Nile River

Welcome to the Nile, the longest river in the world and the literal lifeblood of Egypt. As we stand by its banks, understand that without this ribbon of green, Egypt would be nothing more than a vast, uninhabitable desert. …

In the heart of Cairo, the Nile is a bustling urban centerpiece. One of the most authentic ways to experience the river is by boarding a felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing vessel. …

Traveling five hundred miles upstream, we reach Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes. This city, straddling the Nile, is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. …

Crossing the Nile from Luxor on a public ferry or a tourist shuttle brings you to the West Bank, the ancient necropolis. To the Egyptians, it was logical to bury the dead where the sun dies each evening. …

Continuing our cruise south, we arrive at Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in all of Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period between two hundred and thirty-seven and fifty-seven…

Perched on a scenic bend in the river is the unique temple of Kom Ombo. What makes this site extraordinary is its 'double' design, with perfectly symmetrical halls, sanctuaries, and rooms dedicated to two different gods: Sobek,…

Our journey south reaches its traditional end at Aswan, a relaxed and friendly town surrounded by some of the most beautiful Nile scenery. Famed since ancient times for its granite quarries, Aswan provided the stone for the…

Our exploration of the Nile reaches its conclusion at the magnificent ruins of Abu Simbel, though for many, the journey continues in the heart. Abu Simbel, built by Ramses the Second, was saved from the rising waters of Lake…