For as long as I can remember, Egypt has been at the top of my travel bucket list. The ancient wonders, the matronly Nile River, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs and queens.
It all felt like a faraway dream to experience firsthand. So, when it came to choosing how to experience Egypt for the first time, I knew I wanted something special.
I wanted a trip that combined adventure, comfort, and deep historical immersion. After extensive research, I chose AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & The Nile River cruise itinerary, and it turned out to be the perfect way to see Egypt for the first time.
My 11-night adventure included a 7-night Nile River cruise aboard the elegant AmaLilia and 4 nights at the elegant St. Regis Cairo. You can take a look at the day to day itinerary on my AmaWaterways Egypt river cruise page.
Uncovering Cairo
Before embarking on the cruise, my experience began with three adventurous days in Cairo. Each day was filled with places I’d only read about and moments that made this trip feel truly real. We stayed at the stunning St. Regis Cairo, a beautiful home base for exploring the city.
Cairo was especially vibrant during our visit since it was Ramadan. Experiencing the city during this sacred time offered a unique glimpse into daily life and the deep cultural traditions that shape the city during this holy month. I enjoyed seeing Cairo come alive from a unique perspective. Quiet by day, then alive with charity and community once the sun went down, signaling Iftar (the time to break their fast).
We hit the ground running with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which blended a guided tour with our Egyptologist and a bit of free time to explore the museum on our own. I was especially drawn to the King Tut exhibit, knowing it will eventually become a centerpiece of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Visiting the Alabaster Mosque, with its panoramic views of Cairo, was another unexpected highlight of my first few days in the city.
At Sakkara, I visited the fascinating Step Pyramid of King Djoser, one of the oldest pyramids still standing. I had the opportunity to go inside of the pyramid of King Unas as well as climb up the Great Pyramid for a firsthand look at how it was built and how massive it truly is.
One of the biggest surprises was getting an early peek inside the not-yet-complete Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). It is magnificent, and I can only imagine how incredible it will be once everything is fully open, and the surrounding area is complete. Seeing both museums offered a glimpse into Egypt’s past, and its future, side by side. I’m already planning a trip back for another visit to get the full experience.
I spent time at the iconic Giza Plateau, exploring all three pyramids and the Sphinx. Standing before the Great Sphinx was especially impressive. Seeing its full length, including its tail, was an unexpected highlight. And, of course, I even took a fun camel ride! When in Egypt, right?!
Before heading to the airport for our flight to Luxor, our Egyptologist took us to visit Coptic Cairo, which brought a deeper, spiritual dimension to my trip. I visited a historic Jewish Synagogue, the impressive Hanging Church which was built on top of a fortress with its nave that is suspended above a corridor, and the beautiful Cavern Church, where the Holy Family sought refuge for three months.
Sailing the Nile
Once we landed in Luxor, I boarded our beautiful AmaLilia river cruise ship just in time to witness my first Nile River sunset on the top deck. I leaned against the rail of the ship, soaking in the stillness of the Nile as the sky turned a fiery reddish gold and the sun slipped below the horizon. Burned into my memory forever.
For seven nights, I cruised further into Upper Egypt, waking up each day to a new exciting chapter of ancient Egyptian history. What made it even better? I didn’t have to unpack more than once.
Luxor: Deep Dive into the Past
I started strong with a day exploring the West Bank of Luxor, into the Valley of the Kings. I visited five tombs, including the famous resting places of King Tutankhamen, Ramesses III, and the stunning tomb of Seti I. Then I continued to the Temple of Hatshepsut, carved dramatically into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.
Our last tour stop of the day was an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon- two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. That evening, I chose dinner at the Chef’s Table onboard. It was a beautifully curated experience and the perfect way to unwind after such a full day. Chef’s Table is an optional dining experience onboard AmaWaterways ships that is not to be missed.
Edfu & Scenic Sailing
My next stop was Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. After exploring its impressive columns and intricate carvings, I returned to AmaLilia and enjoyed a leisurely lunch up on the top deck as the ship began its journey to Aswan. The warm breeze, the views, and time to soak in the scenery was exactly what I needed.
That evening, the AmaFamily Reunion reception brought past AmaWaterways guests together for a special cocktail hour, and that evening’s belly dance performance brought some great energy to the lounge.
Aswan & A Glimpse into Nubian Life
Our time in Aswan was filled with meaningful moments. I visited the Philae Temple by motorboat, which made the approach feel even more magical, then continued to Heisa Island where our group was welcomed by the Nubian community. There was singing, dancing, and a real sense of warmth and joy.
Upon departing the island, our group leisurely sailed back to the AmaLilia on a traditional felucca sailboat. Later that afternoon, I joined the optional high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. Sipping tea on a balcony overlooking the Nile River at sunset truly felt like something out of a dream.
That night’s Nubian show onboard our ship was vibrant and full of the same joy, dancing, and rhythm. It was such a wonderful way to end the day.
Abu Simbel & Galabeya Celebration
Abu Simbel was an early morning adventure, but it was one of my most anticipated highlights of the entire trip. This visit was a true full-circle moment for me. Back in sixth grade, I was assigned Abu Simbel for a research paper. This paper was the spark that ignited my lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt.
Nearly forty years later, standing in front of those massive temples in person was emotional, surreal, and everything I had hoped it would be.
The evening Galabeya party onboard the ship brought everyone together again for another night of fun, dancing, and celebration.
Memorable Return to Luxor
Our ship returned to Luxor with a calm morning sail, easing into an afternoon of exploration. Karnak Temple was massive and extraordinary to witness in person. I was fascinated by the sheer size of the complex and the original colors that you can still see thousands of years later.
After our time at Karnak Temple, I visited the Papyrus Institute to learn how ancient Egyptians made their infamous paper. It was a surprisingly fun demonstration and nice change of pace.
One of my favorite moments came later that day while I toured Luxor Temple. As the sun set, the warm glow on the ancient columns made me pause and take in the reality, once again, of where I was.
That night, everyone was captivated by a Whirling Dervish performance onboard.
Qena: A Stunning Send Off
On our final full day aboard the ship, we visited Qena to see the Temple of Hathor at Dendera. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten-path, but this temple ended up being one of my absolute favorites. The vivid colors and astronomical ceiling were stunning. My pictures do not do it justice.
The afternoon was spent cruising back toward Luxor, giving everyone time to relax, reflect, and soak in the last moments on board.
The farewell reception that night was filled with hugs, smiles, and a few misty eyes as I said goodbye to the crew I’d come to love. It was the perfect close to an unforgettable week sailing the Nile.
Final Day in Cairo
After saying my final goodbyes to our fantastic AmaLilia crew the following morning, our group disembarked the ship with our Cruise Manager/Egyptologist and flew back to Cairo for one final night at the St. Regis Hotel. But the adventure wasn’t over quite yet.
Our last afternoon included a guided tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace, one of the official residences of the President of Egypt that is often used to host visiting foreign dignitaries. Everyone was treated to a special lunch at the palace, which was the perfect way to conclude the incredible experiences of the past 10 days.
That afternoon, as I returned to the hotel for one last farewell with our Cruise Manager/Egyptologist and fellow travelers, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Cairo, in particular, touched me deeply. Beyond its ancient history, the spirit and resilience of its people left a mark on my heart. I hope to return someday as more than just a traveler, finding a way to give back through meaningful community-based charity work.
The AmaLilia provided not just a comfortable and luxurious experience but also an itinerary rich in historical depth, guided by an expert Egyptologist who made every temple and tomb come alive with stories of the past.
Egypt was everything I dreamed of and more. And for anyone considering their first trip to this alluring land, the AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary is, without a doubt, the perfect way to experience it all.
Why This Itinerary Was the Perfect Choice
There are many ways to explore Egypt, but I had specific priorities in mind that led me to this itinerary:
Maximizing My Time on the Nile: I wanted to experience Egypt from the water as much as possible, sailing along the same river that has been the lifeline of Egyptian civilization for thousands of years. Spending seven nights aboard the beautiful AmaLilia allowed me to wake up each day with stunning Nile River views and travel between ancient sites in the most scenic and relaxing way possible.
A Carefully Curated Itinerary: I wanted a Nile River cruise that checked off my personal bucket list items: The Pyramids of Giza, exploring the Valley of the Kings, and visiting Abu Simbel, a place that had fascinated me since I was a child. This itinerary covered all of that and more, with a perfect balance of must-see landmarks and immersive cultural experiences.
Tours Included in the Experience: Unlike many other tour operators, AmaWaterways includes most of their excursions in the itinerary, meaning I didn’t have to worry about additional costs for key experiences. They also include the intra-Egypt flights in the program, making the journey seamless between Cairo and Luxor. This made budgeting easier and ensured that I wouldn’t miss out on the highlights.
Traveling with an Onboard Egyptologist: Having an expert Egyptologist not just on our guided tours but also onboard the ship was a game-changer. It meant that I wasn’t just visiting sites but truly understanding them, with engaging storytelling and deep historical insights that brought the wonders of Egypt to life.
The Comfort of Guided Tours in a New Country: Since this was my first visit to Egypt, I wanted to travel with a company that provided structure and guidance while still allowing me to fully experience the destination. AmaWaterways’ well-organized tours gave me the comfort of knowing everything was taken care of while still feeling adventurous.
The Unmatched AmaWaterways Experience: I’ve cruised with AmaWaterways many times before, so I already knew their service was top-notch. The staff on board are always kind and welcoming, and the attention to detail from the elegant accommodations to the incredible food made this experience feel truly special. Sailing with AmaWaterways offered a luxurious yet intimate small ship river cruise experience, where every guest felt personally cared for from start to finish.
Highlights That Took My Breath Away
Even though I had high expectations, Egypt still managed to exceed them. Some of the most unforgettable moments included:
- Standing in the Valley of the Kings, exploring the tombs of ancient pharaohs and marveling at their intricate carvings and vibrant colors still preserved after thousands of years.
- Finally seeing Abu Simbel in person, nearly 40 years after writing about it in school. The sheer size and grandeur of the temples left me emotionally speechless.
- Watching the sun set over the Nile from the AmaLilia, a sight so peaceful and awe-inspiring that it is difficult for me to put into words.
- Experiencing the warmth of the Egyptian people, from the St. Regis Hotel, our incredible tour guides and AmaLilia crew, to the lively locals I met along the way.
- Sailing between ancient temples, with the Nile River providing a breathtaking backdrop to our journey through history.
- The Onboard Experiences, the perfect balance of comfort and connection between each day’s adventure.
More Than Just a Cruise. A True Adventure
It is important to note that this itinerary is not your typical leisurely European-style river cruise. The AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary is fast paced, with long days filled with exploration and history. The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, typically October through April, when the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing. For those who want to experience the best of Egypt in a unique and immersive way, this Nile River cruise itinerary is absolutely worth it.
This itinerary is ideal for history lovers, bucket list travelers, adventurous cruisers, and travelers looking for a truly immersive Egypt experience. This luxury Nile River cruise is nothing short of extraordinary.
Egypt was everything I dreamed of and more. And for anyone considering their first trip to this alluring land, an Egypt river cruise with AmaWaterways is, without a doubt, the perfect way to experience it all.
If Egypt has been on your travel wish list, there’s truly no better way to see it for the first time than through a thoughtfully guided, small-ship river cruise.
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