Luxury Cruising on the Nile
One of life's epic journeys
One of life's epic journeys
Why Luxury Cruising on the Nile?
Flowing from south to north, the River Nile wends through the Egyptian Desert, irrigating the arid landscape and providing a vital trading route. At over 4,000 miles, the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world. Viewed by early Egyptians as the holy river, its fertile floodplains brought life to Egypt and virtually all of her ancient treasures are located along the Nile’s riverbank.
Cruising the famous River Nile is one of the best ways to explore Egypt. On an idyllic journey between Luxor and Aswan you will marvel at sites including the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Kom Ombo and Karnak. Journeysmiths work with only the finest river cruisers, effortlessly combining modern comforts with a timeless elegance. On board you can expect spacious lounges, vast suites, saunas, spas and gyms. In the evenings, top chefs prepare a la carte dishes for you to refuel with as you discover Egypt’s fascinating history and ancient landmarks.
Cruising the famous River Nile is one of the best ways to explore Egypt. On an idyllic journey between Luxor and Aswan you will marvel at sites including the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Kom Ombo and Karnak. Journeysmiths work with only the finest river cruisers, effortlessly combining modern comforts with a timeless elegance. On board you can expect spacious lounges, vast suites, saunas, spas and gyms. In the evenings, top chefs prepare a la carte dishes for you to refuel with as you discover Egypt’s fascinating history and ancient landmarks.
- Explore the grandiose Temple of Karnak.
- Step into the Valley of the Kings.
- Discover the island-based Temple of Philae.
- Get lost in history at the Temple of Kom Ombo.
- Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon.
Top 5 Luxury Cruising on the Nile Experiences
Explore the grandiose Temple of Karnak
Karnak Temple in Luxor is the epitome of ancient Egyptian grandeur. Half a mile long, with enormous statues of pharaohs, immense temple chambers and its 134 columns each measuring 200 feet high, the sheer scale of this temple is overwhelming. Dwarfed by 5,000 year old architecture, you can let your imagination run, almost hear the priests chanting incantations and see Ramses III making his way in splendour through the temple courts.
Step into the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, which lies on the western banks of the Nile, is the best known collection of elaborate tombs created by ancient Egyptians for their powerful pharaohs. Accompanied by your private guide who indulges you in every secret of these early tombs, discover chambers and corridors, illuminated with delicate lights and adorned with colourful illustrations and hieroglyphs that recount the royal’s life and prayers from the Book of the Dead.
Discover the island-based Temple of Philae
Set on an island in the calm, glistening waters of the Nile, the Philae Temple complex is only accessible by boat. The approach is an enchanting experience, gliding across the water and watching as the magnificent structures come gradually into view. Once on the island the surreality strikes. You’re greeted with imposing sand coloured columns, towering pylons and many rooms, highly decorated both inside and out, right in the middle of the life-giving river Nile.
Get lost in history at the Temple of Kom Ombo
Unusually, the Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods, Horus the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god and was a place of healing for ancient Egyptians. You’ll find the depictions of medical scenes on the walls are plentiful and detailed - it doesn’t take long until you’re completely lost in the history of this fascinating site. Next door is a small but informative museum exhibiting the mummified crocodiles that once lived at the temple.
Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon
Built in 1350 BCE, the Colossi of Memnon are two huge statues, both of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. They are an incredible sight to behold, despite having suffered a lot of damage since they were originally constructed. Their size is awe-inspiring, particularly with huge mountains and the dazzling, cloudless skies behind them. Look closer and you’ll spot inscriptions, carved imagery and smaller figures representing the pharaoh’s wife and mother.
Best Places to Stay when Luxury Cruising on the Nile
Oberoi Philae
Cruise the Nile in style and comfort aboard the Oberoi Philae.
Oberoi Zahra
The Oberoi Zahra is an award-winning Nile cruiser and one of the most luxurious of its kind.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a luxurious and indulgent cruiser featuring modern and contemporary decor with delicate art deco influences.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
The interiors on board this boutique cruiser are something really special. Carefully considered and expertly executed, contemporary design is blended with Egyptian traditions to create a sumptuous,
Historia
The Historia takes your mind back to a bygone era, of travelling to Egypt when curious tourists first began to sail the Nile, lured by the promise of its fascinating history.
Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau
A small private boat, the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is perfect for families or groups who want to discover the Nile in complete privacy.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to March when the weather is warm and dry, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the classic sites and enjoy a luxury Nile cruise without extreme heat. Avoid the peak summer months of June to August when temperatures can soar to 40°C / 104°F or higher.
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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