SECRETS OF EGYPT & THE NILE – Cruise/Tour

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, its unique collection of Pharaonic art includes mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen, the Boy King. Afterwards, venture to the bustling and colorful 14th­century Khan el-­Khalili for a welcome lunch at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, named after one of Egypt’s most well known authors. Afterward, tour El­Moez Street, one of Cairo’s most remarkable historic places. 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. (B, L)

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO ­desig­nated ancient capital of Memphis. You’ll 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. You’ll then go to the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2589 BC and 2504 BC Another ancient wonder you’ll encounter is the Khufu solar boat designed to carry the pharaoh across the sky with the Sun God, which is restored and preserved in the Giza Solar Boat Museum. Today’s adventure concludes with a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. (B, L)

After checking out of the hotel, take a morning 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. Luxor is also your gate­ way to many of Egypt’s vast treasures that you’ll discover throughout your Nile River Valley cruise, so it is here that you’ll be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia. During the late afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other phar­aohs. After your visit, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric­ style belly dance on board the Ama­ Dahlia. (B, L, D)

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 re­ mains are still here on display. Afterwards, go to Deir el­Bahri

to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and its first female ruler. Next, you’ll visit the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access. 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 the AmaDahlia, cap the day off with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail. (B, L, D)

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 on­ ward to Aswan, and then in the evening, celebrate your inner Egyptian at an onboard Galabeya party. Don traditional Egyptian attire, meet new friends, toast to adventures past and future, dance and bask in the glory of the Egyptian night. (B, L, D)

Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. If you choose the optional excursion, you’ll take an early morning flight to Lake Nasser to the more than 3,000­year­old 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. During the afternoon, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Enjoy lunch here before going back to the ship. Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple. (B, L, D)

Spend the morning cruising back to Luxor, where you’ll 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 co­ lossi—even a lake. Built over the course of 1,300 years, it is over­ whelming. 80,000 laborers took part in its creation during the 19th dynasty alone. Despite its rich history, the temple lay hid­ den until the 19th century. The effort to restore it continues still. 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. It is still the largest room of any religious build­ing in the world. (B, L, D)

Set sail to Qena to explore the Great Temple of Abydos of Seti I, one of the lesser known pharaohs of the New Kingdom of an­cient Egypt. Next, 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 worshiped 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)

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)

Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)