Taylored Tours – Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, November 4–15, 2028

Taylored Tours – Secrets of Egypt & the Nile - AmaWaterways (Group #108239)

Nov 4, 2028 to Nov 15, 2028

Email me with questions: cindi@tayloredtours.com

Secrets of Egypt & the Nile aboard AmaNubia

November 4–15, 2028

Experience Egypt with Taylored Tours on an unforgettable journey combining Cairo and a luxury Nile River cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ newest ship, AmaNubia.

From the ancient wonders of Cairo and Giza to Luxor’s extraordinary temples and tombs, this journey is designed to experience Egypt’s history, culture and landscapes in comfort.

AmaNubia is an intimate ship with only 38 staterooms, accommodating just 76 guests, making availability limited. Group space is not being held, and staterooms are confirmed based on availability at the time of booking and deposit.

Deposit Required: $1,200 per person
Final payment: August 1, 2028 (monthly payments up until this due date can be arranged)

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 — ARRIVAL IN CAIRO

Saturday, November 4, 2028

Arrival in Cairo, Egypt

Begin your journey in Egypt’s vibrant capital. A warm welcome awaits as you settle into your elegant hotel, where the pulse of the city hums just beyond the windows.

Afternoon:

Cairo Hotel Check-in

Check-in at your Cairo hotel begins at 3:00 PM, and the front desk will hold your bags if you arrive before then. The rest of you day is free, an open afternoon to begin exploring the city on your own terms.

DAY 2 — TREASURES OF THE PHARAOHS

Sunday, November 5, 2028

Treasures of the Pharaohs, Cairo, Egypt

Step into Egypt’s past at the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the priceless treasures of King Tut and countless wonders newly unveiled. After a locally inspired lunch, visit the Alabaster Mosque and enjoy sweeping city views before an evening welcome reception with drinks and small plates.

Morning:

Grand Egyptian Museum Visit

Near the Giza Pyramids stands the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt's newest architectural landmark. Experience its collections of more than 100,000 artifacts and treasures, including those discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Afternoon:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Local Lunch

Lunch doubles as an introduction to Egyptian food. At a high-end Cairo restaurant serving regional and international dishes, locally sourced ingredients, spices and distinctive flavors give you a first real taste of the country's cuisine.

Saladin's Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque

Set atop the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali earns its Alabaster Mosque nickname with soaring minarets and a stained-glass interior. Lamps hang from its ornate ceiling, and the courtyard frames a sweeping view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza.

Evening:

Evening Welcome Reception

In the early evening, a welcome reception brings you together with fellow travelers, an easy first hello at the start of your journey.

DAY 3 — ANCIENT MEMPHIS, SAKKARA & THE PYRAMIDS

Monday, November 6, 2028

Ancient echoes at Memphis and Sakkara, Cairo, Egypt

Wander through Egypt’s earliest capital, where the Step Pyramid of Sakkara rises as the oldest in the world. Pause for a leisurely lunch before exploring the iconic pyramids and Sphinx, timeless guardians of the desert horizon.

Morning:

Great sites of Ancient Memphis

Memphis, Egypt's UNESCO-listed ancient capital, is the morning's first wonder, explored alongside your Egyptologist. You'll take in the colossal Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and Sakkara's Step Pyramid of Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth, before the three great pyramids of Giza.

Afternoon:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Lunch at Mena House

Lunch is served at Mena House, a historic palatial hotel that sits in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Sphinx and Great Pyramids

Giza belongs to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, raised between 2589 and 2504 BC by generations of skilled builders. The Great Sphinx keeps watch beside them, a lasting testament to the precision of ancient Egyptian engineering.

DAY 4 — SACRED CAIRO TO TIMELESS LUXOR

Tuesday, November 7, 2028

Sacred Cairo to timeless Luxor

Discover the quiet sanctuaries of Coptic Cairo before flying south to Luxor, where your luxurious river vessel awaits. Step aboard, settle in, and toast to the adventure ahead with your captain and crew.

Morning:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Coptic Cairo

This morning turns to Old Cairo, once the Roman stronghold of Babylon. In the quarter known as Coptic Cairo, the Hanging Church shows off its colorful mosaics near the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue, centuries of faith packed into a few streets.

Flight to Luxor

Late morning, a short flight carries you south to Luxor, once Thebes and capital of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt. This UNESCO-designated city holds the temples of Karnak and Luxor and opens the way to the Nile Valley treasures ahead.

Afternoon:

Embarkation

From the airport, a transfer brings you to your ship, where the crew welcomes you aboard and your home on the Nile comes together.

DAY 5 — VALLEY OF THE KINGS & QUEENS

Wednesday, November 8, 2028

Valley of Kings and Queens, Luxor, Egypt

Journey through royal tombs carved deep into golden cliffs. Stand before the artistry of Seti I’s tomb and the resting place of King Tutankhamun, then marvel at Hatshepsut’s temple and the towering Colossi of Memnon before returning to your ship to unwind on deck.

Morning:

The Valley of the Kings

Among the world's great archaeological sites, the Valley of the Kings holds the vivid Tomb of Seti I, one of Egypt's most decorated. You'll also enter the rock-cut tomb of Tutankhamun, whose mummy remains on display, and see the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh.

Afternoon:

Cruise to Edfu

As the scenery drifts by as you cruise to Edfu, the ship's Head Chef leads a cooking demonstration in authentic Egyptian dishes.

DAY 6 — THE FALCON GOD’S SANCTUARY

Thursday, November 9, 2028

Sail into Edfu to explore one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Ancient carvings whisper stories of devotion, strength, and ritual as you step into this remarkable sanctuary.

Morning:

Temple of Horus

Edfu guards one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Built in 230 BC for Horus, the falcon-headed god, this UNESCO-designated sandstone giant ranks second largest in the country, its walls carved with hieroglyphs from the Greco-Roman era.

Afternoon:

Cruise to Aswan

Timeless Nile landscapes surround you as you continue to Aswan. Come evening, an onboard Galabeya party invites you into traditional Egyptian dress to meet new friends and toast the adventures behind and ahead.

DAY 7 — ASWAN & NUBIAN CULTURE

Friday, November 10, 2028

Morning leisure, afternoon sails, Aswan, Egypt

Enjoy the freedom to spend the morning at leisure in Aswan, or depart early on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, available at an additional cost. A short flight over Lake Nasser leads to the awe‑inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 3,000 years old. Back in Aswan, the afternoon unfolds gently with a felucca ride around Elephantine Island, a serene stretch of the Nile long associated with the god Khnum. Later, enjoy an optional afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a rose‑granite palace overlooking the Nile. This classic high tea experience, offered at an additional cost, pairs time‑honored tradition with sweeping river views.

*Note: If cruising on the AmaLilia, at times due to flight schedules, the optional outing to Abu Simbel will take place the morning of Day 8. On Day 7, you will visit Philae Temple, the Nubian Village, felucca ride and optional outing for High Tea at the Cataract Hotel.

Morning:

Nubian Village and Philae Temple Visit

Visit the color-splashed Nubian village of Hessa, where its people welcome you in. The UNESCO-designated Philae Temple follows, its beautifully preserved hieroglyphs raised between 380 and 362 BC in honor of the goddess Isis.

Afternoon:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Felucca Ride around Elphantine Island

A felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailboat, offers the gentlest way around Elephantine Island. Once an important trading center in the Pharaonic era, and by local legend home to the god Khnum, the island slips past along with the oldest inhabited part of Aswan.

Optional Tour: High Tea at Old Cataract Hotel*

The Old Cataract Hotel, a turn-of-the-century palace built from rose granite, hosts this optional high tea for an additional fee. From its terrace above the Nile, the view stretches across Aswan and Elephantine Island.

DAY 8 —SACRED WATERS & NUBIAN SPIRIT

Saturday, November 11, 2028

Sacred waters and Nubian spirit, Kom Ombo, Egypt

Visit Philae Temple, devoted to Isis and surrounded by shimmering waters, before journeying to a colorful Nubian village alive with music and warmth. Later, explore the dual temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to both falcon and crocodile gods, before celebrating the evening in traditional galabeya attire.

Morning:

Optional Tour: Abu Simbel Excursion*

This optional experience departs at dawn to Abu Simbel on Lake Nasser, where four statues of Ramses II, each nearly 70 feet tall, front a temple carved more than 3,000 years ago. Buried in sand until 1813, the temple and a smaller one honoring Queen Nefertari were later relocated in full to escape the rising lake. Available for an additional fee.

Afternoon:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Cruise to Kom Ombo

History lines both banks as the ship sails from Aswan to Kom Ombo. Settle onto the Sun Deck and let the Nile carry you toward the riverside Great Temple ahead.

Great Temple of Kom Ombo

Rising straight from the Nile, the Great Temple of Kom Ombo is unlike any other in Egypt: a double temple honoring Sobek, the crocodile god, and the falcon-headed Haroeris. Built during the Ptolemaic dynasty between 180 and 47 BCE, it even holds a Crocodile Museum of 40 mummified crocodiles.

Cruise to Edfu

The afternoon asks little of you. Between Kom Ombo and Edfu, the Nile rolls out its scenery while Egypt's culture and long history keep easy company from the deck.

DAY 9 — THE GRANDEUR OF KARNAK & LUXOR

Sunday, November 12, 2028

The grandeur of Karnak and Luxor, Luxor, Egypt

Cruise leisurely back to Luxor, where ancient wonders await. Explore Karnak’s vast forest of towering columns, discover the ancient art of papyrus making, and wander through the illuminated Luxor Temple before savoring the vibrant colors and scents of the local market.

Morning:

Cruise to Luxor

As the ship tracks back to Luxor, a gentle breeze crosses the Sun Deck and the Nile's scenery slips past.

Afternoon:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Karnak Temple Visit

Karnak resists easy summary. Egypt's largest religious complex covers about 200 acres of columns, obelisks, sphinxes and colossi, built over 1,300 years. Its Hypostyle Hall alone raises 134 columns, the tallest at 80 feet, still the largest room of any religious building in the world.

Papyrus Institute Visit

Paper has ancient roots here. A visit to the Papyrus Institute shows how Egyptians turned a Delta marsh plant into a writing surface, and into sails, cloth and food.

Luxor Temple Visit & Luxor Market

The Temple of Luxor took shape across centuries under Amenhotep III, Ramses II and Tutankhamun, among other pharaohs. After the visit, you can head back to the ship or browse Luxor Market, its stalls bright with spices, textiles, crafts and jewelry.

DAY 10 — TEMPLE OF THE GODDESS HATHOR

Monday, November 13, 2028

Temple of the Goddess Hathor, Qena, Egypt

Sail to Qena and step into the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor at Dendera, dedicated to the goddess of joy and love. Admire its intricate reliefs, including the likeness of Cleopatra, before cruising back to Luxor.

Morning:

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

Cruise to Qena

Ancient Qena waits downriver, so the morning is yours on board.

Temple of Hathor

At Dendera stands Egypt's best-preserved temple, dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, joy and motherhood. Ptolemy's builders and later Romans raised it in her honor. Look to the rear for the relief of Cleopatra beside Caesarion, her son with Julius Caesar.

Afternoon:

Cruise to Luxor

With Qena behind you, the ship turns back to Luxor. The return sail is all panorama with the wide river and its remarkable landscape.

DAY 11 — ROYAL PALACES AND TIMELESS CAIRO

Tuesday, November 14, 2028

Royal palaces and timeless Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Disembark in Luxor and return to Cairo, where an exclusive private tour of Abdeen Palace awaits. Relish its gilded halls, fascinating museums, and regal history before enjoying an elegant palace lunch.

Morning:

Disembarkation

In Luxor, you'll say goodbye to the crew and step ashore, ready for the next leg of the journey.

Flight to Cairo

After disembarking, you'll transfer to Luxor's airport, and by day's turn the capital is yours again with more of its history to explore.

Exclusive Abdeen Palace Private Tour and Lunch

Abdeen Palace opens doors most visitors never see. Built in the 19th century and counted among the world's most opulent, it still serves as an official residence of Egypt's president, its wings holding museums of silver, arms and royal history. Your private tour ends with a special lunch inside.

DAY 12 — FAREWELL, EGYPT

Wednesday, November 15, 2028

Bid farewell with memories of a timeless journey, Cairo, Egypt

Morning:

Return flight home

This morning brings the journey full circle, with a hotel check-out and a transfer to Cairo's airport for your onward flight home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Your Secrets of Egypt & the Nile journey includes:

11 nights of accommodations in Cairo and aboard AmaNubia
Luxury hotel accommodations in Cairo
7-night Nile River cruise aboard AmaNubia
Intra-Egypt air between Cairo and Luxor
Airport transfers when traveling according to the scheduled program; Ama notes transfers are included as long as there is no deviation.
Daily meals as outlined in the itinerary, including onboard dining
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner aboard the ship
Welcome reception in Cairo
Expert-guided sightseeing with knowledgeable Egyptologists
Admission to included temples, tombs, museums and archaeological sites
Grand Egyptian Museum
Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
Memphis and Sakkara
Valley of the Kings, including the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Seti I
Temple of Hatshepsut
Karnak and Luxor Temples
Temple of Horus at Edfu
Philae Temple
Nubian Village experience
Traditional felucca sailing in Aswan
Temple of Kom Ombo
Temple of Hathor at Dendera
Onboard entertainment, cultural experiences and enrichment
Complimentary Wi-Fi aboard AmaNubia
Prepaid Gratuities ($352 per person value, gifted to you by Cindi Taylor)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

The following are not included in the base trip price unless specifically added to your reservation:

International airfare to/from Egypt
Egyptian Visa — $55 per person when purchased through AmaWaterways
Optional Abu Simbel excursion — $625 per person
Optional High Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel — $85 per person
Optional pre-cruise 4-night Jordan extension
Air from Amman to Cairo when adding the Jordan extension
Optional post-cruise Alexandria & Cairo extension
Travel protection
Airline baggage fees or other airline-imposed charges
Meals and beverages not specified as included
Personal expenses, shopping and spa services
Passport and other travel-document expenses
Transfers required because of independent travel arrangements or deviations from AmaWaterways’ scheduled program
Any additional tours or activities not specifically listed as included

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

Optional Pre-Cruise Extension: 4 Nights Jordan*

Discover Jordan’s wonders, from Amman’s ancient sites to Petra’s rose-red canyons and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, immersing yourself in rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable scenery.

What's included

✓Overnight stays at world-class 4- and 5-star hotels

✓Daily breakfast at the hotel

✓Guided city tours and excursions

✓Complimentary transfers and portage service between your hotel and ship

Day 1: Touching Down in Ancient Amman

Arrive in Amman, where an AmaWaterways representative greets you at the airport and transfers you to the St. Regis Amman, a five-star hotel known for its refined service and central location. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 2: Roman Ruins and Sweet Traditions

Travel north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the Middle East. Walk its colonnaded streets and explore temples, theaters, and plazas that date back more than 6,000 years. After lunch at the Lebanese House Restaurant, return to Amman to tour the city’s historic core, browse a local sweet shop, and sample the famous dessert kanfeh.

Day 3: Mosaics, Salt Waters, and Desert Roads

Drive to Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” and admire intricate Byzantine-era masterpieces before continuing to the Dead Sea. Situated at 1,500 feet (460 meters) below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, and its healing waters have been sought after for more than 2,500 years. Enjoy lunch at a seaside resort and jump in the water to float and experience the unique buoyancy of its mineral-rich waters. Afterward, travel south through the desert to reach Petra in the early evening.

Day 4: The Rose City and Red Sand Valleys

Spend the morning exploring Petra, the UNESCO-designated “Rose City.” Walk through the narrow Siq to reach the Treasury. While it’s the most well-known ruin in Petra, you’ll also see the 4,000 spectator Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. After lunch at a local guesthouse, continue to Wadi Rum for a Jeep tour through its dramatic red-sand valleys and rock formations. Return to Petra in the evening for dinner in a Bedouin tent.

Day 5: A Sacred View Before Cairo

Start your morning with breakfast before traveling north to Mount Nebo, the site where Moses first viewed the Promised Land. After a local lunch nearby, return to Amman and Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Cairo.

*Double Occupancy: from $2,599 per person, Single Occupancy: from $3,899, Amman to Cairo intra-air: from $650 per person. Jordan extension and intra-air are additional to the Egypt cruise package and subject to availability and AmaWaterways pricing at the time of booking.

Optional Post Cruise Extension: 2 Nights Alexandria, 1 Night Cairo Land**

Explore Alexandria’s historic sites and Mediterranean charm, then spend a night in Cairo visiting the Pyramids of Giza, bustling bazaars, and iconic landmarks for a rich Egyptian experience.

What's included:

✓Overnight stays at world-class 4- and 5-star hotels

✓Daily breakfast at the hotel

✓Guided city tours and excursions

✓Complimentary transfers and portage service between your hotel and ship

Day 1: The Pearl of the Mediterranean Awaits

Depart Cairo and travel by private car along the desert road to Alexandria, where you’ll check into the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria overlooking the Mediterranean. After settling in, join your Egyptologist guide to visit the ancient Roman Amphitheater, the only one of its kind in Egypt, and the Greco-Roman Museum, home to a wide collection of sculptures, jewelry, and Coptic art. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 2: Lighthouse Legends and Seaside Reflections

Begin your day at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern library that honors the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Continue to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the original Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Savor a seafood lunch overlooking the sea, then enjoy free time to stroll along the Corniche or relax at your hotel.

Day 3: Desert Monasteries and a Return to Cairo

After breakfast, travel to the western desert to visit the monasteries of Wadi el Natrun, one of the oldest Coptic monastic centers in Egypt. Meet some of the resident monks and learn about their enduring traditions before returning to Cairo. Spend the night at Le Méridien Airport Hotel for a seamless transfer to your morning flight.

Day 4: Homeward from Egypt's Ancient Capital

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Cairo International Airport for your return flight home.

Note: Most flights depart Cairo in the early morning; the final night in Cairo ensures an easy airport transfer.

**Double Occupancy: from $1,799 per person, Single Occupancy: from $2,699

Cancellation & Change Policy:

All cancellations must be submitted to Taylored Tours in writing.

Deposit: A $1,200 per person deposit is required to confirm your reservation. 50% of the deposit becomes nonrefundable within 7 days of booking.

Additional cancellation penalties will apply as the departure date approaches in accordance with AmaWaterways’ Booking & Sales Terms & Conditions.

Please note that Taylored Tours cancellation and change fees are separate from and in addition to any penalties assessed by AmaWaterways or other travel suppliers. Please refer to Taylored Tours Terms & Conditions.

Optional land extensions, airfare, travel protection and other additional components may have their own cancellation and change terms.

Because cancellation penalties can be significant, travel protection is strongly recommended.

IMPORTANT – Stateroom Availability: This page does not reflect live inventory. Stateroom availability can change at any time.

When you submit your information and preferred stateroom category, you are not making a payment or finalizing a reservation. I will contact AmaWaterways to verify current availability and, when available, place a complimentary courtesy hold on your preferred stateroom to temporarily secure it while you review the details.

Once the courtesy hold is confirmed, I will send you the reservation details, pricing, deposit requirements, and hold expiration date. Your stateroom is not officially booked until the required deposit has been submitted.

Available Packages

Category CB – French Balcony | Lily Deck
Available until October 30, 2026 - 2 left

$9,198.00
Deposit: $1,200.00 per person

Book now

Book now (2 left)

Located on the Lily Deck, Category CB staterooms feature a French balcony, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and fresh air of the Nile right from your room.