Caroline O’Toole, head of Cruises at JWT Travel, shares her experience sailing one of the world’s most iconic rivers: the Nile in Egypt, onboard the luxurious AmaDhalia.
“The history, the food, the people and the stunning ship… everything was just incredible,” says Caroline, who travelled with AmaWaterways in December. “It was one of my absolute favourite trips of all time.”
Departing from Luxor, the Nile River cruise takes you through the Valley of the Kings, home to over 60 pharaoh tombs and one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites.
“We explored five incredible tombs, including Ramses, Seti and Tutankhamun. AmaWaterways has a dedicated Egyptologist accompanying you on this journey which makes it extra special as you can learn so much from their wealth of knowledge, from little known facts to the history of the places we are visiting,” explains Caroline.
“We also visited spectacular temples such as the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Temple of Karnak , Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Horus in Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of the sky and one of the best preserved in ancient Egypt.”
Those looking to visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abu Simbel can book a day trip and take a short 30 minute flight from Aswan.
“The Abu Simbel temples were carved over 3000 years ago by Ramses II for himself and Queen Nefertari. They are just incredible. The towering statues at the entrance are breath taking and the carvings inside are simply stunning.” Fun fact: the entire site was relocated piece by piece in the 1960s to save it from flooding.
ABOUT THE AMADHALIA
The AmaDhalia river ship was Caroline’s luxurious home for a week. Hosting just 72 guests in 36 exquisite staterooms, AmaDhalia offers a very intimate experience.
Guests are warmly welcomed aboard by an attentive crew which includes your Cruise Manager and an Egyptologist, who share their vast knowledge of Ancient Egypt and its secrets.
The ship offers exquisite cuisine onboard, so guests can discover the local flavours and gastronomy sampling regional specialties but also opt for Western favourites at the main restaurant and The Chef’s Al Fresco specialty restaurant.
The heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar are the perfect place to wind down after a day exploring or a great way to spend a leisurely morning.
“It was lovely to get back onboard after a morning excursion and enjoy lunch on the sun deck, taking in the surrounding beauty,” adds Caroline. “I had so many pinch-me moments on this cruise and keep remembering all the amazing places we visited. This was a trip of a lifetime!”
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Caroline highly recommends December as one of the best months to travel in Egypt but contact the team for more dates and availability.
A pre-cruise stay in Cairo before the cruise is perfect for those looking to visit the famous pyramids of Giza, Cairo’s unique museum and explore the colours and flavours of this vibrant city.
AMAWATERWAYS SECRETS OF EGYPT AND THE NILE RIVER CRUISE
At JWT Cruises we have a exclusive date in December 2025:
3rd December 2025 | 11 nights, including 4 nights in Cairo and 7-night cruise from Luxor, from €6751pps.
This tour is also available as a river cruise only, if you wish to travel directly to Luxor to embark.
Prices include:
- Flights from Dublin and overseas transfers.
- Personalised service from a highly trained cruise manager.
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Fine dining onboard.
- Dedicated Egyptologist.
- Small group guided tours.
- Exclusive visits to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village.
- Excursion to Abu Simbel is optional.
Find more details about this unforgettable river cruise here: SECRETS OF EGYPT AND THE NILE RIVER and more inspiration for extraordinary river cruises at AMAWATERWAYS.
Contact our award-winning cruise team for advice and to book your place!
Contact Us
