This great land’s ancient past lives on in its majestic monuments and relics created by one of the most impressive civilizations history has seen. This rich history has created a tapestry of cultural and archaeological treasures unmatched anywhere – so much so that the country is home to an estimated third of the world’s antiquities. Ply the mighty Nile on the luxurious AmaLilia as it flows through the heart of Egypt .
The AmaLilia is the newest and one of the best boutique ships on the Nile. The ship has been decorated in a modern, comfortable style and provides a taste of genuine 5-star luxury on a timeless river.
This trip is followed by our customized 5* luxury tour of Jordan, Petra and the Dead Sea, with full details available in the Add-On section.
Luxury Level: ***** Five Star
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Guest Count: 80
Highlights
- Tour of The Grand Egyptian Museum
- Alabaster Mosque Visit
- Pyramids of Ancient Memphis
- The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- The Valley of the Kings and King Tutankhamun’s Tomb
- Temple of Horus
- Optional Abu Simbel Temples Excursion from Aswan
- Felucca Ride around Elephantine Island
- Nubian Village Visit and Philae Temple
- Great Temple of Kom Ombo
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Temple of Hathor
- Exclusive Abdeen Palace Tour and Lunch
- Cairo’s Coptic Quarter
Abu Simbel Options Excursion
Monday, February 21 from Aswan during the cruise:
(You may do this tour as well as the Tea at the Cataract Hotel optional excursion)
$549 per person
As part of your Egypt & the Nile River journey, you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit one of the world’s most magnificent archaeological treasures, 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. Seize the day and be among an exclusive group of travelers to experience the wonders and delights of this ancient site.
- Roundtrip transfer from AmaLilia to the Aswan Airport and assistance inside the airport
- Roundtrip economy class air
- Roundtrip transfer in Abu Simbel
- Admission to both temples
- English-speaking Egyptologist who will join you throughout the excursion
Tea at the Cataract Hotel – Optional Excursion
Sunday, February 20 from Aswan during the cruise:
(You may do both the Abu Simbel tour and this tour)
$80 per person
There is nothing better than a good cup of tea, and one of the most storied teas in Egypt was found in Aswan, in southern Egypt, at the Old Cataract Hotel, a British colonial hotel from 1899. The Old Cataract Hotel is in a grand setting, perched on a granite bluff overlooking the Nile. The historic, luxurious property has retained its Victorian character, and has played host to a variety of luminaries and dignitaries over the years, including Winston
Churchill.
Agatha Christie, once a resident of the hotel, wrote Death on the Nile while sitting on the terrace. The iconic property is surrounded by lush plants and palms and lovely landscaping, including a giant fountain. While at the tea, you can sample different teas and flavors from around the world. The tea is composed of a three-layer plate stand filled with goodies, including finger sandwiches, desserts and fruit. After your tea, be sure to check out the grand lobby with its historic furnishings, photos and pieces of art combining Egyptian and French influences.
Total duration of this outing is about 90 minutes.
Jordan and Petra: Wonders of the Desert
February 24 – March 1, 2028:
Pricing:
$5,299 per person double occupancy
$8,399 per person single occupancy
*Pricing is per person, based on occupancy listed above.
A deposit of $250 per person is required to secure a reservation. Pre-paid gratuities of $ per person are additional. Final payment coincides with the Egypt program final payment date which is October 17, 2028. All reservations are subject to Brand g’s Terms and Conditions.
Experience the best of Jordan with Brand g Vacations. Witness the ancient ruins of Jerash; the historic Biblical sites of Bethany and Mt. Nebo; cross the Wadi Rum desert by 4×4; explore breathtaking Petra; and relax in the restorative, mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Inclusions:
- Flight from Cairo to Amman
- 6-night fully escorted tour, with the services of local guides and Brand g hosts throughout the trip
- 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners
- Two beverages per included lunch and dinner (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Meet and greet airport arrival transfer at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport
- 3 nights hotel accommodation at the 5* Amman St Regis Hotel – Deluxe Room
- Full-day tour of Jerash and Amman
- 2 nights accommodation at the Movenpick Resort Hotel Petra – Classic Room
- 1 night hotel accommodation at the 5* Kempinski Hotel Ishtar at the Dead Sea
- Full-day tour of Petra
- Half-day tour of Wadi Rum
- All admissions for the sightseeing stated in the program
- Portage at airports and hotels
- Economy class flight from Cairo to Amman to begin Jordan program
Highlights:
- Visit the ancient Roman city of Jerash
- Enjoy commanding views of Amman from the Citadel
- Retrace biblical history at Mt. Nebo
- Take a mud bath at the Dead Sea
- Explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Petra
- See the 7 Pillars of Wisdom in Wadi Rum
- Marvel at the incredible mosaic works of art in Madaba
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Cairo/Amman, Jordan**
Fly (flight included in package) from Cairo to Amman, where our Brand g representatives will meet you and transfer you to your luxurious hotel, the St Regis, Amman. This evening, a dinner snack box will be provided. (Dinner)
Accommodation: 5* Amman St Regis Hotel
**Please note – guests will participate in the post-cruise touring and lunch in Cairo before flying to Amman, Jordan and the post-cruise hotel night at the St Regis in Cairo will be replaced by a night at the St Regis in Amman.
Day 2 – Amman/Jerash/Amman
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theater, two of the most popular archaeological sites in the city.
We will continue overland to Jerash, the Graeco-Roman city [ancient Gerasa], and close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan. Boasting an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years, and hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash is a fine example of the grand, formal and provincial Roman towns found throughout the Middle East. One can walk beneath four imposing gates or down the “Street of Columns” north from the “Oval Plaza” while stepping over the tracks of chariot wheels still visible in the paving stones.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at Romero Restaurant in Amman. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: 5* Amman St Regis Hotel
Day 3 – Amman/Wadi Rum/Petra
After breakfast, we drive to Wadi Rum, a striking desert-scape also known as the “Valley of the Moon.” Traverse the desert by 4×4 in the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and T.E. Lawrence based their headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in World War I – their exploits are intrinsically woven into the history of this amazing area. See the Seven Pillars of Wisdom along with many other interesting sites.
From here, we continue to Petra and check in to the Movenpick Hotel. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: Movenpick Resort Hotel Petra
Day 4 – Petra
After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, we spend a full day exploring the “Rose-Red City” of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabataeans in the third century BC. Visit the Temple of Winged Lions, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb. Other major sites include the Treasury, the baths, markets and storerooms.
You’ll have time for lunch before some time to continue exploring this magnificent site at your leisure. Perhaps take a hike to the Monastery, which boasts incredible views of the rose-red canyons below.
Later, return to the Movenpick for some time to refresh before another festive included dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: Movenpick Resort Hotel Petra
Day 5 – Petra/Dead Sea
Today we depart Petra after breakfast to visit the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading into the sea for a silky salt water soak and a mud bath. Tonight’s dinner is at the Kempinski Hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: 5* Kempinski Ishtar Hotel
Day 6 – Dead Sea/Bethany/Mount Nebo/Madaba/Amman
After breakfast, drive to Bethany to visit the reputed site of Jesus’ baptism. Continue on to Mount Nebo, the highest point in the Moabite Mountain range, offering a remarkable view of the Jordan Valley, then drive to Madaba, “the City of Mosaics”. Madaba’s chief attraction, the contemporary Greek Orthodox Church of St. George is a wonderfully vivid, sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: 5* Amman St Regis Hotel
Day 7 – Amman – Departures
Enjoy your morning with a leisurely breakfast.
At check-out time, make the short journey back to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
Guests may book additional post-nights with the St. Regis Amman directly in the Deluxe Room type.
Inclusions
- FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.
- Egypt Entry Visas for citizens of the US, Canada, UK and EU Countries (residents of other countries should inquire at the time of booking for eligibility)
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Welcome reception in Cairo with tapas and drinks
- 4 nights (3 pre-cruise, 1 post-cruise) accommodation at the St. Regis Cairo, with daily breakfast at hotel and lunch during land excursions in Cairo
- Cairo: Visits to The Grand Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Pyramids of Ancient Memphis and Giza
- Economy Class Intra-Egypt flights (Cairo to Luxor, Luxor to Cairo)
- 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation
- Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
- During the cruise, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks (unlimited) with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary “Sip and Sail” cocktail hour offering a “Happy Hour” menu on five evenings of the cruise (Captain’s Reception and Gala Dinner on the other two nights)
- Complimentary use of wireless internet onboard throughout the vessel (as available)
- Nightly entertainment including a belly dance show, Galabeya Party and Darawish Show
- All tours as described in the program with our own English-speaking Egyptologists throughout the entire trip
- All admissions for the sightseeing stated in the program
- Complimentary 24-hour coffee and tea station during the cruise
- And much more…
Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met by a
representative who will help you with your luggage
and the customs and immigration process. With
your baggage and customs taken care of and a new
stamp in your passport, you will now be driven to
your hotel.
Dinner tonight is on your own.
Step back in time and explore the wonders of ancient Egypt at the spectacular, billion-dollar Grand Egyptian Museum. Marvel at the world’s only Hanging Obelisk, the breathtaking Grand Hall, the majestic Grand Staircase Gallery with over 60 remarkable artefacts, and the awe-inspiring Main Galleries. Within the twelve meticulously curated exhibition halls of the Main Galleries, explore Egypt’s rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Delve into the lives, spirituality, and burial practices of the Egyptian people as you experience millennia of their extraordinary civilization.
Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and international cuisine. Then, 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, enjoy the breathtaking view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Inside the Mosque, marvel at an ornate interior and a splendid array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling. Afterward, join an evening Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome Reception)
Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. 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. Next, enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After checking out of the hotel, visit Coptic Cairo, a neighborhood know for its historic churches and monasteries including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Then take an early afternoon 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 your luxurious river cruise ship 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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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, 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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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. Afterwards, 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 (additional cost) 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. 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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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. 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. After dinner tonight, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric-style belly dance on board your ship.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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 colorful Luxor Market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewelry and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo, where you will be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums, including the Silver Museum; the Arms Museum; the Royal Family Museum; a Presidential Gifts Museum and a Historical Documents Museum, which is a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a farewell lunch inside the palace. For those continuing on to Jordan with us, we’ll transfer to the airport after lunch.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
For those ending their trip in Cairo today, you will be transferred from the hotel to the Cairo airport for your international flight home.
(Breakfast)
Bookings for the 2028 Egypt and the Nile I tour ranges from:
- $10,399 Cat E (Acacia Deck 101-106)
- to $16,499.00 Owners Suite
- Per person, double occupancy.
Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of staterooms and for reservations. You can now book directly for any Brand g trip via this link.
