Category: Nile Cruise

I would like to recommend a wonderful resource for anyone thinking of taking a Nile cruise or for those of you who have travelled to Egypt and would like to find out even more about this mysterious and wonderful country.

I came across EgyptSites when doing some of my own research and realised immediately what a fabulous resource it would be for anyone hoping to visit Egypt.

The site has been lovingly created by Sue Bayfield who obviously has a great passion for the country.

Here, in her own words, are Su’s reasons for putting together such a wonderful resource…

“The website has been designed with two aims. The first is an introduction for first-time visitors to the ancient sites they may encounter on a package tour or Nile cruise – a taster with photographs of what they may see. My second aim is to provide a greater level of detail on the history and archaeology of the monuments for those with a deeper interest in the study of Egypt’s ancient history”.

If you are cruising from Luxor you will be visiting Upper Egypt and if you visit our “typical Nile cruise itinerary page” you will see which of the sites, temples and monuments you will be likely to visit.

Rather than nipping out and buying an Egyptian Travel book I would suggest you visit Su’s website and read her descriptions instead. Su is also an accomplished photographer and she illustrates her descriptions with wonderful photographs that will really whet your appetite. Here is the “Upper Egypt” page from the website…

I have asked Su for permission to link to some of her website’s content as I feel it is truly wonderful resource so please visit the website and enjoy the excellent resources Su has provided. And perhaps you might want to drop her an email telling her what you have enjoyed when exploring the site. If you do please mention that you came across the site whilst reading the Nile Cruises 4u Blog.

One of the most spectacular destinations we visited on our first Nile cruise was to The Valley Of The Kings at Luxor. It truly is a breathtaking sight when you arrive at the site.

Once again I would recommend you visit the Tour Egypt website where you will be able to read a really informative article about The Valley of The Kings, its’ history and what to expect when you get there.

Usually on the King Tut and El Fostate cruises The Valley of the Kings is a featured trip towards the end of the week but please call us on our Freephone number 0808 1089 100 to check if the excursion is included on the Nile cruise you may choose to book.

To give you a flavour of the Tour Egypt article here’s a snippet:

The Egyptian belief that “To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again” is certainly carried out in the building of the tombs. The king’s formal names and titles are inscribed in his tomb along with his images and statues. Beginning with the 18th Dynasty and ending with the 20th, the kings abandoned the Memphis area and built their tombs in Thebes. Also abandoned were the pyramid style tombs. Most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign. The text in the tombs are from the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Gates and the Book of the Underworld. See also a history and overview of the Valley of the Kings.
Click here to read the complete article.

I’ve just read a fascinating article by Jane Akshar who operates “Flats in Luxor” a leading accommodation agency in Luxor itself.

In her article she describes her favourite part of Luxor, the East Bank.

Here’s a brief snippet:

To get to my Luxor you have to go through the other Luxor. Some people love the East bank but I find it artificial with loads of hassle. My Luxor is the West Bank. The character of the two places is totally different; it is not a case of the river separating two districts. The East Bank is much more developed and along the Nile there are many five star hotels cheek by jowl. Most of the tourist shopping is on the East, but few of the sites. The West Bank is more rural; hotels are small, family run businesses in the middle of the village. Although there are many alabaster factories and a couple of papyrus institutes, the attraction for the tourist is the masses and masses of sights.

To read the whole article I would recommend you click here.

I’m in the middle of creating the first Nile cruise podcast. The Podcast, which you will be able to listen to online or by downloading to your iPod or MP3 player will include an interview with a guest who has enjoyed a Nile cruise recently.

It will also include Nile cruise news, some Egyptian music (to get you in the mood!) and the latest developments and prices for forthcoming Nile cruises.

As soon as episode 1 is ready I’ll upload it here and I hope you’ll find it useful and enjoyable.

Here’s a video about visiting the Pyramids at Giza. Most people thinking of taking a Nile cruise ask if they will see the Pyramids and the Sphinx not realising that a seven day Nile cruise commences and finishes in Luxor, a long way from Cairo, the Pyramid and the Sphinx.

However, we do feature a cruise that includes 4 nights in Cairo, visits to the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum AND a 3 night Nile cruise. The details are to be found on the main Nile cruise website. Or call us on our Freephone number 0808 1089 100 for more details.

This video was created by “WEN8888” who has a number of excellent travel videos on YouTube. Hope you enjoy.