NORTH AFRICA NILE CRUISE DESTINATIONS A


golden light gently rouses me from sleep as our cruiser


sets sail, ready to begin its day’s lazy meander down the mysterious Nile.


As I pull back the floor-to-


ceiling windows, a fiery red ball makes its drowsy appearance behind the hills, rising above the land where ancient feet have trod and great pharaohs lie buried; two fishermen in white robes glide silently past, their oars skimming the river. Watching this scene, it’s easy


to understand why the Nile was considered sacred in ancient times. It feels almost biblical. This magical quality is apparent right from the first morning and


continues throughout our trip, organised by Mediterranean specialist Cyplon Holidays.


w ANCIENT TIMES Our four-day cruise on the five-star Oberoi Philae between Luxor and Aswan was to take us to some of the most famous sites of this historic waterway. Set against a backdrop of


lyrical storytelling by our talented guide and learned Egyptologist Tarik, we were transfixed with stories of gods and deities, the afterlife and religion – topics that dominated the lives of the ancient Egyptians. Authentic, enriching


experiences, coupled with


luxurious surroundings on board, is what makes this trip special. Clients can expect to be immersed in the life and times of a fascinating, awe-inspiring civilisation through a series of visits to key sites. The vast Karnak Temple, for


example, which means ‘the gigantic one’ in Arabic, extends three-quarters of a mile and is one of the largest religious sites in the world. Visitors can explore the remains of temples, market places, obelisks and baths. New discoveries and


excavations happen continuously, and our behind-the-scenes tour revealed a temple that will open to the public in 2017. Walls


once blackened are undergoing meticulous cleaning to reveal vibrant multi-hued frescoes.


w NEW DISCOVERIES The size of these majestic structures is astounding, while learning about the advanced inventions and tools created by the ancient Egyptians is both fascinating and humbling. The Temple of Horus, for


example, situated in Edfu and reached from the boat by horse-drawn carriage, houses a nilometer, an instrument used for measuring the clarity and water level of the Nile in flood season. Our moonlit visit to atmospheric Kom Ombo Temple – made


28 July 2016 travelweekly.co.uk 61


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