Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

Cairo

Upon your arrival in Cairo, you will meet an AmaWaterways representative who will aid you with your luggage, as well as the customs and immigration process. Afterwards, you will be taken to your hotel.

Cairo

Your day begins with a trip to the Egyptian Museum, home to 120,000 artefacts available for you to see, including a priceless collection of Pharaonic art comprised of ancient mummies, as well as treasures which belonged to Tutankhamen.

After, enjoy a lunch of both local and international delicacies. Following on, visit the Mosque of Muhammad, which resides atop the summit of the Citadel of Saladin’s courtyard. From the historic courtyard, bask in the panoramic views from the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Within the Mosque, take time to admire the resplendent interior. Afterwards, participate in the evening’s Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.

Cairo

Traverse the historic UNESCO-designated capital of Memphis, where many monuments reside, such as the Alabaster Sphinx, the gargantuan statue of Ramses II, and the necropolis of Sakkara – the renowned home of King Zoser’s step pyramid, the oldest pyramid in the world.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a palatial hotel – the historic Mena House – which resides in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza. Next, you’ll explore the Giza Complex – a site containing three ancient pyramids – and the Great Sphinx. The evening is yours to enjoy as you please.

Cairo

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be taken on an early afternoon flight to Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site residence to the breathtaking temples of Karnak and Luxor. Come aboard the AmaDahlia and begin the cruise of a lifetime. Before dinner, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail.

Luxor

Your day begins with a visit to the Valley of the Queens, wherein you will be granted exclusive access to the Tomb of Nefertari. Afterwards, visit the Valley of the Kings, home to the tomb of the elusive King Tutankhamen, the remains of whom will be on display for you to see. Next, discover the Temple of Hatshepsut located in Deir el-Bahri. Your adventure will conclude with a visit to the mighty statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III – the Colossi of Memnon. Once aboard the AmaDahlia again, relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Nile River or participate in an informal cooking class with the AmaDahlia’s chef.

Edfu

Visit the legendary preserved temple of Horus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest temple in Egypt. Built in 230 BC, the temple walls weave history, language and religion together with details from Egypt’s Greco-Roman period. After your Edfu visit, relax aboard the AmaDahlia and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Nile River as you continue your journey to Aswan.

Aswan

Enjoy your morning leisure time or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (this must be pre-booked). If you bought the optional excursion, you’ll be treated to an early morning flight to the UNESCO World Heritage Site honouring Ramses II, as well as the temple dedicated to his wife Nefertari.

Later, enjoy a scenic ride in a traditional Egyptian sailboat around Elephantine Island, the fabled residence of the Egyptian god Khnumo.

Conclude your day with an optional excursion to the renowned Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian palace, where you can experience an authentic “high tea” afternoon, complete with the mystical vistas of Elephantine Island and the Nile.

After dinner, immerse yourself into Egyptian culture with a traditional, folkloric belly dance aboard the AmaDahlia.

Aswan / Kom Ombo

Cruise via motorboat to the Philae Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the goddess Isis, and see some of the best restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt.

After, visit a vibrant and welcoming Nubian village on Hisa Island.

During the afternoon, marvel at the Great Temple of Kom Ombo, a distinct temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a falcon-headed god. After your visit to Kom Ombo, relax aboard the AmaDahlia and bask in the beauty of the Nile as you sail to Luxor. Later in the evening, come outside and join the crew in a celebration of local traditions and customs with the donning of traditional Egyptian garments – a Galabeya – and drink to the Nile River Valley’s beauty, heritage and history.

Luxor

As you sail back to Luxor from Esna, enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along the stunning Nile River aboard the AmaDahlia’s sun deck.

Arriving in Luxor, discover the largest religious complex in Egypt, as well as one of the biggest on earth, the Temple of Karnak, home to an array of the country’s many prominent historic monuments with its vast collection of hieroglyphs, colossi, obelisks, sphinxes, and a lake. Entreat yourself to a visit to the gorgeous Hypostyle Hall – the largest room of any religious premises in the world.

After your visit to the Hypostyle Hall, learn the craft of papyrus making in a museum. Then, you can visit the temple crafted over centuries by a multitude of pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Ramses II, and Tutankhamen – the legendary Temple of Luxor. Afterwards, either climb aboard the AmaDahlia and enjoy your free evening, or visit the lively Luxor Market, where you can discover the many treasures Egypt has to offer, from jewellery to spices, to clothing and incense and perfumes.

Qena

Qena is home to many ancient wonders, such as the best preserved temple in Egypt – the Temple of Hathor – which is named after the Goddess of Love to whom motherhood, joy and feminine love were ascribed. The back of the temple is decorated with a relief attributing Cleopatra and Caesarion, her son by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. After your unforgettable visit, board the AmaDahlia and enjoy a scenic cruise back to Luxor.

Luxor / Cairo

Following your disembarkation of the AmaDahlia in Luxor, you will be flown back to Cairo where you will be entreated to an exclusive visit to the luxurious Abdeen Presidential Palace. The Palace is not only home to a multitude of impressive museums, but is also one of the official residences of the President of Egypt. After your visit, you will have an extraordinary lunch within the palace. Afterwards, you can discover the wonders of Cairo, including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue in Coptic Cairo.

Cairo

Prepare for your flight home and enjoy the wealth of memories you have made on your unforgettable cruise!

*Passengers have the option to reserve the tour to Abu Simbel at the time of booking your Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise