Laatste kans! 15-daagse kerstreis door Egypte - MCCT17

Your experience of a unique Christmas tour of Egypt starts from Cairo, the capital. Our representative will assist you with everything necessary at Cairo International Airport. 

Then, you’ll be transported to the comfort of your hotel for the overnight via our private AC vehicle. 

After lunch, you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses Egypt’s major stock of artifacts and monuments of almost 170,000 different, extraordinary pieces and artifacts.

Today, a unique day is waiting for you on this remarkable Christmas tour of Egypt.

Following breakfast, your tours and travels in Egypt begin with the Great Pyramids of Giza, the majestic work of 3 great Pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure that testify to royal perfectionism & artistry and bring the history to life in front of your eyes.

Also, at the Giza plateau, you’ll meet the mighty Sphinx, an architectural beauty of limestone 3,000 years old of a mythical creature that represents the greatness of ancient Egypt architecture. 

After an Egyptian lunch, you’ll be on your way to Memphis which once bustled with many attractions as it served as the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom days. 

Shortly after, your journey takes you to the innovative Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, which represents a major shift in the pyramids' construction principle. It was surrounded by temples and courtyards honoring King Djoser. 

Then, you’ll get a chance to meet the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, which showcases the evolution of the Pyramids building process and has unique smooth sides covered with limestone casing that used to reflect sunlight with two entrances.

Finally, we’ll drive you back to the hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll witness the Hanging Church, a Coptic marvel that was once the major center for Christian worship for centuries and mixes between the Byzantine and Coptic architectural styles. 

Shortly after, you’ll enter the Church of Abu Serga or “Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church”, where the Holy Family took refuge and has a unique style in its basilica layout, nave, and its wooden roof that symbolizes Noah’s Ark.

Then, you’ll continue to the Coptic Cairo starting with Ben Ezra Synagogue, which has peaceful interiors with fabulously crafted furnishings and decorations, along with stained glass windows imposing the cultural and historical importance of the synagogue itself which allegedly was built where baby Moses was discovered by the Pharaoh's daughter.

After an Egyptian dish for lunch, you’ll be taken to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, which is situated as a masterpiece of the Islamic art complex that consists of a mosque and a madrassa that showcases brilliant intricate craftsmanship in each of its corners.

Nearby is Al Rifa’i Mosque, which exhibits a cultural mix of Mamluk and Ottoman architectural styles, as seen in the minarets and arches. Its artistic interior design includes wooden doors, Islamic calligraphy, and high domes.

Then, you’ll meet Al Azhar Mosque, which blends many Islamic eras of architectural design, making it grafted with different decorations, arcades, minarets, columns, and the prayer hall ornate with Quranic calligraphy.

Finally, we’ll take you to wander at Al Muizz Street, an open-air museum that includes a wide range of Islamic architecture like madrasas and historical mosques from different eras like Mamluk, Fatimid, and Ottoman. 

Lastly, you’ll continue wandering at Khan El Khalili Street. A souk that remained since the 14th century and a main destination for many goods like spices, gold, soap, and handmade souvenirs which you'll definitely like and buy for your loved ones.

Finally, we’ll drive you back to the hotel.

Following breakfast, we’ll hit the road to Fayoum, and start with visiting Wadi El Rayan, where you’ll see the one and only waterfalls in Egypt, with its stunning landscapes and calming views. Wadi El Rayan has two lakes and is a natural reserve that incubates a wide range of wildlife animals and different bird species like herons, flamingos, and other endangered species.

After lunch, you’ll venture to Qarun Lake, Egypt’s oldest lake, and enjoy its waterwheels and surroundings along with the historical attractions represented by the Greco-Roman temples like the Temple of Dionysus.

Later, we end our New Year tour in Egypt with the Wadi El Hitan, or “Valley of Whales” where you can see the marine and whale fossils of the creatures that once were in the area almost 40 million years ago. 

Not only that, but also you’ll be amazed by the fabulous landscapes of limestone and unique rocky formations that were carved due to natural causes like wind, listing Wadi El Hitan among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  

Finally, we end our unique tour and travel in Egypt by heading back to the hotel in Cairo.

Following your breakfast, you’ll be taken via our air-conditioned vehicle to start your day trip to Alexandria from Cairo. 

Your tour of Egypt in Alexandria kicks off with the mysteries of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa or “Mound of Shards”, which was once a necropolis that mixes Egyptian, Roman, and Greek funerary styles. You’ll see the “Hall of Caracalla” or the Hall of Bones of those murdered by the Roman emperor, Caracalla.

Next, we’ll move to Pompey’s Pillar, an 88-foot red granite pillar carved with unbelievable engineering precision. The pillar is located at what was once the temple of the Greco-Egyptian god, Serapis.

After a local Egyptian cuisine lunch, we’ll continue with the Qaitbay Citadel, a medieval military pearl built over the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Qaitbay Citadel is known for its thick walls and its defensive capabilities which enabled it to defend Alexandria many times.

Later, we’ll take you on a cultural visit to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which is marked by its gigantic granite disc and unique inscriptions on its outer walls. From the inside, it includes +8 million books, a planetarium, museums, a restoration laboratory for manuscripts, and art galleries. 

Finally, we’ll head back to Cairo.

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll start with flying to Aswan, and as you arrive, our representative will deliver you to kick off your Nile cruise at Christmas trip. 

Then, you’ll kick off the day by visiting Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s shield against floods that used to submerge Egypt once. Aswan High Dam is an engineering pearl of 12,570 feet long and 364 feet in height that doesn't only prevent flooding but also provides most of Egypt’s hydroelectric power. 

Next, we’ll take you to Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis and consists of many pylons, structures, courtyards, and sanctuaries. The temple is a mixture of Greco-Roman and Egyptian and to save it from being drowned, the temple was cut into 40,000 pieces and moved to its current location on Agilkia Island. 

Last but not least, we’ll get you to the Unfinished Obelisk, a failing obelisk of pink granite that would have been the largest in the world with a size of 137 feet and almost 1200 tons in weight. The obelisk wasn't completed due to a crack that happened during the quarrying process. However, the Unfinished Obelisk is still a tourist attraction for many visitors.   

Later, you’ll enjoy both lunch and dinner onboard the Nile cruise ship.

A unique day awaits you on this Egypt Christmas Package.

Following a delicious breakfast, you’ll be on your way to the stupendous Abu Simbel Temples, two well-preserved temples: the Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II and is known for its enigmatic statues of Ramses II each 66 feet high. From the inside, the temple contains many halls and chambers ornate with beautifully painted scenes that speak of Ramses II's victories, especially his triumph in the Battle of Kadesh.

The Small Temple is dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor and is known for its 6 statues of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, each 33 feet high, and adorns religious reliefs and artistry paintings and crafts that emphasize Queen Nefertari's divine status.

Then, you’ll be moved back to the Nile Cruise for lunch while sailing toward Kom Ombo.

As you arrive in Kom Ombo, you’ll venture to Kom Ombo Temple, which is dedicated to the two gods Horus and Sobek and was designed to be of 2 perfect halves one for each god, and adorned with mesmerizing well-preserved paintings and craftings along with chambers and sanctuaries.

Then, you’ll continue sailing toward Edfu, spend the evening at leisure, and savor a delicious dinner on board.

Upon breakfast, you’ll walk your feet into the god Horus Temple in Edfu, which is known for its carefully crafted inscriptions & paintings of the god Horus, and well-preserved conditions that speak of ancient Egypt's daily life, religious rituals, and beliefs. From inside, imagine yourself standing in the temple’s huge hypostyle hall, along with the decorated small chapels and sanctuaries.

As you arrive in Luxor, you’ll be taken to Karnak Temple, which is the largest temple in Egypt dedicated to Amun, Mut, and their son Khonsu. Karnak Temple includes the great Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, Obelisks, and many wall inscriptions that depict many Pharaohs, religious reliefs, and Gods of ancient Egypt as it was the center of many important events such as the Opet Festival.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll venture to Luxor Temple, which has a unique splendor of ancient architecture and is known for hosting the coronation of many Kings and Pharaohs, and the royal nature of the place can be seen in the large pylon, the Avenue of Sphinxes that connects Luxor Temple with Karnak Temple, and courtyards & halls that ends with the sanctuary. Each part takes you on a different story and has a special style. 

Finally, we’ll take you back to the Nile Cruise to savor a delicious dinner on board.

On this day of your New Year tour of Egypt and upon breakfast, you’ll start with the Valley of the Kings, a beautifully painted necropolis of Egypt’s great Pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses III, Seti I, and Tuthmosis III. You’ll witness the beautiful & colorful wall paintings that describe the ancient Egypt funerary rites, the story of the pharaoh, and help his soul on its journey to the afterlife.

Next, you’ll visit the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which is an impressive crafted inside the limestone cliff necropolis that will surely capture your attention. The temple is characterized by its special integration with the surrounding landscape. From the inside, the walls are adorned with charming inscriptions and statues that depict Hatshepsut's reign, her divine birth, and religious rituals.

Then, you’ll enter Medinet Habu, a temple complex that consists of huge pylons, courtyards, sanctuaries, and walls that speak of Ramses III’s triumphs over his enemies and Egypt's military aspects in general at that time like alliances, battles, and strategies. 

Later, you’ll stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues of quartzite sandstone 60 feet tall that sit proudly guarding Amenhotep's memorial temple that once existed and disappeared due to floodings.

Finally, we’ll take you back to the Nile Cruise to savor lunch and dinner on board.

Upon breakfast, we’ll explore more wonders of Luxor west bank.  

We’ll start with the superb Valley of the Queens, the burial site of queens like Queen Nefertari, princesses, and other members of the royal families. The valley is known for its beautiful colors and paintings of a high level of artistry skill.

Then, you’ll venture to the Tombs of the Nobles, which were built for priests, artisans, and high-level officials. You’ll see a bit of daily life and ancient principles & values of the ancient Egyptian society. Tombs are ornate with mesmerizing colorful paintings and carvings.   

Later, you’ll witness Workers' Village or Deir El Medina, the mini-city that housed laborers, craftsmen, and artists (with their families) who painted and created the beautiful artistry and wall inscriptions at the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.  

Lastly, we’ll take you for a local Egyptian lunch before heading back to the cruise.

Upon breakfast, we’ll be moving to the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, which has a unique L shape and is adorned with many carvings and colorful paintings that picture King Seti I honoring the god Osiris. 

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be moved to The Temple of Hathor in Dendera, which still has its colors and carvings well intact since the Ptolemaic and Roman era and consists of 24 gigantic columns in the Hypostyle Hall with a colorful ceiling, a replica of the Dendera zodiac as the original sits in Louvre Museum, the Sanctuary, and inner chambers. 

Lastly, we’ll take you back to the cruise.

Following breakfast, you’ll be on your way to Hurghadavia our AC vehicle, and as you reach there, we’ll get you to your hotel. 

You may enjoy your day at leisure or check for our optional Dagtochten vanuit Hurghada of the day. 

Lunch and dinner are included.

After breakfast, enjoy your day in Hurghada at leisure or check for our optional day tours and get a full amusement portion of snorkeling, scuba diving, submarine trips, or just relaxing on the beach. 

Lunch and dinner are included.

Optional tour: Safari trip, Bedouin Shows and BBQ

Hit the road with the Jeep vehicle for an excursion amidst the desert to a Bedouin village to experience the Bedouin lifestyle, participate in camel riding, attend Tanoura and belly dancing, and fire shows. 

Later, you’ll savor a delicious BBQ meal under the stars at sunset and head back to your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy your day in Hurghada at leisure or check for our optional day tours and get a full amusement portion of snorkeling, scuba diving, submarine trips, or just relaxing on the beach.

After lunch, you’ll head back to Cairo. 

Lunch and dinner are included.

Optional tour: Boat Trip & Snorkeling

Book an exceptional boat trip that will head to the crystal clear waters and some of the best snorkeling spots in the Red Sea and enjoy witnessing the exceptional colorful marine life and coral reefs.

After breakfast, we’ll deliver you to the Cairo International Airport for your trip back home, ending our 15-day New Year and Christmas Tour of Egypt trip.

We wish you a safe travel back home.