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Travel Weekly
28-06-2025
- Travel Weekly
Exploring Egypt's timeless wonders with AmaWaterways
Entering one of the 65 known tombs in Egypt's Valley of the Kings is a little spooky, a little claustrophobic -- and way cool. Tunneled for hundreds of feet into desert limestone by hand, the 3,000-year-old tombs are a gift from antiquity. Highly decorated passages quarried into the limestone lead to a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst Down, down we go, our group on excursion from AmaWaterways' AmaLilia, the line's newest Nile riverboat. The colors on the walls are amazingly vivid, sealed for millennia underground in one of the most arid climates in the world. We pass images of vultures and cobras protecting the pharaoh buried within. Hieroglyphics cover every surface, baffling to all but the experts. One of the smaller tombs is that of the famous King Tutankhamen, a mere 28 feet below ground. The nearly intact chambers, uncovered in 1922, were filled with 5,398 funerary items, many of solid gold. Such are the rewards of a cruise up the world's longest river. At every turn, guests can see the grand stone monuments produced by a civilization that existed 4,500 years before Columbus sailed for America. Our eight-day cruise hit many highlights: the extensive temples at Karnak and Luxor; the colossal statues of Ramses II guarding Abu Simbel; and perhaps the most iconic icon of them all, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Unlike for some on our trip, the Nile was not on my bucket list of travel destinations. But I would be the poorer for not having seen it, and I would call this sailing a prime example of "the thinking person's cruise," as one cruise executive has dubbed river voyages. The Philae Temple was dismantled and relocated after its original island location was flooded by construction of the Aswan High Dam. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst Seeing Egypt by water has several advantages. Uniquely, almost every can't-miss site in Egypt is concentrated along the Nile's banks. Moving from temple to temple by ship is easier and safer than traveling the Egyptian highways. Breezes off the water can cool temperatures that reached 110 degrees on several days of our mid-April cruise. Not to be overlooked is the sailing itself. Each morning, I'd greet the placid greenish river as we motored quietly along a shoreline of marsh grasses, date palms, low mud-brick compounds and minarets. The meandering channel took us first close to one bank, then the other, and then past islands where seemingly endless rows of banana trees are cultivated beneath perpetually blue skies. Waterfowl and small green and blue wooden boats rowed by local fishermen animated the surface. Now and then we'd pass a cement embankment, a clustered village, a pump station or a factory, but mostly it is a bucolic scene, both timeless and Old Testament familiar. The ancient temple at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt features four 70 foot tall statues of Ramses II. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst But perhaps the top benefit we enjoyed was the expertise of our two Egyptologists, Marwa Abbas and Randa Abdel Wahab, who sailed with us and without whom we would have no clue about what we were seeing. I think that Wahab's cry of "yalla, yalla," (let's go!) after each viewing pause may be my most enduring memory from the cruise. Our group was mostly couples in their 60s and older, about half Canadian, half American with a few Australians in the mix. The ship carries 82 passengers on four decks with two restaurants, a lounge, a small gym, a massage room, hair salon and a shaded sundeck with a pool. I was able to tour the AmaLilia's sister ship, the AmaDahlia, while in Luxor and found the AmaLilia to be a little brighter and more contemporary, and its dinner-only Chef's Table restaurant is mostly enclosed rather than outdoors. It is one of the newest of about 180 ships of similar design on the Nile, most sailing for brands unknown in North America, the AmaLilia's hotel director told me. The itinerary begins with a three-night stay in Cairo (at the St. Regis Cairo), which affords a day at Giza (including a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum); a day visiting Saladin's massive Citadel and the older Egyptian Museum where King Tut's treasures are stored; and a fascinating half day in Coptic Cairo seeing Roman-era churches and a synagogue. The Temple of Luxor was one of the most venerated sites in ancient Egypt. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst After a flight to Luxor, guests have seven days on the water before a final afternoon in Cairo, which we used to experience the chaos of the sprawling Khan el-Khalili street market. Except for that self-led excursion, we had a discretely armed security officer everywhere we went. Food onboard the ship is about half Egyptian, half Western, paired with Egyptian wines. I didn't love every Egyptian item I tried but found at least half of it to be really good; a sauced pasta-and-chickpeas dish surprised me with its flavor. The crew is eager to show off their national cuisine. Evening entertainment included a screening of the 1978 film "Death on the Nile," a troupe of Nubian dancers and a hilarious contest in which guests were mummified in toilet paper. Ama did a great job with transfers, providing a VIP passage through customs/passport control on the front end and a similar shepherding on the back end for a 4:45 a.m. flight home.
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Travel + Leisure
27-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The First-ever Waldorf Astoria Cruise Ship Will Offer Luxe Nile Sailings in 2026—What to Know
Hilton recently announced it's expanding its global footprint—but it might not be in the way you expect. The hotel giant's luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, is entering the cruise game with a Nile River itinerary that will take place in 2026. In April, the hotel brand, along with Middle East For Nile Cruisers, announced the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a cruise designed to "bring Waldorf Astoria's signature elegant service to Africa's longest and most renowned river," as per the press release. As Hilton explained in the statement, it will soon offer travelers four or six-night itineraries, either down the Nile from Luxor , Egypt, to Aswan , Egypt, or up the river in the opposite direction, departing from its private docks at either point. 'Waldorf Astoria is in an incredible new era of luxury, creating unforgettable, immersive experiences in the most sought-after destinations," Dino Michael, the senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure . "... This new destination experience offers guests a spectacular view of Egypt, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this one-of-a-kind experience when it launches next year.' During the sailings, guests will get the chance to explore the temples in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, as well as go on guided tours to cultural attractions at stops across Egypt, including Esna, Kom Ombo, and Edfu. A rendering of the living room lounge area. While there will undoubtedly be plenty to do off the ship, the star of the show here may just be the vessel itself. According to Hilton, the ship that the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience has five decks and just 29 suites, ensuring personalized service from the moment you step on board. While there are only renderings of the rooms (for now), the vision includes light wood floors, bright white linens, separate sleeping and living spaces, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to verandas, allowing the Egyptian sun to illuminate every inch of the ship. There will also be all the luxe amenities travelers could hope to have, including a "state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa," along with "distinctive food and drink experiences," such as Waldorf Astoria's signature Peacock Alley, a brasserie that will serve Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. However, the best perk of all will undoubtedly be the ship's rooftop deck, where guests can savor the Nile views both day and night. This, however, isn't Hilton's first foray into Egypt. The company noted in its statement that it currently has 14 hotels sprinkled across the nation and is "set to triple its presence" there through its lifestyle brands. And, as Michael added, this new sailing is just the beginning of the adventures to come from the brand, with the "anticipated opening of the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, and debuting in destinations including the most recent openings in Osaka and Costa Rica, and into the future with Sydney, London, Jaipur and many more." Sailings are set to kick off in late 2026, so stay tuned to Hilton's website for booking details.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Viking unveils latest cruise ship for the Nile River
Passengers are set for a new option when exploring the history and culture of Egypt after Viking unveiled its latest cruise ship for the Nile River. The 82-passenger capacity Viking Thoth had its float-out ceremony in Cairo's Massara shipyard last week, where it touched water for the first time. It is the eighth Viking ship to sail on the iconic waterway, adding to the choice of itineraries in the popular region for river cruises. Viking Thoth, which features the cruise line's distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and to complete its interiors that will mirror the Scandinavian design of the rest of the fleet. Set for delivery in October 2025, the Viking Thoth will travel on the brand's 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The itinerary starts with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where passengers can see legendary sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza before flying to Luxor to visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. The ship then departs for an eight-day round-trip cruise featuring stops at the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings. The journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city. Prices start from £7,495 per person. The brand has plans to welcome four new ships in Egypt over the next two years, with Viking Amun also unveiled last month, taking the total on the Nile River to 12. Torstein Hagen, chief executive of Viking, said: 'Egypt is a country of profound historical and cultural significance, which makes it a destination of great interest to our guests. 'With two new ships, the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun, debuting in 2025, we are very proud to continue expanding our elegant fleet and introducing more curious travellers to this phenomenal region.' Egypt is a popular destination for river cruises, with brands such as Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and CroisiEurope offering regular sailings.
Egypt Today
28-01-2025
- Egypt Today
Warming Up Your Winter Breaks: Exciting Adventure to Have around Egypt
Winter break is the perfect time to escape from the cold weather to the warm beautiful weather of Egypt. When it comes to a place like Egypt, it is a country that has it all; whether you're looking for thrilling adventures, cultural experiences, or peaceful escapes, this destination will exceed your expectations. From exploring ancient wonders in Cairo and sailing along the Nile to enjoying the Mediterranean charm of Alexandria or the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Egypt is an ideal destination to make your winter break unforgettable. Here are four incredible activities to make the most of your winter escape in Egypt. Spend a day in Alexandria There is a variety of activities to do in Alexandria. You can visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, also known as Qaitbay Fort, or the legendary Pharos Lighthouse. The Royal Jewelry Museum is a must-visit, with an amazing collection of gold, diamond, and emerald jewelry that once belonged to the Egyptian Royal Family. Moreover, you can visit The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an ancient 11-story library founded by Alexander the Great some 2300 years ago, where you'll find books, exhibitions, and mini-museums. Finally, don't forget to have a walk by the Corniche and enjoy a meal overlooking the Mediterranean sea view. Book a Nile Cruise Explore the unmatched beauty of Egypt and learn about its ancient culture and lifestyle. The Nile Cruise travels between Luxor and Aswan, throughout this trip, you will visit major attractions in Luxor; the Karnak temple, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Valley of Kings. On your way, you will visit other cities and temples like Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples. While in Aswan, you will have a lot of fun in Nubian village, Philae temple, Aswan Botanical Garden, and Abu Simbel Temple. Last but not least, have a good adrenaline rush with a hot air balloon adventure. Explore the Red Sea Book a private yacht in the Red Sea and spend time exploring the beauty of the Red Sea. Enjoy the on-deck activities like fishing or hosting a barbecue party, you can also indulge in other exciting activities like swimming with the dolphins, riding a speedboat, snorkeling, and water skiing. Additionally, you can go diving into the crystal-clear waters to explore the marvelous and unique coral reefs that are found nowhere else. Gather your friends and family for a day filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories, and don't forget to capture all the moments, especially the sensational sunset that will leave you in awe. Whether you are visiting Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Dahab, or any other destination around that area, the Red Sea is a magical destination filled with wonders for you to explore. Have a Tour in Cairo The iconic Pyramids of Giza are definitely not to be missed, you might as well take a selfie with Sphinx, and attend the sound and light show. Then, only two kilometers away from the Pyramids, resides the Grand Egyptian Museum, housing the largest collection of artifacts and monuments in the world in the world. The museum includes many archaeological and cultural treasures that characterized Egypt, a children's museum, an educational center, and a handicraft center. For an extraordinary sunset view, enjoy the beauty of the Nile through a felluca ride or a cruise with a motorboat, a spellbinding experience where you will get to enjoy a unique and picturesque view. Another place you shouldn't skip is Cairo Citadel, a breathtaking testament to architectural and historical brilliance, this structure offers a deep glimpse into the past. There is more and more to the city and several places you can't miss visiting, between if you are in Cairo, you must visit The Baron Empain Palace, the Sakakiny Palace, and the Gayer Anderson Museum, to the Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan El Khalili, and Old Cairo, there is plenty to marvel and feast your eyes on.
