Looking for something in particular?
Nile CruisesThe Nile is born of two major tributaries, known as the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The source of the White Nile is found in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, flowing north from southern Rwanda up through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda and Sudan. The Blue Nile, on the other hand, begins in Lake Tana in Ethiopia, flowing northwards to meet the White Nile in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.
Whilst the Nile passes through many countries as it snakes north through the desert and up to the Mediterranean Sea, it is the northern section of the Nile that lies in Egypt that has become world famous. Since ancient times the people of Egypt have relied on the Nile to provide them with water and fertile land on which to grow crops for food and trade. It is no coincidence then that the vast majority of Egypt`s population still resides along the banks of the Nile today. In fact Egypt is so centred around the river flowing through it that Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as "the gift of the Nile".
Interestingly the Nile has not just proved to be very important in a practical sense, but has also played a central role in the spiritual beliefs of ancient Egyptians. Every year the Nile floods leaving the soil on its banks extremely fertile and the ancient Egyptians believed the God Hapy, along with the pharaoh, was responsible for this beneficial flooding. The ancient Egyptians also believed that their beloved Nile was a channel from life to death and then on to the afterlife, with the east banks representing birth and life and the west banks representing death. Therefore all of the famous tombs are located on the west banks of the Nile, as it was believed that in order to reach the afterlife your final resting place must be on the side of the Nile that represented passing over.
Unsurprisingly then the Nile is – and has been for many years – shrouded in a sense of history and mysticism, which over the years has attracted thousands of people to explore it. One of the best ways to explore all that Egypt and the Nile have to offer is by taking a cruise down the river, as not only will to be afforded perhaps the best view of Egypt possible, but most of the most interesting sights are located along the river`s banks.
On the west bank and across the river from Luxor is the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, perhaps the most magnificent of all Egypt`s splendours. These are limestone valleys where mummified bodies of many Egyptians pharaohs were laid to rest and those on a cruise should stop off to see the mummified body of the famous Tutankhamun and the stunning tombs of Nefertiti, the most beloved wife of Ramases II. Near these valleys is the Temple of Luxor, which was built in approximately 1400 BC and is often considered the most beautiful temple in Egypt. Visitors here are usually surprised by the temple`s size as it once housed an entire village – as well as the still present columns, statues, friezes and obelisks – within its walls. Other sights along the Nile that should not be missed include Karnak Temple, The Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Most visitors to Egypt get there by air and there are regular flights from airports all across the UK landing in Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada. Once you arrive in Egypt there is a huge variety of places to stay depending on what you want from your holiday, including beach-side resorts and even a few nights on a Nile cruise. Many visitors find the best way to explore lots of the country is to combine to accommodation options, perhaps going for a cruise down the Nile for a few night, followed by cheap holidays in Sharm El Sheikh.