From the Pyramids to Abu Simbel

For the first British travellers to cruise the Nile the climax was the approach across water to the rock temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt’s most southerly landmark. In those leisurely times a Nile cruise commenced at Cairo, allowing time for ‘relaxation, reading and the art of conversation’ before reaching the most important sites. Since then the Aswan dams have created Lake Nasser, preventing the movement of the Nile cruise vessels south of Aswan, but this itinerary combines internal flights with a Nile and Lake Nasser cruise to replicate the original routing. The traveller to Egypt will be absorbed by the rich symbolism that adorns the walls and pillars of every tomb and temple that is visited, whether it be the Pyramids at Giza, sailing on the Nile and cruising Lake Nasser.

As the Nile flows through Lake Nasser, the desert imposes itself on the terrain as vegetation and habitation dwindles leaving a stark landscape where monuments of antiquity stand in splendid isolation. The modern face of tourism is left behind as access to these remote sites is by small tender or on foot. To impress the power of Egypt upon the traveller reaching Abu Simbel from the desert to the south, Ramses II constructed two majestic temples fronted by colossal statues of himself.

To appreciate the full majesty of this most evocative of ancient Egyptian sights, we recommend the approach by water, which allows for a longer stay than the usual brief visit. At first light the temple exterior takes on a reddish hue with ever-changing colours throughout the day and modern technology later reveals the evening Sound & Light performance to dramatic effect.The Pyramids at Memphis housed the tombs of the pharaohs (with the step pyramid of Saqqara believed to be the first large stone construction by man) whilst at Thebes, following the plundering of early tomb robbers the Valley of the Kings was their more discrete but equally impressive necropolis. In the 1920s, Howard Carter announced the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, whose treasures lie in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum along with the important artefacts of the nation’s history. Smaller museums in Luxor and Aswan also shed light on this unique culture, the latter revealing the story of the saving of the Nubian monuments before the building of the High Dam.

VJV Exclusive Event - Luxor Temple Reception
Those who rediscovered ancient Egypt in the 18th and 19th centuries enjoyed magical overnight stays and this has prompted us to arrange private evening access to the Luxor Temple, enhanced by striking illumination, to savour the unique night-time atmosphere. A private reception has been arranged at the temple exclusively for the guests of Voyages Jules Verne. Enjoy a cocktail served by staff in pharaonic uniform at the illuminated Luxor Temple before strolling through the temple unimpeded by other visitors. A recording of Verdi’s Aida, once staged in the temple, will provide a musical background to the occasion and local musicians will play the Egyptian ‘takht’ music.