11-Day Cairo And Nile Cruise Christmas Tour
Description
This 11-day Cairo and Nile cruise Christmas holiday covers Egypt’s main ancient sights, with time to settle into the slower rhythm of the river. We begin in Cairo, where you visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before exploring the collections of the Egyptian Museum. The itinerary then heads south for a 4-night, 5-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, with guided visits to temples, tombs and monuments along the river.
Five nights in Cairo leave room for more than the usual central sights. At Giza, your guide explains how the pyramids were built and how the plateau became a royal burial ground. The Sphinx is close by, carved from the bedrock; with time to pause and look across the desert, the visit is more than a quick photo stop. In the Egyptian Museum, you can see pharaonic statues, jewellery, coffins and everyday objects across its large historic collection.
We also take you into Old Cairo, where churches, Islamic monuments and narrow lanes show the different layers of the city’s history. Another full-day outing visits Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshour. Together, these sites link the remains of Egypt’s early capital with the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid area at Dahshour. Alexandria brings a different setting on the Mediterranean coast, with time to see its historic waterfront and major landmarks before returning to Cairo.
Travel to Aswan starts the cruise section. The High Dam shows how the Nile is controlled today, while a boat ride takes you across to Philae Temple, built on an island and dedicated mainly to Isis. We also arrange the sailing trip in the usual felucca style when conditions and the day’s programme allow. Abu Simbel is included as an excursion from Aswan, with time to see the huge rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.
Life on the Nile cruise is calm but follows a set routine. After breakfast, you leave the ship with your guide for the scheduled temple visits, then return for meals and time on deck. The route from Aswan to Luxor stops at Kom Ombo Temple, beside the river and shared by Sobek and Horus, followed by Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved large temples. Between visits, the riverbanks change from villages to cultivated fields, giving the sailing a strong sense of place.
As the ship reaches Luxor, the focus shifts to ancient Thebes. On the west bank, you visit the Valley of the Kings, where decorated burial chambers were cut into the desert hills, followed by Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. On the east bank, Karnak Temple shows the scale of Egypt’s temple building over several centuries. Luxor Temple is particularly atmospheric when its columns and statues are lit in the evening.
- Five nights in Cairo with Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo and day trips to Alexandria and the Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshour sites
- Four nights on a 5-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- Philae Temple, the High Dam, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple
- The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
We organise the transfers, domestic travel arrangements and sightseeing, so you do not have to coordinate separate vehicles, tickets and cruise connections. A licensed Egyptologist guides the main visits and explains the monuments in context. The pace suits travellers who want a broad first visit to Egypt, including families and groups, though the programme includes walking over uneven ground, steps and exposed areas. Tell us about mobility needs in advance so our team can advise on the most suitable arrangements.
Christmas is a popular time for a planned Egypt holiday, and combining city touring with river travel makes this package practical for travellers who want a full itinerary without changing hotels every night. Family and group travellers can ask our team about a special price based on the group arrangement. Meals and cruise services follow the selected accommodation plan, while the exact sailing order can change if navigation or local operating conditions require it. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection will make the temple visits easier.
Included
5 nights accommodation in Cairo
Airport, train station and hotel transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to the listed sightseeing locations
4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Sailing trip in Aswan, subject to local conditions and the day’s programme
Meals on the Nile cruise according to the cruise plan
Domestic travel arrangements between Cairo and Aswan, and from Luxor to Cairo as listed in the final programme
Family and group arrangements discussed on request
Excursion to Abu Simbel
Licensed Egyptologist guide for scheduled sightseeing
Excluded
Drinks and meals not listed in the final programme
Any increase in entrance fees, transport costs or cruise charges caused by changes after booking
Personal spending, laundry and phone calls
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Egypt entry visa and personal travel insurance
Tips for guides, drivers and cruise staff
International flights
Don't forget
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
Passport valid for the required period, plus a copy
Refillable water bottle
Any personal medicines and basic travel supplies
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Small day bag for temple and museum visits
Light, breathable clothing and a warmer layer for evenings on the Nile
Camera or phone with spare battery or power bank
Modest clothing for religious sites
Frequently Asked Questions
The 11-day Cairo and Nile cruise Christmas itinerary includes five nights in Cairo, four nights on a Nile cruise, sightseeing at the main ancient sites, and travel between Cairo, Aswan and Luxor as arranged in the programme. Our team also coordinates the planned pickups, transfers and guided visits.
The sightseeing programme includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Cairo Museum, Old Cairo, Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshour, plus Alexandria. During the cruise, you visit Abu Simbel, the High Dam, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. A sailing trip is also included where stated in the daily schedule.
Eleven days gives you a full sightseeing programme with five nights in Cairo and four nights cruising from Aswan to Luxor, so the pace is active but structured rather than rushed. Cairo days cover the major museums and archaeological sites, while the cruise places temple visits between periods of sailing and rest.
The order normally moves from Cairo sightseeing to Aswan, then north by cruise through Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Luxor. Abu Simbel is planned from Aswan, and the Luxor visits include the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
Pickup and transfer arrangements are planned around your confirmed Cairo accommodation, airport or agreed meeting point, followed by the travel connection to Aswan and the return transfer from Luxor to Cairo. We provide the practical instructions before each movement so you know where to meet our team and guide.
Because flight and transfer details can vary by booking, we confirm the exact collection points and times with you rather than promising a fixed schedule in advance. The Cairo programme may include Old Cairo, the Cairo Museum, Alexandria and the Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshour excursion before the Nile cruise begins.
This tour can suit families and older travellers who are comfortable with regular walking, steps and warm-weather sightseeing, but several archaeological sites have uneven ground and limited shade. Our team can explain the daily walking demands before booking and help identify where a slower pace or additional assistance may be needed.
The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Abu Simbel, Edfu Temple and the Valley of the Kings involve outdoor walking, while boarding a cruise and visiting Philae Temple may require steps or boat access. Tell us about mobility needs, children’s ages or medical concerns so we can review the arrangements clearly.
Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime sightseeing, comfortable closed shoes for uneven archaeological ground, a light layer for cooler evenings, sun protection and personal medication. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate when visiting mosques, churches and local communities in Cairo and Old Cairo.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and a small day bag. A camera is useful for the temples and river views, while a scarf or light jacket can help during early starts, evening sailing and visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and Queen Hatshepsut Temple.
You can request the 11-day Cairo and Nile cruise Christmas itinerary online by sending your preferred travel dates, traveller details and accommodation requirements. Our team then confirms the arrangements, inclusions and payment schedule before you proceed, while availability and final logistics remain subject to confirmation.
Family and group travellers can ask us about a special price for their party; the amount depends on the group details and selected arrangements. Cancellation and amendment conditions are provided with the booking terms, so check them before paying and contact us promptly if your plans change.
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Why travelers choose A1Toureg
- Transparent pricing with no unexpected fees.
- Reserve today and pay on the day of your tour on most excursions.
- Free cancellation on selected tours.
- Organized with trusted licensed Egyptian partners.
- Fast confirmation and personal assistance.
- Comfortable transportation for every journey.
- Support in English, German, French, Italian, Russian & more.
- We're with you every step of the way.
Your unforgettable Egypt journey starts with a booking you can trust.
* Available on selected tours. Flights, cruises and special bookings may have different cancellation policies.
Keep things flexible!
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
Ways You Can Pay!
If you choose to pay online, a secure payment link can be provided after booking. For assistance or alternative payment options, please contact us via WhatsApp.
Your Itinerary
Arrive in Cairo, where our representative meets you at the airport and assists with the arrival formalities before your transfer to the hotel. The drive gives you a first look at the city, from broad modern roads to older neighbourhoods along the Nile. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to rest after your journey.
Our team confirms the arrangements for the following days, including sightseeing, domestic travel and the transfer south for your cruise. Christmas travel can bring busy airports and sightseeing areas, so keeping the first day light helps you settle in comfortably. If your flight arrives early, we can advise on suitable ways to spend the extra time without adding pressure to the schedule.
Overnight accommodation in Cairo is included as part of the package. Keep your passport and essential medication accessible, and ask our team about the next morning's departure arrangements before you turn in.
After breakfast, travel to the Giza Plateau for a guided visit to The Pyramids of Giza. You see the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, with time to walk around the main viewpoints and hear how the royal complex was planned. The guide explains what is included in the standard visit and where optional interior entry may be arranged, subject to availability.
Continue to The Sphinx, whose lion body and human head face the ancient pyramid field. The nearby viewing area gives you time for photographs and a closer look at the surrounding temple remains. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and the open plateau has little shade.
Later, visit Cairo museum, also known as the Egyptian Museum, to see royal statues, funerary objects and objects from several periods of ancient Egyptian history. The order may change slightly with museum access and traffic, but our guide keeps the day organised before returning you to the hotel.
Today takes you south of Cairo into the area where Egypt's early royal builders developed the pyramid form. Begin at Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshour, travelling between the sites by private vehicle with your guide. At Memphis, the open-air collection includes large limestone statues and remains from the former capital, giving context to the political importance of the region.
At Saqqara, see the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the surrounding complex. Its broad courtyards, ceremonial structures and early stone construction show a different stage of pyramid development from the monuments at Giza. Depending on access and the day's pace, there may be time for selected tombs in the necropolis.
Continue to Dahshour for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, set in a quieter desert landscape. The visit involves walking over sandy or uneven ground, so closed shoes, water and sun protection are useful. Return to Cairo after the sightseeing, with the evening free before the next day's excursion.
Leave Cairo by road for Alexandria, Egypt's Mediterranean city. The journey takes several hours depending on traffic, so an early departure makes better use of the day. On arrival, your guide introduces the city's Greek, Roman and later history while keeping the route practical and paced for a day excursion.
Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, where underground chambers combine Egyptian, Greek and Roman features. Continue to Pompey's Pillar and the remains of the Serapeum area before stopping for a local lunch. Sightseeing plans can be adjusted if access at one location is restricted, but the guide explains each change as the day progresses.
At the Mediterranean waterfront, see the modern location associated with the ancient Pharos lighthouse and pass the exterior of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, subject to the day's opening arrangements. The drive back to Cairo is usually in the late afternoon or evening. Keep the following morning flexible for the transfer to Aswan and embarkation on the Nile cruise.
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Cairo to Aswan, then continue to Abu Simbel for a guided visit. The temples were built by Ramesses II and moved to higher ground during the creation of Lake Nasser. Inside, you see the large halls, carved figures and sanctuary area, while the guide explains the relocation project and the temples' purpose.
Return to Aswan and board your Nile cruise. After lunch or check-in procedures, there is time to settle into your cabin and learn the ship's daily routine. Cruise arrangements can vary, so the exact order of meals, embarkation and excursions is confirmed by the onboard team.
This is the first night of the four-night sailing section. Keep a small day bag with you for the Abu Simbel visit, since larger luggage remains managed through the transfer and cruise check-in process. Family and group travellers can ask our team about a special price when arranging the package.
Begin your Aswan sightseeing with the High Dam, a major modern engineering project that changed the flow of the Nile and created Lake Nasser. Your guide explains its role in electricity generation, irrigation and flood control while you view the broad landscape around the dam.
Continue by boat to Phiala temple, properly known as Philae Temple, on Agilkia Island. The temple complex is dedicated mainly to Isis and includes courtyards, columns and reliefs from several periods. Its original island setting was threatened by rising water, so the buildings were carefully relocated; the guide points out how that history shaped the present visit.
Later, enjoy a short Sailing Trip by felucca or another suitable boat, depending on wind and local operating conditions. The pace is quiet, with views of the riverbank and nearby islands. Return to the cruise ship for meals and overnight accommodation in Aswan before sailing north.
The ship sails north after breakfast, and the changing river scenery becomes part of the day. Palms, cultivated fields, villages and stretches of desert pass slowly from the deck. This is a useful morning to rest, read or attend the ship's planned activities while the crew handles the navigation.
After arrival, visit Kom ombo temple, a riverside sanctuary dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus. Its unusual double design means that many areas are arranged in parallel, with separate sections, courts and sanctuaries. Your guide explains the temple's medical reliefs, religious functions and connection with the river.
Allow time for a comfortable walk from the mooring point, often over paved but exposed ground. Rejoin the ship after the visit and continue toward Edfu. The evening is spent onboard, with the next day's excursion normally timed around the ship's arrival and departure schedule.
Travel from the mooring area to Edfu temple for a morning visit. The temple is dedicated to Horus and is among the best-preserved major temples in southern Egypt. Its monumental gateway, long processional court and detailed wall scenes make the layout easy to follow, while your guide explains the stories shown in the reliefs.
Return to the cruise ship and continue sailing toward Luxor. Lunch and the afternoon are generally spent onboard, although the exact sailing time depends on navigation and the ship's operating programme. Bring sun protection for the open deck and keep your room key and excursion details with you when leaving the vessel.
After arrival in Luxor, visit Luxor temple, where columns, statues and later additions show how the site changed across different periods. The temple is especially atmospheric in the evening, but access and lighting arrangements can vary. Return to the ship for dinner and the third overnight in the Luxor area.
After breakfast, leave the ship for the West Bank of Luxor and visit The valley of Kings. Your entry ticket normally covers a selection of open tombs, while particular tombs may require separate access and can change with conservation schedules. Inside, the painted corridors and chambers show the beliefs surrounding royal burial and the afterlife. The walk includes uneven paths and exposed areas.
Continue to Queen Hatshepsut temple, cut into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. The terraces and surviving reliefs introduce the reign of one of ancient Egypt's most important female rulers. Nearby, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two large seated figures that once guarded the approach to a vast mortuary temple.
After the West Bank visit, transfer for your journey back to Cairo by domestic flight or another arranged connection, depending on the confirmed programme. Check in on arrival and rest after a full sightseeing and travel day.
Spend the day exploring Old Cairo, where churches, mosques and historic lanes sit close together. Begin in the area associated with Cairo's early Christian community and visit selected churches according to opening arrangements. The Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus are commonly included when access permits, with your guide explaining the area's religious history.
Continue to the Coptic Museum if it is included in the day's confirmed schedule and open to visitors. Its collection helps connect the churches and manuscripts seen in the neighbourhood with the wider story of Egyptian Christianity. Later, walk through the historic Islamic quarter to see old gateways, mosques and traditional streets.
The route includes steps, narrow passages and uneven paving, so tell our team in advance if anyone in your group needs a slower pace or additional assistance. You return to the Cairo hotel after the visit, with time to organise luggage and prepare for the airport transfer on the final morning.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, subject to your departure time, then meet our representative for the transfer to Cairo International Airport. We allow practical time for city traffic and airport procedures, but the exact pickup time is set around your confirmed flight details. Keep your passport, boarding documents and valuables in your hand luggage.
Before leaving the hotel, check the room carefully for chargers, medication and travel documents. Our team can assist with the departure transfer and answer last-minute questions about the airport process. If your flight leaves later, luggage storage and an additional short activity may be possible depending on the hotel's facilities and the day's arrangements.
This completes the 11-day Cairo and Nile cruise Christmas itinerary. The package combines guided sightseeing in Cairo and Alexandria with a four-night cruise between Aswan and Luxor, followed by the return transfer for your international departure.