Luxury Secrets of Egypt and the Nile – 12 days

When you arrive in Cairo, you will be met by a representative who will guide you through the customs and immigration process. With a new stamp in your passport, it is time to go to your hotel.

The day is full of exciting adventures around the city of Cairo. First stop is the Egyptian Museum where you get the chance to choose which of 120,000 artefacts on display to look at. Afterwards, you will visit the Mosque of Muhammad, also known as the Albaster Mosque, where you will get wonderful views over the city and towards the pyramids of Giza.

For lunch time, there is a special treat included for you. You will be heading to Al­Azhar Park in the heart of Old Cairo for a welcome lunch at the Studio Msr Restaurant, known for its

tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views, especially of the majestic Citadel.  Next up, you will venture to the bustling and colourful, Khan el ­Khalili. Follow the labyrinth of narrow streets and winding alleys for a unique Cairo market experience.

Today you will discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. You will get the chance to see the oldest pyramid in the world, the step pyramid of King Zoser as well as the huge statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Next up are what you have been waiting for, the pyramids and sphinx of Giza. Today’s adventure includes a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza.

One of the most archaeological sites in the world is on today’s agenda. The Valley of the Kings is the host of many ancient Egyptian tombs, including that of Tutankhamun and his mummified remains are still on display. Afterwards, you will see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and its first female ruler and then you will head to the Valley of the Queens, , home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses. The day will conclude with an up­-close view of the Colossi of Memnon—two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-­headed God. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan.

You will get to feature one of the exclusive and special experiences you get from this trip. Board a motorboat and cruise to the colourful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Savour a local lunch here and explore the UNESCO­ Philae Temple complex.

Later in the day, take a peaceful ride in a traditional Egyptian sailboat, a felucca, around the beautiful Elephantine Island. Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th­century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple.

The morning gives you the option to either take some time out and relax on board the ship or walk around Aswan a bit more at your own pace. Alternatively, you can choose to go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be pre-booked). If you decide to Abu Simbel, which we really do feel is worth the extra trip, you’ll take an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to the more than 3,000­year­old Abu Simbel. This is 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.

Once back on board the AmaDahlia, enjoy an afternoon of scenic sailing to Esna. Let the traditional

Egyptian festivities on board begin in the evening. Celebrate your inner Egyptian at an outdoor Galabeya party on the Sun Deck.

The morning is spent enjoying one of the highlights of all river cruising, slowly travelling down the River Nile watching the world go by. Once back in Luxor, you will learn the art of papyrus making with a museum visit. In the evening, there is an optional trip to a light show at Karnak Temple.

Let’s set sail to Qena, another historical ancient site. You will go to Dendara, which is home to the best-preserved temples in the whole of Egypt. A lot were completed by the Romans that can be seen on the walls of them temples. On the back of the Temple of Hathor, there is a relief depicting Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, an interesting site not to be missed. The afternoon will be spent sailing back to Luxor.

Today you will say goodbye to the lovely AmaDahlia and catch a flight back to Cairo. You will then get to experience one of the best parts of this whole trip. 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 and is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Lunch is very special and is enjoyed 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.

This is the last day of your holiday in Egypt. It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and head back to the airport for your flight back to the UK.