It had been a few years since the last AWT Nubian Cruise, so we decided that our 30^th Anniversary year was the time to head back to the Lake.

For this part of the tour, our Luxury Cruiser was the lovely MS Omar Khayam. With stunning Lake views and fine dining it was a perfect relaxing, and often exciting way to visit the shoreline temples. It wasn’t long either before we encountered our first crocodile!

Our accompanying expert was Dr Campbell Price. During the tour he gave a most exciting set of lectures thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. His total enthusiasm and passion for the subject was infectious setting everyone off in search of specific statues and inscriptions, particularly Neheh and Djet.

THE TOUR BEGINS

Flying into Cairo we had a night at the Meridien Hotel and a day to fill before our flight to Aswan. So, we used it well with a visit to the lovely National Museum of Egyptian Civilization before taking lunch at Al Azhar park with its special city views. A rare treat to sit out in the sunshine in November eating lunch!

With plenty of time before our late afternoon flight we added an extra ‘surprise’ site, the Open-Air Museum at Heliopolis, City of the Sun.  A chance to view the obelisk of Senwosret I and many fascinating pieces from the local area. A first for almost everyone, including Campbell!

ASWAN

After checking in to our cabins and lunch, we set off for Philae Temple, always a delight, especially glowing in the late afternoon sun. We had a guided tour and free time to explore as the sun started to set

We arrived back at our cruiser as the sun finally slipped below the horizon.

CRUISING

Kalabsha was our first port of call visiting the temple, the kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el Wali. The afternoon cruising was a relaxing treat. At times we found it hard to remember we were on a lake and not an ocean, it is such a vast area of water. 

The following day we arrived at Wadi el Seboua, and the temples of Dakka and Maharraqa.

Next day the Captain showed his skill in slowly drifting past Qasr Ibrim a site that originated from the Late Period and now exists as an island, due to the construction of the High Dam and the flooding of the Lake. In silence we watched from the cruiser as we gently passed by this crumbling fortress site.

ABU SIMBEL

Arriving at Abu Simbel was spectacular. Once again, we gently drifted past the temple with excellent positioning and plenty of time for photography. After lunch we boarded our launch to the site and visited the two vast temples. In the evening, we were treated to the Sound and Light show.

GOODBYE LAKE NASSER – RETURN TO CAIRO

The following morning we said our farewells to the crew and began our morning drive through the desert – much of which now shows signs of being reclaimed with vast farms and green crops standing out against the desert sands.

A short flight to Cairo and back to the city ready for a look at ‘real Cairo’ the following day.

A well-deserved lunch before visiting Coptic Cairo including the lovely museum.

THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

With great excitement we set out for the Grand Egyptian Museum. Our first AWT tour to see the 12 newly opened galleries. Was the excitement merited? It certainly was. Our day was exhausting but never fear the food outlets in GEM are wonderful, so always allow time for lunch, coffees, and cakes.

SAQQARA

Out on site again the next day to one of the most impressive sites in Egypt. An in-depth tour of Saqqara where Campbell once conducted geophysical fieldwork.

THE GIZA PLATEAU

Finally, the Giza Plateau, as awe inspiring as ever. Our lunchtime restaurant surely has one of the best views on the planet!

The pyramids were also an amazing backdrop for the TV cameras recording teenagers from the world over celebrating the ‘Ministry of Youth and Sports 5^th World Children in Egypt’ event.

And the pyramids are a perfect place to end a brilliant tour, covering so many miles, by both land and sea (almost). Most passengers agreed that the ‘Cruise’ seemed a lifetime ago.

Time to thank all those who made it possible. Our Traveline team and drivers,

Medhat and Wael, and our brilliant expert, Campbell. And of course, as always……