What are the must-see historical sites on a cruise in Egypt?

Egypt boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage, and there are certain sights you won’t want to miss during your cruise.

The Giza Plateau

Famous for its pyramids and Sphinx, the Giza Plateau is the face of Egypt. There, you can explore the massive Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as its guardian, the Sphinx of Giza.

The Valley of the Kings

You can’t visit Luxor without seeing the Valley of the Kings. This vast necropolis is home to more than 60 tombs, including those of iconic Egyptian pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, and Seti I.

The Temple of Hatshepsut

Another must-see destination on the outskirts of Luxor is the Temple of Hatshepsut. This place of worship, built by one of the few female pharaohs in Egyptian history, is unlike any other, distinguished by its unique architecture, massive columns, and three terraces.

The Temple of Karnak

The final major site near Luxor is the Temple of Karnak, dedicated to the worshipof Amun-Re. Visiting Karnak means exploring the largest religious complex of Ancient Egypt and discovering its hieroglyphs, its forty ram-headed sphinxes, and its obelisk.

The Temple of Edfu

Long buried and preserved beneath the sand, the Temple of Edfu is one of the Egyptian temples that has suffered the least from the ravages of time. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, every decoration in the temple recounts Horus’s victory over Seth, the god of the desert.

The Temple of Kom Ombo

Located between Luxor and Aswan, the Double Temple of Kom Ombo is a must-see. Dedicated to bothHorus and Sobek, the crocodile god, every aspect of the Temple of Kom Ombo is designed with symmetry and duality in mind, to best honor two of the most revered gods of the ancient Egyptians.

The Temple of Philae

In Aswan, this religious building, constructed in honorof Isis, the goddess of children and magic, is nestled onthe island of Philae, in the middle of the Nile. Its architecture, situated at the crossroads of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures, is impressive at every turn, with its grand columns.

Abu Simbel

Ending your trip without visiting Abu Simbel means missing out on one of Egypt’s most impressive monuments. Built by Pharaoh Ramses II to celebrate his victory over the Hittite Empire at the Battle of Kadesh, the site is famous for its four gigantic statues of the pharaoh, as well as for the Temple of Nefertari.