Discover the stories behind the prints from the House Of The Sun collection and join Founder & Creative Director Camilla Franks for an inspiring journey hosted by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
I’ve always felt connected to Egypt... a place with such a deep sense of spirituality, passion and purpose. The unique history and culture in this part of the world has inspired everything from architecture to fashion. I always imagined myself exploring this faraway land. Pictures of the desert landscape drew me in. What a breathtaking panorama of sand, fire, water, gold and light.
The chance to experience it all for real came when our friends at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, reached out with the opportunity for a luxury voyage down the Nile. An adventure that would be etched into my soul forever.
I stepped on board the S.S. Sphinx for a 12 day encounter called The Splendors of Egypt and the Nile run by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, knowing that inspiration was sure to spark.
UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY:
Day 5 – Luxor, Crusing the Nile River, Kom Ombo
Hot Air Balloon tour starts at dawn from ship,
Visit to Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the Kings.
Day 6 - Kom Ombo and Cruising the Nile River,
Excursion to Kom Ombo Temple followed by a bird-watching excursion along the banks of the Nile.
Day 7 & 8 - Aswan
An epic couple of days packed with the wonders of Aswan, cruising the Nile River and Edfu.
Day 9 & 10- Esna, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor
Trips to the incredible Temple of Esna and Temple of Khnum with the Egyptologist guide followed by a magical experience of the Nile’s majestic scenery as the ship cruises to Luxor.
ENTERING VALLEY OF THE KINGS
After a sunrise hot air balloon flight overlooking the Valley of the Queens and Kings (big entry in the gratitude journal, read more about that in my first travel guide here) we floated back down to sandy dunes.
A more up close experience was in store, though, as Saleh, our dedicated Egyptologist for the tour, took me into these sacred, royal, resting places drenched in splendour.
SACRED SECRETS AND SPIRITUALITY
The tomb of Pharaoh Ramesses IX is one of many nestled within The Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Walls bathed in scintillating shades feature hieroglyphs that immediately pique your curiosity.
Tales of the Pharaoh’s reign are exquisitely illustrated over walls and ceilings, along with glorious drawings of the gods escorting him on a safe journey into the afterlife.
In contrast, Tutankhamun has a much smaller tomb. A snug entrance bends around into his burial chamber. This sacred spot is surrounded by a fresco of 12 baboons, representing the 12 hours of night and day and the young pharaoh, who only lived to be 19, is pictured connecting with the gods.
The colours that surrounded us, a spectrum of golds and a divine, dusty pink, were made by the Egyptians by grinding stones and flowers together. I knew right away I wanted to pay tribute to this process and started dreaming up my Valley Of The Kings , Kingdom Of Hieroglyphs and Gateway To The Afterlife prints.
The colours that surrounded us, a spectrum of golds and a divine, dusty pink, were made by the Egyptians by grinding stones and flowers together. I knew right away I wanted to pay tribute to this process and started dreaming up my Valley Of The Kings , Kingdom Of Hieroglyphs and Gateway To The Afterlife prints.
I was a bit wistful when I kissed this experience goodbye, but Saleh smiled reassuringly, saying there were more adventures ahead… and how right he was.
CRAFT YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
UNIWORLD gives you the opportunity to tailor your trip, so we headed off itinerary to explore the Nubian Village in Aswan. Any lovers of colour, self-expression, markets and magic will be as at home as I was. Houses, buildings, cafés – even just the streets – are awash with the most vivid colours imaginable.
UNIWORLD gives you the opportunity to tailor your trip, so we headed off itinerary to explore the Nubian Village in Aswan. Any lovers of colour, self-expression, markets and magic will be as at home as I was. Houses, buildings, cafés – even just the streets – are awash with the most vivid colours imaginable.
People living here believe your house should reflect your personality, so the town is bright with kaleidoscopes and rainbows, multi coloured stairwells, and quirky artwork.
Crescent moons meet with paintings of palm trees, animals and oases, in homes and restaurants built from mud. I felt like I had been transported into a picture-perfect daydream.
The bustling markets are alive with characters. Locals sell spices, scarves, cushions, jewellery and even medicine. This spellbinding village lent me a twinkle of its magic and became the inspiration behind my Rainbow Roads, Living In Colour, Aswan Abstract, A Painted Village, Nubian Nights and Nubian Wonderland prints, which will be released later in the year!
As this chapter of my life journey came to a close, and I wheeled my luggage to the waiting car, my heart felt wistful but full.
To the beautiful souls of Egypt, here in the present, from past and in the afterlife, thank you.
You taught me so very much.
You taught me so very much.
Travel has always been my muse and this journey, facilitated by luxury boutique river cruise provider Uniworld, allowed me to do what I do best. These wonderful friends at Uniworld have even kindly provided a unique offer for you all.
