A lovely Nile cruise on board a Dahabeya
On board a charming Dahabeya
Once in Luxor, it only takes a 10-minute drive to reach HMS Nile.
There in the background, three Dahabeyas can be seen gently bobbing in the water. On board, the drawing room-library and the six cabins of 12 m² are well furnished in Anglo-Egyptian style. This charming boat gives off a delightfully old-fashion atmosphere straight out of the world-famous Agatha Christie novels.
Cabins with elegant moucharabiehs
The upper deck or solarium is also elegantly furnished in 19th century-style. It makes a lovely place to have breakfast or a lunch buffet in complete privacy. Inside, an enfilade of three lovely moucharabiehs windows and a well-lit small bathroom tastefully and practically furnished with openings for ventilation.
An unhurried pace
Our Dahabeya, christened "El Bey", lands at different shore and stops at famous archaeological sites according to your whims.
Towering up in the distance, is the golden mountain of Thebes where Amenophis, Seti, Ramses, Horemheb and Nefertari are laid to their everlasting rest.
However, Medinet Habou, conceived of by Ramses III, has got to be the most pleasant and colourful temple of this Western bank, leaving us in a complete state of amazement some three thousand years later.
An enchanting itinerary from Horus to Kom Ombo
Soon the scenery changes from palm trees on the banks, to banana and sugar cane plantations. We can spot Edfu cropping up in the horizon. The Edfutemple of Horus, is indeed one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. The voyage continues, El Bey drops anchor for the night. The next day, the Ptolemaic temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek, the Egyptian crocodile god awaits us.
Charming Aswan
Upon arrival in Aswan, famous for its feluccas and their lateen sails, you will feel that time has come to a standstill here.
Sipping tea at the Old Cataract, and playing Agatha Christie heroines, gives you the experience of a lifetime. A word to the wise: it's best to avoid the most recent extension to the hotel with its modernism that is a bit out of place.
Comfortably seated with an Earl Grey, take time out to enjoy the view of the Elephantine Island. At sunset, the enchanting light illuminates the ruins of the temple and Mohammed Ali's marabout.
