Sponsored by AmaWaterways
The land of pharaohs and pyramids has always evoked thoughts of ancient wonders, secret tombs, sprawling temples, colossal monuments and buried treasures. It also conjures up exotic images of travel to Egypt and a leisurely cruise up the Nile River.
For many travellers, exploring Egypt and the Nile have been elusive bucket-list destinations which they have longed to tick off.
AmaWaterways has been cruising the Nile for many years. Founded more than 22 years ago, the family-owned and operated river cruise line knows what it is to cruise in Europe, Egypt, Asia, Africa and South America. Its heritage is steeped in offering unparalleled service with fabulous cuisine, great beverages and immersive excursions, accompanied by local guides and specially trained experts. In Egypt, all shore excursions are accompanied by an experienced Egyptologist who will be able to regale wonderful stories and share many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s complicated past and continue to influence its future.
Now you can explore the ancient civilization with the luxury line, which has put together a magnificent land and river cruise on the Nile to bring you the most remarkable holiday experience to discover the iconic Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza.
And not only that, you are now able to embark on AmaWaterways’ new ship, AmaLilia, the line’s second river ship to cruise the magnificent Nile.
The boutique luxury ship, AmaLilia debuted in 2024. It can accommodate only 82 passengers in 41 staterooms including 13 luxuriously fitted suites. Fine dining is taken to the next level with the ship offering exquisite Western and local dishes infused with exotic Middle Eastern spices at the Main Restaurant and a multi-course tasting menu at the Chef’s Table. Free-flowing, complimentary beer and wine are served during meal times.
Onboard, suites have marble bathrooms, a bathtub and twin balconies to marvel at the changing scenery along the Nile. There’s a generous-sized sun deck with swimming pool, a fitness room and spa where you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or a manicure/pedicure.
In June this year, AmaWaterways has an 11-night, Secrets of Egypt & the Nile journey where you will spend three nights in Cairo, seven-nights cruising the Nile from Luxor and one night in Cairo of exploration before departing for home.
The amazing offer includes a pre-cruise stay at the luxurious Four Seasons or the St Regis hotel. Spend a day visiting captivating attractions in Cairo starting with the Egyptian Museum where more than 120,000 artifacts are on display. You will be able to view the unique collection of ancient mummies and priceless treasures of Tutankham, the Boy King.
Your next stop is the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world and then head to Mosque of Muhammad, also known as the Alabaster Mosque with breathtaking views across the city to the Pyramids of Giza.
On the third day in Cairo, there will be a tour to visit the ancient capital of Memphis and view the huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx followed by lunch at Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, then explore the great Pyramids of Giza and view the Great Sphinx.
You will then fly to Luxor to embark on AmaLilia to start your Nile cruise. One of the first highlights will be a visit to the Valley of the Queens, home to more than 30 queens and princesses including Seti 1’s tomb where you will enjoy exclusive access.
At the Valley of the Kings, you will view the mummified remains of King Tutankhamun, then visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and the first female ruler. It’s time to spend an evening onboard the ship to relax on the Upper Deck and take in the amazing scenery, or join a cooking class.
AmaLilia will then call at the city of Edfu, best known as one of Egypt’s most remarkable preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.
In Aswan, take an optional excursion to the 3000-year-old Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the shores of Lake Nasser, dedicated to Ramses II and a 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.
In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the local Felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Cap the day off with an optional afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, made famous by Agatha Christie, who wrote the book, Death on the Nile while staying at the hotel.
In the evening, watch a belly dance performance onboard AmaLilia.
The next day, you will visit the colourful Nubian Village on Hisa Island. You will then cruise to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo with soaring columns dedicated to two gods – the crocodile god, Sobek, and the falcon-headed Haroeris, the good doctor.
At Dendara you will visit the best preserved Temple of Hathor, the Goddess of Love.
You will disembark in Luxor and fly back to Cairo and be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace where you will be treated to a special lunch at the palace, following which you can visit the old part of the city. Prices start from $8978 per person for a June 2, 2025 departure.
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