Slow Boat to Aswan | Wild Frontiers

If Egypt is one of the world’s most seminal travel destination, then a journey along the Nile is a fundamental part of bringing this ancient land to life.
This incredible journey down the Nile is a voyage of discovery in the truest sense of the word, encompassing not only the magnificent monuments of the ancients, but also the little explored heritage of the ordinary modern-day Egyptians.

Starting in Luxor, known as Thebes to ancient Egyptians, we will first spend two days visiting some of the country’s most important monuments. First we’ll take a trip see the more remote, but hugely impressive temple of Dendera. With evidence of worship here dating back over 4,500 years, this stunning monument represents one of the oldest temples in the region. We visit the grand temple of Medinet Habu, situated on the Niles West Bank, we’ll see the gargantuan forms of the Colossi of Memnon, and we’ll spend time at the hugely impressive Luxor Temple, which was founded in 1400BC. We’ll also enter the Valley of the Queens to see the popular temple of Hatshepsut, and we’ll wander in the Valley of the Kings, and take a look into the tomb of Tutankhamun. Finally we’ll enjoy a magnificent sunset at what is arguably Egypt’s most famous temple, Karnack.

And for our three nights here we’ll stay at the former home of King Abdullah, the sumptuous Sofitel Winter Palace.

And then the journey will really begin as we board our luxurious Dahabiya and begin our four day cruise into the past, following the fertile ribbon of the Nile as it weaves from ancient Thebes, deep into the southern boundaries of Upper Egypt.

The boats, which it should be noted come in varying sizes from 3 to 10 room variants, have very comfortable bedrooms, all en suite. Meals are taken on deck to make sure you don’t miss anything and the food is great. But it’s watching what goes on on the banks – and indeed disembarking to get a closer look – that makes this trip so special. At Edfu and Kom Ombo we’ll spend time visiting more of Upper Egypt’s superlative ancient heritage, at El Silsila we’ll visit the quarries where much for the stone was gathered to create the Niles famous temples, and in other places we’ll simply dock our boat and visit the local famers, and villages to see a life that hasn’t changed much for millennia.

Travelling in style aboard a privately chartered comfortable traditional houseboat gives us the flexibility and freedom to escape the tourist trail and experience the real Egypt of today.

(491 or 499) And finally we’ll end here in Aswan
Here we’ll round off the trip with some more sightseeing, around the town, seeing the Aswan High Dam and visiting the famous temple of Philae, centre for the cult of the goddess Isis.