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and tests. Due to the cost of the entry ticket (about $95) and a time
limit of 10 minutes a person, fewer tourists flock to this lavish lair, so
it's worth the detour.
Arriving in Aswan, some passengers take the option of a day trip to
Abu Simel. Originally cut into a mountainside, these twin temples were
dismantled in 1964 and reassembled, piece by piece, in a less flood-
prone location. The UNESCO-led project rescued the complex from
the Nile's rising waters and made way for the Aswan High Dam. Other
guests spend the day visiting the dam before sailing down the river on a
traditional felucca.
To travel back in time, cruise passengers need only observe the passing
sights of the Nile, which continues to support communities along its
fertile banks. Farmers and fishermen carry on the daily grind, while
children play in the water and wave at boats.
Date palms line the shores, like the idyllic scene of a tropical island.
Beyond the rich soil is the Sahara, with mountains rising in the south
and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The ever-changing view is best
enjoyed from the stern of the Viking Osiris, with feet dangling in the
pool, or in a lounge on the sun deck.
One morning, vendors in rowboats appear alongside our slowly
sailing ship to sell scarves, beach towels and tablecloths. Much to
our amusement, they throw us their goods with the precision of
professional American footballers. Passengers catch the items, haggle
on the price, and then place cash in a plastic bag to toss back down.
Another fun event is the Egyptian night, when we dress up and dine
on a banquet of local cuisine and wines before a performance by
Nubian dancers.
At the end of the week, the Viking Osiris returns to Luxor for our flight
back to Cairo, where we see the exhibition of royal mummies at the
National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.
Pharaohs and wives are displayed in an underground hall, with X-rays
showing what lies beneath their wrappings. Despite these advances
in technology, archaeology and restoration, so many of Egypt's secrets
remain shrouded in mystery–much like the unsolved case of the
random kangaroo. Viking has operated Nile voyages since 2004, but the
new 82-passenger Viking Osiris is the first Egypt-based ship owned and
operated by the company. Suites have balconies, queen beds, walk-in
wardrobes, living rooms and bathrooms with showers and bathtubs.
Mediterranean
Sea
Red
Sea
Cairo
Qena
Luxor
Edfu
Esna
Aswan
Kom Ombo
Petra
Amman
Jerusalem
Bethlehem
Dead
Sea
NILE
–
C r ui s e
•
–
•
A ir
••
O ve r night in Po r t
JORDAN
ISRAEL
EGYPT
P H A R A O H S & P Y R A M I D S
Roundtrip, Cairo
12 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 11 GUIDED TOURS
VIEW
VOYAGE
Luxor Temple
Atrium, Viking Aton
