© Dahabiya Nile Sailing Egypt 2024
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Abu Simbel is located 280 kilometres (174 miles) south of Aswan, near the Egyptian-Sudan border. We travel here to visit two massive rock-cut temples. The colossal statues on their facades are among the best-known images of ancient Egypt.
In 1968, the temples were moved from their original location to avoid them being submerged due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. They were moved 64 meters (210 feet) above and 180 meters (590.5 feet) west of their original site. To make this shift possible, the temples were cut into pieces that weighed between 2.7 and 19 tonnes (3 and 20 tonnes), then carefully reassembled where you now see them overlooking the Nubian Lake (Lake Nasser).
Aswan, formerly known as Swenett, is a magical city in southern Egypt. The name Aswan is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “Soun,” which means “market” or “souk.” Aswan got its name from being a strategic gateway to the south. It was the primary source of granite used for obelisks and sculptures in ancient times.
Aswan is well-known for its stunning Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites, and serene atmosphere. Its weather is mild all year, making it an ideal winter destination.
The city offers spectacular views and attractions for felucca sailing on the Nile (Egyptian sailboat). The river flows gently from Lake Nasser, passing through several islands surrounded by black granite and greenery.
Esna is part of the Luxor governorate. Esna is about an hour drive (60 km / 37 miles) from Luxor. It is an unassuming town with surprises, as its rich history across the centuries is increasingly being recognized with restoration and development.
The Greco-Roman Temple and a previous temple built here by Tuthmosis III were dedicated to the ram headed god Khnum. The Temple of Khnum owes its unique situation to Nile floods which buried it; modern Esna was built over it. Excavation from the 1860s revealed the hall, built during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius (AD 41-54).
The approach to this site from where the boats dock makes it clear why the crocodile-featured Sobek was one of the gods it is dedicated to (along with Horus). The connection to the power of the Nile is unmistakable as you look towards the temple. The importance of the town in the past was due to trade from further north in the Nile Valley passing through here to Nubia.
The remains of the ancient town are buried, but the temple complex was excavated and restored in the late 1800s and has many fascinating features among the reliefs. The symmetry of this site is something visitors interested in architectural planning will especially appreciate.
Is renowned for the making of palm baskets which are used to carry and store food. Palm trees are important throughout Egypt as they supply not only delicious dates but many other products. In the workshops of Fares village baskets are made from the hard parts of the leaves and leaflets (leaf segments) of the palm trees, this is an opportunity to meet local craftsmen and see their skills in practice.
Many different varieties of dates are grown in Egypt. As the season of date harvest is short, they are dried for use all year round. Dates have a high nutritional value and a small quantity can sustain a person for several days if other food is not available, making them an excellent food to carry on long desert trips. Dates play a special role in the holy month of Ramadan, when people often break their daily fast with dates and milk.
This site between Edfu and Kom Ombo sits where the river bed is narrow and is overlooked by sandstone hills.
From the dahabiya, we walk to the shrines and quarry. There are quarries on both sides of the Nile here. We will explore the West side. This is one of the places where views of the Nile are most picturesque.
Large amounts of sandstone were quarried here for temple building in Thebes (Luxor) from the Middle Kingdom on, and extensively from the New Kingdom to the Roman period. During the New Kingdom, it was the most extensive quarry in Egypt and gained religious significance as a place where the inundation of the Nile was worshiped.
We may be able to visit depending on whether excavations are underway. An abundance of petroglyphs and inscriptions from the late Eleventh Dynasty (1700 BC) can be seen in this rarely visited wadi (valley), which is north of Gebel el Silsila. Why they are at this remote site has been debated and continues to intrigue researchers. In addition to the well-known reliefs of Mentuhotep II and Mentuhotep III, researchers have documented more than 800 inscriptions and rock-drawings.
The wadi consists of two stone cliffs with fine, yellow sand in the middle; it is a good example of an Egyptian desert valley. The wadi was formed millions of years ago when rain was common in Egypt and was one of the Nile’s tributaries; as a result, the people who lived here in prehistory left many traces.
Our visit is an opportunity to experience life in a fishing community. Have breakfast in the home of a village family. Enjoy a walk through the farms and learn about some typically Egyptian plants, such as the doum tree. You may also meet some of the women and children and learn how sun bread is baked in homes here. We join the local fishermen in their boats to share the experience of Nile fishing. Even those inexperienced in fishing are sure to enjoy being out in the boats observing the skills of these men who live in harmony with the Nile. The fish caught can be enjoyed as part of dinner that evening.
Bisaw is a leisurely insight into everyday life and culture, a change of pace and mindspace from visiting the monuments.
El Sarag can be seen from the dahabiya. We may be able to visit depending on whether excavations are underway.
About 20 km (12.5 miles) south of Edfu is an excellent example of a Roman fort by the Nile that protected the road to the Eastern Desert. Its location at Contra Appolonos (El-Ridisiyah) made it strategically ideal to place soldiers here during the Byzantine period (4th to 8th century AD). Excavations of the area from 1997 to 2005 revealed more details about homes, Coptic churches, monasteries, and Islamic coins. It was in use until the 8th century AD.
Trade routes operating across the Eastern Desert from the time of Ptolemaic rule to the 8th century included routes from Edfu to Marsa Alam and from Sarag to Berenice. From the Byzantine period, these routes were popular with Christians and subsequently used by Muslims travelling from the south of Egypt and Sudan on pilgrimage.
Edfu is a substantial market town and traveling by horse drawn carriages is the most convenient way to visit the temple from where our dahabiya docks. We use the carriages as there has been improvement in treatment of the horses and using the carriages supports the local economy, and also ensures these horses will be better fed and looked after. Guests should keep in mind that Arabian horses are different in build to European horses, they may seem thinner but this is not necessarily due to lack of food or care. We try to ensure the drivers treat the horses well, but if you have any concerns about this please mention it to your guide.
We move inland from the river to the tombs of El Kab. Walks like this give you a sense of how important the Nile is to Egypt, as you experience where agriculture stops and desert begins. The small village where our dahabiya moors is an opportunity to provide positive benefits to a local community. Visitors may wish to buy baskets handmade from recycled materials by the girls of this village. This encourages recycling in addition to giving you a handmade reminder of your visit. Your guide will assist with any purchasing to ensure the benefits are spread throughout the families of the village.
An insight into Egyptian village life, instead of seeing only glimpses and from a distance, the people in the fields and gardens. You will see mostly sugar cane fields as we go to visit a local family. There are two water systems here: one for drinking water and an older system for irrigation that was established in colonial times. The colonial-era home we visit was built for the owner of that pumping station, and his extended family still lives here. Your guide will translate so you have a closer interaction with the family. You can ask them questions and enhance your understanding of village culture by doing so. They are happy to show you their home, and the whole family is excited as our visitors are their main chance to meet the outside world. This is an opportunity for true cross-cultural exchange.
Luxor has been known as Thebes, the great capital of the Egyptian Empire; Waset, meaning “city of the sceptre”; Ta ipet, meaning “the shrine”; the “city of 100 gates,” and many other names throughout its history. Luxor is derived from the Arabic word for “palaces.”
It rose to prominence around 3000 BCE and eventually became Ancient Egypt’s political, military, and religious capital for more than 1500 years. It is an important tourism centre today, as it is home to a large number of the country’s architectural monuments.
Dendera is approximately 80.5 km (50 miles) north of Luxor, on the Nile West bank. The Temple of Hathor has recently undergone restoration to reveal clearly the beauty and colour of the art. Nine stone terraces were built to the left of the entrance gate to display statues and artifacts. The site covers approximately 40,000 square meters (430,556 square feet). The ceiling decoration is one of the best preserved of the surviving ancient Egyptian monuments, showing how vibrant colors were used.
Abydos is about 10 km (6 miles) from the Nile. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Egypt. Abydos was seen as the gateway to the afterlife for ancient Egyptians. From prehistory, graves were situated here, and tombs of the early dynasties were built here even though Abydos was not the seat of power, as it became a pilgrimage centre for worship of the god Osiris. The tradition of tombs being built here continued throughout ancient Egyptian history.
The area sits between Upper and Lower Egypt and is home to important historical sites, including Tell el Amarna, known as the City of Akhnaton (Akhenaten), and the necropolises of Tuna el Gebel and Beni Hassan.
Tell el Amarna
The city was founded by Akhnaton, who was initially named Amenhotep IV but changed his name to diminish association with the god Amun and declare devotion to Aten, the god of the sun.
He was the younger son of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, but the early death of his elder brother
Thutmose saw Akhenaten as the heir. He substantially changed the ancient Egyptian multi-god belief system, making Aten the spiritual focus.
It is surrounded by a wall modelled after the wall of Jerusalem. For Egypt’s Coptic Christians, a pilgrimage to this monastery is equal to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Tradition relates that the Holy Family stayed here for six months and five days, and that this is where Jesus returned after his resurrection and consecrated an altar in order to fulfil the prophecy in Isaiah 19:19 “in that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt”. This was the point furthest south in their journey and their longest stay in one place in Egypt.
The holiest place in the monastery is the Church of the Holy Virgin. It is said that the altar was consecrated in the first century AD, which would make it the first church in the world. It has a collection of icons from the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1880 and 1964, the monastery constructed two more churches and dedicated them to the Holy Virgin. Dayr al-Muharraq also has a century-old episcopal palace and a keep dating from the 6th century.
The sights visited depend on the number of days in your tour, see your chosen itinerary for which they will be included.
The oasis closest to Cairo, Fayoum, offers a diversity of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and a growing artistic community. Qarun Lake covers 254 square km (98 square miles) and has a variety of migrating and resident birds. Fayoum was favoured during the Middle Kingdom (1991–1790 BC), and 12th Dynasty kings Senwosret II and Amenemhat III built pyramids in the area. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a popular getaway for the Egyptian royal family.
This pyramid is about 65 meters (213 feet) high and was originally designed as a seven-step pyramid. An additional step was added while construction was in an advanced stage, and the pyramid evolved into the first true pyramid with the filling in of the steps and capping with limestone.
Djoser’s complex at Saqqara was the only complete large royal pyramid when Snefru became king around 2,575 BC. Snefru completed three pyramids, including this one. The pyramid was partially destroyed by human reuse of its materials. By the 15th century, only five steps remained, and by the time of Napoleon’s survey of Egypt, only three steps remained. It is possible that the pyramid began to crumble during Snefru’s time, and this may have contributed to him altering the angle of the pyramid at Dahshur in mid construction.
Saqqara, 30 km (19 miles) from Cairo, is an archaeological site which continues to reveal its treasures through continuing discoveries. The site covers 7km (4.4 miles) on the west bank of the Nile. Saqqara, best known for its step pyramids, was the necropolis of the capital, Memphis. Buried here were people and also many sacred animals. Construction here continued from 3,050 BC (with 1st Dynasty funerary structures) to the 6th century AD, with Coptic monasteries.
The step pyramid (pyramid of Djoser, 2374–2354 BC) was designed by Imhotep. It is 60 metres (197 feet) in height and consists of six mastabas, or steps. Of the 11 pyramids, we go inside the Pyramid of Teti. This pyramid is small but its interior is significant, it includes the famous Pyramid Texts and Teti’s basalt sarcophagus in the burial chamber. The pyramid of Unas (2404–2374 BC) stood 43metres (141 feet) high, but suffered the ravages of time.
The pyramids of Giza, the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, continue to awe visitors more than 4,000 years after their construction.The Great Pyramid of Khufu (2609–2584 BC) is the largest pyramid in Egypt and the world, and the oldest pyramid in Giza, at 138 meters (453 feet) high. The pyramid of Khufu’s son Khafre (2576–2551 BC) is 136 meters (446 feet) high, and the pyramid of Kafre’s son Menkaure (2551–2523 BC) is 62 meters (203 feet) high. Nearby are three smaller pyramids about 20 meters (66 feet) high, the Pyramids of the Queens. Entering the Great Pyramid is an option and a memorable experience, but this is not recommended if you experience claustrophobia or are not in good health.
A vast collection of artefacts, the collections include the King Tutankhamun collection and the Animals Mummies room. OR visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, when it opens. The museum contains a vast collection of artefacts and gives you an understanding of the richness of the art and culture once situated at many of the sites you will visit elsewhere in Egypt.
We take a walking tour of this popular area, which is rich in historic buildings and events of the 19th to 21st centuries, including Tahrir Square, which was especially significant during the 2011 Revolution.
The oldest area of Cairo includes mosques, churches, synagogues, and a Roman fortress, with a great diversity within one area. Originally, the Coptic community lived within the Roman fortress of Babylon, established in 98 AD by the Roman emperor Trajan, where the Nile would have reached the fort. Its remains are Cairo’s oldest original structure. The Hanging Church, which dates back to the 4th century and got its name from being built over one of the bastions of the fortress of Babylon, The Abu Serga church was built in the 11th century, incorporating 5th century pillars, over a cave (still visible) where it is believed the Holy family found refuge when they came to Egypt to escape persecution by the Roman ruler.
In the centre of Cairo, on top of a hill overlooking the city, this previously unattractive area was transformed into a large park, which opened in 2005. It gives Cairo people a space to relax and play, with wonderful views of the surrounding area, water features, restaurants, and cafes. It is a green heart surrounded by the old Islamic city, the Citadel, and the City of the Dead. During and after the development of the area, substantial restoration was done on historic structures, such as a 12th century wall, which can be viewed from the park.
We take a walking tour of this area, which has the best preserved mediaeval Islamic architecture in Cairo: mosques, including Azhar mosque and university, madrasa (schools), houses with exquisite details, mausoleums, sabils (public fountains for drinking water), wikalas (caravanserai), Sufi monasteries, synagogues, and markets. These streets are packed with historic and beautiful architecture, so walking is the best way to explore. Islamic Cairo became the capital of Egypt in 969 AD. Al Mu’izz Street was the main street in mediaeval Cairo, named after the Fatimid Caliph who conquered Cairo and commissioned much construction. It is an open-air museum that also remains a hub of everyday life. Medieval Cairo was walled, and the remaining large gates include Bab al-Nasr, Bab al-Futuh, and Bab Zuweila. The many mosques in this area saw Cairo become known as the City of 1,000 Minarets. Part of the area includes markets used by thousands of Cairo residents and where you can see traditional crafts such as tent-making (appliqué).
A unique experience of walking through a bazaar that began its life in 1382 and continues its vibrant life in modern Egypt. It is an opportunity to see examples of many Egyptian crafts and Fishawy, a historic cafe.
Depending on the number of days in your tour, some of our tours include opportunities to visit Nubian villages and towns, giving you a chance to learn about Nubian traditions and culture.
From about 7,000 BC, communities evolved from African Nile Valley civilisations to form the Nubian, Ancient Egyptian and Kushite civilizations.
We visit the town of Daraw, and we may visit other Nubian communities such as Al Kobanaya which is near Kom Ombo and where we also see the burial site of a Middle Paleolithic person, probably a young man 20-25 years old, whose skeleton is now in the Nubian Museum in Aswan.
© Dahabiya Nile Sailing Egypt 2024