Enjoy this once in a life time journey to Egypt with non other than the "Godfather of Icewine" Donald Ziraldo. Your 11 night journey will commence with 3 nights in Cairo then we will board the brand new AmaWaterways ship "AmaLilia" on her second voyage where we will sail the Nile then ending back in Cairo for a final night.,
To learn more about Donald Ziraldo CLICK HERE
Shesmu was an Egyptian God and he was lord of perfume, maker of all precious oil, lord of the oil press, lord of ointments and lord of wine.
The Egyptians have been making wine since almost the beginning of time. They’re not the oldest winemaking culture in the world, as the grape vine is not native to Egypt and was probably imported from Mesopotamia region (Iran) in near prehistoric times, but the Egyptians, via artworks and artifacts provide the oldest evidence of methodical and deliberate winemaking practices in the world.
We know from such art, artifacts, and documentation that nearly six thousand years ago in Egypt grapes were grown all over, from the Delta to the upper Nile, in walled vineyards.
The grapes were harvested at specific times and crushed with relative sophistication, including the catching and distinguishing between free run juice and pressed wine.
The juice was sealed in fired clay wine jugs known as amphorae and left to ferment, with small holes for the carbon dioxide to escape, that were later sealed up after fermentation was complete.
Wine was stored in these jugs which were labeled with vintage year, region, and even the winemaker’s name, as well as the name of any king or god that the wine was meant for, and then filtered before drinking.
March 11th to 22nd, 2024
We will be exploring such wonders as the Temple of Luxor, the valley of the Kings and Queens and you will come face to face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
While on board the beautiful AmaLilia spend time with Donald Ziraldo learning about his journey bringing Icewine to the the "World Stage of Wine" internationally. His history of his passion for wine began in Italy as a small child you will hear all about that experience and how he now has a beautiful Prosecco made in Italy where his family is from.
It is only appropriate that Donald Ziraldo (The God Father of the Canadian Wine Industry) present some Ziraldo Icewine (the gift to the Gods) to where the beginning of civilization made wine for Kings and Gods.
Enjoy this once in a life time journey to Egypt with non other than the "Godfather of Icewine" Donald Ziraldo. Your 11 night journey will commence with 3 nights in Cairo then we will board the brand new AmaWaterways ship "AmaLilia" on her second voyage where we will sail the Nile then ending back in Cairo for a final night.
March 11, 2024
Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met by an AmaWaterways 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.
March 12, 2024
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 greatests masterpieces ever crafted, the museum's unique collection of Pharaonic art includes ancient mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen, the Boy King. 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. (B, L, WR)
Highlights:
Egyptian Museum & King Tut's Treasures
Local Lunch
Alabaster Mosque
Evening Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks
March 13, 2024
Discover the monuments of 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 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B,L)
Highlights:
Pyramids of Ancient Memphis
March 14, 2024
After checking out of the hotel, 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 the brand new AmaLilia 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. (B, L, D)
Highlights:
Flight to Luxor
EMBARKATION
Free Evening
March 15, 2024
Begin the day with a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari's Tomb, where you'll enjoy exclusive access. Next, 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 Dier 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 the AmaLilia, relax on the Upper Deck and take in the amazing scenery or join the AmaLilia chef to an informal cooking class. (B, L, D)
Highlights:
Exclusive access to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari
Valley of the Kings and Queens
March 16, 2024
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. (B, L, D)
Highlights:
Temple of Horus
March 17, 2024
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 and discovered half buried in sand in 1813. 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 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 folkloric-style belly dance on board the AmaLilia. (B, L, D)
Highlights:
Free Morning
OR Abu Simbel Optional Excursion
Felucca Ride around Elephantine Island
March 18, 2024
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)
Highlights:
Nubian Village Visit and Philae Temple
Great Temple of Kom Ombo
Traditional Galabeya Evening
March 19, 2024
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, spphinxes 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 knkown 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. (B, L, D)
Highlights:
Scenic Cruising
Karnak Temple Visit
Art of Papyrus Making
Luxor Temple Visit
Luxor Market Visit
March 20, 2024
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. (B, L, D)
Hightlights:
Temple of Hathor
Cruise back to Luxor
March 21, 2024
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 reltively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterwards, be treated to a very special lunch at the palace. Finally, you'll explore the old part of the city, which includes Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located. (B,L)
Highlights:
DISEMBARKATION
Flight to Cairo
Exclusive Abdeen Palace Private Tour and Lunch
Coptic Quarter visit
March 22, 2024
Return flight home.
Dubai, Jordan or Israel
You may want to add one of the AmaWaterways pre and or post cruise tours.
Optional Tours
*Pre or Post Dubai
*Pre Jordan
*Post Israel
*Pre Dubai & Post Israel
*Pre Jordan & Post Israel
If interested in any of these options you will advise us and we can provide you with full details of the desired extension.
Debuting in 2024, our stunning AmaLilia will be a true treasure of the Nile. Specially curated with upscale regionally-inspired decor and 41 staterooms, including 13 marvelous suites, AmaLilia will carry you through Egypt in style with the luxurious amenities and exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides.
This is a brand new ship, we will be on her second voyage!
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing below is for the 11 night tour as described in the itinerary,
Not included: International Air & Inter Air, travel protection, any additional pre or post additional tours, visas, meals not listed in the daily itinerary.
PRICING IS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS, PRICING IN USD CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENT VARIES DEPENDING ON ROOM CATEGORY.
ASK FOR DETAILS.
Acadia Deck
Fixed Window
215 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Lotus Deck
French Balcony
215 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
$9,647 CDN
Jasmine Deck
French Balcony
215 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
$10,129 CDN
Lily Deck
Colour Turquoise on Deck Plan
430 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Jasmine Deck
French & Outside Balcony
Colour Pink on Deck Plan
430 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
$12,543 CDN
Lily Deck
French & Outside Balcony
Colour Purple on Deck Plan
522 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Also located on each Deck from the Top of the Ship Down.
Sun Deck - Pool, Top Deck Loungers, Bar
Jasmine Deck - Wheel House, Elevator, Atrium, Chef's Table Restaurant
Lily Deck - Elevator, Main Restaurant
Lotus Deck - Elevator, Gift Shop, Lobby
Acadia Deck - Elevator, Massage Room/Hair & Nail Salon, Fitness Room
Included in the 11-Night Cruise Tour:
*Arrival airport transfer to hotel in Cairo; transfer for flight to Luxor (Day 4), Luxor airport to the vessel (Day4) and reverse (Day 11), transfer from airport to Cairo to hotel (Day 11) and hotel in Cairo to airport (Day 12)
-based on the 11-night cruise-tour.
*Land excursions as noted in the detailed itinerary during the duration of the cruise-tour.
*Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck in specific area)
*During the 7-night cruise there is a complimentary coffee & tea station available 24 hours.
*7-night deluxe cruise accommodation during the cruise incl. Taxes, fuel and pilot (there are no port charges)
*4-night accommodation at the St. Regis Cairo (or similar) with daily breakfast at hotel and lunch during land excursions in Cairo.
*Full board daily meals on board AmaLilia including Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner.
*Captain's Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner and Farewell Lunch at the Presidential Palace in Cairo (Day 11)
*Complimentary "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour offering a "Happy Hour" menu on five evenings one hours before dinner (Captain's Reception and Gala Dinner on the other two nights)
*Choice of two dining options at no extra cost including the main dining salon and an intimate Chef's Table Restaurant where the Chef prepares the meal in person.
*During the 7-night cruise complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks (unlimited) with lunch and dinner
*Bottled water in each cabin replenished daily.
*Sun Deck for total relaxation with heated swimming pool and bar, and Wellness Center inside including fitness equipment (free of charge)
*Complimentary Wellness Program with qualified Fitness Instructor
*Complimentary use of the Internet onboard (via flat-screen TV in each stateroom and wireless throughout entire vessel, as available)
*Elevator on board. Note elevator does not reach the Sun Deck.
*Nightly entertainment including a belly dance show, Galabeya Party and Darawish Show.
Not included:
*International Air
*travel protection
*any additional pre or post additional tours
*visas
*meals not listed in the daily itinerary
*gratuities
*laundry, salon, spa services, shop purchases and other personal expenses.
*Beverages other than those included during the 7-night cruise portion on a complimentary basis during lunch and dinner and other than the 24-hour coffee/tea station.
Gratuities can be pre-paid at $318 CDN per person to include everyone anticipating a gratuity during both the 7-night cruise and land package in Cairo including: The Crew, Hotel Manager, Cruise Manager, On-board Egyptologist Guides, Local Guides and Drivers.
*Optional tours during the cruise.
PRICING IS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS