4 Days Short Egypt Christmas Vacation (Cairo - Alexandria - Luxor) -Code MCCT01

Following breakfast, your Egypt Christmas vacation begins 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. 

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

After lunch, we conclude the day with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses Egypt’s major stock of artifacts and monuments of almost 170,000 different extraordinary pieces like the treasuries of great Kings like Tutankhamun and his famous mask.

Finally, we’ll take you back to your hotel for the night.

Today, you’ll take part in exploring the medieval ages of Cairo starting with the Alabaster Mosque which sits on top of El Mokattam hill and boasts exquisite minarets and domes that was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha from limestone.

Next, 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.

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.

Continuing, 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.

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

Last but not least, 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, you will be escorted back to your hotel for the overnight.

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

Your New Year tour 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.

Shortly after, you’ll be headed to St. Catherine Church, a blend of the European and Neo-Gothic architectural styles, and known for its exquisite arches, beautifully stained-glass windows, and tall spires, with an interior artwork of the altar, religious paintings of the Catholic identity of the church, making it a worth visiting destination. 

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 conclude the day trip to Alexandria from Cairo at the Cornish strolling across Stanley Bridge for serene and calming views of the sea.

Finally, we’ll head back to Cairo.

Upon breakfast, you’ll be flying to kick off your Luxor day trip from Cairo, starting from the West Bank, and explore the beauty of ancient Egypt artistry

Starting 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.

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.

After a local Egyptian cuisine lunch, you'll explore the two magnificent temples of the East Bank: Karnak and Luxor Temples in Luxor. Starting with 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.

Finally, we end the day with 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 end the day flying back to Cairo.