Christmas and New Year Holidays itinerary
The First Day: Arrival in the Land of Beauty
When you arrive at Cairo Airport, our representative will assist you with passport control, luggage identification, and portage. You will then be picked up in a private A/C car and driven to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, we will pick you up from your hotel. Begin your Christmas experience in Egypt with a Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a colorful belly dancing show featuring a folklore band, including the unforgettable Tannoura spin, which reflects Egypt’s whirling dervishes tradition.
After the cruise, we will return you to your hotel. You will start your ideal holiday getaway with a memorable experience at the beginning of the new year over these 13 days in Egypt.
Day 2: Marvel at the Pharaohs’ Glory in the Pyramids
After breakfast, meet your private tour guide to explore Egypt’s major attractions, including the Giza Pyramids, one of the world’s seven wonders.
Giza Pyramids Complex
This complex includes three main pyramids, six smaller pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. It dates back to 2400 B.C., built by the 4th dynasty.
The Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remains intact. This pyramid belonged to King Khufu. It stands 147 meters tall and consists of 2,300,000 stones. Construction took twenty years.
The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx belongs to King Chephren. It is the world’s largest statue, measuring 73 meters long, 19 meters wide, and 20 meters tall. This statue is also the oldest monumental sculpture discovered.
The Valley Temple
This temple is the only surviving granite funerary temple used by ancient Egyptians for mummification on the Giza plateau. After lunch at a restaurant with a view of the Pyramids or the Nile, continue your holiday by visiting:
Step Pyramid of Saqqara
This pyramid dates back to King Djoser’s reign in the 27th century B.C. It is considered the earliest large-scale cut-stone building. The Saqqara Step Pyramid consists of six stacked steps and stands 62 meters tall.
Memphis City
King Menes established Memphis as Egypt’s first capital, strategically located between Upper and Lower Egypt. The city was believed to be protected by the god Ptah, the god of creation and art. Finally, we will return you to your hotel for the night.
Day 3: Visit the Mediterranean Bride
After breakfast, conclude your Christmas vacation in Egypt with an air-conditioned car trip to Alexandria, accompanied by your private tour guide. First, visit:
Kom El Shoqafa’s Catacombs
These catacombs are a family tomb at a Roman burial site. They illustrate the fusion of Egyptian and Roman art and construction. Explore the tomb and Caracalla Hall underground. Next, return to the surface and visit:
Pompey’s Pillar
This 82-foot-tall (25-meter) granite column is dedicated to Emperor Diocletian, who liberated the besieged city and fed its starving citizens.
Citadel of Qaitbay
This stronghold on the Mediterranean coast was built in the 15th century. Sultan Al-Ashraf Qa’it Bay established it in 1477 AD, located near Pharos Island. Lunch will be served at a seafood restaurant. Your Alexandria day tour will conclude with a visit to:
Alexandria Library
This library houses a copy of every book ever published, making it one of the world’s most important literary destinations. It also features various exhibitions on Egyptian history and a collection of rare antique books.At the end of the day, we will transfer you back to your Cairo hotel for the night.
Day 4: Bask in the Beauty of Aswan as the Sun Rays Fall
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Cairo Airport. You will fly to Aswan to continue your Christmas vacation by visiting the following attractions:
The High Dam
Built between 1960 and 1970 across the Nile River at Aswan, the High Dam has profoundly impacted Egypt’s economy and culture.
The Unfinished Obelisk
This is the largest obelisk from ancient Egypt. Hatshepsut commissioned it (1508-1458 BC) to accompany the Lateran Obelisk, originally at Karnak, for transport to the Lateran Palace in Rome.
Temple of Philae
The Temple of Philae honors the goddess Isis of Love and Beauty. As part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign, the temple complex was dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, protecting it from the Aswan High Dam’s completion in 1970. After a full day of sightseeing, board a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise for lunch and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Visit Abu Simbel’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Start your day with breakfast boxes. Then, accompany your private tour guide to Abu Simbel Temple, one of the world’s most significant historical sites.
Temples of Abu Simbel
The two Temples of Abu Simbel are marvels of Ancient Egypt. Built during King Ramses II’s reign in 1200 B.C., these rock-cut temples honor the king and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Both temples feature stunning sculptures and artwork, including hand-carved pillars, murals, and statues. After your visit, return to your cruise for lunch and enjoy the rest of the night on board.
Day 6: Visit the Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
After breakfast, sail to Kom Ombo and visit the:
Temple of Kom Ombo
This temple faces the Nile and features two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries. It is a unique architectural marvel. Next, continue your journey to:
Edfu Temple
Dedicated to Horus, the Egyptian god, Edfu Temple is the best-preserved Greco-Roman temple in Egypt. Its walls depict the epic battle of Horus against the wicked god Seth. Enjoy lunch on board, then sail to Luxor. Arrive late at night and spend the night on board.
Day 7: Visit Luxor’s Ancient Treasures
After breakfast and checking out of the cruise, your tour guide will escort you in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Begin the next phase of your Christmas trip in Egypt by visiting:
Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is Egypt’s most spectacular structure. It is the largest temple complex in the world, representing the labor of many generations of ancient builders and pharaohs. The complex spans 247 acres and includes three main temples and several smaller ones. After your visit, transfer to a 5-star hotel in Luxor for check-in. Enjoy lunch, then visit:
Luxor Temple by Night
Luxor Temple was the site of the annual Opet Festival. It was primarily built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II to reconcile the ruler’s human and divine roles. Experience the temple illuminated at night. Return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 8: Complete Your Discovery Journey in Luxor
Begin your day with breakfast and check out of your hotel. Join your Egyptologist tour guide for a tour of Luxor’s West Bank attractions, starting with:
The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings houses the tombs of Egypt’s kings from the 18th to the 20th dynasties, including Ramses II and Tutankhamun. These tombs were filled with everything a monarch might need in the afterlife. Most interior decorations are beautifully preserved.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut Temple is one of Egypt’s most beautiful and well-preserved temples. It features three levels, connected by two large ramps at the center.
Memnon’s Colossi
These two massive stone statues of King Amenhotep III are the only remnants of a complete funerary temple. Made from quartzite sandstone, the Colossi of Memnon were transported 700 kilometers to Luxor.After lunch at an amazing restaurant in Luxor, transfer to Hurghada in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Check in to a 5-star hotel for the rest of the day.
Day 9: Let the Red Sea Spoil Your Soul
Enjoy breakfast in the morning. Spend the day relaxing on Hurghada’s beautiful beaches.
Day 10: Dive Into the Underwater World’s Allure
Experience snorkeling in the stunning, clear waters of the Red Sea! A short boat ride will take you to vibrant reefs where you can observe fascinating marine life. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 11: Explore Cairo’s Historic Old City
After breakfast, check out of your Hurghada hotel. We will drive you to Hurghada Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet your private tour guide to explore Cairo’s major landmarks.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum houses a unique collection of 5,000-year-old artifacts. Over 250,000 genuine objects are on display, including treasures and jewels from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local Cairo restaurant before visiting:
Citadel of Salah El Din
Cairo Citadel served as Egypt’s center of government until the 1860s. Built during the reign of Salah ad-Din, construction began in 1176 and finished in 1182.
Mohamed Ali Mosque
Constructed between 1830 and 1848, the Mohamed Ali Mosque is known as “The Alabaster Mosque.” Its walls are made of pure alabaster and resemble Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) offers a chance to explore Egypt’s rich history. Discover captivating monuments and artifacts from various periods, including Prehistorical, Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and Modern times.
Bazaar of Khan El Khalili
No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, the Middle East’s oldest and most famous market. Established around 970 AD, the same year Cairo was founded, it is a bustling hub of activity.After your tour, return to your Cairo hotel for the night.
Day 12: Free Day in Cairo
Enjoy a free day at your hotel in Cairo. Relax or explore at your leisure.
Day 13: Wrap Up Your Christmas and New Year Holidays in Egypt
After breakfast, our representative will drive you to the airport. He will assist you with the final departure formalities, concluding your 13-day Christmas and New Year holidays tour in Egypt.Hint: This tour is fully customizable! Feel free to provide feedback about adding or removing any tours to better meet your needs.
