If Egypt is on your bucket list (and let’s be honest, it should be), there’s no better way to dive into its rich history than aboard AmaWaterways' "Secrets of Egypt & the Nile" river cruise. This is not your average vacation. Think VIP access to ancient wonders, the best ship on the Nile, and expert guides who help you unlock the mysteries of hieroglyphics while standing at the base of the Pyramids, Abu Simbel, or The Temple of Karnak among many others.
From the moment I stepped foot on this cruise, the entire experience felt designed to make every traveler feel like royalty. Picture this: a private lunch at the palace in Cairo, high tea in Aswan overlooking the Nile, VIP access to the “Winston Churchill Suite” at the Old Cataract Hotel, and nightly sunsets that will make you pinch yourself. Whether you’re a solo traveler (like me) or part of a group, the camaraderie with fellow guests is part of the magic. I met three fabulous women my age and instantly had travel buddies (habibis) to share this incredible journey with.
The Pyramids of Giza do not disappoint! It’s hard to believe you are actually standing there and while your pictures will never quite do it justice, the tour manager will help you find the perfect spots to snap your pics and get you up on a camel for the incredible view atop the hill! A stop at the Sphinx down the hill was the cherry on top of this awesome experience!
⛪While Egypt, Jordan, and Dubai are primarily Muslim countries, we got to see the variety of religious temples, mosques, and churches that have symbolized a blend of cultures and migrations over the thousands of years in these regions. The history of these places tells a complicated story of the past and present and feels like an important lesson for our future.
Of course, the ship itself was pure luxury (AMA Dahlia) — with delicious meals, beautiful cabins, and super, attentive service. I never felt unsafe once, which is a big win when traveling solo in such an exotic place. And the historic sites? Valley of the Kings, the Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel were more mind-blowing than I ever imagined. Seeing these ancient landmarks with the insights of our Egyptologist, Amany, really brought them to life in ways that simply reading about them never could. I'm now obsessed with ancient Egyptian history...PBS specials are my new Netflix!
Extend Your Adventure to Jordan & Dubai
After soaking up all Egypt has to offer, why stop there? Jordan is a natural extension with its iconic sites like Petra—trust me, walking through the desert canyon and arriving at the Treasury carved into rose-red stone is an experience you’ll never forget. Pair that with an exhilarating dune drive through Wadi Rum, and a swim in the Dead Sea and you’ve got yourself a perfect contrast of history and adventure. And if you’re craving a modern twist, head to Dubai, where luxury reaches new heights (literally, at the Burj Khalifa).
Crafting Your Ideal Exotic Getaway
This kind of journey may seem daunting to plan, but that’s where AmaWaterways and a trusted Virtuoso travel advisor like me come in. With seamless itineraries and expert guides, AmaWaterways ensures you can explore the world’s most exotic destinations without worry. As your advisor, I provide personalized recommendations and handle all the logistics, ensuring your experience is tailored to your preferences. Together, we’ll craft the perfect adventure—one that’s unforgettable, uniquely yours, and completely hassle-free.
🤯It is truly a life-changing trip that leaves you curious about our history and with a better understanding of the Middle East and African cultures. Don't hesitate to reach out to learn more.
-Karen G.