8-Day Cairo Christmas Trip to Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, get ready for an exciting Cairo day tour. Your knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and accompany you to the Giza Necropolis, where you'll embark on an amazing tour of the Giza Pyramids.

Marvel at the grandeur of these colossal structures, built by the renowned kings and rulers of ancient Egypt during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom, approximately 4500 years ago. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, standing at a height of 146 meters and comprised of 2.3 million limestone blocks, serves as a testament to the greatness and advancement of our ancestors.

From a panoramic viewpoint, you'll have a stunning view of the plateau, allowing you to see the pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus. If you'd like, you can also opt for a camel ride in the Giza Pyramids area. Your tour guide will point out interesting vantage points for capturing the best photos, ensuring lasting memories of your Egypt tours.

We'll then proceed to Cairo's downtown, specifically El Tahrir Square, to begin your Egyptian Museum tour. Spend approximately two hours exploring the museum's two floors, where you'll discover a wealth of artifacts from the Pharaonic era. The Egyptian Museum, established through the efforts of Auguste Mariette and opened in 1902, houses a remarkable collection, including the golden treasures of the young King Tutankhamun and the funerary collection of Yuya and Tuya, the grandparents of King Akhenaten.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a high-quality restaurant before continuing your Cairo sightseeing tour to the area known as Old Cairo. Here, you'll embark on an informative Coptic Cairo tour. Start with a visit to the Hanging Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, one of the oldest churches dating back to the 7th century. Inside, you'll find ancient icons that commemorate the early days of Christianity in Egypt. Continue to explore the Cave Church of Abu Serga, built to honor two Christian martyrs who endured torture for their faith, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which was once a Christian church and is now one of the few Jewish synagogues in Egypt.

Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant Khan El Khalili market, a remarkable area in Islamic Cairo. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, where narrow alleys paved 800 years ago are filled with colorful products. Experience the warmth of the local people and take your time exploring the monuments along Al Moez Street. Don't forget to savor a traditional mint tea at El Fishawy, a popular local café.

Return to your hotel for overnight accommodation and a well-deserved rest before tomorrow's tour to Alexandria from Cairo.

Meals included: lunch and dinner.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, get ready to meet your knowledgeable English-speaking Egyptologist for your Alexandria day tours from Cairo as part of our Egypt Christmas Tours. You'll be transferred to Alexandria in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours, including a stop-over.

Upon arrival in Alexandria, known as the bride of the Mediterranean and named after its founder, Alexander the Great, who ruled Egypt in 332 B.C., your tour will begin. Your first stop will be the renowned Pompey's Pillar, constructed in 297 A.D. to commemorate the victory of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This majestic pillar stands as a symbol of history and grandeur.

Next, you'll be transported to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites. Discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, these catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world.

Continuing along the seaside, you'll reach the Citadel of Qaitbay. This citadel was built on the ruins of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria and holds a strategic position at the end of a narrow strip of land extending into the Eastern Port. Explore its impressive architecture and learn about its historical significance.

Your tour will also take you to the Modern Library of Alexandria, the oldest center of scientific research in history. Founded by Ptolemy I at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C., this library was once the largest in the world. Experience the rich intellectual heritage that emanates from this iconic institution.

Indulge in a delightful seafood lunch at a fancy restaurant overlooking the harbor, savoring the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Finally, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo, where you can relax and reflect on the memorable experiences of your Alexandria day trip.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be transferred to Cairo International Airport to catch your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival at Aswan Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide, who will accompany you to embark on your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise boat before lunch. Your Aswan day tour will commence with a visit to one of the most remarkable achievements in modern Egyptian history, the High Dam. Constructed in the 1960s, this dam was built to protect Egypt from the devastating annual floods.

Next, you will explore the magnificent Philae Temple, located on an island and overlooking the Nile. This temple was dedicated to the worship of Goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris, according to ancient Egyptian religion. Marvel at the temple's grandeur and historical significance.

Continuing your Aswan excursions, you will visit the granite quarries, where the pharaohs once cut and transported colossal stone blocks used in the construction of Egypt's majestic pyramids and great temples built by the kings of the New Kingdom.

Afterward, you will return to the Nile cruise boat and set sail for Kom Ombo Temple. During the cruise, you can relax and enjoy the onboard amenities while being entertained by a Nubian folkloric show. Dinner will be served, and you will spend the night on the cruise boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

Before meeting your guide for an interesting journey to Kom Ombo to view the magnificent Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the crocodile God Sobek, breakfast will be given. This god was regarded as a symbol of strength by the ancient Egyptians, and in certain myths, he was connected to the notion of creation. While lunch and dinner are being served, the Nile Cruise ship will sail to Edfu, where it will overnight on board.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Enjoy a delicious breakfast aboard the Nile Cruise boat as you soak in the serene surroundings. Afterward, you will meet your licensed Egyptologist, who will guide you through the tour of the Temple of Edfu. This temple showcases exceptional architecture from the Ptolemaic era and is dedicated to Horus, the god of the sky and protector of kingship. As you explore the temple, you'll encounter various artifacts depicting Horus offering protection and support to the kings. Take your time to immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of this ancient site.

Once you've finished exploring the Temple of Edfu, you'll return to the Nile Cruise ship, which will start sailing toward Luxor, the final city on your Egypt Nile Cruise tour. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch served on board, followed by afternoon tea to rejuvenate yourself.

In the evening, indulge in a high-quality dinner on the ship, savoring a delectable meal. Afterward, prepare to be entertained as you attend a traditional Galabya party, where you can experience the vibrant Egyptian culture and enjoy the festivities.

Spend the night on the Nile Cruise ship, docked in Luxor.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

After enjoying your breakfast on the cruise ship, it's time to disembark and begin your Luxor day tours. The first stop will be the Luxor West Bank, where you'll explore some remarkable sites. Your tour will commence with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place chosen by pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. Marvel at the intricate tombs and learn about the fascinating history of ancient Egyptian royalty.

Next, you'll encounter the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues depicting King Amenhotep III. These statues stand as impressive remnants of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Continue your journey to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as the El Deir El Bahari temple. Admire the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece dedicated to one of Egypt's most powerful female pharaohs.

Afterward, you'll visit the complex of Karnak Temple, which served as the religious center during the New Kingdom of Egypt. Explore its vast grounds and marvel at the impressive structures and intricate carvings.

Conclude your Luxor day tour with a visit to the captivating Luxor Temple, connected to the Karnak Temple by the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple.

Following the tour, you will be transferred to Luxor International Airport to catch your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be greeted by a representative from Cairo Top Tours who will assist you in checking into your hotel, where you will spend the night.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Before meeting the driver and your tour manager to be taken to Cairo International Airport for your last departure, take advantage of the hotel's breakfast buffet. We hope that your Christmas tours of Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor were enjoyable.

Meals: Breakfast