A Dream Cruise on the Nile

In March we were able to realize a life-long dream of a trip to Egypt! As long as we can remember dreaming anything, it has been to see the pyramids and the temples and the Nile! We flew to Cairo and then on to Aswan, where we boarded the SS Karim. Built in 1917 for then-King Fuad, she is the last steam paddlewheeler on the Nile. We traveled for a week in real luxury, reminiscent of that seen in the 1978 Peter Ustinov movie, "Death on the Nile," filmed on a similar ship. We docked in Luxor (ancient Thebes), Edfu, and Kom Ombo before returning to Aswan. Luxor is famed for its temples of Luxor and Karnak, with their incredible halls of columns. The Temple of Luxor by night.

We sailed "down the Nile" (south toward the Mediterranean) and then back "up the Nile" (south or down on our maps) You'd be surprised how confusing that can be!

The Nile is surprisingly clear and blue and very charming. Here's a lovely little village on its banks, looking probably as it has for centuries

The beautiful ancient art adorning the walls at Abydos, the colors unretouched for thousands of years! Back in Aswan area we visited this beautiful Temple of Isis on the small island of Philae in the Nile.
Our last night aboard the Karim we had a costume party, with all dressing up in their Egyptian garb bought after patient haggling with the local merchants. Lots of fun! Everyone was totally surprised when two of us, both named "Roger", walked in dressed in identical "galabeas"! (We didn't realize the color difference until looking through our pictures the next day.)

Before leaving Aswan we flew to Abu Simbel to visit this large temple of Ramses II. It was wonderful! We spent our last few days in Cairo itself, visiting the bazaar, the Great Pyramids and Sphynx.

One cannot realize the enormity of these structures from pictures; simply impossible. Really wish you could have been here with us.

Unsolicited ad:

We nearly always travel on our own, but this trip was arranged by Ken McFarland, who specializes in special (one might say "boutique") tours that typically are small in number and cater to individuals who enjoy walking and seeing the out-of-the-way spots of the world. He tries very hard to give his clients top value for their money, and we recommend him highly and without reservation (though you'll need reservations; he sells out quickly.) That was a joke!