Running down three countries and countless villages, the Nile’s banks once united a single, sprawling civilization. Within Egypt, the Nile currently winds down from the city of Luxor to Aswan, with multiple river boats making the journey in either direction several times a month. The preferred way to appreciate the snaking trails of the Nile is by climbing aboard either a luxury cruiser or traditional boats known as feluccas. Depending on the tour chosen, a whole host of tourist attractions can be visited along your journey. Be prepared to step into sanctuary after sanctuary of sandstone and clay, built to honor ancient Egyptian gods such as Horus and Sobek. Many of these are groundbreaking feats of architectural genius that have lasted droughts, famines and calamity to remain standing today.

The Aswan High Dam which was built to harness the hydropower of the Nile created Lake Nasser which is to this day still the world’s largest artificial man-made lake. It is also the site of the sun temple Abu Simbel. Manmade structures aren’t the only things to be seen along the Nile’s banks. Farmers and fishermen using traditional methods remain a mainstay as the Nile continues to provide for its people. Drifting towards Aswan, you will be greeted by palm trees crowning small islands within the river and granite stacks standing guard. Ceaselessly washing past the embankments and red soil by the desert, you can ride down the river of time as you explore the Nile’s plentiful waters.