Terra Brown

From the moment I stepped off the plane in Cairo, I knew this trip would be unforgettable.

The energy of the city, the sound of the call to prayer, and the scent of warm spices in the air wrapped around me like an invitation to step back in time. Egypt had been at the top of my travel bucket list for decades and experiencing it through AmaWaterways’ 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise made it all the more meaningful.

Before embarking on the cruise, I spent three incredible days exploring Cairo. Our home base was the elegant and comfortable St. Regis Cairo. Being in Cairo during Ramadan added an extra layer to the experience. The city felt quiet and reflective during the day, and full of life, charity, and community in the evenings.

Every day brought unforgettable moments. I had the opportunity to visit the Egyptian Museum as well as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which was an unexpected surprise. I explored the Giza complex, admired the pyramids and the Great Sphinx, and stepped inside the Pyramid of King Unas at Sakkara. On our final day in Cairo, our Egyptologist guided us through Coptic Cairo, where I visited sacred sites including the Cavern Church, believed to be where the Holy Family found refuge. That afternoon, our group boarded our flight to Luxor.

Boarding the beautiful AmaLilia in Luxor was the beginning of an incredible seven-night adventure. That first evening, I stood on the top deck, watching the sky glow with shades of gold and pink as the sun set over the Nile. Each day that followed brought something new and exciting. I walked through the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, including Seti I and King Tutankhamen, saw the massive Colossi of Memnon, and explored the magnificent Temple of Horus. With an Egyptologist traveling with us, each site came to life in a way I never could have imagined.

In Aswan, I visited the stunning Philae Temple by boat and spent an unforgettable afternoon on Heisa Island, where the Nubian community welcomed us with singing, dancing, and open arms. I also had the chance to enjoy high tea at the iconic Old Cataract Hotel. Sipping tea on a veranda while the sun sank behind the palm-lined banks of the Nile is a view I will never forget. The optional excursion to Abu Simbel was one of the most emotional moments of the trip. I had first written about the site in sixth grade for a school report. Standing there in person nearly forty years later was beyond anything I had imagined and left me emotionally speechless.

As our ship made its way back to Luxor, we eased into an afternoon of exploration. Karnak Temple was massive and absolutely incredible to witness in person. I was fascinated by the size of the complex and the vibrant colors still visible after thousands of years. Afterward, I visited the Papyrus Institute to learn how ancient Egyptians made their iconic paper. Later that day, I toured Luxor Temple while the sun set behind the columns, casting a warm glow over the stones. It was one of those moments that made me stop and truly take it all in.

Our final onboard tour was to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera. The vivid colors and astronomical ceiling were absolutely stunning. My photos could never do it justice.

After a memorable week onboard, our group said goodbye to the AmaLilia crew. Our Egyptologist joined us for the return flight to Cairo, where we had one final tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace and shared lunch together before saying our final farewell.

Life onboard the AmaLilia was just as memorable as the adventures off the ship. The Chef’s Table dinner was a highlight, and the nightly entertainment added a wonderful cultural touch. From dancing and music to quiet moments watching the river glide by, every part of the experience felt welcoming and special.

This trip brought me closer to the history and culture of Egypt in a way no guidebook, documentary, or school report ever could. It has forever changed me.

Whether you're drawn to ancient sites, searching for a river cruise that’s anything but ordinary, or ready to finally cross Egypt off your bucket list, I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable journey.