We are thrilled to now take you to a fascinating destination: Egypt. Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide – with an unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and the extraordinary service for which AmaWaterways is renowned. Sail aboard the luxurious, newly designed AmaDahlia and explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mysterious Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx, and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this great land.

 

Complimentary airport transfers as long as there is no deviation from the program or extra nights

 

 

DAY 1
CAIRO
Arrive in Cairo, where you’ll be met by an AmaWaterways representative who will help you with your luggage and the customs and immigration process. With your baggage and customs taken care of and a new stamp on your passport, you will now be driven to your hotel.

DAY 2
CAIRO
A full day of captivating attractions awaits, beginning with the exquisite Egyptian Museum, with its 120,000 artifacts on display. Home to some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, its unique collection of Pharaonic art includes mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamun, the Boy King. Then, visit the Mosque of Muhammad – also known as the Alabaster Mosque – which majestically sits on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin's courtyard. Enjoy the breathtaking view across the city from the arcaded courtyard to the Pyramids of Giza. Inside the Mosque, marvel at an ornate interior and a splendid array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling. Afterward, head to Al-Azhar Park in the heart of Old Cairo for a welcome lunch at the Studio Msr Restaurant, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views – especially of the majestic Citadel. (B, L)

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Egyptian Museum and King Tut's Treasures
• Alabaster Mosque
• Lunch at the Studio Misr Restaurant in Al-Azhar Park
• Evening Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks

DAY 3
CAIRO
Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. You’ll visit the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara – the site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth. You’ll then go to the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2589 BC and 2504 BC. Today’s adventure includes a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel based in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza. (B, L)

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Pyramids of Ancient Memphis

 

DAY 4
CAIRO - LUXOR
After checking out of the hotel, take a morning flight south to Luxor—formerly known as Thebes, the capital city of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt. Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to two great temples—Karnak and Luxor. Be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Later this afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs. After your visit, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric-style belly dance on board the AmaDahlia. (B, L, D)

DAY 5
LUXOR - EDFU
Visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings— one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. The spectacular rock-cut tombs on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still on display. Afterward, go to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and its first female ruler. Next, you’ll visit the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access. Your day’s adventure concludes with an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon—two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once back on board the AmaDahlia, cap the day off with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail. (B, L, D)

DAY 6
EDFU - ASWAN
The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Built in 230 BC, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with walls that display compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax onboard and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues to Aswan. (B, L, D)

DAY 7
ASWAN
Board a motorboat and cruise to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Savor a local lunch here and explore the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, with one of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt, built between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Later in the day, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around the beautiful Elephantine Island, which locals say is the home to the legendary Egyptian god Khnum. Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. Delight in an authentic “high tea” experience and revel in the stunning views of your oasis – Aswan and Elephantine Island. There is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple tonight. (B, L, D)

DAY 8
ASWAN - ESNA
Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be pre-booked). If you purchased the optional excursion, you’d take an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to the more than 3,000-year-old Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Ramses II, one of the most active of pharaohs, along with the smaller temple dedicated to his chief wife, Queen Nefertari. The front of the main temple has four gargantuan statues of Ramses II on his throne, each measuring nearly 70 feet high, and discovered half-buried in the sand in 1813. During the afternoon, cruise to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo, where its soaring columns dramatically rise above the Nile River. Unique in Egypt, this temple is dedicated to two gods—the crocodile god, Sobek, sitting on the right, and the falcon-headed Haroeris, “The Good Doctor.” After visiting Kom Ombo, relax onboard and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues to Esna. In the evening, join your crew outside on the Sundeck in a celebration of local customs with the chance to don a Galabeya, traditional Egyptian attire, and toast to the rich culture and history of the Nile River Valley. (B, L, D)

*Guests can reserve the optional tour to Abu Simbel at the time of booking your Nile adventure*

DAY 9
ESNA - LUXOR
Spend the morning scenic cruise along the glistening Nile River. Relax on the Sun Deck as you cruise from Esna back to Luxor. First, explore the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex in Egypt and one of the largest in the world, covering about 200 acres in a vast network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes, and colossi—even a lake. The Hypostyle Hall is a great architectural marvel filled with its roof blocks, supported by colossal 134 columns standing at 70 feet high, with 12 more enormous columns standing at 80 feet high lining the central aisle. It is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. Then discover the art of papyrus making with a museum visit and learn how the ancient Egyptians used this particular plant that flourished in the Egyptian Delta and Nile River Valley. Made from the aquatic papyrus plant, also known as the paper plant, this unique writing material served many purposes in ancient times, from sails, cloth, food, and especially paper for important documents and texts. (B, L, D)

DAY 10
LUXOR - QENA - LUXOR
Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. You’ll go to Dendara to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Hathor – the Goddess of Love, to whom the powers of joy, feminine love, and motherhood were attributed. The temple was built by Ptolemy and a group of Romans who worshipped her; so don’t miss the back of the temple where there is a relief depicting Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor who brought us the months of July and August. Following your visit here, sail back to Luxor. (B, L, D)

DAY 11
LUXOR - CAIRO
Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo, where you will be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums, including the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, a Presidential Gifts Museum, and a Historical Documents Museum, a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterward, be treated to an exceptional lunch at the palace. Finally, you’ll explore the old part of the city, which includes Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located. (B, L)

DAY 12
CAIRO
Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)