While Cairo is hectic and home to the iconic pyramids and Luxor is steeped in ancient history, Aswan in Egypt’s south offers Uniworld passengers time to experience the Nile from different perspectives.
In fact Aswan is one of Alice Ager’s, Uniworld’s md ANZ, favourite places in Egypt. “Located on a beautifully wide section of the Nile, the scenery is magical,” she says. “There are many cataracts or rocky rapids and granite outcrops in the river that make the area very special.” The Uniworld itinerary includes a traditional felucca boat ride, complete with the so-called Nile pirates (enterprising youngsters who paddle alongside the feluccas to serenade passengers). It’s a great chance to soak in the Nile at a different pace.
There’s also an included sunset high tea experience at the Old Cataract Hotel which was a trip highlight for a number of the Kiwi consultants, and Uniworld’s Alka Thappar, (pictured above).
Located on the banks of the Nile, it’s known as the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. But it’s also set on a busy stretch of the river, laden with felucca, a view that is straight out of a movie set. It was such a magical setting that it even inspired a marriage proposal for an Aussie couple on the trip!
. . . More Options
Aswan is close to the border of Sudan and is the home of the Nubian indigenous people and their painted houses along the Nile.
Uniworld passengers also have the option to visit a Nubian village, go sandboarding, or take a swim in the Nile or while in Aswan.
(Pictured:) Swimming in the Nile are Bev Ellice from Helloworld Strandon, xtravel’s Tori Keating, Ryder Dominey from Travel Today and Uniworld md ANZ Alice Ager.
