The Colossi of Memnon: One of Many Wonders on Your Nile Cruise Journey

A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan offers travellers an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt’s most spectacular monuments and archaeological treasures. Among the many extraordinary sites you’ll visit during your Nile cruise holiday – including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Philae – stands one of the most impressive and mysterious monuments: the Colossi of Memnon. These towering twin statues represent just one fascinating stop on your Nile cruise adventure, yet their grandeur and historical significance make them a memorable highlight of any Egyptian journey.

A Grand Welcome to Your Nile Cruise Adventure

Standing at an awe-inspiring height of 18 meters (60 feet), these massive quartzite sandstone statues were originally built to guard the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Today, they provide a spectacular sight for Nile cruise passengers beginning their journey through ancient Egypt. Their commanding presence on the West Bank of Luxor serves as a perfect introduction to the architectural marvels that await during your Nile cruise experience.

The Singing Statues: An Ancient Marvel

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Colossi of Memnon is the legendary “singing” phenomenon that made them famous throughout the ancient world. Following an earthquake in 27 BCE that cracked one of the statues, it began producing a whistling sound at dawn. This mysterious “song” attracted numerous Roman emperors and other ancient tourists during their own Nile cruise journeys. While the sound ceased after Roman repairs to the statue, the mystique of the singing colossus continues to captivate modern Nile cruise visitors.

Expertly Guided Excursions from Your Nile Cruise

When you choose a Nile cruise holiday with Nile Cruises 4u, your expert Egyptologist will ensure that you gain deep insights into the fascinating history of these ancient monuments. You’ll learn how the statues were originally crafted from single blocks of stone and transported from quarries near Cairo – an incredible feat of ancient engineering that still puzzles experts today.

Perfect Photo Opportunities on Your Nile Cruise

The Colossi of Memnon provide excellent photography opportunities during your Nile cruise, particularly during sunrise when the morning light creates stunning effects on the ancient stone. Our Nile cruise guides know exactly the best times and angles for capturing these magnificent monuments, ensuring you return home with memorable photos of your Egyptian adventure.

A Gateway to Further Wonders

While the Colossi of Memnon are impressive in their own right, they’re just one of many extraordinary sites you’ll visit on your Nile cruise holiday. These ancient guardians mark the start of the vast necropolis that includes the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and numerous other archaeological treasures you’ll discover during your Nile cruise journey.

Plan Your Nile Cruise Experience

The Colossi of Memnon are a captivating highlight in an itinerary filled with wonders during your Nile cruise with Nile Cruises 4u. Our carefully crafted Nile cruise packages ensure you experience these ancient monuments and many more in comfort and style, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who bring Egypt’s fascinating history to life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable travel experience, our comprehensive Nile cruise packages offer a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern comfort. Call us, Nile Cruises 4u, today on our Freephone number 0808 1089 100, to begin planning your perfect Nile cruise holiday and prepare to discover the magnificent Colossi of Memnon along with Egypt’s other incredible treasures.

January 5, 2015

‘Walking The Nile”

If you watched last night’s initial episode of Channel 4’s “Walking The Nile” you’ll know now that amazingly the Nile begins as a tiny trickle in upper Rwanda.

In fact it’s so insignificant that it’s almost impossible to believe that the mighty River Nile, the world’s longest river starts that way.

Of course it’s not long before the tiny trickle becomes a substantial and fast flowing body of water but it was fascinating to see “Levison Wood” start his trek at the very source. Continue reading “‘Walking The Nile””

December 15, 2012

Visiting Cairo – Day 2 – continued even more!!

Visiting Cairo

As we reached Tahir Square it felt strange to actually be driving around a location that had witnessed really world-changing events. Certainly for the Egyptian people but also it was a catalyst for change in other countries.

Of course we had watched the events unfold on TV but now we were here it was different. Probably because you realised that the square is normally just a very busy, central hub of Cairo city centre and of course it looks totally different. There were cars everywhere and people going around their daily business. You also saw that there were nearby businesses, shops, hotels and apartments that must all have been very heavily affected during the months of the Revolution.

We drove to the other side of the square and our driver pulled over to allow us to jump out near to the entrance to the Egyptian Museum. Continue reading “Visiting Cairo – Day 2 – continued even more!!”

December 12, 2012December 12, 2012

Visiting Cairo – Day 2

After a quick, but tasty, breakfast at the Movenpick Pyramids Hotel, it was off straight away to visit the Pyramids and The Sphinx. We have done this before but how can you not be excited about revisiting one of the remaining Wonders of the World?

As it was a Saturday there were lots of Egyptian school children. You forget when you are a visitor to Egypt that many of their citizens will not have visited the Pyramids for various reasons but school children particularly look forward to their first visit to one of their country’s most important heritage sites. As they were on school-trips it was obvious that their teachers had told them all about the trip and what to expect. Including the fact that they would see lots of visitors from overseas.

Well, there are still fewer overseas visitors than would have been there prior to the Revolution, so we found ourselves quite the focus of the schoolchildren’s excitement and found that we were being photographed for school projects as much as they were photographing the Pyramids!

Here’s the proof:

The Pyramids Nov 2012. School children photographing us!

The Great Pyramid. School children photograph us.

Last time we visited Barbara actually entered the Great Pyramid and followed the corridor down to the burial chamber but, having done it before, she decided against it on this occasion. However we both climbed up to the entrance to the Great Pyramid so we could photograph each other. Continue reading “Visiting Cairo – Day 2”

December 5, 2012

Visiting Aswan

Because we’d been so busy it was hard to believe that we were only on Day 3 of our visit to Egypt.

Days one and two were in Luxor and now we were down in the beautiful city of Aswan staying at the uniquely located Movenpick Aswan Hotel.

One thing that was immediately noticeable was that it felt even warmer than Luxor. It was mid November and we were enjoying day time temperatures of around 28-29 degrees!. It was hot! Fantastic.

In fact it was lovely in the evenings too. Certainly warm enough to just be sitting at pavement cafes in just a t-shirt and light cardigan. Not something we’re used to in the UK even in the summer and here it was November. Just 5 hours away from the UK and the weather could not have been more different.

We were greeted warmly by the friendly management and staff at the Movenpick Aswan Hotel after taking the water-taxi to reach the hotel. Our bags were boarded onto the boat and we didnt’ see them until we reached our rooms. Continue reading “Visiting Aswan”