8 Days Christmas Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour

In the evening, your guide will return to escort you into the heart of Giza to enjoy a spellbinding experience at the Giza Complex, a breathtaking "Sound & Light Show" which will delve deep into the wondrous tales of ancient Egypt, uncovering the secrets behind its unmatched heritage and the stories of great, glorious gods and kings.

Following the show, you will savor an exquisite dinner at an enchanting oriental restaurant.

As night falls, you'll head back to your hotel, ready to rest and recharge for the Christmas adventures that await.

This miraculous necropolis houses an array of historical marvels, such as the Giza Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menquare, plus several other extraordinary landmarks. Prepare for an immersive experience amidst these ancient treasures.

The legendary Great Pyramid is a golden testament to human ingenuity and the sole survivor of the ancient wonders which was built in 2570 BC to be the final resting place of Pharaoh Khufu (2609 BC - 2584 BC). Its construction took about 6 million tons of limestone blocks, which has a towering height of 138.5 meters (454.4 ft). It was named the tallest building on earth for over 3800 years, which later transformed into the motto of Egypt.

The enigmatic Great Sphinx is a majestic sculpture embodying the fusion of lion and human features that carries the likeness of Pharaoh Khafre (2558–2532 BC). The Sphinx, for ages, has acted as the guardian of the entire civilization for its level of excellence and its ability to reveal some of the unique facts even about the New Kingdom of Egypt through the Dream Stele that was added between its paws in 1401 BC.

The Valley Temple is a miraculous wonder that is integral to ancient rituals and preparations for the afterlife. For ages, the Valley Temple was a place where mummification and spiritual ceremonies were held in honor of the 4th dynasty members.

The Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a golden gate to 5,000 years of history, illuminating the artistry, spirituality, and majestic heritage of ancient Egypt for generations to come. It is aligned with the stellar pyramids of Giza and spans nearly 490,000 square meters. GEM is designed to have one of the biggest conservation centers in the Middle East, along with research labs and educational facilities dedicated to preserving Egypt’s heritage. Everyone will get to marvel at immortal treasures such as the Hanging Obelisk, the 11-meter colossus of Ramses II, and the complete collection of over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun. 

Upon concluding your Giza tour, you will delight in a tasty lunch at a restaurant boasting panoramic views of the majestic pyramids.

At the end of the day, you will head to your airport to catch your flight to Luxor, where your tour guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel to check in and spend the night.

Karnak Temple is a sprawling complex that houses majestic temples dedicated to the Theban triad of the 18th dynasty: Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu. This monumental structure was erected between 1971 BC and 30 BC across 247 acres, serving as Egypt's symbol of majesty during the illustrious New Kingdom (1570 - 1050 BC).

You will then transfer to your Nile Cruise to check in, have your lunch, and relax before heading to:

Luxor Temple by Night is a celestial haven for the crowning of kings and hosting the Opet festival. The temple is made of a collection of monuments, which are a peristyle court, chambers, and halls steeped in ancient lore. It was completed in 1400 BC for the sole purpose of offering every ruler the chance to prove the rejuvenation of kingship. The southern sanctuary is home to the shrine of Alexander the Great and carries the names of great rulers like Ramses the Great and Amenhotep III.

In the evening, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner aboard your Nile cruise while drifting into a serene overnight journey.

The Valley of the Kings is a symbol of legendary mystical allure that for 500 years has acted as a sanctuary cradling the eternal rest of pharaohs and rulers of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties who lived in the New Kingdom (1570 – 1050 BC) within tombs etched deep into the rock. Within the valley are over 63 tombs, the resplendent resting places of Seti I, Rameses (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X), Tutankhamun, Hatshepsut, and other luminaries of the New Kingdom.

The towering Colossi of Memnon have always been the guardians of ancient lore since their creation in 1350 BC, which has stood as a colossal sentinel flanking the path to the mortuary temple of the revered pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386-1353 BCE). The statues are 18 meters high, and each one of them weighs 720 tons. Plus, it carries some of the most meaningful and informative facts about the pharaoh’s life.

The graceful realm of Hatshepsut Temple, known as Deir El-Bahri, "The Holy of Holies," is a testament to Queen Hatshepsut’s (1508-1458 BC) glory and beauty. Her overseer and high architect, Senemut, created the architectural masterpiece, which was completed around 1479 BC. Across the walls of the temple is her life cycle from birth to kingship to rebirth as priestess wife of Amun.

Conclude your West Bank odyssey and return to your Nile Cruise, relishing lunch amidst the tranquil waters as you embark on a sailing excursion toward Edfu while enjoying the overnight. 

Edfu Temple is a magical, revered relic crafted between 237 BC and 57 BC in the Ptolemaic period. Many believe it was built on the legendary battleground of Horus and Set. It was made for Horus, the majestic Falcon God that rises upon ancient ruins dating back to the reign of King Ramses III. Its walls are adorned with inscriptions narrating tales of a bygone era's language and beliefs during the Hellenistic period.

You will return to your Nile Cruise for a delightful lunch as the ship glides towards Kom Ombo:

Kom Ombo blossomed during the Ptolemaic era as an epic trading center, which was erected between 180 BC and 47 BC in homage to two disparate deities, Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Haroeris, the Falcon-Headed God. These temples stand as a testament to Egypt's historical narrative, which sheds light on the medical and astronomical practices of ancient Egyptian healers and scholars.

As the day concludes, your cruise continues its graceful path towards Aswan. Arriving under the veil of nightfall, embrace a dinner cruise, resting overnight aboard the serene waters of Aswan.

The grandeur of the Aswan High Dam is a monumental sight stretching over 3600 meters long and towering 111 meters tall. This engineering marvel was constructed during the '60s and '70s to provide vital irrigation water, electricity, and employment opportunities, which for decades served as a cornerstone of Egypt's prosperity.

The Unfinished Obelisk is an epic relic crafted to immortalize the legacy of Queen Hatshepsut. Intended to soar 41.75 meters high and weighing as many as 2000 African Elephants, this unfinished wonder stands as a testament to ancient ambition. The obelisk has the power to showcase the great skill and mastery of the ancient Egyptian builders and artisans. 

The picturesque Philae Temple was created in honor of the goddess Isis on Philae Island during the Ptolemaic age. It was made between 380 and 362 BC in the Ptolemaic age on Philae Island and, in the modern age, rescued from destruction with UNESCO's aid. Its walls whisper tales of Isis and Osiris in intricate detail, showcasing the sacrifice of Isis and her role in resurrecting him and, later on, once serving as a place of Christian worship.

You will conclude your unforgettable Christmas tour by returning to your luxurious 5-star Nile Cruise. Indulge in a delightful lunch and dinner, cherishing the serenity of the Nile. As the day gently winds down, take in the beauty of the surroundings and prepare for your departure the following day.

The grandiose National Museum of Egyptian Civilization opened its doors in 2021 to shed light on Egypt's 7,000-year-old legacy. The museum is found in the ancient city of Fustat and unveils 50,000 artifacts, plus a hauntingly magnificent hall of mummies featuring 20 royal mummies: 18 kings and 2 queens from different time periods.

You will have a delectable lunch overlooking the Nile at a charming riverside restaurant. Then, join your guide for an expedition to unearth more wonders.

The timeless Hanging Church has been an enduring symbol of devotion for over 1500 years, back to the 5th century AD. It is found within Cairo's ancient walls on top of 30 ft tall walls of the fortress of Babylon; this spiritual haven showcases captivating decorations spanning centuries that echo tales of unparalleled artistry and dedication.

The golden lanes of Al Muizz Street are a magnificent architectural wonder that was crafted in the 10th century during the Fatimid era. Across this epic labyrinth are cafes and historic dwellings, each bearing the tales of Cairo's enchanting past and its mastery of architecture.

The bustling Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is an open-air ancient market dating back to the Mamluk era, built between 1382 AD and 1389 AD. Within this shining street are beautiful marvels that range from unique treasures to affordable souvenirs, enticing travelers with its myriad shops and vibrant ambiance.

As the sun sets on this mesmerizing Christmas tour, our driver will escort you to your Cairo hotel for check-in, where the night unfolds, wrapping you in the embrace of comfort and tranquility.