Mysterious 12-Day Nile River Cruise in Egypt

Day 1 Cairo, Egypt

Arrive in Cairo and go through immigration.

Day 2 Cairo 【Meals: B, L, D】

Today, experience the essence of Egypt, feeling its long history and brilliant culture. First, visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses 120,000 precious artifacts showcasing the splendor of ancient Egypt. Admire masterpieces of pharaonic art, including mummies, artifacts, and the golden treasures of Tutankhamen. After a hearty lunch of local and international cuisine, head to the Mosque of Muhammad, an alabaster mosque built in the 14th century within the Saladin Citadel. From the arched courtyard of the mosque, you can overlook the panoramic view of Cairo, extending to the Pyramids of Giza. The interior of the mosque is richly decorated, with exquisite lanterns hanging from the ceiling. In the evening, join a welcome reception hosted by the cruise manager, meet the crew and fellow travelers, and enjoy the captain's welcome dinner.

Day 3 Cairo 【Meals: B, L】

Today, explore the ruins of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the colossal statue of Ramses II, the alabaster sphinx, and the Sakkara necropolis – home to Egypt's oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at the historic and magnificent Mena House hotel, situated at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza, once a retreat for Egyptian royalty and celebrities. After lunch, you will see Egypt's most famous sights – the Great Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids. These three pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around the 26th century BC. They are among the oldest and most intact ancient wonders in the world. Free time in the evening.

Day 4 Cairo - Luxor, Embarkation 【Meals: B, L, D】

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a domestic flight to Luxor, once the capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom, Thebes. Luxor is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with two magnificent temples – Karnak and Luxor. Upon arrival, board the AmaDahlia and begin your Nile cruise. Settle in, meet the crew and fellow passengers, and enjoy the captain's welcome cocktail and dinner.

Day 5 Luxor - Edfu 【Meals: B, L, D】

Rise early and head to the Valley of the Queens, the resting place of ancient Egyptian queens and princesses, with an exclusive opportunity to visit the tomb of Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II. Next, go to the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. Visit several tombs, including that of Tutankhamen, whose mummy remains in place. Then, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a spectacular rock-cut temple dedicated to Egypt's first female pharaoh. The day's adventure concludes with an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon – two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Back on the AmaDahlia, relax on the sundeck with stunning scenery or join an informal cooking class with the AmaDahlia chef to learn to make Egyptian cuisine.

Day 6 Edfu - Aswan 【Meals: B, L, D】

Today, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a majestic temple dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built between 230 BC and 57 BC, and is the second largest temple in Egypt. Marvel at the temple's size and detail, with walls covered in exquisite hieroglyphs and reliefs. After the temple visit, relax on board as the cruise continues towards Aswan, enjoying the timeless scenery of the Nile.

Day 7 Aswan 【Meals: B, L, D】

Aswan is a charming city in southern Egypt with a rich culture and history. Free time to arrange your own schedule, or choose to join an optional day trip to Abu Simbel (advance booking required). If you choose this activity, take an early morning flight over spectacular Lake Nasser to the Abu Simbel temples, an ancient and magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Ramses II and his beloved queen Nefertari. Marvel at the four colossal seated statues of Ramses II, each 70 feet high, at the entrance of the main temple, which were half-buried in the desert until their discovery in 1813. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful sailing on the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian felucca, admiring beautiful scenery near Elephantine Island, said to be the home of the Egyptian creator god Khnum. Enjoy an optional afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian rose granite palace. Here, savor delicious refreshments while taking in the magnificent views of the Nile and Elephantine Island. After dinner, return to the AmaDahlia for a traditional folk-style belly dance performance, experiencing Egyptian magic.

Day 8 Aswan - Esna 【Meals: B, L, D】

Today, take a motorboat to the Philae Temple complex, a well-preserved UNESCO site with exquisite hieroglyphs, dedicated to the goddess Isis, wife of Osiris, mother of Horus, and goddess of love and magic. Built between 380 BC and 362 BC, it is one of the last ancient temples in Egypt. Next, visit Hisa Island to see the colorful Nubian village, interact with the locals, and experience their warm and friendly lifestyle. In the afternoon, sail to the grand Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique and spectacular temple on the banks of the Nile, dedicated to two gods – the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Haroeris. You will visit the temple and learn about its history and architectural features. Then relax on board as the cruise heads towards Luxor. In the evening, celebrate local customs outdoors with the crew, with the opportunity to wear traditional Egyptian Galabeya attire, and toast to the rich culture and history of the Nile Valley.

Day 9 Esna - Luxor 【Meals: B, L, D】

Today, explore the two great temples of Luxor – Karnak and Luxor, Egypt's most spectacular religious complexes and among the largest in the world. Karnak Temple was built by multiple pharaohs over centuries, covering about 200 acres, consisting of countless columns, hieroglyphs, obelisks, sphinxes, and colossal statues. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hypostyle Hall, a hall with 134 massive columns up to 70 feet high supporting roof blocks, with 12 taller columns in the central aisle. This hall is the largest room of any religious building in the world. After the temple visit, go to a museum to learn about the process and uses of papyrus making. Papyrus is a unique writing material made from the aquatic papyrus plant, widely used in ancient Egypt for making sails, cloth, food, and important documents. Then, visit Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamen, and other pharaohs over centuries. Here, you can see a relief depicting Cleopatra and Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor who gave us July and August. Then choose to return to the ship to relax or visit the colorful Luxor market, where you can buy various spices, jewelry, and clothing, as well as irresistible incense and perfumes.

Day 10 Luxor - Qena - Luxor 【Meals: B, L, D】

Today, set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. Head to Dendara to visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temples, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, goddess of love, joy, women, and motherhood. This temple was built by the Ptolemaic and Roman rulers, showing a fusion of different cultures. Don't miss a relief on the back of the temple depicting Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, son of Julius Caesar and Roman emperor who gave us July and August. After the visit, return to Luxor by boat.

Day 11 Luxor - Cairo, Disembarkation 【Meals: B, L】

Today, disembark in Luxor and fly back to Cairo, where you will visit the Abdeen Presidential Palace, a stunning palace considered one of the most luxurious in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums showcasing Egypt's history, culture, and art. Admire the precious collections of the Silver Museum, Arms Museum, Royal Museum, Presidential Gifts Museum, and Historical Documents Museum. The palace also serves as one of the official residences and workplaces of the Egyptian president. Afterwards, enjoy a very special lunch at the palace, tasting Egyptian cuisine. Finally, explore the old city area, including Coptic Cairo, with many ancient and beautiful churches and synagogues. Visit the Hanging Church, built in the 7th century, suspended on the walls of the Babylon Fortress. Also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, built in the 9th century, said to be the birthplace of Moses.

Day 12 Cairo, Departure 【Meals: B】

Today, conclude your wonderful journey in Egypt and fly home.

AmaDahlia