Secrets of Egypt with AmaWaterways

Enjoy included UK airport lounge access before your flight to Cairo. On arrival in Egypt’s capital, you’ll be met by a representative from AmaWaterways, who’ll smooth your path through customs and immigration before a private transfer sees you to your hotel.

Stay: Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence 

Your first full day in Egypt and a curated full-day tour of Cairo’s myriad attractions. It all begins at the Egyptian Museum, where you’ll take in some of the 120,000 artifacts on display, from ancient mummies to the treasures of Tutankhamen. Then, after lunch, you’ll head to the Mosque of Mohammad on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin’s courtyard where you’ll take in its ornate interior and enjoy majestic views across the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Tonight, there’s the chance to get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.

Stay: Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence 

Today is packed full of iconic highlights as you head out to the ancient capital of Memphis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 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. Then, after lunch at the famous Mena House hotel, you’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. The evening is free for you to explore Cairo’s many exciting dining options.

Stay: Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence 

Today, it’s time to check out of your hotel, where a transfer will see you to the airport for a flight south to Luxor. Formerly known as Thebes, this former capital of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt is now a World Heritage Site, home to two extraordinary temple ruins – Karnak and Luxor. On arrival, you’ll transfer to your luxurious river ship to begin your Nile adventure, enjoying the chance to settle in before a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception this evening.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

This morning is a real trip highlight as you join your guide for a tour of the Valley of the Queens – home to the mummified remains of more than 30 former queens and princesses. You’ll even enjoy exclusive access to Nefertari’s Tomb. Then, you’ll head on to the Valley of the Kings, to explore some of the most important burial sites of ancient Egypt, including the rock-cut tomb of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun. This afternoon, you’ll turn your attention to the Temple of Hatshepsut – the country’s first female ruler – before exploring the Colossi of Memnon – two enormous statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. End the day back on board for the chance to take in gorgeous river views from the upper deck, and perhaps join an informal cookery class.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

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.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on a pre-booked excursion to Abu Simbel. If you booked this optional excursion, an early morning flight will see you over Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Ramses II, along with the smaller temple dedicated to his chief wife Queen Nefertari.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat, which will take you around beautiful Elephantine Island, which locals say is the home to legendary Egyptian god Khnumo. End the day with an optional late-afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. After dinner tonight, you’ll be treated to a traditional belly dance performance on board.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

Today, you’ll board a motorboat to the UNESCO-listed Philae Temple complex, where you’ll see some of the best-preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt. Constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC, this grand temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Next, head to a colourful Nubian village on Hisa Island where you’ll meet the locals, before an afternoon cruise sees you to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo with its soaring columns, which rise dramatically above the Nile River.

After visiting Kom Ombo, take the chance to relax on board, and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues on to Luxor. This evening, join your crew outside in a celebration of local customs with the chance to don a traditional Galabeya, and toast to the rich culture and history of the Nile River Valley.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

Spend a delightful morning relaxing on bord as you sail back to Luxor, where you’ll join a guide to explore the Temple of Karnak – the largest religious complex in Egypt. Covering a staggering 200 acres, it’s home to a seemingly endless network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes and colossi. After visiting the temple, you’ll journey to a nearby museum where you’ll discover the art of papyrus making. Made from the aquatic papyrus plant, also known as paper plant, this unique writing material served many purposes in ancient times from sails, cloth, food and especially paper for important documents and texts.

Later, you’ll head to the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II and Tutankhamun among others. You’ll then have the option to head back to the ship to relax or visit the colourful Luxor Market, where you’ll find everything from spices to jewellery and clothing.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage, including Dendara, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Other highlights include 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. Following your visit, reboard the ship to sail back to Luxor.

Stay: AmaLilia or AmaDahlia

Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly to Cairo where you’ll be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. Explore some of its multiple museums, which include the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, a Presidential Gifts Museum and a Historical Documents Museum. It’s also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterwards, you’ll be treated to a special lunch at the palace before spending the afternoon exploring the old part of the city, including the Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located.

Stay: Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence 

Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.