12 Days Cairo, Hurghada & Nile Cruise Holiday at Christmas

Under the heavenly shade of the moon, the majestic Sound and Light Show is at the fabled Pyramids of Giza. Everyone will find themselves in a captivating spectacle that surrounds itself with an enchanting symphony of illuminating tales of kings and gods that bring the greatness of Egypt to life.

As the night unfolds, you will enjoy a delectable dinner at one of Cairo’s esteemed restaurants.

At the end of the night, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel, where comfort and relaxation await, ensuring a rejuvenating overnight stay.

A masterful piece of art that knocks on heaven's doors, which was born during the 4th dynasty, over 4,600 years ago. This sprawling complex has gained a reputation as home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which showcases the true brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a majestic monument made in 2570 BC that acts as a grandiose burial chamber of King Khufu. Its sheer scale astounds, reaching 147 meters in height, constructed from an astonishing 2.3 million limestone blocks. Within, treasures await in the chambers of the king and the queen that whisper tales of kings and queens. The construction of the pyramid remains, to this day, a great source of mystery.

The enigmatic Great Sphinx is a mystical creature with the body of a lion and the visage of Pharaoh Khafre, which was carved from a single block of limestone found in the area. It is a famous, monumental man-made sphinx statue globally, which imposes presence and stretches 73 meters long, 19 meters wide, and 20 meters in height. Between the legs of the sphinx is the marvelous Dream Stele of Thutmose IV, which tells a great story dating to 1401 BC.

The Valley Temple is a mythical medical monument that was crafted from granite and served as a sacred space for mummification it is truly a one of a one-of-a-kind wonder that uncovers some of the most amazing facts about the beliefs and mentality of the ancient Egyptians. 

The Grand Egyptian Museum will open a magical entrance to 5,000 years of history, illuminating the artistry, spirituality, and marvelous 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. 

Pause for a breathtaking lunch overlooking the Pyramids or the Nile.

As night descends, the day’s enchantments draw to a close, and you’ll be escorted back to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.

The mound of shards is an architectural masterpiece dating to the second century AD that blends Hellenistic, Roman, and ancient Egyptian styles; these catacombs sprawl across three levels, thus forming this underground wonder that became one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This sacred resting place was envisioned for a singular family, marrying diverse artistic elements in its design.

Pompey’s Pillar stands as the only monolithic column outside Rome, a towering symbol crafted entirely from pure red granite. At 28 meters tall and 2.7 meters wide, it stands as a tribute to Emperor Diocletian, adorned with a Greek inscription. Its origins, dating back to 300 AD, intertwine with myths of the great Roman General Pompey.

As the day unfolds, indulge in a delightful lunch overlooking the sea, setting the stage for the next leg of your journey:

The Qaitbay Citadel is the guardian of ancient legacies and stands sentinel, preserving the legacy of the fabled Alexandria Lighthouse. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-din Qa'it Bay in 1477 AD; this fortress stands upon the storied grounds that once housed the renowned lighthouse and was even built using its salvaged stone blocks.

The Alexandria Library is a magical symbol of boundless knowledge which stands as an epitome of erudition. It was completed in 2002 to house Africa’s most advanced collection, including the sixth-largest Francophone library globally; this repository of wisdom boasts magnificent art galleries and a treasure trove of some of the rarest literary works on the planet.

When the day comes to an end, everyone will continue to a hotel in Cairo, settling in for an overnight stay.

You will return to your hotel, where you will have your lunch and dinner run, then spend the night there.

Karnak Temple is a historical gem that will unfold before you, showcasing ancient Egyptian ingenuity and dedication. This colossal complex sprawls across 247 acres and was crafted between 1971 BC and 20 BC. It is adorned with exquisite art and intricate decorations that carry significant meaning about the greatness of ancient Pharaohs spanning different eras. It is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu; it reveres numerous other Egyptian deities, a sanctuary resonating with spiritual energy.

It's time to check in at your luxurious 5-star hotel, a haven for relaxation and leisure. Lunch awaits onboard the cruise, offering a moment of culinary delight amidst your Christmas explorations. As dusk descends, prepare for an enchanting evening adventure:

[touristattraction img="2020/03/luxor-temple-by-night.jpg" name="Luxor Temple by Night"]

Luxor Temple will reveal its mystical aura at a place steeped in the soft glow of twilight that echoes ancient rituals and celestial celebrations. It was built in 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. It stands as the nucleus of fame and reverence and hosts the illustrious festival of Opet. Its hallowed grounds witnessed the coronations of numerous rulers like Ramses the Great, Tutankhamun, and more.

Nightfall gently beckons, and you'll check in on your Nile cruise in Luxor, where you will spend the night.

Valley of the Kings is a repository of ancient royalty and an epic sanctum preserving the legacy of Egypt's golden era of the New Kingdom of Egypt (1570 - 1050 BC). It is found buried in the underground of a secret hill filled with more than 60 regal tombs, including those of Ramses II and the famed Tutankhamun. All the artworks and decorations have been a great source of facts about the history, lineage, culture, and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The holy of holies, Hatshepsut Temple, immortalizes the remarkable Queen Hatshepsut and her illustrious achievements, which were completed in 1479 BC after 15 years of construction. Its ornate decorations narrate the enduring saga of conflict and triumph between Hatshepsut and her son-in-law, Tuthmosis. Across the three floors are some of the most preserved statues and works of art that carry great meaning.

Stand in awe before the towering Colossi of Memnon, sentinels erected by Amenhotep III. These majestic statues, towering at 18 meters, stand as guardians, adorned with Roman-era inscriptions that reveal the king's beliefs and life.

Nightfall whispers its arrival, and you'll be escorted to your Nile cruise, where you will spend the night and continue sailing while being surrounded by the ancient echoes of this storied wonder.

The colossal Edfu temple is an homage to the sky falcon god Horus, which has the power to shed light on the tales and artistry of the Egyptian civilization that unfolded between 237 BC and 57 BC, and stands as a testament to ancient legends on the battleground of Horus and Set.

You will have your lunch onboard the cruise, then head with your tour guide to:

[touristattraction img="2020/03/kom-ombo-temple.jpg" name="Kom Ombo Temple"]

Kom Ombo showcases the unparalleled allure of the twin temples, which are dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder and the crocodile god. It was built on the bank of the Nile between 180 BC and 47 BC in the Greco-Roman period, where it played a very important role. These hallowed grounds harbor insights into the artistic, medical, and astronomical prowess of ancient Egypt.

Relish in your meals aboard the cruise as you continue sailing between the stars and find repose onboard for the night, where you will spend the night.

The celestial realm of the Abu Simbel temple is a true example of divine grandeur and absolute power. It was crafted by Pharaoh Ramses II in 1200 B.C in order to honor the ancient gods of Egypt like Ptah, Amun, and Horus while immortalizing the pharaoh’s triumphs like the legendary battle of Kadesh and his eternal love for Queen Nefertari. The Great Temple is home to the annual sun festival on the 22nd of February and October, where travelers from all over the world come to witness the sun traveling into the darkest part of the temple.

Return to your cruise, where lunch and dinner will be served while spending the night onboard the cruise.

The Aswan High Dam is an epic marvel of engineering that was crafted between 1960 and 1970 AD. Its imposing structure not only transformed the landscape by creating the biggest artificial lake on earth "Lake Nasser" but also wielded a positive impact on Egypt's economy and innovation.

The Unfinished Obelisk can be seen as the embodiment of Queen Hatshepsut's glorious vision (1508-1458 BC) that was built to pierce the skies. Found in an open museum, it is an eloquent testament to ancient craftsmanship, which, unfortunately, the cracked surface offers a glimpse into the remarkable construction techniques of ancient Egyptian workers and craftsmen.

The mythical Philae Temple is a true historical wonder that echoes the illuminating tale of the "Myth of Osiris" which was built by King Ptolemy II in 280 BC and found its sanctuary on Agilkia Island through the UNESCO Nubia Campaign project, preserving its legacy for generations.

Enjoy your lunch at a restaurant in Aswan.

We’ll escort you to your hotel, offering a luxurious overnight stay.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is a pinnacle of innovation and a step forward into the future of museology, as it has 50,000 artifacts that showcase an unparalleled display of ancient wonders. Among its mythical halls reside 28 royal kings and queens kept in a state-of-the-art exhibit.

Savor a delightful lunch at a local Cairo restaurant before continuing your expedition:

The Hanging Church is a timeless spiritual wonder that emerged as a sacred haven steeped in over 1500 years of devotion. Its origins trace back to the 5th century AD, rising from the fortress Roman wall in Babylon. Standing proud at 30 feet tall, it graces Cairo's skyline. It is filled with captivating decorations spanning from the 7th to the 13th century. Each corner whispers tales of artistic marvels, preserving a legacy of craftsmanship that resonates through the ages.

Al Muizz Street is a radiant boulevard that bears the echoes of a glorious past, a tribute to the golden Islamic age dating back to the 10th century AD during the Fatimid dynasty, when it was the main street for the entire empire. It is found next to the enchanting Khan El Khalili Bazaar, which encapsulates the rich history and culture of that resplendent golden era.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar is home to the biggest shopping hubs in all of Egypt, filled with riches stemming from Egypt's golden Islamic heritage dating between 1382 and 1389 AD. Through its labyrinthine streets are miraculous shops that merge with the golden historical streets of Cairo, thus creating the most enchanting open-air museum.

As the day winds to a close, we'll accompany you back to your hotel in Cairo, where the night embraces you for a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the echoes of a day steeped in Cairo's timeless allure.