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Luxor

Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

Roundtrip Cairo - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MS Amadahlia
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Embark on a 12-day cruise to and from Cairo aboard the MS Amadahlia, an extraordinary journey to one of the world's most captivating destinations: Egypt. Experience the wonders of this ancient civilization through a Nile River cruise and land adventure designed to immerse you in unparalleled luxury, exquisite cuisine, and authentic cultural encounters. Discover iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Temple of Luxor and the enigmatic Valley of the Kings and Queens. Stand in awe before the Great Sphinx and the majestic Pyramids of Giza—the last surviving marvel of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Elevate your experience with exclusive highlights, such as a private tour of Queen Nefertari's tomb and an intimate lunch at the prestigious Abdeen Presidential Palace. Delve into Egypt's timeless mysteries and uncover the secrets that continue to shape this extraordinary land's legacy.

Note: As of spring 2024, Queen Nefertari’s Tomb has been temporarily closed with no official reopening date. Until reopening, the equally impressive Seti 1 tomb will be visited as an alternative.
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 Cairo’s Egyptian Museum with ancient mummies and treasures
  • Visit Luxor’s Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in Egypt
  • Cruise the Nile River Valley, taking in majestic landscapes
  • Discover Abu Simbel Temples, dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Cairo

Upon arriving in Cairo, an AmaWaterways representative will assist you with luggage, customs, and immigration, ensuring a seamless arrival. With everything handled, be escorted to your hotel to settle in.

Day 2-3: Cairo

Prepare for a day brimming with captivating discoveries. Begin at the Egyptian Museum, showcasing 120,000 artifacts, including ancient mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen, the Boy King. After a delectable lunch featuring local and international cuisine, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world's most significant archaeological museum. Next, explore the iconic Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, perched atop the Citadel of Saladin. Enjoy breathtaking views stretching across the city from its courtyard to the Pyramids of Giza. Admire the mosque's ornate interior, highlighted by a dazzling array of lamps suspended from its intricately adorned ceiling. Conclude your day with a warm Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. Visit the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara – the site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest 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, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Cairo | Luxor | Embark

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. 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 Captain's Welcome Cocktail.

Day 5: Luxor | Edfu

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 can 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 rock-cut tombs on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still on display. Afterward, go to Deir el-Bahri 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 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 fantastic 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 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 country's Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River's timeless landscapes as the ship continues to Aswan.

Day 7: Aswan

Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be pre-booked). 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 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.

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

Day 8: Aswan | Esna

Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, boasting some of Egypt's most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs. 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 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 to Luxor. In the evening, join your crew outside to celebrate 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

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 worldwide. 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 centuries by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs. You can then return to the ship to relax or visit the colorful Luxor Market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewelry, clothing, and irresistible smells of incense and perfumes.

Day 10: Luxor | Qena | Luxor

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. Ptolemy built the temple, and a group of Romans 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 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, then head to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, which is 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 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 Amadahlia

MS Amadahlia  Sun deck
MS Amadahlia  Dinning area
MS Amadahlia  public spaces

Cairo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Feb 26, 2025from $7,394
  • Mar 5, 2025from $7,394
  • Mar 12, 2025from $7,394
  • Mar 19, 2025from $7,394
  • Mar 26, 2025from $7,394
  • Apr 2, 2025from $7,394
  • Apr 9, 2025from $7,394
  • Apr 16, 2025from $7,294
  • Apr 23, 2025from $7,194
  • Apr 30, 2025from $7,094
  • May 7, 2025from $6,794
  • May 14, 2025from $6,044
  • May 21, 2025from $6,594
  • May 28, 2025from $6,494
  • Jun 4, 2025from $6,194
  • Jun 11, 2025from $6,194
  • Sep 3, 2025from $6,294
  • Sep 10, 2025from $6,394
  • Sep 17, 2025from $6,494
  • Oct 1, 2025from $6,894
  • Oct 8, 2025from $7,094
  • Oct 15, 2025from $7,294
  • Oct 22, 2025from $7,394
  • Oct 29, 2025from $7,494
  • Nov 5, 2025from $7,494
  • Nov 12, 2025from $7,494
  • Nov 19, 2025from $7,494
  • Nov 26, 2025from $7,394
  • Dec 3, 2025from $7,294
  • Dec 10, 2025from $7,194
  • Dec 17, 2025from $7,094
  • Dec 24, 2025from $7,094
  • Dec 31, 2025from $7,094
  • Jan 7, 2026from $7,329
  • Jan 14, 2026from $7,329
  • Jan 21, 2026from $7,529
  • Jan 28, 2026from $7,529
  • Feb 4, 2026from $7,729
  • Feb 18, 2026from $7,729
  • Feb 25, 2026from $7,729
  • Mar 4, 2026from $7,729
  • Mar 11, 2026from $7,729
  • Mar 18, 2026from $7,729
  • Mar 25, 2026from $7,729
  • Apr 1, 2026from $7,729
  • Apr 8, 2026from $7,629
  • Apr 15, 2026from $7,529
  • Apr 22, 2026from $7,429
  • Apr 29, 2026from $7,129
  • May 6, 2026from $7,129
  • May 13, 2026from $6,929
  • May 20, 2026from $6,829
  • May 27, 2026from $6,529
  • Jun 3, 2026from $6,529
  • Jun 10, 2026from $6,529
  • Sep 2, 2026from $6,629
  • Sep 9, 2026from $6,729
  • Sep 16, 2026from $6,829
  • Sep 23, 2026from $7,029
  • Sep 30, 2026from $7,229
  • Oct 7, 2026from $7,429
  • Oct 14, 2026from $7,629
  • Oct 21, 2026from $7,729
  • Oct 28, 2026from $7,829
  • Nov 4, 2026from $7,829
  • Nov 18, 2026from $7,829
  • Nov 25, 2026from $7,729
  • Dec 2, 2026from $7,629
  • Dec 9, 2026from $7,529
  • Dec 16, 2026from $7,429
  • Dec 23, 2026from $7,729
  • Dec 30, 2026from $7,729
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SMTWTFS
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Per person starting at
$6,044
Amadahlia Cat E Cabin
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Category E
194 sq. ft. - Acacia Deck, Fixed Window
Amadahlia Cat CB Cabin
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Category CB
226 sq. ft. - Lotus Deck, French Balcony
Amadahlia Cat CA Cabin
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Category CA
226 sq. ft. - Jasmine Deck, French Balcony
Amadahlia Cat SA
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Category SB
370 sq. ft. - Lotus Deck, French & Outside Balcony
Amadahlia Cat SB
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Category SA
370 sq. ft. - Lily Deck, French & Outside Balcony
Master & Grand Suite
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Master Suite
400 sq. ft. - Lotus Deck, French Balcony
Master & Grand Suite
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Grand Suite
430 sq. ft. - Lily Deck, French & Outside Balcony
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
  • Port Fees
  • 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
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 

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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