trips by viewing top landmarks of Egypt while taking Nile River cruises? It’s a great chance to explore ancient sites like the Pyramids or enjoy a leisurely voyage through man-made and natural wonders of the world.
If you like seeing historic sites from history, Egypt should be on your vacation agenda. Going on a cruise down the Nile is like stepping into a deep well of history, mystery, and the growth of civilization.
At the so-called “portal to the afterlife,” you may embark on a cruise. Taking a Nile cruise is a classic way to see Egypt. People have been sailing sections of the world’s longest river and discovering unique river life for ages.
Top 7 Wonders of Egypt
You must be feeling over the moon if you’ve planned to see some of the world’s most famous landmarks on your Nile River trip. We’ve gathered a list of the best attractions you could see while travelling on Nile River Cruises. Let’s demystify them.
1. Giza’s Pyramids
Ancient architectural marvels at Giza were so remarkable that their secrets remain a mystery to modern researchers. They have picked up a lot of information about the individuals who created them and the political influence that was essential to their construction. The three Pyramids at Giza were constructed as graves for three different ancient Egyptian kings, known as Pyramids.
The Pyramids of Giza are the only preserved ancient Wonder of the World, and their sheer splendour and tremendous engineering feat have defined Egypt for ages. These beautiful royal mausoleums are a tribute to the skill of ancient Egyptian builders and have withstood the test of time for more than 4,500 years. The Great Pyramid, the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau outside of Cairo, stands at a height of 147 metres and is instantly recognisable the world over. Scientists still don’t fully understand its build, even now. Within, you’ll find elaborate tomb paintings representing daily life in ancient Egypt.
2. Temples of Karnak and Luxor
Located within earshot of rushing traffic in the heart of Luxor, this ancient site is a must-see for anybody interested in seeing massive examples of ancient Egyptian construction. The time it took to build Egypt’s Karnak Temple—more than a millennium—is reflected in the site’s eclectic collection of artwork and architecture. One of the first things you’ll notice when you approach Luxor Temple is the two massive Ramesses II sculptures at each end of the entrance.
Ancient temples dating back to 1400 BCE provide an incredible glimpse into the past. When you go farther in, you’ll come across ancient constructions like the Great Colonnade Hall and the massive pylon, as well as marvel at some incredible hieroglyphics.
There was originally a 3-kilometer-long avenue of Sphinxes connecting this temple to the grander Karnak Temple. It took two thousand years and a city of temples to construct the incredible Temple of Karnak. If you want to escape the crowds, you should try to be there early in the day, particularly in the summer.
In addition, if you are able to remain until nightfall, you will not regret it. Every night there is spectacular music and light display. The site’s extensive history has resulted in the remnants of four distinct religious traditions. Ancient Egyptian gods ruled the temple.
The paintings, which belonged to the Roman Imperial worship, are still visible in one of the rooms. The Abu El Haggag mosque, which was built on the remains of the temple, is another symbol of Islam’s presence in the area. One more thing: the Temple of Montu is home to the pillars of a church that was previously used by Coptic Christians.
3. Valley of the Kings
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Even if you didn’t visit Egypt as a kid, you surely learned about the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun’s tomb and its riches in elementary school. When you visit, you can check out the neighbouring newly opened replica, which has drawn praise for its authenticity and attention to detail. It was built to help offset some of the harm that mass tourism is causing to the original. Next, see the opulent tombs of such pharaohs as Ramses IX, Ramses II, Merenptah, and many more, and marvel at the intricate hieroglyphics and fascinating images etched into the walls.
Even the tiniest specks of paint remain on many of the area’s Ancient Egyptian temples, so it comes as somewhat of a surprise to see the vibrant colours of the tomb murals, which have been protected from the elements for centuries. Chalk, charcoal, ochre, and malachite were combined with eggwhite and gum to create a vibrant paint, and the finished product was varnished with beeswax. It must have done its job well, for the brightly coloured birds, snakes, ships, and other symbols are still as vibrant as the day they were painted.
4. Abu Simbel – Temple Of Ramses II
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One of Egypt’s most amazing structures, Abu Simbel, welcomes you with four imposing sculptures that dominate the entryway.
When someone enters the massive temple, they will pass a succession of chambers that were built to honour Ramses and his family. The last chamber, known as the sanctum sanctorum, is always kept in complete darkness with the exception of two days annually.
That wasn’t accomplished by coincidence; rather, it required a deep understanding of fields as diverse as physics, geometry, and astronomy. The second temple is the small temple and is often commonly referred to as the Hathor and Nefertari Temple.
5. Kom Ombo Temple
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The temple at Kom Ombo is distinctive because it honours not one but two gods: Horus, the sky deity, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Their respective spheres of influence are reflected in the temple’s extraordinary, completely symmetrical design. On both halves, equal care and respect have been paid to carvings, reliefs, and sculptures honouring the two deities.
Archaeologists have discovered a treasure of antiquities in the area, including a large number of desiccated bodies. In the past, the temple’s lake was home to holy crocodiles; currently, the only crocodiles to be found there are those depicted in sculptures and other decorative items.
This temple has a symmetrical design, with two of everything from courts and halls to sanctuary chambers to demonstrate that no deity was given preferential treatment.
6. Temple Of Edfu
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The Temple of Edfu, constructed before the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE, is a highlight of our Nile river trip and a must-see for any history or mythology buff. It’s a collection of courts and rooms with etched walls and sculptures, and it’s one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Egypt.
The second-largest Egyptian temple, it was constructed in tribute to the falcon-headed deity of battle, Horus, and has withstood the test of time remarkably well.
7. Philae, home of the Isis Temple
The Temple of Isis should also be on your itinerary while in Aswan. With the completion of the Aswan High Dam, UNESCO decided to move the whole structure from the island of Philae to the safer location of Agilkia Island. This impressive building was built from 690 BC all the way into Roman rule. To honour the Egyptian goddess Isis, wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, a temple was erected. Stunning construction, detailed hieroglyphs, and a spectacular light and sound performance make this a must-see on every Nile river trip.
Summary
You can explore many of Egypt’s historical sites and cultural landmarks from the comfort of a cruise ship down the Nile. Egypt has been one of the world’s top tourism destinations for many years. In Egypt, you will find the friendliest, most helpful people you’ve ever encountered. Egypt is a wonderful travel destination, and its cities are normally very secure, especially if you take a few sensible measures before you go.
