After about 22 hours of travel from Atlanta, there’s a warm feeling upon arrival to the ancient land of Egypt as locals greet guests with smiles and words of “welcome home.” The most surreal moment is watching the sun radiate from your hotel room above the capital city of Cairo and the Nile. That’s when you realize, you’re about to embark on an unforgettable 11-night adventure with dozens of Black travelers in the northeast corner of Africa.
Here are 5 reasons this immersive journey promises to give you a glimpse into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
1: Egypt’s Rich History
Cairo offers exciting exploration through the city’s most iconic landmarks including a stroll around the most beautiful mosque in Egypt called Alabaster located inside the famous Cairo Citadel. An aha moment is visiting the Pyramids of Giza and touching a limestone block at the Great Pyramid.
AmaWaterways, a luxury river cruise company, arranges for Egyptologists to guide and inform guests about Egypt’s rich history for the duration of the nearly 2-week journey.
2: Hospitality
Exceptional service is a top priority for the AmaWaterways’ staff who are extremely attentive to all guests, including individuals with accessibility needs.
The 72-passenger AmaDahlia ship is a floating oasis with Egyptian interior design and plenty of space for relaxation. Guests can choose where to enjoy the panoramic views while sailing along the Nile, from their spacious stateroom or the pool and cabanas on the sun deck.
Of course, a popular ship amenity is the spa. I highly recommend indulging in a 60-minute foot or body massage.
3: Excursions
Excursions are at the heart of this amazing trip, each curated to connect travelers to the local culture. Each of the eight temples visited have their own unique ancient style and story. My favorite was Philae temple near Aswan, an island complex only accessible by boat and dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Throughout the journey, guests will also explore multiple museums and monuments. One of the most mesmerizing tours took place at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo. It houses more than 100,000 artifacts, including a 36-foot-tall statue of Ramesses II.
4: Egyptian Cuisine
There’s no shortage of delicious Egyptian cuisine offered onboard and beyond the ship. Traditional dishes include Mumbar (rice sausage links), Muhammara (baked red pepper and nuts dip), delicious soups, and a variety of fresh seafood entrees. The Egyptian wines were well paired with meals. My personal favorite white wine was the Grand Marquis Sultanine Blanche.
My go-to snack to cool down during our excursions was an Egyptian Mega Strawberry Crunch ice cream bar. So good! It reminded me of a similar Strawberry Shortcake flavored bar in the U.S.
5: Cruising The Nile River
You truly can soak in the beauty of Egypt while sailing the Nile. Each day guests will wake up to breathtaking views of a new city, lush greenery, or ancient landmarks. The evening entertainment on board features a vibrant taste of Egyptian culture like folkloric-style belly dancing and playing dress up in Galabeya, traditional Egyptian attire.
"The Secrets of Egypt & the Nile" is captivating and offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. The itinerary is more than just a river cruise, “it’s one of many soulful experiences created to honor Black heritage on the world’s rivers, centered in luxury and rooted in love and purpose,” says Jazzmine Douse, senior director of national accounts for AmaWaterways.
For more information: www.amawaterways.com/soulful.