The Highlights of Luxor, Aswan and Abu-Simbel
Most elaborate and intriguing structures built in ancient times, is the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the crocodile temple at Kom Ombo and Isis temple on the Philae Island.
The Pristine Temple of Isis, Philae Island, Aswan, Egypt
Tourists usually visit the 136-mile excursion between Luxor and Aswan on a floating luxury and upscale Nile cruise like the Oberoi Philae, Oberoi Zahra, The Sonesta St George, Sonesta Moon Goddess, to mention a few. Nile Cruises tend to be as short as 3-nights and can go up as much as 8-nights, depending on how much time you have in the country of Egypt as a whole. Some of these Nile boats, are quite luxurious, featuring gourmet cuisine, onboard spas, swimming pool, sundeck and Jacuzzi’s.
For tourists that don’t like large Nile cruises, they can sail the river Nile aboard a luxury dahabiya, usually has about 7 to 12 cabins, rather than the standard or classical Nile Cruises that has an average of 55-cabins and can accommodate up to 160-passengers onboard. Dahabiyas come with all the mod-cons including private en-suite bathrooms with showers, outdoor dining and lounge areas, and fully staffed.
Both the standard or classical Nile cruise boat and the dahabiyas boats, offer shore excursions along the Nile river between Aswan and Luxor to the ancient historical Egyptian temples in Kom Ombo, Esna and Edfu, or from Abu-Simbel to Aswan, in what is known as a Nubian cruise..
Aswan
Beautiful town of Aswan, and one of the Luxury Nile Cruise ships in background
Aswan, Egypt's southern city since it was founded around 2000 BCE founded in British colonial times. Some of the sites are, Aswan High Dam Completed in 1970, this modern marvel of engineering created massive Lake Nasser and allowed Egyptian farmers to water their fields without the fear of the Nile floods damaging their crops.
Isis Temple of Philae Island
Temple of Isis, is a Greco-Egyptian shrine to the goddess Isis is a 15-minutes boat ride from Aswan. It was cut and moved to its current island location as part of the massive UNESCO effort to save Nubia's ancient monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
The Impressive Temples of Abu-Simbel, Egypt
Abu Simbel
Abu-Simbel temples were constructed around 1260 BC, the great Temple hewn in rock with the four colossal seated statues of the King in front of the entrance. It was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the Horakkhti, and Ramses II. Then visit the temple of the King's wife, which was threatened by the waters upon the completion of the Aswan High Dam and has been preserved by international action organized by UNESCO. All parts of the temple (statues, inscribed slabs, etc.) have been rebuilt on a plateau above the former site. Abu-Simbel temples are a must-see while visiting Egypt.
The Old Cataract Hotel
Opened in 1899, this legendary hotel on the Aswan waterfront hosted kings and queens, presidents, foreign dignitaries, and author Agatha Christie while she was writing "Death on the Nile." It is a must while you are in Aswan to make a stop to the outdoor terrace, grab a cocktail in the bar where Winston Churchill once quaffed, or dine at their restaurant.
Nubian Museum
Several major architectural awards winner, Aswan's top museum revolves around the Nubian history and culture of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Exhibits displays, ancient Egyptian legacy to Greek, Roman and Islamic times.
Kom Ombo
Rising dramatically, the Temple of Kom Ombo honors Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of ancient Egyptian mythology. The site museum features hundreds of mummified crocodiles, discovered in the temple precinct.
Some of the impressive Egyptian Temples, Upper Egypt
Edfu Temple
One of the best-preserved temples from pharaonic times, the Temple of Horus in the middle of Edfu town is where the ancients worshiped the falcon-headed god of the sky. Over the centuries, the temple and its giant pylons were nearly covered by sand. It is a preserved temple and in such a pristine condition.
Esna Temple
The ram-headed god Khnum, majority of the temple was constructed during Greek and Roman times, when the Nile Valley continued to worship its ancient gods.
Luxor
Temple of Luxor, and the modern and impressive Luxor Museum, and the fascinating Museum of Mummification -- the city is primarily known as a town of landmarks in small space.
Temple of Karnak
The massive Temple of Karnak is both a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture, one of the largest temples ever constructed around the world. You might want to see it twice, once in the morning and once at night, to appreciate the engineering and artistry of the Great Hypostyle Hall and at night when the ruins come alive during the spectacular sound and light show performance at Karnak temple.
Vivid colors that still shows, Luxor, Egypt
West Bank
A short Ferry ride connects modern Luxor with the West Bank, a mosaic of farm fields, burial funeral shrines of famous pharaohs including queen Hatshepsut, Ramses the Great, King Tut tomb, Nefertari’s tomb, and Ramses III. The riverside floodplain is also spangled with giant statues like the Colossi of Memnon and a toppled statue of Ramses the Great.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley have tens of tombs in this desert beyond the West Bank of the Nile. Among the more elaborate last resting places are those of Tutankhamun, Tuthmosis III and Ramses VI and much more.
You might be interested in also reading about cruising the Nile river in elegance Aswan to Luxor Deluxe Cruise Ships
or visit Egypt Tours website for further info about Egypt Luxury Tour Packages www.EgyptTours.com
