The ideal Xmas or New Year's mini - getaway! We'll reveal the very best of ancient Egypt this Xmas or New Year's from the legendary Pyramids and antiquity filled Egyptian Museum, to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings and back again!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Imagine…. Celebrating Xmas & New Year with these memorable experiences!
24 Dec 2019 departure – Xmas day at the legendary ancient pyramids
27 Dec 2019 departure – Ring in New Year's Eve in vibrant Cairo
Pyramids of Giza
Cairo - Luxor. Start the day with a visit to the incredible pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau. It’s estimated the largest - Khufu (Cheops) was constructed from no less than 2.5 million quarried limestone blocks, weighing around 6 million tonnes. No mean feat, when you consider the pyramids were built without the use of modern equipment! Maybe opt for a camel ride.
Travelling on to the necropolis of Saqqara, innumerable sand strewn temples and tombs await discovery. It’s at Saqqara where you’ll see Zhoser’s step pyramid. Rising 6 steps, it served as the prototype for ancient Egypt’s most enduring architectural legacy. Later we travel by overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Luxor
This morning we arrive into Luxor and check into our hotel. One of the world’s greatest open-air museums, the 4000 year old site of ancient Thebes - known today as Luxor is our base for two exciting days of exploration. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, we have the opportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built by Amenophis III, Luxor Temple looks stunning at night when it's illuminated by hundreds of lights. Book/pay locally. Remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Today we cross to the West Bank of the Nile, the massive pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon are the first monuments we’ll see as we start our day's sightseeing, they are all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Today, we visit the Valleys of the Kings and the imposing colonnaded temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
Returning to our hotel, we enjoy free time before visiting Karnak. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks - built on a grand scale. During the height of Theban power, Karnak was the most important place of worship. Tonight, we return to Cairo by overnight sleeper train.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Egyptian Museum
Arrive into Cairo and hotel check-in. Later, a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. See the famous King Tutankhamun solid gold death mask or opt to see the Royal Mummy room. Remains of the afternoon and evening free to do your own thing.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo your way
Today marks the final day of your tour. Maybe enjoy a lie in and enjoy a late breakfast or a beer or two by the pool, before your departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Visit El Alamein
El Alamein, located on the Mediterranean coast, just 4 hours north of Cairo, lies El Alamein, where two extended battles were fought during World War II. Some 13,000 Allied soldiers were killed and 70,000 were wounded in the battle. Come and pay your respects at the Commonwealth War Cemetery and visit the local war museum. Would you like to see more of Egypt? check out our other add-ons.
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.
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 (not Nile View as standard) 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.
Steigenberger Hotel el Tahrir, Cairo
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.
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.
In Brief
Tour Add-ons
Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons
