Secrets of Egypt & The Nile

This eight-day Nile River cruise begins with a flight from London Gatwick to Luxor, where you board the luxurious AmaLilia ship. After a welcome cocktail, explore Egypt’s most iconic sites, including the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. In Edfu, visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus before sailing to Aswan, where you can opt for a breathtaking excursion to Abu Simbel (charges apply). Highlights in Aswan include a felucca sail around Elephantine Island and an optional high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel (charges apply). The journey continues with visits to the Philae Temple, a Nubian village, and the unique Kom Ombo Temple. Returning to Luxor, discover the grand Temple of Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the art of papyrus making, with time to shop at the local market. A visit to Qena reveals the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor in Dendara. The adventure concludes with disembarkation in Luxor and a flight back to London.

Debuting in 2024, the stunning AmaLilia will be a true treasure of the Nile. Specially curated with upscale regionally inspired décor and 41 staterooms, including 13 marvelous suites, AmaLilia will carry you through Egypt in style with the luxurious amenities and exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides. Savor both exquisite Western and local fare infused with Middle Eastern spices at the Main Restaurant and enjoy one special evening sampling your way through the multi-course tasting menu at The Chef's Table. Treat yourself to a massage, manicure or pedicure on board and emerge anew. Plus, expand your mind by listening to the commentary of our expert Egyptologist, who will be joining you throughout your journey on board this lovely river cruise ship.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - LUXOR
Depart London Gatwick 
On arrival in Luxor, you will be met by an Amawaterways Representative and transferred to your luxurious river cruise ship (AmaLilia) 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 2 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. Next, visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings — one of the most famous archaeological 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. This site also includes Seti 1’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy rare access. 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 3 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 onward to Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 4 ASWAN
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)
*Guests can reserve the optional tour to Abu Simbel at time of booking your Nile adventure

Day 5 ASWAN - ESNA
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 colourful 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 6 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 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 colourful Luxor Market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewellery and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes. (B, L, D)

Day 7 LUXOR - QENA - 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 8 LUXOR - UK
Disembark the ship in Luxor and transfer to Luxor airport for your homeward flight to London Gatwick

Date	Window Cabin	French Balcony
23 October 2025	n/a	£3399
30 October 2025	n/a	£3399
06 November 2025	n/a	£3399
13 November 2025	£2399	£3399
20 November 2025	n/a	£3399
27 November 2025	n/a	£3399
04 December 2025	n/a	£3499
11 December 2025	n/a	£3399

This Offer Includes:
- Return flights from London Gatwick  
- Arrival airport transfer from Luxor airport to ship
- The services of a dedicated Cruise Manager throughout your entire 7 night journey
- Welcome Reception and Dinner
- 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
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Nightly entertainment including a belly dance show, Galabeya Party and Darawish Show
- A variety of small group guided shore excursions
- Visit to the outdoor Luxor Market as well as a papyrus shop and learn the history of this art form
- Exclusive visits to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and Nubian Village
- Complementary Wi-Fi
- Departure airport transfer from ship to Luxor airport

NOTE - Gratuities are excluded and cost £162 which can be paid on board or pre paid to THG Holidays.

Prices shown are from and based on two adults sharing a cabin.

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