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.

Embarking on an all-inclusive Nile cruise offers travellers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and cultural exploration along one of the world’s most historic waterways. From ancient temples to modern comforts, here’s why choosing an all-inclusive Nile cruise should be at the top of your travel agenda.

Unbeatable Value for Money

Taking an all-inclusive Nile cruise can be an exceptionally cost-effective choice. The price covers flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, most refreshments, guided tours, and transportation between the major archaeological sites. This comprehensive package eliminates the hassle of arranging individual components and helps you avoid unexpected expenses during your journey.

Your all-inclusive cruise package will include flights from either Heathrow or Manchester and transfers from Luxor Airport ensuring a seamless start to your Egyptian adventure. With all meals and most refreshments provided on board, you can enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine alongside international dishes without worrying about finding reliable restaurants in unfamiliar locations.

Expert-Guided Archaeological Adventures

All-inclusive Nile cruises will feature professional Egyptologist guides who accompany you throughout your journey. These experts bring ancient history to life as you explore iconic sites such as:

The Temple of Karnak: The world’s largest ancient religious complex
Valley of the Kings: The legendary burial ground of pharaohs
Temple of Luxor: A stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture
Philae Temple: A Greco-Roman complex dedicated to Isis
Temple of Kom Ombo: A unique double temple honouring two different gods

Having an expert guide ensures you don’t miss crucial historical details and provides context that guidebooks alone cannot offer.

Luxurious Comfort and Convenience

Modern Nile cruise ships offer comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and often private balconies. The all-inclusive nature means you only need to unpack once while still visiting multiple destinations. Instead of dealing with Egyptian trains or roads, you’ll travel in style between ancient sites while enjoying spectacular river views.

Evening entertainment typically includes traditional music performances, belly dancing shows, and themed dinners, all included in your package. Many ships also feature swimming pools, sun decks, and spa facilities for relaxation between excursions.

Cultural Immersion Without Hassle

An all-inclusive Nile cruise provides the perfect balance between cultural immersion and comfortable travel. You’ll experience authentic Egyptian life along the river while enjoying the security and convenience of organized excursions. Watching local farmers tend their fields, seeing traditional fishing methods, and observing daily life along the Nile’s banks offers insights into both ancient and modern Egypt.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Egypt’s tourism industry recognizes the importance of security, and all-inclusive cruises offer added peace of mind. Reputable cruise operators maintain high safety standards and provide English-speaking staff to assist with any concerns. Having all arrangements handled by a single operator means there’s always someone responsible for your comfort and safety.

Optimal Timing and Pacing

Most all-inclusive Nile cruises operate on carefully planned schedules that maximize sightseeing while avoiding the intense midday heat. Early morning departures for archaeological sites ensure you explore in comfortable temperatures and experience attractions before they become crowded with day tourists.

The community atmosphere on a Nile cruise provides excellent opportunities to meet fellow travellers from around the world. Shared dining experiences and group excursions naturally facilitate conversations and cultural exchange, often leading to lasting friendships.

Environmental Considerations

Modern Nile cruise ships are increasingly eco-conscious, with many operators implementing waste management systems and using cleaner fuels. Travelling by cruise ship can actually have a lower environmental impact than individual road transport between sites.

Making the Most of Your Egyptian Adventure

An all-inclusive Nile cruise typically sails between Luxor and Aswan and includes:

Flights From Heathrow or Manchester
Pre-arranged airport transfers
Full board dining with beverage packages
All entrance fees to archaeological sites
Professional guide services
Evening entertainment programs

By choosing an all-inclusive Nile cruise, you’re opting for a hassle-free way to experience Egypt’s magnificent heritage while enjoying modern comforts and expert guidance. It’s an investment in creating unforgettable memories while exploring one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

First, choose the right time of time to go. The best time to take a Nile voyage, if you wish to avoid the heat of the summer months, is from September to April when the climate is cool. Avoid the hot summer months of May to August, when temperatures can soar.

Next, decide on the type of vessel that suits your requirements. There are a number of Nile cruise ship types to choose from, including standard, luxury and traditional Dahabiyas. Consider what kind of amenities and facilities that you are looking for on your trip.

One of the most important aspects is choosing the right cruise ship for you. There are many different ships that operate on the Nile, each with its own unique features and amenities. You can discover more about the various Nile cruise vessels from our website www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk where you can find further information about the ships, their amenities and services available, images and client reviews. It’s also important to choose the right itinerary. Most popular itineraries include stops at places like Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, as well as visits to temples and ancient sites along the sway. But there are numerous other fascinating places to explore, depending on what interests you.

You can find out a lot more by reading our free” Nile Cruise Guide” online at our website, www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk, which provides more detailed information about planning and taking a Nile cruise, including tips on what to pack, what to see and do, and what to expect.

Finally, do not forget to explore the other excursions available such as visiting Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel or one of the balloon trips at sunrise over the Nile.

In conclusion, a Nile cruise is a wonderful way to explore and experience the history and culture of Egypt. By reading our Nile Cruise Guide you will be able to plan and make the most of your trip.

For further information, be sure to check out our website, www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk, where you can read our guide and discover more about taking a Nile cruise.

Happy cruising!

Another advantage of taking  Nile cruises during the winter months is the lower crowds. Many tourists flock to Egypt during the summer months, which can make it difficult to fully enjoy the sights and experiences on offer. In contrast, the winter months tend to be less crowded, which means that you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed experience on your Nile cruise. This can make for a much more enjoyable and authentic experience, as you can take your time exploring the sights and immersing yourself in the culture of Egypt.

One of the main draws of a Nile cruise is the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic and ancient sites in the world, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. These sites are particularly impressive during the winter months, when the cooler weather makes it more comfortable to explore them. You can take your time wandering through the ancient ruins, marveling at the impressive architecture and soaking up the rich history of the region.

In addition to the historical and cultural experiences offered by a Nile cruise, there are also plenty of other activities and amenities to enjoy. Many Nile cruises have pools, spas, and fitness centers, as well as a variety of dining options and entertainment. You can spend your days relaxing by the pool, indulging in a massage or other spa treatment, or participating in one of the many organized activities offered by the Nile cruise.

Overall, taking a Nile cruise during the months of January, February, and March offers a number of advantages. The cooler weather makes it more comfortable to explore the sights and experience the culture of Egypt, and the smaller crowds make for a more peaceful and authentic experience. Whether you are interested in history, culture, relaxation, or a combination of all three, a Nile cruise during the winter months is a fantastic way to experience all that Egypt has to offer.

Most Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, where average temperatures range from between 20 degrees to well over 40 degrees celsius.

The hottest months on the Nile are between May and October, with the warmest month usually being June, and the coolest being January. However, it is usually much easier to cope with high temperatures in Egypt, because it is a dry heat and not as debilitating as a humid heat.

The “high season” for Nile cruises is the reverse of most holiday destinations, being between October and March. Accordingly, you will pay more for departures in these months From May through to September, the day time temperatures can become really high, and you should take this into account before booking.

So what is the best month to take a Nile cruise?

For many people, the ideal months to travel are October and April, as the day time temperatures are lovely and warm and the evening temperatures are warm enough to sit outside on the sundeck without a pullover or cardigan.

There is really nothing more atmospheric than to be sitting out in the evening on the ships’ sundeck, listening to the call to prayer from the nearby mosques, the sound of the livestock on the banks of the Nile, and the constant sounds of the insects and the river. We have cruised The Nile at various times of the year, and can tell you that no matter which month you choose to take this magical trip, you will still have a wonderful time.

Find out more about our Nile Cruise and Cairo Trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5KGE…

Find out more about one of our own Nile Cruise holidays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CQHC…

Find out more about Ancient Egypt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-gZv…

Call us on Freephone 0808 1089 100 to ask anything about Cruising the Nile.

If you are looking for  Nile cruise deals what is the best way to go about finding them?

And are all last-minute Nile cruises actual deals?</p?

Is it simply a matter of logging on to Google and using the search terms “Nile cruise deals” or “last-minute Nile cruise” or are there more, relevant phrases that might lead to better results?

And what exactly is a “last-minute Nile cruise“?

Is it a Nile cruise that leaves within the next few days, within the week, the month? Or is it a stock phrase that the Nile cruise specialist operators use to describe their departures right across the board? Remember some operators will use the term to attract buyers to their pages that in fact will include departure dates going up to a year ahead.

So how can you determine that you are actually receiving any sort of benefit from booking a Nile cruise at the very last minute?

Well, I would suggest that to check that the prices that you are looking at are lower than the prices they were at least a week ago, or better still, a month ago. That way you can be sure that it is a deal that you are looking at and not just a description used by the operator to sell that actual departure date.

As a Nile cruise specialist, I can tell you that actual Nile cruise deals are rarer than you think. Because the flight element of the Nile cruise package is usually the same price, (or even more) as the flight departure gets nearer, it’s the actual operator’s portion of the cost that will be hit most by any reduction. True Nile cruise deals are usually last-minute cancellations that the operator has received the full payment for. Terms and conditions usually state up to 100% cancellation charges for last-minute cancellations. So, having already covered all their costs the operator can afford to reduce the costs to make the sale more attractive.

So, in conclusion, the best way is to keep checking the website prices of a Nile cruise operator/specialist such as ourselves and see if there has been an actual and worthwhile price reduction.

Here’s the programme’s description:

For a river that conjures up images of pyramids and pharaohs, the Nile turns out to be a truly surprising river that changes at every twist and turn of its journey. As its flows into increasingly arid latitudes on its journey north it becomes an evermore vital lifeline for animals and people, but only if they can conquer the challenges that this ever-changing river throws at them. The Nile’s story begins in a spectacular, tropical mountain range – the Rwenzoris. Streams plunge from these snowy peaks creating wetlands on the plains below. Here they create a mobile water garden of papyrus reeds, home to one of the world’s strangest birds- a shoebill stork. Though beautiful, clumps of reeds break up and float around creating a challenging environment for would-be fishermen. A stork’s best way of finding prey is to form a rather strange alliance – wily shoebills follow hippos whose great bulk opens up fishing channels for them.

The Nile’s headwaters create huge lakes in the equatorial heart of Africa – everything here is on a vast scale, especially Lake Victoria which is the size of Ireland. Here vast swarms of lakeflies sweep across its waters on a biblical scale, providing an unexpected feast for local people who trap the insects to make ‘fly burgers’. It is not just Lake Victoria’s immense size which makes it so dramatic. The vast lake has only a single exit channel of ferocious white water – the aptly named White Nile. People come from around the globe to tackle the rapids here which are some of the most powerful and infamous in the world. A local heroine, Amina Tayona (a mum from a nearby village) is brave enough to ride them. Amina has learnt to kayak on these treacherous rapids – and now competes against international athletes.

The next stage of the Nile’s great journey are the wild Savannah lands of Uganda and the awesome spectacle of one the world’s most powerful waterfalls, Murchison Falls. Here, valiant crocodile mothers try to defend their nest against hungry predators. Even though they are such fearsome predators – crocodiles have a weakness which other animals exploit. Watch as cunning Nile monitor lizards try to outwit an increasingly desperate Nile crocodile mother who faces a terrible dilemma. Further downstream is the setting for one of the episode’s most surprising stories. Filmed for the first time using the latest camera-trap technology, cameras reveal strange goings-on at the abandoned country home of infamous and exiled dictator, Idi Amin. Its ruins are attracting new, wild guests. Many of Africa’s big predators make their home here today.

In South Sudan, the Nile river slows and spreads out transforming into a huge wetland – the Sudd (Arabic for barrier). Half of its water is lost due to evaporation here and this is before the river embarks on its epic crossing of the Sahara – a desert the size of China. Every year, the dwindling Nile receives a massive, timely injection of water far to the east. In the Ethiopian highlands, the Nile’s greatest tributary – the Blue Nile – is swelled by the wet season creating some of the most turbulent and dramatic seasonal waterfalls on Earth and forming a spectacular gorge which is nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon.

The Blue Nile is a river revered and used in a variety of incredible ways – from mass baptism ceremonies in the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar to colonies of cheeky weaver birds who use the riverbank’s reeds to build intricate nests. The Blue Nile replenishes the main Nile channel at the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum, the two become one and embark on the epic crossing of the Sahara. The miracle of the Nile is that it has allowed great civilisations to thrive in a desolate and arid region – today and throughout history. From the exotic city of Cairo, to the glories of ancient Egypt, breathtaking photography reveals the extent of the Nile’s power to transport water from one part of world and deliver it to another, building and supporting life.

El-Assasif contains burials from the 18th, 25th and 26th dynasties of ancient Egypt, covering the period c. 1550 to 525 BC across all three dynasties.

In October 2019, 30 coffins were uncovered and presented, dating back to the 22nd dynasty.

You can read more about the Al-Assasif necropolis here: https://bit.ly/2DZs3w5

If you would like to know more about cruising The Nile and all of the wonders and treasures you will see on a Nile cruise please visit my dedicated Nile cruise website, www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk or call me at any time on Freephone 0808 1089 100 and I’ll be more than happy to tell you about this wonderful travel experience. Barbara

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Egyptian Tourism

The Egyptian tourism industry is back on track, with total arrivals in the past 12 months up 33.3% from 2016 to 2017.

The data, published by Colliers International, was released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market 2018, set to take place this year in Dubai from April 22-25. It is the leading global event for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry for the last 25 years.

Egypt, in particular, will be of major interest at this year’s show, with reports of projected growth across the board. Between 2018 and 2021, arrivals from North America will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% to 318,844. Driving this growth will be the cheaper Egyptian pound as well as government incentives for charter airlines carrying passengers on international flights.

Over the same period, visitor arrivals from Africa are also expected to grow, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%, to more than 300,901. Arrivals from the Middle East are expected to increase by 3% at compound annual growth rates, to over 1.34 million.

In contrast, European visitors, who’ve traditionally been the key source market for Egypt, are projected to have a 1.6% compound annual growth rate. In 2017, there were 5.2 million European arrivals.

The expected resurgence in visitors from North America, Africa and the Middle East will see both leisure and corporate travel in Egypt increase over the next four years. In anticipation, Egypt signed a three-year, US$66 million contract with advertising J. Walter Thompson to create promotional campaigns for 27 source markets. Moreover, major hotel companies have confirmed development projects, including Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria, Starwood’s St Regis and Swiss brand Mövenpick.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Egypt’s economy. More than 12.8 million tourists visited Egypt in 2008, providing revenues of nearly $11 billion. In 2009, the sector employed about 12 percent of Egypt’s workforce.[1]

In 2016, the minister of tourism expressed his concern and optimism about tourists returning to Egypt despite the downing of a Russian flight in 2015. The minister has said “we are all in this together” referring to terrorism that hurts a country’s tourism industry.[2][3][4]

In 2018 the UAE Minister of Happiness met with the Egyptian Minister of Tourism to discuss the philosophy of making tourists happy.[5]

In May 2018, the last chariot belonging to King Tut was escorted with a parade to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). It is hoped that the investment in this new museum will stimulate more tourism to Egypt.

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Nile cruise passengers have also been rising steadily over the last few years so maybe this is the time for you to take that special trip?

I found this wonderful vintage Pathe film about cruising The Nile on Facebook today and thought it would be of interest to anyone hoping to cruise the nile in the future or as a lovely reminder for thos who have already made this magical journey. Towards the end it describes the amazing plans behind moving the temples on Lake Nasser. It will give you a real insight on the scale of hat they planned. If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel you’ll see just what they actually achieved…If you choose the HD option you will get a better visual experience):

Various shots of a steamer sailing up the Nile with tourists looking out at palm trees.

We see the temples at Luxor and Thebes including a statue of sun-god Amun-Re. Then we see people sunbathing on the steamer.

We see more of Egypt including the temple at Edfu, statue of Horus the Hawk and Felukka boat on the water. There are various shots of the big statues and columns at Kom-Ombo.

Shots of Nubia and the temple and sphinxes at Wadi El Sibua which are to be moved before the Aswan dam is built. We see the temple at Abu Simbel and the statue of Rameses and Queen Nefartari. To save it the plan is to cut it loose from the rock face and put it on concrete slabs. Various shots of the statues and two men looking at some plans.

To find our latest Nile Cruise prices please visit our Nile Cruise Bargains page.

Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the great capital of (Upper) Egypt during the New Kingdom, and the glorious city of Amun, later to become the god Amun-Ra. The city was regarded in the Ancient Egyptian texts as wꜣs.t (approximate pronunciation: “Waset”), which meant “city of the sceptre”, and also as tꜣ ı͗pꜣt (conventionally pronounced as “ta ipet” and meaning “the shrine”) and then, in a later period, the Greeks called it Thebai and the Romans after them Thebae.

Thebes was also known as “the city of the 100 gates”, sometimes being called “southern Heliopolis” (‘Iunu-shemaa’ in Ancient Egyptian), to distinguish it from the city of Iunu or Heliopolis, the main place of worship for the god Ra in the north. It was also often referred to as niw.t, which simply means “city”, and was one of only three cities in Egypt for which this noun was used (the other two were Memphis and Heliopolis); it was also called niw.t rst, “southern city”, as the southernmost of them.

The importance of the city started as early as the 11th Dynasty, when the town grew into a thriving city.[9] Montuhotep II who united Egypt after the troubles of the first intermediate period brought stability to the lands as the city grew in stature. The Pharaohs of the New Kingdom in their expeditions to Kush, in today’s northern Sudan, and to the lands of Canaan, Phoenicia and Syria saw the city accumulate great wealth and rose to prominence, even on a world scale.

Thebes played a major role in expelling the invading forces of the Hyksos from Upper Egypt, and from the time of the 18th Dynasty to the 20th Dynasty, the city had risen as the political, religious and military capital of Ancient Egypt.

The city attracted peoples such as the Babylonians, the Mitanni, the Hittites of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Canaanites of Ugarit, the Phoenicians of Byblos and Tyre, the Minoans from the island of Crete.[9] A Hittite prince from Anatolia even came to marry with the widow of Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun.[9] The political and military importance of the city, however, faded during the Late Period, with Thebes being replaced as political capital by several cities in Northern Egypt, such as Bubastis, Sais and finally Alexandria.

However, as the city of the god Amun-Ra, Thebes remained the religious capital of Egypt until the Greek period.[9] The main god of the city was Amun, who was worshipped together with his wife, the Goddess Mut, and their son Khonsu, the God of the moon. With the rise of Thebes as the foremost city of Egypt, the local god Amon rose in importance as well and became linked to the sun god Ra, thus creating the new ‘king of gods’ Amon-Ra. His great temple, at Karnak just north of Thebes, was the most important temple of Egypt right until the end of antiquity.

Later, the city was attacked by Assyrian emperor Assurbanipal who installed the Libyan prince on the throne, Psamtik I.[9] The city of Thebes was in ruins and fell in significance. However, Alexander the Great did arrive at the temple of Amun, where the statue of the god was transferred from Karnak during the Opet Festival, the great religious feast.

Thebes remained a site of spirituality up to the Christian era, and attracted numerous Christian monks in the Roman Empire who established monasteries amidst several ancient monuments including the temple of Hatshepsut, now called Deir el-Bahri (“the northern monastery”).[9]

The description of the show sounds really promising and includes Dave Myers’ “haggling ineptly for souvenirs at Luxor“. Something I’ve been guilty of on many occasions.

If your due to take Nile cruise or have already experienced one you will enjoy this programme I’m sure. I personally love Egyptian food and as I love “The Hairy Bikers” this is a programme not to be missed.

You can read more about this evening’s show here: “A Cook Abroad:Dave Myers’ Egypt“.

Here’s the description taken from the BBC’s own website”

After your Nile Cruise if you add a few days up in Cairo to see The Pyramids, as so many people do, then more than likely you will spend a couple of fascinating hours in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum just off the famous “Tahir Square“, scene of the heaviest protests during both revolutions.

Barbara and I have visited the museum on a number of occasions.

The famous pink building is to be renovated to “return the museum to it’s original status” according to it’s director Mahmoud Halwagy.

It was originally built and I would suggest it is probably one of the most visited museums in the world due to the nature of it’s exhibits. Today it is still a honeypot for tourists visiting the City however it’s interior has seen better days and the whole museum needs to move into the 21st century.

I’m not sure the extent of the improvements but when you think of the unique nature of the content that they have to work with then you can imagine that with the right brains behind it the renovation could make it one of the most interesting attraction in the modern world.

You can read more on the Guardian’s website here:

It might just get you in the mood for your forthcoming Nile cruise or remind you of what a great time you had when you did cruise…

Last week was really fascinating, even though there was a sad and tragic moment when one of his travelling companions succumbed to heat stroke.

This week “Lev and his guide Boston trek from Rwanda’s rainforest, through remote, lawless regions of Tanzania, into Uganda. They dodge crocodiles and hippos, go to a wedding and get a hero’s welcome in Kampala”.

You can also visit Levison’s YouTube channel and see a lot more about his amazing trip.

I think next week, episode three, we’ll see more of the stretch of The Nile where you would take your Nile cruise, between Luxor and Aswan, I think the whole journey and Levison’s adventures on the world’s longer river is a great “watch”.

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.

The programme was real insight into the trials and tribulations of how hard a challenge the journey must have been and the hazards and dangers he faced. In this firt episode alone he and his travelling companion where robbed on a desolate road and a fellow traveller that they met up with and joined for a short time died of heatstroke. A real tradgedy for his family and an episode that must have made Levison question the wisdom of the challenge.

There are three more episodes to come and I think it may well be episode three before they reach Egypt and the section of the Nile where Nile cruises operate, between Luxor and Aswan. However as an adventure-travel series I think it’s proving to be an excellent “watch”. If you missed the first episode you can watch it on Channel 4’s On Demand service.

Channel 4 in the UK begins a 4 part series this evening (4th Jan2015) entitled “Walking The Nile” which follows Levison Wood‘s trek along the Nile. Starting at it’s source in Rwanda’s highland rainforests right through to it’s end on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

Apparently it took 9 months to complete, approximately seven million steps!

It promises, according to the preview write-up, to be an eventful journey with a number of not so pleasant events. I imagine it will be very different from Joanna Lumley’s Nile , a journey of a similar nature that she undertook.

Joanna Lumley’s journey wasn’t’ as basic and rough as this sounds and included a Nile cruise. Levison Wood’s is all on foot.

I’m really looking forward to following the series which starts at 9.00pm tonight.

We booked the trip via the hotel’s reception that evening and the next morning we were collected by our guide for the day in a small, air-conditioned and very comfortable mini-bus.

Our first stop, after an hour or so’s drive was the Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, and the Memphis Museum. We arrived quite early so there were very few other visitors around, as I imagine it must be like now. Amongst many other things we saw the colossal statue of Ramses the II, which apparently was the inspiration for Shelley’s poem, “Ozymandias“. The statue once stood 11metres high but now lies on his back with his feet missing. Even on his back you can still get an impression of just how awe inspiring the statue must have looked. And, as always in Egypt, you wonder how on earth they made and elevated these amazing structures.

From there it was a short drive to Saqqara, the home of one of the first, if not “the” first Pyramid, known as the “Step Pyramid of Zoser“.

Standing 62 metres high, this pyramid is thought to be one of the oldest stone-cut constructions on earth. Nearby you can go inside the Pyramid of Teti where, after a short walk, you will see walls of hieroglyphics that are so clear and vivid that it’s hard to believe that they are over 4000 years old. In fact they believe that the “Step Pyramid” predates the Great Pyramid by over 200 years.

After our time at Saqqara our excellent guide drove us the 12 miles back to The Great Pyramid, which along with the Sphinx is Egypt’s most famous icon.

Finished around 2,500 BC, it is the oldest and largest of the pyramids at Giza and stands at 139 metres high. Barbara decided to go inside the Great Pyramid whereas I declined and, after Barbara telling me how claustrophobic it was, I’m so glad I didn’t’ join her.

Our guide then took us to see the Sphinx and to various places where we could get some great photos before returning us, around 4.oopm, to the Meridien Pyramids Hotel.

If you visiting Cairo after your Nile cruise, then this full day excursion, “Memphis, Saqqara and The Great Pyramid” is certainly one I think you shouldn’t’ miss.

According to an article in http://english.ahram.org.eg, Egypt’s largest news organisation and publisher of Al-Ahram, Egypt’s oldest newspaper, after three years of restoration, the tomb of Huy, Nubia Viceroy during the reign of King Tutankhamun, is to be opened to the public for the first time.

The tomb is located at Qurnet Marei on Luxor‘s west bank, and it includes a court and a burial chamber.

“Although it is a small tomb it has very distinguished wall paintings,” Aly El-Asfar, head of the central administration of Upper Egypt, told Ahram Online.

He explains that the images depict figures painted in Nubian attire walking behind a chariot driven by a light brown figure, a black rider painted in traditional Nubian garb, and pulled by a cow. Walking before the chariot are more Nubian figures.

Hunting scenes similar to those found in Tutankhamunâ€s tomb are also depicted on walls as well as scenes showing Huy being greeted by high priests and among his family.

  According to a recent article in the Travel Weekly magazine, a CT scan revealed that the tooth would fit exactly into the mouth of a previously unidentified mummy, now known to be the only female pharaoh from the Golden Age, Hatshepsut.

That means that not only can visitors now come face to face with her in the Mummy Room at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum but also that experts have changed their view on this indomitable queen’s relationship with her stepson and the manner of her death.

So, even now, new discoveries are happening all the time and new sites are being excavated and opened to the public. Which means that it really is a great time to take a Nile cruise and visit Cairo.

Following the instability following the 2011 revolution things have been quieter under President El-Sisi and tourists are returning in larger numbers each month. In September visitor numbers were up 193%.

The Nile at this time of the year is incredibly tranquil and visitors are welcomed warmly by Egyptians in Luxor and Cairo. Such a large proportion of the population are dependent on tourism so the increase in visitors is more important than ever.

We have some great Nile cruise bargains and if you would like to find out more about visiting Cairo or Nile cruising please call our FREEPHONE number 0808 1089 100. We have travelled throughout Egypt many times and I’m sure we’ll be able to answer all of your questions.