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.…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
