Travel
I went on a Nile River cruise like Agatha Christie — here is what no person tells you
Drifting 1,500ft above Luxor’s lunar-like streets, I knew this sizzling air balloon trip was an expertise that may be onerous to beat.
It was calming to look down on the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Rameses III with out the hum of a airplane’s engine in my ears, the tranquility interrupted solely by the roar of flames as our pilot Mahmoud adjusted our top.
This was my closing tour earlier than flying house after a week-long journey down the River Nile, a visit that felt many years within the making due to my lifelong obsession with historic Egypt.
The draw back to this dream, nevertheless, was that I might be staying on a ship.
Earlier than this, essentially the most crusing I had ever executed was crossing the English Channel on a college journey to France.
I feared relentless movement illness, being pressured to participate in cringeworthy leisure, feeling alienated because the youngest particular person for miles, and worst of all, being caught with horrible vegetarian choices.
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But it surely solely took a number of hours on TUI’s new five-star Al Horeya to understand my fears had been unfounded. Dare I say, I’d even be a cruise convert.
A welcome revelation
The Al Horeya, that means freedom, is the newest providing from TUI River Cruises.
Crusing for the primary time in late 2024, it’s designed for Brits who need to take the guesswork out of exploring the Nile and its historic websites. Flights and excursions are included.
The primary a part of the Legends of the Nile itinerary that took me abruptly was that it didn’t contain a lot crusing.
In whole, the ship sails for round 74 miles (120km), from the historic metropolis of Luxor to historic Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo earlier than returning to Luxor once more.
We spent most nights docked, and though the 2 in a single day voyages could possibly be noisy, from the engine hum to the clacking sound of passing via the Esna Lock, I didn’t lose a lot sleep after getting settled into my cabin.
Gone had been my fears of being shut up in a darkish room with a porthole for a window. As an alternative, I stayed in a compact however snug third-deck cabin with a French balcony.
Whereas it was a case of luck whether or not the doorways opened onto the river or the dock, most of the time, I used to be capable of sit and watch the solar rise over the water whereas making use of sunscreen for the day forward.
The ensuite lavatory, whereas a little bit of a good squeeze, had a bathe with the choice of a rainfall head — a good way to unwind after a day of exploring.
Excursions or sunbathing
As an historic Egypt obsessive, I didn’t need to spend my journey on solar loungers, however there are many individuals who aren’t as fanatical about Khonsu and Hathor as I’m.
Every Al Horeya crusing consists of two excursions – the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Kom Ombo Temple – and so they’re each price going to.
The Temple of Horus is extremely effectively preserved, providing a snapshot of how it could have appeared 1000’s of years in the past, whereas the Kom Ombo go to after dusk had a unbelievable ambiance. Hardly anybody was there, which made for excellent photos.
In case your precedence is winter sun, it’s straightforward to go away the excursions at that and spend the remainder of your journey on the solar deck, basking in 20-25°C solar beneath cloudless blue skies and having fun with the all-inclusive drinks.
However if you wish to see extra wonders of the traditional world, reserving some further excursions is effectively well worth the cash.
Every tour was fascinating and gave us a digestible snapshot of 1000’s of years of Egyptian historical past.
6 issues I want I might recognized earlier than I travelled to Egypt
- Some excursions embrace visiting non secular websites and it’s really useful ladies cowl their shoulders and midriffs.
- For those who’re a lady with seen tattoos you’ll obtain stares and feedback.
- There can be locals at temples providing to take photos or educate you about a facet of historical past. They are going to count on a tip.
- Coming into and exiting points of interest usually entails operating the gauntlet of pushy distributors making an attempt to promote souvenirs. Eye contact is seen as provocative, so look straight forward and politely shake your head or say no.
- You’ll usually must pay to make use of the bogs throughout excursions, and so they’re not at all times in finest situation, so take tissues and hand sanitiser.
- It may be onerous to pay money for Egyptian Kilos within the UK, however a lot of locations settle for US {Dollars} or take card funds.
On our first full day, we went to the Valley of the Kings and noticed the mother of Tutankhamen in his vacuum-sealed field. It was an actual pinch your self second, realising this boy – as he was solely 19 when he died – has laid on this tomb for greater than 3,300 years.
At Abydos Temple we noticed the one recognized carving of Queen Cleopatra, one in every of Egypt’s best-known historic figures.
There was no hint of her popularity as a femme fatale; as a substitute she shook a set of maracas for Hathor, the goddess of music, love, and sweetness.
And in Kom Ombo we noticed dozens of mummified crocodiles, which had been extremely effectively sorted in life as a part of the monks’ worship of Sobek, the crocodile god.
Conventional Egyptian delicacies
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a mixture of conventional Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes alongside traditional British fare.
I beloved ordering a made-to-order cheese omelette at breakfast, watching the chef prepare dinner it and taking notes on his method.
Mixed with lightly-spiced Egyptian fava beans, herb-roasted potatoes and tacky courgette toast, I at all times had loads of vitality for the day forward.
Lunches often featured complete fish or grilled meats, flavourful rice and aspect dishes together with vegetable tagine – wealthy tomato-based stews – or baba ganoush, an aubergine-based dip served with herby flatbreads.
Felucca, the top-deck restaurant that seats 30 per night time, served a five-course menu that gave us a real style of Egypt, from richly spiced lentil soup to a baked pastry-based dessert not dissimilar from bread and butter pudding.
The magic of Egypt
Regardless of spending most of my downtime on the ship, it was straightforward to really feel immersed in Egypt’s tradition and historical past through the cruise.
Having two certified Egyptologists on board always meant we might ask questions on all sides of life, from Cleopatra’s reign to fashionable Egyptian politics.
The British have been fascinated by Egypt for hundreds of years, a lot in order that explorers introduced relics and mummies again with them to reside in our museums.
Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, instructed me why she thinks our curiosity in Egyptology has stood the check of time.
‘On the subject of Egyptology and historic Egypt, human curiosity piques as a result of curiosity of centuries of thriller, grandeur and cultural significance the nation has preserved,’ she mentioned.
‘Now we have curated a spread of excursions that enables prospects to expertise the temples that maintain centuries of tales, corresponding to Abu Simbel Temples and Valley of the Kings with ease.
‘For the extra cultural experiences, now we have immersive excursions that enables prospects to find new and thrilling items of Egypt such because the Nubian Village Tour.
‘With the richness of historical past and tradition which is so completely different to the UK, the awe of Egypt alone has made it final the check of time of being a rustic which has a lot to supply.’
I left Egypt feeling awestruck and very fortunate, but in addition like I might return subsequent week.
With a lot to see, do, and study, there are such a lot of prospects to actually immerse your self in Egypt’s intriguing historical past.
And if I’m ever fortunate sufficient to go to Egypt once more, I’m sure I’ll set sail on a Nile river cruise once more.
TUI Al Horeya – the whole lot that you must know
The ship
The Al Horeya launched and set sail on its maiden voyage in November 2024 – the primary ship TUI has launched outdoors of Europe for its river cruise choices.
The ship accommodates 141 passengers and gives 72 cabins together with singles, commonplace cabins and suites. The ship is adults-only.
The highest deck is house to a plunge pool and two sizzling tubs by day, and by night time the al fresco eating house, Felucca, involves life. There’s additionally a bar on the highest deck serving drinks across the clock.
On the third deck is the Observatory, the lounge bar the place night leisure is hosted. On-board entertainers carry out reside music, however the ship additionally has visits from conventional Nubian and whirling dervishes acts.
Plus, there are two certified Egyptologists on board all through the crusing, to information you thru excursions and host talks.
The decrease deck is house to Lazeeza, the principle restaurant and eating room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast and lunch are buffets with some gadgets, corresponding to omelettes, made to order. Throughout dinner, starters and desserts are self-serve however foremost programs are ordered through desk service.
The excursions
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Nile boat journey – from £94
- Karnak and Luxor Temples and Sphinx Avenue – from £56
- Expertise Luxor by sizzling air balloon – from £89
- Temple of Horus guided tour – free for all passengers
- Kom Ombo temple tour – free for all passengers
- Tour of the Excessive Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple – from £74
- Nubian village tour and boat journey in Aswan – from £29
- Tour of the temples of Dendera and Abydos – from £115
Different excursions can be found. Non-public excursions will also be booked at a better worth. To e book excursions on your river cruise, click here.
Katie Boyden was a visitor on a seven-night Legends of the Nile crusing on the TUI River Cruises new ship, Al Horeya.
A seven-night cruise begins from £1,799 per particular person, together with flights between London Gatwick or Manchester Airport into Luxor. Foods and drinks is all-inclusive besides between midnight and 8am, when prices apply. TUI Al Horeya sails between November and April every year.
This text was initially printed on 23 February 2025 and has been up to date.
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Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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