Table of Contents
Nile
The Nile River is an opportunity to see the part of Egypt rightfully considered unique. Oases thrived along the river, fields, and valleys, passing by the coast, where the Egyptians cultivated their agriculture for thousands of years. While passing by, you’ll see numerous buffaloes – on the Nile coast these guys graze, rest, lie in the sun and chew grass near the river.
What a life to live!
You will also meet herons, ibises, and bitterns – they are crowded on the shore edge and look out for their prey in the water.
Cruising is another kind of pleasure by itself. Imagine lying on a hammock by the pool all day, and when it gets too hot, you jump in the water. The bar is full of cooling drinks for your choice.
A cruise liner is a whole world of scrumptious food, evening entertainment programs, parties, and the opportunities to get to know people from different parts of the world.
What to see on the way?
Abu Simbel
On the west bank of the Nile is the tale of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses 2’s order. The Abu Simbel temple complex took only 20 years for Egyptians to build in the XIII century BC.
Outside, there are four statues of the Pharaoh, as well as giant ones decorated with detailed battle scenes. Raise your head, and you will see that they support the ceiling painted with broad-winged vultures.
Aswan
Aswan is the southern city of Egypt on the picturesque bank of the Nile. There are palm trees and tiny felucca vessels. The local population are Nubians, representatives of a unique language and unusual culture.
The city has a lot to offer. Here are some of the places to look at while hiding from the scorching sun:
1. Botanical Garden
2. The dacha and mausoleum of the Aga Khan, the ruins of the Monastery of St. Simeon
3. Nubian Museum
4. The oldest fragments of the Temple of Khnum
5. The ruins of the temple of Nectanebom II
6. Elephantine Island
And more awaits in Cairo! Here is some to the list:
Cairo
7. Egyptian Museum with Pyramids
8. Alexandria: Royal residence and fort built from the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria
And now a few tips that will probably save your nerves and health. Regardless of where your path lies in Egypt, always:
Remember about your own safety and comfort. Wear white, light cotton or linen clothing.
Wear a hat. Pick a nice one and never take it off (only sleep and shower), and be sure to take a water bottle for each person.
Egypt loves money quite a lot since tourism their gold mine. Do not be lazy to exchange $100 in the smallest bills for local money – trust us when we say that it will come in handy.
Don’t forget to tip – it’s a key to a good service in Egypt.
The country is quite militarized. Do not refuse inspections, although more often there are checkpoints and convoys for the repose of tourists.
Get ready for tough acclimatization. But don’t panic – you’ll get used to it soon, the main thing, again, is to drink more water and protect your head from the sun.
No, really. Always protect your head!
Tourists in Egypt are often taken to various souvenir shops. Some of you will find their 30% presented decent-quality stuff, and the rest will overpay for evident cheapies. Yet, everyone will have to cough up. So wait when you leave – what you need can be sold at the airport, but cheaper, if that’s any consolation.
Don’t get mad at the intrusive trading – peacefully avoid it.
Just one more thing about the sun. Buy a good SPF cream and smear it without regret. It makes sense to even take an umbrella with you.
Nile cruise is something one can never get enough of.
Bring your friends or family. Bring your lover, as the cruise is a perfect place to propose, get married, and spend your honeymoon.
