Beginning in September 2021, AmaWaterways is 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 mystifying 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 remarkable land.
CAIRO TO CAIRO: 3-NIGHT CAIRO PRE-CRUISE, 7-NIGHT CRUISE ROUNDTRIP LUXOR, 1-NIGHT CAIRO POST-CRUISE
Day 1: Check in to your hotel in Cairo
Day 2: Egyptian Museum and King Tut’s treasures; Lunch at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant in Khan El Khalili Bazaar; Citadel of Salah Ed-Din and Alabastar Mosque
Day 3: Ancient Memphis sites, including the Zoser Pyramids, Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum, including lunch at the historic Mena House Hotel overlooking the Great Pyramid
Day 4: Flight to Luxor; Embarkation of the AmaDahlia; Luxor Temple
Day 5: In Luxor — The Valley of the Kings & Queens, The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi Memnon and exclusive access to the Temple of Queen Nefertari
Day 6: In Edfu, see the Temple of Horus
Day 7: Aswan — Felucca ride to Nubian Village of Hessa
Day 8: Aswan — The Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and Philae Temple; Temple of Sobek and Temple of Haroeri
Day 9: Karnak Temple in Luxor
Day 10: Luxor & Qena: The Great Temple of Abydos of Seti I, The Temple of Hathor in Dendera, Cruise back to Luxor
Day 11: Disembarkation of the AmaDahlia, Flight to Cairo; Exclusive private tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace with lunch at the palace; Old Cairo, The Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
Day 12: Return flight home
More Detailed Itinerary:
DAY ONE:
Arrive in Cairo, where you’ll be met by an AmaWaterways representative who will help you with your luggage, your Visa and the customs and immigration process. With your baggage and customs taken care of and a new stamp in your passport, you will now be driven to your hotel.
DAY TWO:
Cairo
A full day of captivating attractions await, 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 Tutankhamen, the Boy King. Afterwards, venture to the bustling and colorful 14th-century Khan el-Khalili for a welcome lunch at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, named after one of Egypt’s most well-known authors. Afterward, tour El-Moez Street, one of Cairo’s most remarkable historic places. 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. From the arcaded courtyard, enjoy the breathtaking view across the city 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. (Breakfast & Lunch are included)
DAY THREE:
Cario
Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. You’ll visit the huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and the necropolis of Sakkara – 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 Another ancient wonder you’ll encounter is the Khufu solar boat designed to carry the pharaoh across the sky with the Sun God, which is restored and preserved in the Giza Solar Boat Museum. Today’s adventure concludes with a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. (B, L)
DAY FOUR:
Cario – Luxor – Embarkation
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 astonishing temples—Karnak and Luxor. Luxor is also your gateway to many of Egypt’s vast treasures that you’ll discover throughout your Nile River Valley cruise, so it is here that you’ll be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia. During the late 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 FIVE:
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 located on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still here on display. Afterwards, 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 SIX:
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 on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan, and then in the evening, celebrate your inner Egyptian at an onboard Galabeya party. Don traditional Egyptian attire, meet new friends, toast to adventures past and future, dance and bask in the glory of the Egyptian night. (B, L, D)
DAY SEVEN:
Aswan
Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. If you choose the optional excursion, you’ll take an early morning flight to 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 sand in 1813. During the afternoon, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Enjoy lunch here before going back to the ship. Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple. (B, L, D)
DAY EIGHT:
Aswan – Esna
Visit the Aswan High Dam and then the Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. Next, 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. After your visit here, 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.” Once back on board the AmaDahlia, enjoy an afternoon of scenic sailing to Esna, where you’ll spend the night before sailing back to Luxor. (B, L, D)
DAY NINE:
Esna – Luxor
Spend the morning cruising back to Luxor, where you’ll 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. Built over the course of 1,300 years, it is overwhelming. 80,000 laborers took part in its creation during the 19th dynasty alone. Despite its rich history, the temple lay hidden until the 19th century. The effort to restore it continues still. The Hypostyle Hall is a great architectural marvel and filled with its roof blocks, supported by colossal 134 columns standing at 70 feet high, with 12 larger columns standing at 80 feet high lining the central aisle. It is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. (B, L, D)
DAY ELEVEN:
DAY TWELVE:
Cleared For Take-Off! 