Escape to sunny Egypt this festive season - explore pyramids and temples, sail down the Nile, discover the Valley of the Kings, plus spend 4 day relaxing at a Red Sea retreat. Choose between Xmas day at the pyramids or on the Nile and ring in the New Year by the Red Sea in Hurghada!
Trip Highlights
Included
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Itinerary
Imagine…. Celebrating Xmas & New Year with these memorable experiences!
20 Dec 2019 departure – Xmas day at the legendary Valley of the Kings & New Year’s in Cairo
21 Dec 2019 departure – Xmas day sailing the River Nile & New Year’s by the beach in Hurghada
24 Dec 2019 departure – Xmas day at the ancient pyramids & New Year’s by the beach in Hurghada
28 Dec 2019 departure – Ring in New Year's Eve sailing on the famous River Nile
Choose to travel by felucca or Nile river cruiser
On this tour you have the option of a 2 night stay onboard a traditional felucca sail boat or 3 nights onboard a 5 star Nile Cruiser. The details of both are noted in our itinerary. If choosing to travel by 5 star Nile Cruiser, please select the 'Cruise Upgrade Prices & Dates' for costs.
Pyramids & Saqqara
Start the day with a visit to Al Jizah, the famous Giza Plateau to see the iconic pyramids and the iconic Sphinx. Next explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser’s step pyramid. Tonight we board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Philae Temple
After arrival and check-in in Aswan we enjoy a boat trip to Agilika Island where we visit the Temples of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. On return to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium. Spend the remainder of the evening at your own leisure; shop in the colourful souqs or simply kick back and relax.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile felucca sailing. Early birds can go on an optional excursion by road to the majestic Temple of Abu Simbel. In the afternoon we board a felucca for a 2-night journey downstream the River Nile, stopping at villages and islands along the way.
If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see the tab above for more information.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Nile felucca sailing - Kom Ombo. Relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route. In the afternoon we dock near Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit the temple before returning to the felucca for the night.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor
Kom Ombo -Luxor. This morning we disembark and drive to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Today we will explore the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Red Sea Riviera
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we head east to Hurghada part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for 4 days on the beach!
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Sun, Sea & Sand
The next 3 days are free to explore Hurghada or simply relax. On day 9 there's an optional day trip to Girtan Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it is easy to see why. Hotels and expanded infrastructure provide holidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has plenty of restaurants and late night bars for evening entertainment. Just outside Hurghada is an ancient Roman quarry called Mons Porphyritis and Port Safarga – a famously windy place which is ideal for windsurfing.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast x 3
Egyptian Museum
Hurghada - Cairo. This morning we depart Hurghada and head back to Cairo. We take a guided tour of the enlightening Egyptian Museum, where you can see the famed solid gold death mask of King Tutankhamun and opt to visit the Royal Mummy room.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
After breakfast, hotel check-out and onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast

5 star Nile cruise for Xmas or New Year
If you’d like to upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor, cruise the Nile in style for 3 nights with our 5 star Nile Cruise Upgrade.
The Egyptian cruise boats are similar to 5 star hotels with their own bar, lounges and restaurant. Your well–appointed, outward facing cabin offers air-conditioning, a private bathroom and views of the Nile as we sail. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. All meals are included, buffet style.
Offered on all 2019 festive departures.
Would you like to see more of Egypt? check out our add-ons.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the per person price.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Le Meridien Heliopolis, Cairo
Just a short drive from Cairo’s Old Town and international airport, the 5-star Le Meridien Heliopolis combines comfort with convenience. The guest rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, satellite television and a minibar, plus there’s complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Dining options include a choice of four on-site restaurants, serving Egyptian and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and cocktails at The 51 Bar. During the warmer months hotel guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax on a sun lounger on the terrace. There’s also a fitness centre and tennis courts for those who like to stay active whilst on holiday.
Sonesta Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel with spacious rooms. The poolside bar and full-service spa with a Turkish steam bath are havens for relaxation.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Tolip Hotel, Aswan
Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.
Felucca Sailboat, Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Hilton Hurghada Resort, Hurghada
Set in tropical gardens, the Hilton Hurghada Resort is a comfortable, charming hotel with a private beach and water sport centre. The rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea.
Continental Hotel, Hurghada
Tucked into Hurghada Bay, right on its scenic promenade, the Continental is a delightful beachfront resort boasting fantastic terraced rooms (many with seaviews) and excellent facilities. Watersports are in abundance here with swimming pools, scuba diving and snorkelling all readily available. A leisure club offers a sauna and spa treatments to relax after the day's activities. You can also wine and dine at one of the many great restaurants and bars.
Hello On The Go team,
I wanted to share my delight and awesome experience on our recent tour of Egypt, 14 day King Ramses tour. This trip was made special by our wonderful guide, Mahmoud Ramadan. Mahmoud looked after our group and each individual each moment, was always available for questions, a chat, a photo and how can you miss that smile, can’t help smiling with him. Mahmoud’s Egyptian knowledge was remarkable, with his excellent communication skills and talks, we came away knowing so so much more than expected, even started to understand the hieroglyphics! Now returned home to Australia , we are telling everyone we know to go Egypt, and with On The Go tours. Thanks again, and a big Thankyou to Mahmoud Ramadan. ”















Momo truly made our experience an unforgettable one. Coming from the travel industry, it’s amazing to be part of such a great tour and for me to experience what my clients will experience. Momo has made sure my complete faith in your company remains and I felt honoured to become part of his family.
Momo shared his vast knowledge with us, he made learning about the history easy and fun and he made sure everyone was always looked after and happy. He went above and beyond what anyone could have ever expected from him multiple times and for that I can’t thank him enough.
Momo, you made us feel the love you have for your beautiful country and you shared a really special bond with all of us. Your witty humour, your care and respect for all members of our new found family, your knowledge and facts and your beautiful smile made this a tour to remember forever.
Thank you for being the wonderful person you, for being the phenomenal tour guide you are and for sharing your country with us, you are an incredible person!”















We thoroughly enjoyed our tour through Egypt. Our guide has exceptional knowledge of both the ancient and modern history of Egypt which he delivered in a clear and understandable manner. As the tour leader he was very approachable and really helped bring the group together and form a 'family' group while we were away. We met some wonderful friends and made some great memories. Would highly recommend this tour. ”















This has been a trip of a life time and On the Go Tours had made it possible with this tour. Our tour guide, Momo, is so passionate about his country and his knowledge made our experience extra special. The tour was just perfect and with the 4 days of relaxation in Hurghada was a welcome relief after touring Egypt. The sites were amazing and so majestic I cried tears of happiness at a few of the sites. To have a guide like Momo, we couldn’t have asked for better. Not only did he care about us, reassuring, organising us so that we would get the best out of our tour. He helped complete strangers from different ends of the world come together and form great friendships that will continue hereafter. We cannot thank you enough, On the Go Tours and Momo for the best adventure of mine and my mother in laws life. We will forever be grateful.”















Thankyou On the Go for an incredible experience and especially to our tour guide Sam, Haytham Youssry for your wonderful passion, knowledge and insight, kindness and generosity and showing us true Egyptian hospitality and making this the trip of a lifetime I will never forget! I cannot reccomend him highly enough.
Sam's love for Egypt and knowledge was infectious and fun. He spent time hanging out with us, and was part of the group at dinner and drinks as well as imparting his vast knowledge to us in fun, entertaining and interactive ways. He helped us haggle to get great deals with locals and taught us all about Egyptian kindness,culture and hospitality. He was more like an incredibly, knowlegable, passionate, funny and enthusiastic friend than a tour guide. He was great with people of all ages in our group and inspired and entertained us with his love of Egypt and our group became a family in our time with him. He always went above and beyond to help all members of our tour and was always helpful if anyone had and problems or issues. ( one of or members had lost luggage and another one had her hotel room broken into while she slept) These things could have been really disruptive to our tour but Sam handled it with grace and ease and professionalism. He was always upbeat and did a wonderful job at keeping us all happy and smiling. He handled the diverse personalities well and took the time to find out what drew people to coming on the tour so he could cater to their individual interests.
I have done tours before with wonderful guides, but Sam ( Haytham) is simply the BEST!
I cannot recommend him highly enough! ”
Amazing tour with a lovely and spectacular guide Alam, he went above and beyond so that my family and myself felt safe, comfortable, and overall had a wonderful experience! ”















It was the best! Egypt is a wonderful place and we got to see it all. The tour was very well organized and that gave us a great deal of comfort. Our tour guide Momo is a wonderful and very dedicated person in his work. He made this tour a wonderful experience for all. He has been able to combine the accumulation of knowledge about Egypt with the fun. Regarding accommodation and transport it was very very good. Hotels were very nice and the buses very clean and confortable. ”















This was an amazing tour! I was travelling in a family group of 3 adults and 3 teens and we all loved it. There were so many experiences - tombs, temples, sailing down the Nile, markets, delicious food, driving though the desert, along the Nile, through villages and crazy Cairo traffic. Highlights were the felucca cruise (if you like camping, go for it!), Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, and Queen Nefartari's tomb (expensive but worth it!), camel ride at the pyramids, snorkelling in Hurghada, the Egyptian Museum, and the temples at Luxor. So much history and so many adventures! New Year's Eve on the felucca with the Nubian crew playing drums and everyone dancing was magical. I recommend staying in Hurghada for 4 nights instead of 2 if at all possible. It was a wonderful place to relax after the busy days of touring. Great snorkelling!
We were so well taken care of by OTG and our guide Alam. Alam was incredibly knowledgeable and organized. He explained everything very well, called us his family and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best possible experience, that all our questions were answered and that we all felt safe and secure. In fact at no time did I feel unsafe, even at night in the streets or market or train platform. The Egyptian people were very friendly and welcoming, if not a little too eager to sell us their wares, but all part of the cultural experience! I highly recommend this tour!”















Egypt is a country that needs to be seen with an experienced eye and our guide MOMO did not disappoint. His passion and knowledge of the sites and country helped solidify our fascination with Egypt. With the tour we were able to experience so many facets of the country. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone interested in visiting. ”















I thoroughly enjoyed the Festive King Ramses tour and thought everything was handled so professionally and efficiently. Alam was an exceptional guide. From the first briefing to the final transfer to the airport he displayed professionalism, world knowledge and humour. Specific information about each day of the tour was delivered at perfect times so we always knew what was happening next and didn't have to think too far ahead of the busy schedule. His study and knowledge of Egypt's ancient sites was incredible. He did not falter on any question asked including questions on current Egyptian culture and Religions. His people skills were outstanding and he handled difficult travellers with ease and good humour. I would like to nominate Alam for the Tour Leader Award and I know most of our group would be in agreement with me on this.
The hotels were nice and as described. Checking in and out of hotels was quick. Information about each hotel on arrival was never forgotten. ie breakfast times. Alam also always had good recommendations for restaurants and shopping where ever we went.The drivers were always on time and friendly. The transport was clean, spacious and comfortable. I am already recommending this tour to friends and colleagues.”















Prices & Dates
This tour is available with a 5 star Nile Cruise Upgrade. The departure dates and prices below relate to the Nile Cruise Upgrade tour. For details of the Nile Cruise Upgrade tour please refer to the Trip Notes below the tour dates.
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Tour Add-ons
Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons
Hello On The Go team,
I wanted to share my delight and awesome experience on our recent tour of Egypt, 14 day King Ramses tour. This trip was made special by our wonderful guide, Mahmoud Ramadan. Mahmoud looked after our group and each individual each moment, was always available for questions, a chat, a photo and how can you miss that smile, can’t help smiling with him. Mahmoud’s Egyptian knowledge was remarkable, with his excellent communication skills and talks, we came away knowing so so much more than expected, even started to understand the hieroglyphics! Now returned home to Australia , we are telling everyone we know to go Egypt, and with On The Go tours. Thanks again, and a big Thankyou to Mahmoud Ramadan. ”