SVI Presents

Egypt - Secrets of the nile

Cairo to Cairo Cruise & Tour Incl. 7-night cruise

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April 26 – May 7, 2024

Discover the secrets of the Nile

When it’s time to embark for your Nile River cruise, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard a beautiful river cruise ship where luxury always means love with AmaWaterways. The stunning AmaDahlia is an inviting 72-passenger ship offering 36 staterooms, including 16 magnificent suites with a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you, including a heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar, The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant, hair and nail salon and two massage rooms. Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.

From $4995- 

*Pricing is per person based on double occupancy.
Early bird pricing is available for a limited time. 

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Cairo, Egypt.
Arrive in Cairo, 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 now be driven to your hotel.

DAY 2

Cairo.
A full day starts at the exquisite Egyptian Museum, with its 120,000 artifacts on display. Home to some of the greatest masterpieces and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen. Afterwards, venture to the bustling and colorful 14th-century Khan el-Khalili for a welcome lunch at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, named after one of Egypt's most well-known authors. Afterward, tour El-Moez Street, one of Cairo's most remarkable historic places. 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. In the evening, be treated to a welcome reception with tapas and beverages. (B, L)

DAY 3

Cairo
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 Another ancient wonder you’ll encounter is the Khufu solar boat designed to carry the pharaoh across the sky with the Sun God, which is restored and preserved in the Giza Solar Boat Museum. Today’s adventure concludes with a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. (B, L)

DAY 4

Cairo – Luxor
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. Luxor is also your gateway to many of Egypt’s vast treasures that you’ll discover throughout your Nile River Valley cruise, so it is here that you’ll be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia. During the late 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)

DAY 5

Luxor – Edfu.
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)

DAY 6

Edfu – Aswan.
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, and then in the evening, celebrate your inner Egyptian at an onboard Galabeya party. Don traditional Egyptian attire, meet new friends, toast to adventures past and future, dance and bask in the glory of the Egyptian night. (B, L, D)

DAY 7

Aswan.
Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. If you choose the optional excursion, you’ll take an early morning flight to 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, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. Enjoy lunch here before going back to the ship. Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple. (B, L, D)

DAY 8

Esna.
Visit the Aswan High Dam and then the Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. Next, 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. After your visit here, 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.” Once back on board the AmaDahlia, enjoy an afternoon of scenic sailing to Esna, where you’ll spend the night before sailing back to Luxor. (B, L, D)

DAY 10

Luxor – Qena – Luxor.
Set sail to Qena to explore the Great Temple of Abydos of Seti I, one of the lesserknown pharaohs of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt. Next, 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)

DAY 9

Esna – Luxor.
Spend the morning cruising back to Luxor, where you’ll 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. Built over the course of 1,300 years, it is overwhelming. 80,000 laborers took part in its creation during the 19th dynasty alone. Despite its rich history, the temple lay hidden until the 19th century. The effort to restore it continues still. 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. (B, L, D)

DAY 11

Luxor – Cairo.
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. (B, L)

DAY 12

Cairo.
Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

Acacia - $4995 pp

SOLD OUT- waitlist only

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in a stateroom
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

French balcony -
$7595 pp
SOLD OUT- waitlist only

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in a stateroom
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

Balcony Suite -
$8395 pp

SOLD OUT- waitlist only

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in a stateroom
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

Deluxe Suite - $9295 pp

SOLD OUT- waitlist only

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in a stateroom
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

Grand Suite - $10495 pp

SOLD OUT- waitlist only

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in a stateroom
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

*Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Does not include airfare to/from Cairo, airport transfers, taxes and/or fees. Mandatory taxes/fees will be added at checkout include intra air from Cairo-Luxor and mandatory gratuities.

April 26- May 7, 2024

Please contact us if you have any questions

FAQs


Sober Village Cancellation & Refund Policy: All cancellations are subject to a $200 penalty per person. 202-180 Days out 50% of deposit penalty. 179-120 days out from departure, 100% of deposit. 119-90 days out, 50% of Total invoice. 89-0 days out 100% of Total Invoice. No refunds.

For most trips, yes. 

Usually. If it is an All-Inclusive trip, we will indicate such. 

 

All-inclusive means food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the cost of your trip.  Flights, transfers  &/or gratuities are not included, however.

The majority of guests are members of a 12 step program, but it is not a requirement. Many spouses & partners are not members join us on our Sober Vacations and have a blast. 

You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober.  We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused a problem for the group. 

We have two different types of trips – Sober Vacations and Sober Villages. Sober Vacations are a group within a  resort/cruise with other guests around us that are not in program. We still have daily 12 Step meetings and stick together for excursions and meals. Our Sober Villages happen annually each Winter (usually January or February) and these are full buyouts- meaning you will be at a resort with 500-600 fellow sober people. All bars/mini bars are wiped clean of alcohol and instead replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Our Sober Villages have daily jam packed schedules with 12 step meetings, al-anon meetings, attitude adjustment workshops, recovery yoga, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! So, depending on what you prefer, you should choose what vacation suites you and your sobriety the best.

You do not. We ask for a deposit when you make your reservation. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your reservation.  At any point, you can make payments to your account, or you can pay it all off at once.  As long as the trip is paid off 90 days before your departure, you can pay at whatever pace you are comfortable with. 

Since the summer of 1987. We’ve had over 200 Sober Vacations since then. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers is the correct answer. 

No. After years of offering flights, we have found that that it is both easier & cheaper for you to arrange your flights yourself. Bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a.  We are happy to offer advice or assistance when you are purchasing your flights. We recommend googleflights.com 

That’s okay.  We have been successfully matching roommates using our patent-pending roommate matching technology since 1987. In 35 years, we’ve only had eight fatalities out of over 8,000 matches. Which translates to over a 99% satisfaction rate! 

We do not control the culinary options on any of our trips. So, each vacation will be different, but we generally choose resorts and experiences that offer a wide range of quality food. That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets. 

Yes! We describe our trips as a vacation…with meetings. On our Sober Village there are 5 scheduled meetings each day. On other trips, there are usually between 1-3 meetings a day. If you are on a trip, and you want to start a meeting, you are free to do so.  We just ask that it not conflict with any of our scheduled meetings. 

Absolutely not!  Meeting attendance is at your discretion.

Depends on the trip. Our Sober Villages have between 450-700 people! Some trips are smaller, more intimate experiences. 

We adhere to the policies of the destination to which we are traveling – if it is their policy that incoming travelers be vaccinated then we adhere to those recommendations. We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments. 

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance especially in this new travel landscape with Covid-19. We have a partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance. Please visit their website to sign up www.allianztravelinsurance.com – our ACCAM Number is: F019519