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SECRETS OF EGYPT AND & THE NILE 2024/25
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Explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. 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.
3-NIGHT CAIRO PRE-CRUISE, 7-NIGHT CRUISE ROUNDTRIP LUXOR, 1-NIGHT CAIRO POST-CRUISE
We are thrilled to take you to a fascinating destination: Egypt. Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization– 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.
Guided by a qualified English-speaking Egyptologist, this unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as 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. 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.
COUNTRIES: EGYPT
RIVERS: NILE
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information posted on our website is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s). Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. Contact us for the most up to date pricing and availability.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
(Preferred Partner: AmaWaterways)
DAY 1 CAIRO
Arrive in Cairo, where you will 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 CAIRO
Egyptian Museum and King Tut’s treasures
Local lunch
Alabaster Mosque
Evening Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks
A full day of captivating attractions await, beginning with the exquisite Egyptian Museum, with its 120,000 artifacts on display. 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. 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. (B, L, WR)
DAY 3 CAIRO – Pyramids of Ancient Memphis
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 – 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. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)
DAY 4 CAIRO – LUXOR
Flight to Luxor
Embarkation
Evening Free
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. 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. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 LUXOR
Private tour of the Tomb of Queen Nefertari
Valley of the Kings and Queens
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’ll 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 located on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still here on display. Afterwards, 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 amazing scenery or join the chef at an informal cooking class. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 EDFU
Temple of Horus
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 onward to Aswan. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 ASWAN
Free Morning
OR Abu Simbel Excursion*
Felucca Ride around Elephantine Island
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. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 ASWAN
Nubian Village Visit and Philae Temple
KOM OMBO – Great Temple of om Ombo
Traditional Galabeya Evening
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 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. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 LUXOR
Scenic Cruising
Karnak Temple Visit
Art of Papyrus Making
Luxor Temple Visit
Luxor Market Visit
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 paper plant, this unique writing material served many purposes in ancient times from sails, cloth, food and especially paper for important documents and texts. Afterwards, you will 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. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 QENA
Temple of Hathor
Cruise back to Luxor
Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. You’ll 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. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 LUXOR
Disembarkation
Flight to Cairo
Exclusive Abdeen Palace Private Tour and Lunch
Coptic Quarter Visit
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 very special lunch 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. (B, L)
DAY 12 CAIRO
Return flight home.
*Guests can reserve the optional tour to Abu Simbel at time of booking your Nile adventure
Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
INQUIRE FOR PRICING AND CURRENT PROMOTIONS
Booking 2024 and 2025
From Canadian $8,178 per person based on double occupancy
(January 3, 2025 Cat. E, subject to availability)
Lower rates available during shoulder season.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Cairo Pre Cruise
Arrival airport transfer
3 nights at the 5-star Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence in a Superior room, including daily breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Full-day Cairo tour with visits to 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 and lunch at the historic Mena House Hotel
AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise
7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
Fine dining with a variety of choices, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Wine, beer and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner
Sip & Sail cocktail hour
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
A dedicated English-speaking Egyptologist accompanying you on your river cruise journey
Sip & Sail cocktail hour
Nightly entertainment including a belly dance show, Galabeya Party and Darawish Show
Visit to the outdoor Luxor Market and visit a Paprus shop and learn the history of this art from
A variety of small group guided shore excursions
Exclusive visits to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and Nubian Village
Complementary Wi-Fi
Cairo (Post Cruise)
One night at the Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence in a Superior room with breakfast
Visits to the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
Exclusive private tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace with farewell lunch at the palace
Departure airport transfer
Egypt Extensions
Enhance your bucket-list cruise and land adventure and make the most of your time in this incredible region of the world before or after your 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary.
ADD 3 NIGHTS DUBAI PRE-CRUISE
Explore the vibrant city of Dubai, home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and a cultural focal point in the Middle East known for luxury shopping, modern architecture and a lively nightlife.
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