Secrets of Egypt and The Nile

With anticipation and excitement we are thrilled to share with you our 2025 Secrets of Egypt & the Nile tour.

Each year we put together an assortment of carefully crafted tours and invite you to join us on our “To Travel Is To Understand” Quest!

Zaneta & Joe Rochemont

Owners of Cruise Holidays – Clarkson Travel

DAY 1 CAIRO,

We arrive in Cairo, and transfer to our hotel where we will spend three nights. In the evening, we will meet the group over a Welcome Reception in hotel lobby. Meals: Welcome Reception.

DAY 2 CAIRO,

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. Then, we 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, we will enjoy the breathtaking view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Inside the Mosque, we will witness the ornate interior and a splendid array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling. Afterwards, we head to Al Azhar Park in the heart of Old Cairo for a welcome lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, we will attend a classical music performance (subject to scheduling). Meals: B, L

DAY 3 CAIRO

Today we discover the monuments at the UNESCO designated ancient capital of Memphis. We’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. We’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. Today’s adventure includes a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, nestled in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. In the evening, we will attend a classical music performance (subject to scheduling). Meals: B, L D

DAY 4 CARIO – LUXOR – EMBARKATION

After checking out of the hotel, we will 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. Be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Later this afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. After our visit, we will continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric style belly dance on board the AmaDahlia. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 LUXOR – EDFU

Today we 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 remains are still here on display. Afterwards, we go to Deir elBahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and its first female ruler. Next, we’ll visit the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertati’s Tomb, where we’ll enjoy exclusive access. Our day’s adventure concludes with an upclose view of the Colossi of Memnon—two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once back on board the AmaDahlia, we cap the day off with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail. Meals: B, L, D

DAY6 EDFU – ASWAN

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 GrecoRoman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 ASWAN

 Seize the day and be among an exclusive group of travelers to experience the wonders and delights of Abu Simbel. This more than 3,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Ramses II, one of the most active of Egypt’s pharaohs, also includes a smaller temple dedicated to his beloved chief wife, Queen Nefertari. 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)

DAY 8 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 colorful 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)