Whilst the Nile passes through many countries as it snakes north through the desert and up to the Mediterranean Sea, it is the northern section of the Nile that lies in Egypt that has become world famous. Since ancient times the people of Egypt have relied on the Nile to provide them with water and fertile land on which to grow crops for food and trade. It is no coincidence then that the vast majority of Egypt`s population still resides along the banks of the Nile today. In fact Egypt is so centred around the river flowing through it that Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as “the gift of the Nile”.

Interestingly the Nile has not just proved to be very important in a practical sense, but has also played a central role in the spiritual beliefs of ancient Egyptians. Every year the Nile floods leaving the soil on its banks extremely fertile and the ancient Egyptians believed the God Hapy, along with the pharaoh, was responsible for this beneficial flooding. The ancient Egyptians also believed that their beloved Nile was a channel from life to death and then on to the afterlife, with the east banks representing birth and life and the west banks representing death. Therefore all of the famous tombs are located on the west banks of the Nile, as it was believed that in order to reach the afterlife your final resting place must be on the side of the Nile that represented passing over.

Unsurprisingly then the Nile is – and has been for many years – shrouded in a sense of history and mysticism, which over the years has attracted thousands of people to explore it. One of the best ways to explore all that Egypt and the Nile have to offer is by taking a cruise down the river, as not only will to be afforded perhaps the best view of Egypt possible, but most of the most interesting sights are located along the river`s banks.

On the west bank and across the river from Luxor is the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, perhaps the most magnificent of all Egypt`s splendours. These are limestone valleys where mummified bodies of many Egyptians pharaohs were laid to rest and those on a cruise should stop off to see the mummified body of the famous Tutankhamun and the stunning tombs of Nefertiti, the most beloved wife of Ramases II. Near these valleys is the Temple of Luxor, which was built in approximately 1400 BC and is often considered the most beautiful temple in Egypt. Visitors here are usually surprised by the temple`s size as it once housed an entire village – as well as the still present columns, statues, friezes and obelisks – within its walls. Other sights along the Nile that should not be missed include Karnak Temple, The Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Unfinished Obelisk.

Most visitors to Egypt get there by air and there are regular flights from airports all across the UK landing in Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada. Once you arrive in Egypt there is a huge variety of places to stay depending on what you want from your holiday, including beach-side resorts and even a few nights on a Nile cruise. Many visitors find the best way to explore lots of the country is to combine to accommodation options, perhaps going for a cruise down the Nile for a few night, followed by cheap holidays in Sharm El Sheikh.

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Episode One (12 April, 9pm on ITV1) sees Joanna exploring some of Egypt’s most iconic sites. Starting in Alexandria, once home to Cleopatra, the intrepid presenter then heads south to Cairo, visits Giza’s Great Pyramids and travels onwards along the banks of the Nile to Luxor and Aswan.

Specialist tour operator, Voyages Jules Verne, offers an extensive range of Egyptian options, including:

• A Few Days at the Pyramids: Enjoy a four-night stay at the five-star Mövenpick Cairo Pyramids hotel that includes a day’s city sightseeing, visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids and Great Sphinx, amongst others, and a private evening sailing on the Nile by felucca. Price is from £727 pp*.

• Pyramids & the Nile: Combine a short stay in Cairo with a four-night Nile cruise on this week-long itinerary where sightseeing highlights such as the temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Aswan await. Price is from £995 pp*.

• Royal Egypt: Live like an Egyptian king or queen on this spectacular 14-night itinerary that encompasses Alexandria, Cairo and Luxor (including a private evening reception at Luxor Temple) as well as a seven-night cruise on the SS Misr, an historic vessel described as the ‘most luxurious steamship on the Nile’. Price is from £2,695 pp*.

• The Alternative Nile: Of particular interest to the returning traveller and new for 2010, this seven-night tour journeys to lesser-visited sites along the Nile. Thanks to recent changes in Egyptian regulations, it’s now possible to access ancient treasures – such as Esna Temple, Gebel el-Silsila, the temple of Horemhep, the Valley & Tombs of the Nobles, and the temples at Adydos and Denderah – in the company of an Egyptologist. Accommodation is on the luxurious SS Misr steamship (see above). Price is from £1,695 pp.

*According to the itinerary selected, prices include air travel and taxes, transportation, accommodation, some meals, a sightseeing programme and the services of guides and local representatives. Prices are based on two people sharing.

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European Rail, the UK’s largest independent rail ticketing and holidays company, has announced a new partnership with luxury river cruise operator, Amadeus Waterways, to provide wonderfully airport- and aircraft-free rail-to-river packages that depart from London to destinations throughout Europe. To celebrate, they have put together two specially priced and limited availability Christmas season dates on the Rhine and Mosel rivers between Amsterdam and  Germany’s oldest city, Trier.

Departing via high-speed Eurostar from London’s magnificently restored St. Pancras station, each 8 day trip combines the comfort, convenience and security of rail travel with the elegance of Amadeus’s unusually spacious river vessels. Travellers have departure options of 23 November with the cruise starting from Amsterdam, or 30 November and 14 December starting from Trier.

Both packages include return standard-class rail travel, a category E ‘Piano deck’ outside cabin on the Amadeus ship ‘Amadagio’, a generous selection of sightseeing tours, and all port charges and supplements. Prices start at £981 per person, with upgrades to first-class rail travel available from just £158 with complimentary meals or refreshments on high-speed train services. Cabin upgrades, including junior suites, and various other cruise options are available on request.

For bookings or more details, call 020 7619 1080 or email holidays@europeanrail.com.

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