By Hank Schrader, USMA ‘71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
www.dreamdestinations.com
This is the second part of our 2021 Egypt Secrets of the Nile River cruise on AmaWaterways. I would recommend you go back and read, Part one again, as I added a lot of detail that was missing to explain the pictures
Day 7 Abu Simbel
Another early day—we flew to Abu Simbel in a short 30 minute flight. This is an optional tour that cost extra to see this awesome temple complex.
The Abu Simbel temples taken during our flight to the site by Denise Thomas
Located on the western bank of Lake Nassar (not the original site), this massive complex commemorates Ramesses II victory at the battle of Kadesh.
The entrance of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel with 4 statues of Ramassesseated on his throne wearing the double crown of upper and lower Egypt. The statues are 20 meters (66 feet tall)
Inside the temple.
Queen Nefertari Temple
These statues are 10 meters high. It is unusual that both Ramses and Nefertiti are the same height on the complex—it clearly show how much he respected his Queen.
High Tea at Old Cataract
The old Cataract is a 5 star historic luxury resort British era in Aswan located on the Nile River. Many famous persons have stayed here but it is probably most famous for Agatha Christie, who wrote portions of her novel Death on the Nile here during her stay.
Day 8
The day began with sailing.on the Nile
This is a felucca, a traditional sailing boat used on the Nile River.
Feluccas docked.
Philas Temple
The Philas Temple was built to honor the goddess Isis. The temple walls show Isis bringing Osiris back to life, giving birth to Horus and mummifying Osiris after his death.
The entrance to the temple.
This is the Kiosk of Trajan
Kom Ombo
This temple is dedicated to 2 deities—the crocodile-headed god, Sobek, and the falcon headed god, Horus.
Crocodile Museum
Day 9
We started the day in the morning sailing north. In the evening, we visited the Papayrus Institute to learn how they used the plants to make paper.
Dinner Meals
For dinner, just like lunch there are 10 choices. Each is numbered and you will have an appetizer, a soup, the main course and dessert. The meals were generally very good but not high end dining.
Egyptian wines are featured and are only fair. Imported wine and liquor have at least a 100% Egyptian tax and the small wine list has unbelievable prices—one was 8.300 Egyptian pounds (about $528) for bottle of wine that would go for around $30 in the US
Dinner Choices
Pecan crusted Chicken main course.
An elegant desert
Al Fresco Chef’s Table
The menu is more extensive here and not a tasting menu like in Europe on other AmaWaterways cruises. The food was very good.
The main course at the Chef’s Table,
A birthday celebration with Mark and the birthday girl Denise.
Day 10
Dendera Temple
Due to low water on the Nile, we had to take 2 hour bus ride to the temple. It was worth the drive. Dendera Temple is actually 3 temples, but the main temple is Hathor Temple.
The main temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and beauty. The main temple was built by Ptolemy XII and completed by Queen Cleopatra VII from 54 to 20 BC.
Entrance to the Temple of Hathor
The ceiling in the Great Vestibule is a tribute to Newt, goddess of the sky.
Ornate inscribed columns.
Cleopatra and her son on the outside temple walls.
Day 11
Our day started early again, with a flight from Luxor to Cairo. We boarded our bus to visit the royal palace.
Abdeen Presidential Palace
We had a tour of the opulent palace and then had a farewell lunch.
Coptic Church Cairo
St. Mary’s Orthodox Church
We returned to the Four Seasons for a meal , a quick rest and then off at 2230 ride to airport for our 0130 red-eye flight to Frankfurt and then back to Houston.
Just before sunset, our friend Mark Thomas took this awesome picture of the Giza pyramids—great way to end!
My Final Thoughts
This is a unique chance to experience the best that Egypt has to offer.
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HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50+ years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
