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Explore the Land of the Pharaohs with Viking River Cruises

Article posted: September 24th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

An exciting journey awaits along Egypt’s most important and historic waterway – the Nile River. Witness the sweep of human history and explore the landmark sites of this ancient culture, regarded as one of the cradles of Western civilization. Nile River Cruises pass by many of Egypt’s temples, monuments, towns and fascinating cities such as the sprawling metropolitan capital of Cairo. Experience the real Egypt with Viking River Cruises.

The Nile River dictates the story of Egypt. The fertility of its valley and the Delta spilling into the Mediterranean have made it the envy of its neighbouring countries. The Nile Valley is refreshing, green and pleasant sight amidst the desert, fields of corn, sugar cane and cotton. Explore the lush pockets of greenery at the oases and along the banks of the Nile River onboard a Nile River Cruise, and meet the fascinating history that has shaped its course.  

Egypt is a land of great contrasts. The bustling city of Cairo is a tangle of urban highways, flyovers and avenues that link and separate the mighty skyscrapers, the minarets and domes of the mosques. Tucked away behind the broad avenues and boulevards, the side streets and alleys of the old neighbourhoods invite you to explore. The aroma of barbecued lamb kebabs mixes with haunting ballads of Arabic music as you stroll through the Islamic streets of Cairo.

Of the Seven Wonders of the World only Egypt’s pyramids have survived. Today, Egypt holds 93 pyramids but the three pyramids on the southern outskirts of Cairo are the most celebrated with their streamlined step shape featuring a maze of passages and storage chambers for the pharaohs and their burial treasures. Nearby, the huge Great Sphinx forever faces due east. Touch the pyramids and gaze upon the eternal Sphinx guarding the mystic sites of Giza.

At the heart of Egypt lies Luxor, the city of great temples. The overwhelming Temple of Luxor, the sanctuary dedicated to the creator-god, Amun, runs parallel to the Nile next to the unearthed secrets of desert sands. Across the river on the west bank, the mysterious Valley of the Kings is home to over 70 tombs with vividly carved and brightly painted tomb-decorations still reminding us of the ancient everyday world and religious rituals.

The kaleidoscope of architecture, culture, villages and grand cities tells a story that is sometimes amusing, often intriguing and always enriching. Experience the ancient tales and monumental sites along the Nile on Viking River Cruises 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids, 12-day Pathways of the Pharaohs or 9-day Nile Explorer itineraries. And let expert Egyptologists bring Egypt’s temples, deities and pharaohs back to life.

For more information on these mysterious Nile Viking River Cruise itineraries call Cruisepilot on 1300 795 433.