Destination
Egypt
Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site
AmaWaterways - Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary
Cairo land program: Four Seasons Hotel at the Residence
River cruise ship: AmaDahlia
How to get to
Flew American Airlines & British Airways through London Heathrow to Cairo both ways. All other transportation was provided by AmaWaterways. We flew Egyptair between Cairo and Luxor
Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)
Couples, Friends, Siblings, Multi-Generational Adult Families, Families with older teenagers who would especially appreciate the subject matter.
Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity
The tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, Luxor. This tomb is an exclusive visit that tourists typically don't pay for and they only let a maximum number of people inside at one time. The art inside the tomb is incredibly well-preserved - the vivid colors will just blow you away. You have to see it with your own eyes as the photos will not do it justice.
Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region
Hummus, Egyptian style fava bean falafel, and grilled meats, of course. Our chef on the ship did his own version of mango kunafa, an Egyptian dessert with a little cream between two layers of shredded phyllo and mango on top - it was so delicious I had seconds!
Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region
I squeezed in a hot stone massage on the AmaDahlia ship between tours, which was much needed after all the sites we visited. Especially when you've been looking upwards all day at all the temple details. The masseuse was very good - I wish I could have done a longer session.
Favorite amenity
AmaWaterways always provides nice gifts for their guests, as well as little surprises, and this trip was no different. I'd hate to ruin the fun if you've never sailed with them before.
Kudos to:
refers to a guide, chef, member of hotel team, etc. that went out of their way*We had the most wonderful Egyptologist guide, Marwa. Not only was she incredibly knowledgeable, but her persona and teaching style made every day special. I have never walked away from a travel experience before feeling as though I missed my guide and wished they could be part of my everyday life. That is how it was with Marwa. She made you never want to stop learning about ancient Egypt and modern Egyptian culture.
Additional Remarks
AmaWaterways has put together an absolutely unforgettable program in Egypt. From the sights to the ship, every element was perfectly planned and executed. I even joked with our cruise manager, Walaa, that I almost thought we were in Switzerland for a moment because of how precise everything was. The service throughout was impeccable. We felt completely safe and secure in the country, and had the most amazing time. I cannot wait to return to Egypt again someday to see all the new things they will uncover. It is an absolute bucket list trip that everyone should experience.
To plan a trip to Egypt, contact becky@travellustre.com