Cruise The Nile In Luxury

Ever pictured yourself floating down the Nile past the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings? Did you think it was impossible for you to bring this dream to reality? Well that is not so. Today there are numerous Nile cruises available and they are priced to fit almost any budget. Whether you desire a week or a night on this ancient river which provided the sustenance for the people who developed one of the world's first and greatest civilizations, it is well within your reach. With a mere phone call or click of a mouse you can be on your way to a journey down the Nile.

The Nile River is unique. It is one of those rare rivers which flow northwards. It is also a river which figures prominently in both the Judeo-Christian Bible and the annals of world history. The Nile is actually two rivers whose waters combine to give Egypt the rich soil which has fed its population for thousands of years and afforded them the strength and time to study and harness the forces of the universe to build their great civilization. The White Nile flows out of the East African rift zone, while the Blue Nile originates in the Ethiopian highlands. Those rivers meet in Khartoum and become the iconic river which waters the land of Egypt.

A Nile cruise is at once relaxing and stimulating. Many of the cruises originate at the Aswan High Dam and ease down river towards the delta. During the journey, guest are fêted and fed and told tales of the conception, design and construction of the iconic structures on the banks of the Nile and beyond. The cruises stop a various points along the river so guests can visit the monuments many have only seen in books or on film. Those tours allow travellers to walk the land where Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and many other important biblical figures trod and touch structures that have fascinated man for many millennia.

You can serenely float down the Nile in air-conditioned luxury on ships with swimming pools, restaurants and bars. You can choose one of the pre-arranged cruise tours or design one of your own. Either way you and your loved ones will have the experience of a lifetime as you explore the land of the pharaohs. You can sit out on the deck and watch some of the world's best known monuments glide by or relax in your cabin and enjoy a private viewing. All your creature comforts are met on board the large luxurious ships. Dinner under a star-lit Egyptian sky while slowly cruising down the Nile is breath-taking.

Sail from Sakkara to Abydos, see the Valley of the Kings and historic Memphis, look into the face of the Sphinx and touch Egypt's Great Pyramids then return to the Nile for sumptuous meals and exotic entertainment aboard the ship and relax in palatial surroundings. A Nile cruise is a journey you will remember forever.

Bales Worldwide offer fantastic cruises through the Nile as well as providing expert advice on tailor-made holidays.  

Exploring the Red Sea Coast of Egypt

One of the most popular regions in Egypt for visitors, the stunning beaches and azure waters of the Red Sea Coast are a traveler’s paradise. Every year thousands of tourists take flights to Egypt to witness the country's ancient monuments and to take a well earned break. 

Stretching from the border of Sudan in the south to the Suez Canal in the North, the Red Sea Coastline of Egypt spans 500 miles of coral reefs, ancient ports, and jewel-like lagoons. All along the coast you will find luxury beach resorts poised next to vibrant blue waters and sandy beaches, offering many opportunities to try a new sport or go on an adventure.

Hurghada – Welcoming Thrill Seekers
Hurghada had its origins as a small fishing village and is now the most popular tourist resort in all of Egypt. There are so many exciting things to do in Hurghada that it will make your head spin, including Quad-biking in the Sahara Desert, Camel rides across the plains, diving or snorkeling in the coral reeds, boat journeys to nearby islands, and much more. Hurghada also has a thriving and cosmopolitan nightlife scene.

Soma Bay – Get Away From it All
This Red Sea resort is the destination of choice for those who want to be pampered and relax in the sunshine, as it has a superb selection of luxury hotels, a championship-quality golf course, and an elegant spa. The flat water conditions and side shore winds of the bay also make it an ideal location for kite surfing and sailing. Soma Bay is also the place to go if you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal at a fine restaurant, as there are many to choose from here.

Scuba Diving – An Underwater Universe
The Red Sea is absolutely teeming with a wide variety of exotic fish and coral species, making it one of the best destinations in the world for diving. The water is warm and clear, offering excellent visibility to divers all year round. The best season for diving in the Red Sea is either at the end of Spring or in Autumn, although it is possible to dive here all year round. The Red Sea in Egypt is also home to some particularly amazing ship wrecks which are fun for scuba divers to explore.

Photo Credit

One of the most famous of these wrecks is the Thistlegorm, which was a 1941 British ship carrying a cargo of war supplies. It was hit by a German bomb and sunk into the Red Sea near Egypt. Scuba divers exploring this wreck will find that most of the guns, trucks, and motorbikes within the hold are all preserved in remarkably good condition and also that the wreck is now home to an impressive variety of marine life.

This is just a small taste of what you will discover when you plunge in and explore the Red Sea Coast of Egypt!

This article was written by Elena Price on behalf of Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier. Elena enjoys writting and travelling, she currently contributes to a number of websites, including Time to Wander

Nile Cruises and the Top 10 Temples In Egypt

Egypt is full of fascinating things from temples to tombs and everything in between. Take a Nile cruise to pull into the ports that hold the answer to the riddle of the pharaohs. The basic Nile cruise visits Aswan, Luxor, Esna, Edfu,and Kom Ombo. Expand your Nile excursion with an extension to Abydoss and Denderah, situated north of the city of Luxor. Abydoss is best defined for the King's List wall depicting a royal record of the long line of Egyptian pharaohs. Nearby, the Temple Of Denderah is a rich adventure into the worship of the cow goddess Hathor. 

The list of major monuments and attractions along the Nile and it's environs is a long one. Your Nile Cruise will take you to the most important sites and many of the 10 most popular temples to visit.

1. Karnak Temple
Located in Luxor, this massive complex is Egypt's largest temple. Walk the soaring hypostyle halls and take note of how the artwork and architecture changed from one pharaoh's rule to the next. Karnak Temple is open for tours during the day and puts on an elaborate laser light show at night.


2. The Temple of Luxor
This architectural feat got its significant start from pharaoh Amenhotep III, father to the infamous Akhenten. Construction would continue through the Nineteenth Dynasty under Ramses II, aka, Ramses the Great. The Avenue of the Sphinxes connects the Temple of Luxor to Karnak Temple and makes for a brisk and extraordinary hike to examine the ram-headed sphinxes up-close and personal.

3. The Ramusseum
Located on Luxor's West Bank, the Ramusseum is like a city behind ancient walls. Walk the intense hallways filled with eye-popping stellae and intricate carvings. Take a break at the tiny Habu Hotel situated just steps from the Ramusseum. Habu serves up cold drinks, ice cream bars and light snacks in a covered patio area just a stone's throw from the Ramusseum walls.

4. The Temple Of Philae
This island structure is located off the shore of Aswan. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the architecture is stunning and lights up at night. Access to Philae island is had my a motor boat and the journey takes just minutes to reach the temple complex entrance.

5. Abu Simbel
This monumental attraction was built by Ramses II in honor of his Great Wife, Nefertari. The two mortuary temples face the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser and are opened for a self-guided walk through. Be sure to visit the chamber where the sunlight strikes the face of the three Ramses' statuary only once a year on his birthday. Outside the temple complex, you will find a multitude of street vendors selling quality souvenirs at a good price. Please refrain from wearing heavy metallic jewelry as that will slow your admission process down at the metal detector at the main gate.

6. Temple of Kom Ombo
This well-preserved temple was used to honour the crocodile god, Sobek. Located in the desert sands of Kom Ombo, this unique stop is best accessible by Nile cruise ship and is a fascinating journey through the worship practices of the ancient Egyptians. Automobile caravans are available to visit Kom Ombo from Aswan, however permission is required and a police escort is mandated. Kom Ombo travel is a snap from the Nile cruise ships and a must-see on every cruise tour.

7. Hatchepsut's Temple
Located on a prime piece of ancient real estate, the Temple of Hatchepsut enjoys stunning Nile views in the Luxor area. Take a self-guided walk through and notice the temple's facing has been destroyed. This act of vandalism took place in antiquity when Hatchepsut was deposed by her younger brother who believed the throne was rightfully his. The whereabouts of Hatchepsut's mummy is left open for discussion. However, many believe a mummy tagged as The Elder Woman is that of the pharaoh herself. The Elder Woman's mummified face exudes the striking characteristics of strength, power and privilege. Remember, this ruthless female ruler did not call herself queen; she declared herself pharaoh and therefore equal with the gods. Hatchepsut was one tough little lady that ruled her country with an iron fist and her mortuary temple is a must-see attraction in Luxor.

8. Amada
This well-preserved temple complex is located in Nubia and best accessed with an excursion on a Lake Nasser cruise. Many of the most impressive structures were built by the Eighteenth Dynasty's Amenhotep II with contributions all the way through to the Nineteenth Dynasty and Ramses the Great.

9. Temple Of Denderah
This is one of the oldest temples along the Nile with written texts dating back to the Old Kingdom and pharaoh Pepe II. Major temple additions were created during the New Kingdom with contributions from Amenhotep III, also famous for being father to the heretic pharaoh, Akhenaten.

10. Tell el Amarna
This fascinating temple complex was built as the new centre of worship and palace living for Akhenaten and his beautiful bride, Nefertiti. Amarna is located approximately midway from Cairo and Luxor and best accessed by long Nile cruises departing from Cairo. The long Nile cruise is approximately two weeks in length and includes other major attractions in the northern Nile regions.

Click here for great deals and offers on Nile cruises and luxury holidays.