Romantic journey on Nile River – Life on the sundeck

I flow across Egypt – the land of Pharaohs, myth and old wonders

NILE RIVER: Very long time ago Cruise on the Nile was reserved for queens and pharaohs. Now cultural curious travellers don´t want to miss this waterway of Egypt and the fascinating land of miracle and myths.

The journey starts in the city of Aswan and from my favourite sunbed, in style and luxury on the top deck of M/S Darakum. Nile River flows through famous places, historic sites, passing world known icons before it´s on to the astonishing Luxor with famous temples, museums and tombs. After three days my cruise has been the most comfortable way to experience this part of the historic Nile Valley.

Aswan Dam to visit

Before or after a river cruise you should spend a couple of days in the city of Aswan. Mostly known for the enormous Aswan Dam. View from a room at Old Cataract Hotel overlooking river Nile is the place to stay. This mythic five-star hotel is one of a kind and the spa is the place to pamper you with a massage while you gaze across the Nile.
Link to Old Cataract Hotel

The history. I got to know about the Nubian culture and enjoyed an exciting ride in a felucca, a traditional sailboat. We also visited the mighty High Dam of Aswan, hosted by  Ahmed Elshafey, a guide and local expert. For the three next days we walked the towering ruins of Philae Temple, got to know more about mythological figures before we visited two more temples, Kom Ombo and Edfu.

Much of Kom Ombo temple from the Greek and Roman time has been destroyed by the Nile and earthquakes, but restored more that hundred years ago. Don´t miss the original ceiling and also visit the Crocodile Museum.
The Edfu Temple was built between 237 and 57 BC and inscriptions on the walls provide important information on language, myth and religion.

Food. Head chef Nasser and his brigade serves international and Egyptian specialities. Always with rice and vegetables with aromatic herbs and a few with strong spices. Fruits tasted as they came straight off the trees. A typical meal will start with soup made from vegetables. On the ship they served buffet with fish, seafood and chicken made to perfection.

Shopping. Egypt is a shopper´s paradise – from gifts, herbs and spices to gold and silver. Excursions is something you decide when on the ship and payment can be made in cash. During my cruise, guides introduced us to not only haggling, but many of the local handicrafts available. A good rule is to ask your guide for any help during your cruise. On many tours children under 12 years will be offered 50% discount.

Safe in Egypt

The timeless Nile river flowing through sands like a silken ribbon. After three days on the cruise ship, MS Darakum reached the banks of Luxor. Our cruise along this waterway between Aswan and Luxor uncovers old temples and stories of gods, monuments and the warm and friendly people of Egypt greet us from palm lined riverbanks. But it also uncovers the safety of Egypt, which has suffered setbacks since the uprising in 2011.

“I felt safe from the very first day in Egypt and my advice to tourist of the world is a return to this country. It´s more likely to be blown up on the streets of London – or somewhere else in the world”, Brian King from Frimley, Surrey in England, said after one-week holiday in Egypt with his partner.

Romance. There is definitely a touch of romantic touch under the stars drifting on the Nile along sand dunes. No modern-day adventurer should miss Egypt. A luxurious cruise on the Nile is the ultimate way to experience temples dedicated to mythological figures, the enormous Aswan High Dam and this country´s cultural heritage.

Read more: I feel safe in Cairo

More info about Egypt