Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
 

Discover the land of pharaohs and pyramids on a Nile River cruise and land adventure through Egypt. From the impressive Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx to an exclusive excursion to the Tomb of Nefertari, join AmaWaterways aboard the stunning AmaDahlia or AmaLilia to uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence its future.

Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide – with an unparalleled 11­night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences and the extraordinary service for which AmaWaterways is renowned. Explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face­to­face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. Guided by a qualified English­speaking Egyptologist, this unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as 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.

 
7­ NIGHT CRUISE WITH 3­NIGHT CAIRO PRE­CRUISE, 7­ NIGHT CRUISE ROUNDTRIP LUXOR, 1­ NIGHT CAIRO POST­ CRUISE
 

ITINERARY DETAILS:

Day 1, CAIRO. Arrive in Cairo, where you will 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 in your passport, you will now be driven to your hotel.

Day 2, 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, the museum’s unique collection of Pharaonic art includes ancient mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen, the Boy King. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and international cuisine. 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. Afterward, join an evening Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.

Day 3, CAIRO. Discover the monuments at the UNESCO­designated ancient capital of Memphis. 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. Next, enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4, CAIRO ­ LUXOR ­ EMBARKATION. After checking out of the hotel, take an early afternoon 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. Be welcomed aboard your luxurious river cruise ship to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Relax and settle in and before dinner, meet your crew and celebrate with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail.

Day 5, LUXOR. Begin the day with a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy a private tour. Next, visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings — one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. The spectacular rock­cut 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 el­Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and the country’s first female ruler. Your day’s adventure concludes with an up­close view of the Colossi of Memnon — two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once back on board your ship, relax on the Upper Deck and take in the amazing scenery or join the chef at an informal cooking class.

Day 6, EDFU. The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon­headed god. Built in 230 BC, it is the second­largest temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with walls that display compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco­Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan.

Day 7, ASWAN. Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be prebooked). If you purchased the optional excursion, enjoy an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to the more than 3,000­year­old 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. Later in the afternoon, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around beautiful Elephantine Island, which locals say is the home to legendary Egyptian god Khnumo. Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th­century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. Delight in an authentic “high tea” experience and revel in the stunning views overlooking the Nile and Elephantine Island. After dinner tonight, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric­style belly dance on board your ship.

Day 8, ASWAN ­ KOM OMBO. Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO­designated Philae Temple complex, boasting some of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt. It was constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Next head to a colorful Nubian village on Hisa Island. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. 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 falcon­headed Haroeris, “The Good Doctor.” After visiting Kom Ombo, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Luxor. In the evening, join your crew outside 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.

Day 9, LUXOR. Spend a morning of scenic cruising 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 is on the grounds. 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. This hall is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. After visiting the temple, journey to a museum and discover the art of papyrus making. Learn how the ancient Egyptians used this special plant that flourished in the Egyptian Delta and Nile River Valley. 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. Afterwards, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. You then have the option of heading back to the ship to relax or visiting the colorful Luxor Market, where you can find eye­catching piles of spices, jewelry and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes.

Day 10, QENA. Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. You’ll go to Dendara to visit the best­preserved 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.

Day 11, LUXOR ­ CAIRO ­ DISEMBARKATION. 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, which is a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterwards, be treated to a very special 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.

Day 12, CAIRO.

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

Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home.

 
Old Theories and New Discoveries of the Great Pyramid.
 

The Great Pyramid of Giza – the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex – has been at the center of conspiracy theories for decades as people have struggled to understand how it was constructed. Was it a calling card left behind by aliens? Did UFOs lend insight on how to construct it? Here’s what we now know about this historic structure that has mystified researchers and theorists.

Last Man Standing

Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza is not only the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but the only one that has survived all the way to modern times. Constructed between 2560 and 2540 BCE, the pyramid was built for Pharaoh Kufu – the second pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty. It is the largest of all the tombs built in the ancient world and has towered over the West Bank of the Nile River, south of Cairo, for more than 4,000 years.

While the Great Pyramid was once the tallest man-made structure in the world – a title it held for thousands of years – it was eventually overtaken by the Lincoln Cathedral in 1311 CE. It once stood at 481 feet tall but has since shrunk down by about 25 feet as a result of erosion.

All That Glitters Wasn’t Always Gold

Despite the golden images we now often see of the pyramid, a modern documentary by historian Bettany Hughes claims that it was pure white when it was built. Citing a 4,500-year-old journal, Hughes has stated that it was constructed from polished white limestone – 2.6 million casing stones, in fact, which took about 20 years to turn into the pyramid we recognize from history books. The stones, which weighed in at 2.5 tons each, were carried for 15 miles along the Nile River. The final structure is estimated to weigh about 6.5 million tons. The pyramid no longer has that pure white appearance because its outer limestone shell was stripped away over the years, potentially for use in other building projects.

Building Theory

While it is hard to imagine how thousands of heavy bricks were maneuvered into the pyramid shape without modern technology, historians and scholars suspect that a system of ramps was used. Based on archaeological evidence at other pyramid sites, they believe that staircase, spiral and linear ramps were used to slowly raise the stones hundreds of feet into the air. At that point, wooden and bronze levers were likely used to position the stones into the pyramid formation.

Almost Perfect, But Not Quite

Highly regarded as a nearly perfect structure, it turns out that the Great Pyramid of Giza is actually slightly lopsided. An error made during construction caused the west side of the pyramid to be slightly longer than the east side, which means that the base isn’t a perfect square like it appears to be. This error was not discovered until 2016 when researchers were studying the original dimensions.

Slight imperfections aside, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must-see – sure to impress even the most critical of travelers. While many questions about the pyramid remain unanswered, researchers are dedicated to digging into its history, and new archaeological evidence continues to shed more light on its stunning construction.

Get an up-close view of the Great Pyramid of Giza for yourself. Reserve your Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise journey today!

Land of Pharaohs and Pyramids
 

Few countries grip the imagination quite like Egypt. Just hearing the name conjures images of mighty pharaohs and massive pyramids, sprawling temples and secret tombs, colossal monuments and crowded markets—and cutting through it all, the life-giving Nile River, without which none of these other sights could have existed. Join us on one of our unforgettable Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise and land journeys and make your mark on the world’s longest river as well as the treasures beyond its banks. 

Dig Deeper in Cairo 

There are many cities that blend the old world and the new. Then there’s Cairo. Officially founded in 969 AD, Cairo can trace its roots back 4,000 years to Memphis – the ancient capital of Lower Egypt that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a city where towering skyscrapers overlook 1,000-year-old monuments. Your 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise experience begins here for an included pre-cruise stay at either the luxurious Four Seasons at the First Residence or The St. Regis Cairo. You will meet your Cruise Manager and fellow guests and spend three nights in the city, enjoying some of the most exciting excursions of your life. 

The Pyramids, the Sphinx and the “Boy King” 

Seeing King Tut’s treasures and the Pyramids of Ancient Memphis are a must – and fortunately, your excursions in Cairo include these highlights and more. Your first full day in Cairo is jam-packed, exploring the Egyptian Museum and the artifacts of the Tutankhamun, the “Boy King,” followed by lunch and a tour of the Alabaster Mosque and its ornate interior. The following day, you’ll gaze up at the huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and the necropolis of Sakkara, dine at the famous Mena House and wander through the iconic Giza complex among the pyramids of lore, with an evening to spend at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll through Khan El-Khalili, a labyrinthine bazaar where one can find anything from spices to jewels – while always being prepared to haggle. 

Legendary Luxor 

Following your time in Cairo, you will board one of our two stunning river cruise ships for your river cruise, roundtrip from Luxor. This city was known in ancient times as Thebes, capital of Upper Egypt, and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxor boasts a dizzying array of ancient monuments. The most famous include Luxor Temple, built in part by famous pharaohs including Amenhotep III, Ramesses II, and Tutankhamun; and the enormous temple complex of Karnak, home to the Temple of Amun-Ra with its enormous papyrus-shaped columns. Across the Nile lays the Valley of the Kings, where for 500 years pharaohs like King Tut had their mummified remains buried along with their most prized worldly possessions. Our excursions in Luxor include visits to all the above-mentioned sites as well as a hands-on class in papyrus making, but the cherry on top is your exclusive private tour of Queen Nefertari’s tomb within the Valley of the Queens, an experience reserved just for AmaWaterways guests. 

Nubian Village 

Perhaps the most heartwarming excursion you will take during your Nile River cruise is to a Nubian village. You’ll feel the wind on your face as you sail by motorboat to Hessa. There you will meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who live there and carry on the traditions of their ancestors, an ancient African civilization that once lived and ruled Egypt. The ancient civilization’s UNESCO-designated monuments can also be seen along your Nile River journey, from the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel to Philae Temple. Perhaps most striking is the architecture of the village, simple, yet painted with vivid colors and patterns, like an al fresco desert art gallery.  

Back in Cairo 

Reserved for the end of your itinerary following your Nile River cruise is an unforgettable visit to Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. It consists of multiple museums and is the official residence of the President of Egypt, but only you will be invited following your private tour to a very special lunch at the palace – an exclusive experience reserved just for AmaWaterways guests. In addition, your local guide will take you through the winding alleys of Coptic Cairo, home to the city’s oldest structure, a Babylonian fortress, as well as Africa’s first Christian church and oldest Islamic mosque. This historic Cairo area is another UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that you can explore with us.  

Open the Gates 

Egypt is a truly remarkable vacation destination unto itself, but it can also be the perfect starting point for an even grander journey. Sometimes called “the gateway to the Middle East,” Egypt’s proximity to sought-after destinations such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Petra, Jordan makes it the perfect place to begin the sun-soaked adventure of a lifetime. Fortunately, we make it easy for you to add these optional pre- and post-cruise land packages to your 11-night journey so you can make the most of your time in this fascinating region of the world.