12 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Luxor to Luxor 2026

Day 1 Luxor

Land in Cairo, where an AmaWaterways representative meets you and assists with luggage, customs, and the immigration process. With formalities completed, transfer to your hotel and check in for the beginning of your journey.

Day 2 Cairo

Begin your day at the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts. Explore exhibits featuring Pharaonic art, royal treasures, and remarkably preserved mummies, including the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Day 3 Cairo

Travel to the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, then continue to Sakkara to view the step pyramid of King Zoser, one of Egypt’s earliest large-scale stone constructions.

Day 4 Cairo

Visit Coptic Cairo, an area known for its historic churches and monasteries. Stroll through its narrow lanes and learn about this early Christian community settled within modern Cairo.

Day 5 Luxor

Cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of Queens, then continue to the Valley of the Kings, where you see several tombs, including that of Tutankhamun. Your visit also includes rare access to the tomb of Seti I, known for its colorful and detailed carvings. Continue to Deir el-Bahri to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of Egypt’s most remarkable rulers. Stop to view the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once guarded a mortuary temple, before returning to the ship.

Day 6 Edfu

Arrive in Edfu and visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god. Explore its courtyards, halls, and reliefs that illustrate mythological stories and ancient rituals.

Day 7 Aswan

Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan, or join an optional excursion (must-be pre-booked) to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This excursion starts with 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.

Day 8 Aswan

Travel by motorboat to the island temple complex of Philae, relocated stone by stone to preserve it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After your visit, continue to Heisa Island to experience a Nubian village. Stop at the Nubian Cultural Center and browse a local market offering essential oils, spices, and textiles.

Day 9 Luxor

Spend the morning sailing along the Nile from Esna toward Luxor, relaxing on deck and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks.

Day 10 Luxor

Sail to Qena and travel to the Temple of Hathor at Dendara, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Explore its detailed reliefs and well-preserved halls before returning to the ship and sailing back to Luxor.

Day 11 Luxor

Disembark your Nile cruise ship in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.

Day 12 Cairo

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.