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Luxor

Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MS AmaLilia
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We are 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 MS AmaLiLia 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.
Nile RiverEntrance of Luxor Temple, EgyptA group of camels rests in front of the Giza pyramidsCamels in the desert of EgyptOne of Cairo's most well known Coptic Orthodox Churches is the Hanging Church.The sphinx in EgyptThe Mohammed Ali Alabaster Mosque in Cairo.Luxor
Highlights
  • Explore the Egyptian Museum and King Tut's treasures
  • Soak up the magnificent view of the Great Pyramids
  • Cruise to charming Aswan, the home of the Nubian people
  • Visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings, one of the most famous archeological sites in the world
  • Visits to the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Cairo

Arrive in Cairo, where you’ll 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 2-3: Cairo

A full day of captivating attractions awaits, beginning with the exquisite Egyptian Museum, displaying 120,000 artifacts. 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. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and international cuisine. Then, visit the Mosque of Muhammad – also known as the Alabaster Mosque – majestically sitting 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.

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. Visit the huge 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. Next, enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. Afterward, explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, consisting of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Cairo | Luxor | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After checking out of the hotel, catch 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 | Edfu

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start 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 exclusive access is granted. Next, explore the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings — one of the most famous archaeological sites globally. The spectacular rock-cut tombs located on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still on display here. Afterward, head to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and the country’s first female ruler. The 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 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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 displaying compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the timeless landscapes of the Nile River as the ship continues onward to Aswan.

Day 7: Aswan

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy free time in Aswan or join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be prebooked). If you purchased the optional excursion, savor an early morning flight over 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. 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 the legendary Egyptian god Khnumo. Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century 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 folkloric-style belly dance on board your ship.

Day 8: Aswan | Esna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, boasting some of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt. Constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC, it is 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 falcon-headed 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: Esna | Luxor

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 the paper plant, this unique writing material served many purposes in ancient times from sails, cloth, food, and especially paper for important documents and texts. Afterward, 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 eye-catching piles of spices, jewelry, and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes.





 

Day 10: Luxor | Qena | Luxor

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. Go to Dendara to visit the best-preserved 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 | Disembark | Cairo

Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo, where you are 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, a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterward, be treated to a very special lunch at the palace. Finally, explore the old part of the city, which includes Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located.

Day 12: Cairo

Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home

Ship/Hotel

MS AmaLilia

Spacious Suite
Enhance Your Best Self
Exquisite Cuisine

Cairo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,499 2-3 travelers
Category E
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Category E
215 sq. ft. - Acacia Deck, Fixed Window
Category CB
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Category CB
215 sq. ft. - Lotus Deck, French Balcony
Category CA
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Category CA
215 sq. ft. - Jasmine Deck, French Balcony
Luxury Suite
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Luxury Suite
430 sq. ft. - Lily Deck, French & Outside Balcony
Grand Suite
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Grand Suite
430 sq. ft. - Jasmine Deck, French & Outside Balcony
Owners Suite
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Owners Suite
522 sq. ft. - Lily Deck, French & Outside Balcony

Notes


Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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