Sailing down the Nile is a like a rolling movie experience, with lush fields either side, buffalo and donkeys grazing under the watchful eye of their shepherds, rowing among the little inlets. Away from the river the arid sand and limestone cliffs rise up like warriors overseeing their land.

Egypt is a land of contrasts- busy busting Cairo - cars, horse drawn carts, men riding donkeys and pedestrians all vying for the same space. This was a dream come true to be in the land of the Pyramids, Tombs and Temples and Abu Simbel in the south- with two beautiful temples for Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. 

It's hard to comprehend the mastery and skill in building these wonderful archaeological sights from thousands of years ago,and the Egyptians determination to keep on digging ,uncovering more artifacts.

I was on an AMA Waterways Secrets of Egypt and the Nile cruise on the luxurious AMADahlia, with three days in Cairo beforehand.  From the Egyptian Museum to the wondrous Pyramids of Giza- every day was a new adventure.  Camel riding with the Pyramids as a backdrop is an experience I will never forget- even on a camel called Mickey Mouse. The ship has 38 cabins and a delightful sundeck from which to relax and watch the Nile.  The crew are all Egyptian and go above and beyond to be helpful and cheerful at all times. Our cabin attendant made us exotic towel creations every day to give us a smile. 

We flew to Luxor to board our ship and at the Valley of the Queens saw the beautiful colors of Queen Nefertari's tomb. On to the Valley of the Kings and we experienced King Tut's tomb with his mummified remains lying there to view. Many of the Ramses Pharaoh's tombs are open to visit, some deep down into the rock, all excavated by hand.  

After a  short flight to Abu Simbel -a delightful spot among a 6 km  freshwater lake where we saw the stunning tombs of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, flanked by enormous statues depicting the reign of Ramses.

That afternoon we had a Felucca boat ride from Aswan around Elephantine Island followed by a delicious high tea at the famous Hotel Carteret with the sun setting over the water in the foreground.

We learned the art of Papyrus Making and of course all needed to buy some wonderful pictures to take home- even painting our own names written in Caligraphy. Now proudly framed and hanging on the walls of my home.

Another special sunset excursion was to the Temple of Horar as darkness fell and all the statues were lit up. It was a little eerie but exquisite.

Early morning we flew back to Cairo and visited the Abdeen Palace for a private tour and lunch.  Our trip was almost over but I have lasting memories  of wonderful sights, enthusiastic vendors- who doesn't love to bargain, and warm hospitality.

The entire trip was flawless due to the hard working Egyptologists, ship crew and ground staff. No detail was left unattended, which made the trip safe and welcoming.