Gravity always wins …
As visitors to Egypt have long already noticed, the Ancient Egyptians seem to be ageless. The pictures that line their tombs rarely show a line marring a youthful face, or a grey hair …
Honey – sweetening life throughout history
Although honey was in use as a sweetener from earliest times in Ancient Egypt. portrayals of bee-keeping and collecting honey are rare. However, one of these scarce depictions can be seen in the Tomb of Pabasa in West Thebes (Luxor). Honey is still harvested in many areas of Egypt today. The very finest is said…
Stop – it’s Ramadan! Part Three: Fasting Turns Into Feasting
A wonderful thing you see on the streets here at breakfast time during Ramadan are rows of tables set out every day, for people to come and eat their break-fast or ‘iftar’. Everyone can just go and join a table, and people eat together for free – all is donated by the businesses hosting this.…
Stop – it’s Ramadan! Part Two: Fasting For The Poor
Ramadan was ordained in the Koran and as such, is a duty for every Muslim who is old enough and healthy enough. Some people are exempt from fasting: for example, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with illnesses like diabetes that do not allow fasting, etc. Islam is a very practical religion like that, and does…
Stop – it’s Ramadan! Part One: Fasting and Family
One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar is the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it has a huge impact on all of society. Working hours and opening times of shops and sites are adjusted, and families and communities draw together…
Bedew your body with that which is innermost in the Sea of Truth
Alcohol in the workplace? In ancient Egypt? Incredible! …Or is it? Find out for certain on a visit to the Tomb of Userhat in West Thebes (Luxor), where one look at the faces of the workers depicted in the wine cellar will explain everything.
Drama on the Nile
Our gaze falls on a nymph encased in a glass coffin, secluded from view in a grotto. This is the resting-place of Isadora, who died far too young by drowning while crossing the Nile. Captured by the river nymphs, she became one herself – at least, according to the Greek epigrams placed by her grieving…
The Place of the Dead – Zawjet el-Meitin (Saujet el-Meitin, زاوية الميتين)
This fascinating “place of the dead” is the necropolis of the ancient town of Hebenu, which was inhabited from the early pharaonic era until Roman times. During the Third or Fourth Dynasty a small step pyramid was built here; like the other provincial pyramids, it was simply for purposes of representation and was never intended…
Art on the River
On our Dahabeeya Abundance, we like to immerse our guests in beauty and style as they enjoy the luxury only a voyage on a dahabeeya can give. One of the ways we love to do this is by displaying original artworks in our salon – we call it “Art on the River”. As a kind…
El-Minia – Hollywood at the Nile
El Minya is probably the most irresistible and charming town in all of Central Egypt. It’s full of people ready to welcome visitors with openness, friendliness and curiosity – no prejudice or ulterior motives here! El Minya is home to one of Egypt’s most beautiful riverbank promenades, the perfect place for a stroll. But it’s…
Unknown Egypt – The Rock Tombs of Meir
The Rock Tombs of Meir are among the hidden highlights of Central Egypt, with their naturalistic portrayals of daily life. But groups of international visitors rarely stray to this necropolis, which lies on an ancient caravan route through the province of Asyut. A pity – because these tombs of provincial governors contain many spectacular reliefs…
Captain Mohamed Sails the Nile
As we leave the shaded medieval alleys and magnificent Temple of Khnum in Esna behind us, Captain Mohamed unfurls the splendid sails of the Dahabeeya Abundance. Dahabeeyas need to be pulled by a strong tugboat when there is no wind. Captain Mohamed though is a traditionalist and a passionate sailor. He loves nothing better than…
The private tombs on the West Bank of (Luxor) – Time capsules that reveal the past
Even after more than 3000 years, the frescos in the tombs of the high-ranking Egyptians still glow as colorfully as ever. However, in contrast to the paintings in the far better-known tombs of the Valley of the Kings, these depict not only scenes from the afterlife, but also – and, indeed, principally – daily life…
Fairytale Setting Straight Out Of The Arabian Nights
Middle Egypt offers a fairytale setting straight out of the Arabian Nights, with spectacular temples and tombs from the era of the Pharaohs and stunning monasteries and churches from the earliest days of Christianity. These are some of the stunning sights on our cruise from Luxor to El Minya: Don't miss this rare opportunity! Book…
Exploring Egypt’s Secrets – In Style
Aboard our elegant dahabiya ABUNDANCE, we leave the beaten track and crowds of tourists behind and strike out from Luxor to El Minya in Middle Egypt, following the footsteps of earlier explorers and adventurers. Middle Egypt offers a fairytale setting straight out of the Arabian Nights, with spectacular temples and tombs from the era of…
Esna – Step Back Into Time
After our first taste of the dreamy luxury of sailing on the Nile from Luxor on the beautiful Dahabeeyah Abundance, we pass through the powerful locks that regulate the strong flow of our eternal River Nile at Esna. There, we disembark for our first stop on our magical journey up the Nile.