Imagine waking up to the soulful call to prayer, the sky painted in dusty pink hues, as the serene Nile River unfolds before you. This isn’t just any morning; this is the start of a day in Egypt, a land where history breathes through its sands. My husband and I embarked on this luxurious journey, a blend of early mornings and timeless wonders, aboard a small cruise ship. Even for a night owl like me, these sunrises were pure magic, transforming me into an enthusiastic early riser, eagerly anticipating each new day in this ancient land.
In Egypt, the early risers don’t just catch the worm; they catch glimpses of a bygone era in solitude, wandering through temples and palaces before the crowds and heat descend. Despite the August warmth, our early starts allowed us to roam through age-old edifices like the Temple of Philae in peace, feeling like the only two people in a timeless world.
Egypt’s beauty lies in its rich history, almost overwhelming in its abundance. Our journey was a tapestry of such incredible experiences that it often felt surreal, as if we were privileged time travelers, stepping through eras with each footfall.
Our adventure started in Hurghada, a luxury resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, where we stayed at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh. This resort, designed like an Arabic palace, was a haven of relaxation, with its vast turquoise pool merging into the sea and our spacious room offering a private terrace and a sunken tub, setting the tone for our luxurious escapade.
However, our journey wasn’t without its hiccups. Traveling to Aswan via Cairo, we faced some challenges with our flights, but the allure of the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan made it all worthwhile. Arriving at midnight without our luggage, we were still captivated by the hotel’s historic charm, dating back to 1899. Its corridors, adorned with photographs of illustrious guests like Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, whispered tales of a bygone era.
Breakfast in the hotel’s 1902 restaurant, a filming location for the 1978 ‘Death on the Nile’ and Agatha Christie’s writing retreat, was like stepping into a scene from a classic movie. It set the stage for our own Nile adventure, albeit with less drama and more wonder.
Our voyage continued aboard The Oberoi Philae Luxury Nile Cruiser. As someone who typically avoids cruises, I found this experience refreshingly different. It felt more like a floating boutique hotel, intimate and elegant. Our suite was a dream, complete with intricate details and a bathroom overlooking the Nile.
The cruise offered sublime dining, a cozy cigar lounge, a beautiful ‘rooftop’ pool, and the warmth of making friends among the staff. Each day brought a new marvel: exploring Philae temple, marveling at Kom Ombo’s mummified crocodiles, wandering through the Temple of Edfu, and watching the sunset at Luxor temple. The tombs of the Pharaohs, the painted Book of the Dead, and the grandeur of Karnak temple left us in awe.
Our final morning at the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, a testament to one of Egypt’s greatest female rulers, was a poignant reminder of the layers of history we had encountered. From the shadows of legendary authors to the marks of ancient vandals, this journey was more than a vacation; it was a walk through history, wrapped in the luxury of modern comfort.
An Egyptian adventure like ours, curated by Audley Travel, isn’t just a trip. It’s an immersive experience in luxury, history, and wonder, a journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. For those seeking to explore Egypt in opulence, this is a voyage that promises to be as enriching as it is unforgettable.
