Secrets of Egypt & the Nile

Joint Medical/Dental Symposium Confronting Healthcare Needs
11-Night Nile River Cruise & Land Journey on AmaWaterways

October 11 – 22, 2024

Uncover Egypt’s ancient secrets with PES for 11 nights on this bucket list adventure! Visit iconic landmarks, temples, and monuments and cruise the Nile in a manner once reserved for pharaohs aboard the luxurious, 72-guest AmaDahlia. Hosted by Joann & Bill Chaney!

CME/CE Overview

Cruise & Land Tour Inclusions & Highlights:

3-Night Cairo Pre-Cruise:

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • 3 nights at 5-star The Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo in a Deluxe Nile View Room, including daily breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks
  • Full-day Cairo tour with visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to King Tut’s treasures, welcome lunch, and visits to Citadel of Salah Ed-Din and Alabaster Mosque
  • Visit the ancient sites of Memphis, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum and lunch at the historic Mena House Hotel
  • Visits to the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue

7-Night Nile River Cruise:

  • 7-night luxury river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
  • Fine dining with a variety of choices, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner
  • Sip & Sail cocktail hour
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Nightly entertainment including a belly dance show, Galabeya Party and Darawish Show
  • A variety of small group guided shore excursions
  • Exclusive visits to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village
  • Fitness room, sun-deck pool, hair and nail salon and a massage room
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

1-Night Cairo Post-Cruise:

  • One night at the 5-star The Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo in a Deluxe Nile View Room with breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Exclusive private tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace with special farewell lunch at the palace
  • Departure airport transfer
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Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary:

Friday, October 11, 2024 | Cairo – The Nile Ritz Carlton

Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI), where you’ll 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 be driven to the 5-star The Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

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, 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. Afterwards, head to Al-Azhar Park in the heart of Old Cairo for a welcome lunch at the Studio Misr Restaurant, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views – especially of the majestic Citadel.

Return to the hotel for the evening and dinner at leisure.

(B, L)

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. You’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. You’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, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza.

Return to the hotel for the evening and dinner at leisure.

(B, L)

After checking out of the hotel, 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, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. After your visit, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric-style belly dance on board the AmaDahlia.

(B, L, D)

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 its first female ruler. Next, you’ll visit 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. 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 AmaDahlia, cap the day off with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail.

(B, L, D)

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)

Board a motorboat and cruise to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Savor a local lunch here and explore the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, with one of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt, built between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus.

Later in the day, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around the beautiful Elephantine Island which locals say is the home to legendary Egyptian god Khnum. 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 of your oasis – Aswan and Elephantine Island.

Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple.

(B, L, D)

Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be prebooked). If you purchased the optional excursion, you’ll take 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 Esna. In the evening, join your crew outside on the Sundeck 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)

*Guests can reserve the optional tour to Abu Simbel at time of booking your Nile adventure.*

Spend the morning with 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. 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. It is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. Then discover the art of papyrus making with a museum visit and 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.

(B, L, D)

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)

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. 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.

Spend the evening at leisure at The Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo.

(B, L)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Dubai.

(B)

Optional Pre- & Post-Tour Packages
& Abu Simbel Excursion:

Enhance your wish-list river cruise and land journey and make the most of your time in this incredible region by joining available pre-tour in Jordan & Petra or pre- or post-tour in Dubai, plus don’t miss the chance to visit one of the world’s most magnificent archaeological treasures on an optional Abu Simbel excursion! Pre-registration is required.

Pre- & Post-Tour Packages
Abu Simbel Excursion

PES Stateroom Rates:

About AmaDahlia
Stateroom Descriptions
Deck Plan

Rates do not include intra-Egypt air of $874 per person, including taxes and fuel surcharges.

Double pricing is based on double occupancy or two people per stateroom.

Single pricing is based on one person per stateroom and is capacity-controlled by AmaWaterways and subject to change.

Reservation Booking Terms and Conditions:

Required Deposit:

Cruise: $1,200 per person and a non-refundable Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person

Second Payment: 50% of the remaining invoice balance, including seminar fees and extra options, is due by Friday, April 12, 2024

Final Payment: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Required Documentation:

  • Passport valid for six months after the end of the trip
  • Single-entry Egypt tourist e-visa; can be obtained online for a cost of $25 per person

Airfare is not included. PES will book your air arrangements for a $100 per person ticketing fee, or you may choose to handle your own reservation.

Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are included to and from the hotel in Cairo.

Additional Services: Please contact your PES Travel Advisor for any additional services you may need including airfare, pre- and post-cruise packages, transfers, and tours.

PES offers optional travel insurance. Travel insurance is strongly suggested and will give you the opportunity to recover monies lost through cancellations. We offer Allianz Travel Insurance as an option. Premiums vary depending on your age and the cost of your trip. Purchase within 15 days of deposit for additional benefits.

Cancellation Penalties: All cancellations must be made in writing to Global Tracks. Travel insurance and airfare are non-refundable once purchased. Any payment to Global Tracks constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set herein, including but not limited to the cancellation terms. All cancellations are subject to the Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person paid at deposit in addition to the below schedule:

From time of deposit until January 11, 2024 $600 per person
From January 12, 2024, to April 12, 2024 $1,200 per person
From April 13, 2024, to June 13, 2024 50% of the total package
After June 13, 2024 100% of the total package
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