Day One – Cairo
Two layovers and 7 time zones later, weβre finally in Cairo, Egypt. We left at 4PM EDT Tuesday and arrived 4PM EET. All airport transfers went smoothly and AmaWaterways had an associate waiting for us at the Cairo airport to assist with visas, customs and luggage.
It was about an hour drive to our hotel through insane traffic! We even saw 3 guys riding on top of bundles of cardboard stacked 10β high on the back of a truck!
After checking in with our AmaWaterways rep and going over the next few days schedule, we headed up to our room and checked out the gorgeous view we have of the Nile River!
We planned on having dinner at the rooftop restaurant, but it was closed for maintenance so we went downstairs to Bab Al Sharq for some authentic Egyptian food an live music. Everything was delicious!
We arrived in Cairo, and was met by an AmaWaterways representative who helped us 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 now be driven to your hotel.
Day Two – Cairo
Grand Egyptian Museum
Today we visited the new Grand Egyptian Museum β we had perfect timing as it just fully opened a few weeks ago. It wasnβt as crazy busy as we thought it would be, which was nice and it is packed full of artifacts. We also got a better view of the pyramids from there, but will be visiting those tomorrow. They brought all of Kind Tutt’s treasures back to the GEM, so the display is expansive! I didnβt know that King Tut was entombed in 3 nested sarcophagi in 3 nested burial chambers inside his tomb.
Mosque of Muhammad
After a delicious lunch at the hotel featuring local and international cuisine, we visited the Mosque of Muhammed, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, in downtown Cairo. Also known as the Alabaster Mosque β 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.
Streets of Cairo
Day Three – Cairo
City of Memphis
Today was a busy day. First, we traveled to the city of Memphis to see the colossal statues of Ramesses II and the Alabaster SphynxοΏΌ. From there we went to the necropolis of Sakkara β site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth. We were able to enter one of the pyramids on the site – from outside it looks mostly like a pile of gravel because most of the large stones have been taken to build other projects, but the burial chambers were still intact.
Lunch at Mena House
After Memphis, we went to the Mena House Hotel to have lunch. The view of the pyramids from there was amazing and their grounds were beautiful. They had roast turkey on the buffet so we were able to get our thanksgiving turkey just a day late. 
Great Sphinx and the Giza complex
After lunch, we traveled to the Giza Plaza to view and explore the great pyramid Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC and we were able take a camel ride while we were there. Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC.
Day Four – Cairo & Luxor
Coptic Cairo
We packed up our bags and loaded onto the buses this morning to visit Coptic Cairo – the historical district. We visited several churches in the Babylon Fortress area. First was the Cavern Church. It is believed that the holy family stayed here for three months hiding from Roman soldiers. The church has a unique construction style, where they alternated layers of brick and lumber to help absorb shock from earthquakes. Next was the Hanging Church – so named because it was built βhangingβ off the top of the old fortress. we also visited one of the old synagogues of Cairo. Itβs no longer active because most of the Jewish population has moved out of the area β our guide said thereβs only about 40 in all of Egypt. It was originally built as a Christian church but a Jewish businessman bought it and had it remodeled with a synagogue style.
Flight to Luxor and Boarding AmaDahlia
After that, we headed to the airport to fly down to Luxor, then a short bus ride to board our ship – the AMA Dahlia.
The ship looks great and our room is amazing. They just started decorating for Christmas so thereβs a Christmas tree and fireplace in the lobby.
