Essential Egypt: 13-Day Christmas & New Year Tour

After a delightful breakfast, meet your expert Egyptologist guide for an immersive exploration of Egypt's most iconic archaeological sites. Our adventure begins at the legendary Giza Pyramids Complex, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Witness the colossal structures and the enigmatic Sphinx, testaments to the engineering prowess of the 4th Dynasty pharaohs. We'll delve into the Great Pyramid of Khufu, learning about its construction and hidden chambers. Next, we visit the Valley Temple, integral to the ancient mummification rituals. Then, prepare to be amazed by the newly unveiled Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility housing an astonishing collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun and the monumental statue of Ramses II. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant offering magnificent pyramid or Nile views. Our journey continues to Saqqara, home to the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first large-scale stone building, designed by the brilliant architect Imhotep. Finally, we return to your Cairo hotel.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Stand in awe before Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure's pyramids and the Sphinx.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian history, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — Explore the groundbreaking funerary complex of King Djoser.

Following breakfast, we embark on a full-day excursion to Alexandria, driving by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with your private guide. Our first stop is the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique blend of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman funeral art. Next, we visit Pompey's Pillar, a majestic Roman triumphal column honoring Emperor Diocletian. We then proceed to the Qaitbay Citadel, an impressive 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Lunch will be a delightful seafood experience. Our day concludes with a visit to the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a magnificent cultural edifice commemorating the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria. In the late afternoon, we return to your Cairo hotel.

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — Descend into a multi-level necropolis showcasing an intriguing cultural fusion.
• Pompey's Pillar — Admire this grand Roman monument dominating the ancient Serapeum site.
• Qaitbay Citadel — Explore a historic Mamluk fortress built with stones from Alexandria's ancient lighthouse.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Visit the modern homage to the legendary Library of Alexandria, a center of knowledge.

After breakfast and checking out from your Cairo hotel, you'll be transferred to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan, your guide will meet you to begin exploring this charming city. Our first stop is the Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering achievement from the 20th century that significantly impacted Egypt's agriculture and power generation. Next, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in its quarry, offering incredible insights into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques and the ambition of Queen Hatshepsut. Our tour culminates at the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island to preserve it from flooding. Afterward, you'll be transferred to your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship to check in. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard as your floating hotel prepares for its journey.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering marvel and its impact on Egypt's landscape.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Witness an immense ancient obelisk that reveals the ambitious scale of Pharaonic stonecutting.
• Philae Temple — Discover the stunning island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated stone by stone.

An early morning start awaits with packed breakfast boxes, as we embark on a remarkable journey to Abu Simbel. Accompanied by your private guide, you'll travel to the colossal rock-cut temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II. Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate details of the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II himself, and the smaller temple honoring his beloved queen Nefertari. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural genius and were famously relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After an unforgettable visit, we return to your cruise ship for a relaxed lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Stand before the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, an icon of ancient Egypt.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as your cruise sets sail. Our first stop is the unique Kom Ombo Temple, beautifully situated on the riverbank. This 'double temple' is symmetrically dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Explore its dual entrances, halls, and sanctuaries, discovering fascinating reliefs. We then continue our cruise to Edfu, where we visit the magnificent Temple of Horus. This remarkably preserved Ptolemaic temple is one of the most complete ancient shrines in Egypt, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient Egyptian mythology and religious practices, particularly the tale of Horus and Set. Lunch will be served onboard. As evening approaches, we sail towards Luxor, enjoying dinner on the cruise and arriving late for our overnight stay onboard.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore this distinctive 'double temple' dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
• Edfu Temple — Visit the incredibly preserved Temple of Horus, a masterpiece of Ptolemaic architecture.

After breakfast, check out from your Nile cruise ship. Your guide and private air-conditioned vehicle will be ready to explore the glorious East Bank of Luxor. Our first magnificent stop is the Karnak Temple Complex, not just a temple, but a city of temples, constantly expanded by generations of pharaohs over nearly 2,000 years. Witness its awe-inspiring colossal pillars, towering obelisks, and the sacred lake, all dedicated primarily to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Following this incredible visit, you'll check into your luxurious 5-star Luxor hotel and enjoy lunch. In the evening, we visit the elegant Luxor Temple, illuminated beautifully at night. This temple was built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, serving as a vital site for royal rituals and festivals. You'll observe its impressive statues and columns, and learn about the Avenue of Sphinxes connecting it to Karnak. Finally, we return to your hotel for the night.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the monumental courtyards, halls, and sanctuaries of ancient Egypt's largest religious complex.
• Luxor Temple — Experience the beauty of this elegant temple, particularly enchanting under the evening lights.