Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

Cairo • Luxor • Edfu • Aswan • Esna • Luxor • Cairo

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt with Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, combining 5-star land stays in Cairo with a luxurious Nile River cruise. Begin in Cairo, where you'll explore the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and ancient sites in Memphis, Saqqara, and Coptic Cairo, with exclusive experiences like a visit to the Alabaster Mosque and a special lunch at Abdeen Palace. Then fly to Luxor and board your elegant river ship, cruising through history with guided tours of iconic temples including Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings—featuring King Tut’s tomb. Optional excursions include the majestic Abu Simbel and high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. With expert Egyptologist guides, all excursions, meals, and internal flights included, this is the perfect way to uncover the treasures of ancient Egypt in absolute comfort and style.


Flight from London Airport to Cairo International Airport
Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met by an Am Waterways 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.


A full day of captivating attractions await, beginning with the exquisite new Grand Egyptian Museum, the worlds largest archaeological museum with its 100,000 artifacts on display, many never seen by the general public until the opening in 2025. With 12 main galleries, the museum is home to some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the unique collection of Pharaonic art, including ancient mummies and the complete and 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.


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 , thesite 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 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.


Flight from Cairo International Airport to LUXOR International Airport
This morning, visit Coptic Cairo, a neighborhood known for its historic churches and monasteries. Then 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 Welcome to 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 Captains Welcome Cocktail.


Begin the day with a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses. 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 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. This site also includes Seti 1s Tomb, where youll enjoy rare access. Afterwards, go to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypts most successful pharaohs and the countrys first female ruler. Your days 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.


The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypts 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 countrys Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile Rivers timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to 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 3,000- 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 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.


Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO-designated 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 falcon-headed Haroeris, The Good Doctor. After visiting Kom Ombo, relax on board and take in the Nile Rivers 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.


A scenic morning of sailing brings you back to Luxor, where youll explore the magnificent Temple of Karnak. Walk among its vast network of columns and hieroglyphics, including the breathtaking Hypostyle Hall, the largest room of any religious building in the world. Afterwards, learn the ancient art of papyrus making and discover how this unique plant was used for everything from paper to cloth. Your day concludes at the beautiful Temple of Luxor, followed by an optional visit to the colorful Luxor Market to browse for spices, jewelry, and other treasures.


Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. Youll 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 dont 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.


Bid farewell to your friendly crew and disembark the ship in the morning.


Cairo 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 special lunch at the palace.


Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home.

• Return flights from London with 23kg baggage
• 3-night Cairo escorted tour
• Internal flights
• Airport transfers
• 3 nights at The St. Regis Cairo (AmaLilia), including daily breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi
• A dedicated English-speaking Egyptologist
• Welcome reception and dinner
• Full-day Cairo tour with visits to the Egyptian Museum, home to King Tut’s treasures, and a walking tour in Old Cairo
• Visit the ancient sites of Memphis, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and Saqqara Museum, with lunch at the historic Mena House Hotel
• 7-night all-inclusive cruise on board the AmaLilia
• All fine dining on board
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner
• Sip & Sail cocktail hour
• A variety of small-group guided shore excursions
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 1-night Cairo escorted tour
• 1 night at The St. Regis Cairo (AmaLilia), including daily breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi
• Exclusive private tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace with farewell lunch at the palace