When you think of the Nile you think of ancient civilisations, Pyramids, Pharaohs and Poirot! It evokes memories of a time gone by, romantic nights and thrilling ancient temples and sights. Cruising the Nile has been a popular trip since the explorers and travellers of the 19th century and luxurious days and a gentile lifestyle were made even more famous by Agatha Christie when she wrote her book, “Death on the Nile”.
It is possible to recreate this picture and experience a truly authentic yet luxurious Nile cruise. Forget the big white Nile cruisers that look out-of-place and have no soul and step back in time aboard a traditional Dahabiya.
Famous travellers such as Amelia Edwards, Florence Nightingale and Howard Carter all travelled aboard the traditional wooden sailing boats called Dahabiyas. A true Dahabiya is completely hand-built by local craftsmen and reflects a bygone age from their polished wooden floors to the handmade furniture and plush comfortable cabins. With only six cabins, service and comfort are the order of the day on these amazing boats.
Be prepared to be completely immersed in luxury with exotic fruit cocktails, traditional Egyptian cuisine made by your personal chef, bed linen to die for alongside visiting some of the most amazing sites in the world.
The best Dahaybia operators make sure that all their guests are accompanied by a degree qualified Egyptologist guide. Ensuring that you get not only the best tours at the temples but can spend time on-board reliving the day and asking all the questions that come to mind as you dwell on the incredible sights you have seen.
Of course no Nile cruise is complete without a visit to the major sites and a Dahabiya cruise will take you to these sites, as well as lessor known ones only accessible to Dahabiyas such as El Kab. This is one of the many things that really separate Dahabiya cruises from all others.
In between visiting the Valley of the Kings and temples such as Karnak and Edfu the Dahabiya sails gently down the Nile. A true Dahabiya has no engine which means no deep constant rumble of an engine and exhaust gases when you are on deck, but more importantly it means you really become part of everything around you. From the sparse desert in the distance to the lush palm trees at the water’s edge, diverse bird life to happy children swimming or calling out for sweets and treats.
Dahaybias are the height of luxury travel, not only in Egypt but the world, after all what else would you expect some of the most famous travellers in history to sail in?
Author: Written by Linda Velcic, director of Explore Travel and Cruises, the sole owners and operators of the Dahabiya ‘Dream’.
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