Secrets of Egypt and the Nile Cruise

On arrival into Cairo you will be greeted a representative from AmaWaterways who will help with the customs process before taking you to your hotel located in Cairo.

Overnight at Four Seasons Cairo

Today you will have a full day of touring in Cairo beginning with the Egyptian Museum, home to 120,000 artefacts. The museum has a unique collection of Pharaonic art including ancient mummies and the treasures of Tutankhamen.

After a delicious lunch of local and international cuisine you will visit the Mosque of Muhammed which sits on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin's courtyard. From the courtyard you can enjoy the breath-taking view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza before marvelling at the ornate interior and intricately decorated ceiling.

This evening a Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.

Overnight at the Four Seasons Cairo

Visit the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis and witness the magnificent monuments there. The huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the oldest pyramid on earth.

Enjoy a lovely lunch at Mena House in the shadows of the great Pyramids of Giza before exploring the Great Sphinx and the Giza complex, made up of three large pyramids.

Overnight at the Four Seasons Cairo

After breakfast and check out you will take an early afternoon flight to Luxor, home to two magnificent temples, Karnak and Luxor.

This afternoon you will be welcomed on board the AmaDhalia. This luxurious river cruise ship will be your home for the next seven nights. Settle in to your comfortable cabin before meeting the crew and celebrating your departure with a Captain's Welcome Cocktail.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Your day begins with a delicious breakfast and a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of over 30 queens and princesses, including Nefetari's Tomb where you will enjoy exclusive access. 

From here you will visit the Valley of the Kings, a world famous archaeological site located on the west bank of Luxor. These rock-cut tombs hold the remains of the famous King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains can still be found here. Afterwards, you will go to Deir el-Bahri and see the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female ruler. Finally, enjoy an up-close view of the Colossi on Memnon, two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Once back onboard you can relax and enjoy the scenery or join the chef for an informal cooking class.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Edfu is where you will find one of Egypt's best preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. The second largest temple in Egypt and now a UNESCO World Heritage site this temple was build in 230BC and the walls inside show the religion and language of the country, from the Greco-Roman period.

This afternoon relax on board and take in the captivating Nile landscapes as you cruise.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Today you can choose to explore on your own or pre-book an excursion to Abu Simbel. 

For those choosing the trip you will take an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to the 3000+ year old Abu Simbel, a site dedicated to Ramses II and a smaller temple dedicated to his chief wife, Queen Neferati. The temple has four 70 foot statues of Ramses on his throne, which were discovered half-buried in 1813. 

This afternoon take a ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around Elephantine Island where legend has is the legendary Egyptian god Khnumo resides. Finish your afternoon with an authentic 'high tea' experience, overlooking the Nile and Elephantine Island at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. 

After dinner back onboard the ship experience a traditional folklore-style belly dance after your dinner.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Cruise to the Philae Temple complex this morning, home to some of the best preserved and restored hieroglyphs in Egypt. Dedicated to the goddess Isis this structure was constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC. Next, you will head to Hisa Island, where you will be warmly greeted by the Nubian people and shown around their village.

This afternoon visit the Great Temple of Kom Ombo. With its dramatic columns rising from the Nile River, this temple is a sight to behold. Dedicated to two gods, Sobek, the crocodile god and Haroeris with his falcon head, who you see set in stone on either side of the temple. Afterwards relax on board as you cruise through the Nile's timeless landscapes onwards to Luxor.

This evening join the ship's crew outside in a celebration of local customs, wear a traditional Galabeya and take part in a toast to the culture and history of the Nile River Valley.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along the Nile River. Relax on board enjoying the Sun Deck as you cruise from Esna back to Luxor. Explore the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex in Egypt, covering around 200 acres, with a vast network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes and colossi. Visit the Hypostyle Hall, supported by 134 columns standing at 70 feet high, this architectural marvel is the largest room of any religious building in the world.

Discover the art of papyrus making at a museum, this special aquatic plant served many purposes in ancient times, from sails and cloth to food and paper for important documents. Spend time in the Temple of Luxor constructed over years by a range of Pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

Afterwards, head back to the ship to relax or visit the colourful Luxor market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewellery and clothing.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

This morning set sail to Qena to explore the ancient Egyptian heritage. GO to Dendara to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Hathor. Make your way to the back of the temple to see the relief depicting Cleopatra with her son Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar.

After your visit head back on board to sail back to Luxor.

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

Leave the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo today for your final full day of your Egyptian adventure. 

Take a tour round one of the most luxurious palaces in the world, Abdeen Presidential Palace. The official residence for the President of Egypt the Abdeen contains multiple museums, including the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum and a Presidential Gifts Museum. 

Be treated to a special lunch at the palace followed by some time spent exploring the old part of the city, including Coptic Cairo where you'll find the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. 

Overnight onboard the AmaDhalia

You will be collected this morning and taken to connect with your onward journey.