Cairo, Nile Cruise, and Bahariya Oasis Christmas Trip

Begin your day with a delicious gourmet breakfast at your hotel in the early morning. Once you're ready, your knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you to the Giza Plateau for an unforgettable tour of the Giza Pyramids. Marvel at the grandeur of the Pyramids of Cheops, which were constructed over 4500 years ago by the hands of 100,000 men. These pyramids are the largest among the three iconic pyramids of Giza. As you explore, you'll also have the opportunity to see the pyramids of Chephren, the son of Cheops, and the grandson pyramid of King Mycerinus. Another highlight of the Giza Plateau is the Great Sphinx, a magnificent statue created by King Chephren as the guardian of the necropolis. Lastly, you'll visit the only remaining Valley Temple, an integral part of Chephren's pyramid complex in Giza, concluding your Giza Pyramids tour.

Next, we'll head to the oldest part of Cairo to embark on an enchanting Coptic Cairo tour. This historical journey will take you to the Hanging Church, a structure built above the ruins of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. You'll also visit the Church of St. Sergius, also known as Abu Serga Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, originally a Coptic church before being converted into a Jewish synagogue in 882 A.D.

After an eventful morning, enjoy a well-deserved rest while savoring a delicious lunch served in an oriental restaurant. Following your meal, we'll continue our Cairo day tours with a visit to the Egyptian Museum. Established in 1902 as the first antiquities museum in Cairo, it houses a wide range of artifacts from various periods in Egyptian history. From impressive statues and monumental sarcophagi to intricate accessories used by ancient Egyptians, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of Egypt. Don't miss the renowned golden collection of King Tutankhamun, a highlight of the museum.

To conclude the day, you'll be transported to the historic Khan El Khalili market, the oldest bazaar in Cairo. Embark on an extraordinary Cairo walking tour as you explore the vibrant market and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere. Khan El Khalili is a popular destination during Islamic Cairo trips, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience.

After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo to enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Rise and shine! Enjoy your breakfast around 6:00 AM and prepare to check out of your hotel as we embark on your Egypt Desert Safari Trip. A tour guide will meet you, and together you'll board a modern, air-conditioned vehicle for the approximately 4-hour journey to Bahariya Oasis from Cairo.

Upon arrival, our first stop will be the Museum of Golden Mummies, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating collection of well-preserved mummies discovered in the oasis. Afterward, we'll visit the Tombs of the Nobles, which served as the final resting place for the regional rulers of the oasis during ancient times. These tombs provide insights into the lives and customs of the nobility of that era.

Continuing our exploration, we'll visit the Temple of Alexander the Great in Bahariya Oasis. This temple commemorates the legendary conqueror who founded the beautiful city of Alexandria. Additionally, we'll visit the Temple of Muftella, dedicated to the god Bis, one of the renowned gods of ancient Egypt associated with entertainment and pleasure.

For lunch, we'll treat you to a delightful meal served in a Bedouin-style restaurant, providing a taste of the local culinary experience. Afterward, we'll proceed to the hotel for check-in, allowing you to settle in and have some free time in the afternoon to relax or explore the oasis at your leisure.

In the evening, we'll embark on a 4-wheel-drive adventure to ascend the black mountain before sunset. Known as "the English House," the ruins atop the mountain offer a picturesque view of Bahariya Oasis during the magical sunset hours.

Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Bahariya, where you can rejuvenate and prepare for more exciting experiences ahead.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

Eat breakfast in the morning before visiting the magnificent salt lake to snap beautiful pictures and enjoy the scenery. Experience the golden beach dunes, discover how to scale the palm trees like the locals, and pick the best seasonal fruit while strolling around the lovely gardens. The Black Desert, an area of volcano-shaped mountains covered in a significant amount of volcanic rock, and the Valley of El Haize to the south of Bawiti and Bahariya will be our first stops on the journey to the White Desert. We'll make a stop so you can observe the quartz crystal in the vicinity of Crystal Mountain, and after that, we'll spend some time in the lovely Valley of Agabat. While camping in the White Desert between the spectacular white limestone and chalk formations of the western desert, spend the evening admiring the lovely moon and the stars.

Dinner with Bedouins in the Desert

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Start your day with a delightful breakfast prepared by the locals, giving you a taste of authentic flavors. Accompanying your breakfast is the traditional morning tea infused with refreshing mint leaves, a perfect way to energize for the day ahead.

Our journey continues as we head to the enchanting Farafra oasis. In Farafra, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in the soothing sulfur hot water spring of Bir Setah, also known as Setah Well. Immerse yourself in the relaxing waters and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this natural oasis. Additionally, you'll visit the unique mud brick museum of local artist Badr, where you can admire the artistic creations inspired by the surrounding environment.

Next, we'll explore the old town of Al Qasr, which carries a rich historical significance. From there, we'll make our way from Farafra to Dakhla, approximately a 3-hour drive. Our first stop in Dakhla will be the Roman Temple of Deir el-Hagar. This temple, dating back to the 26th dynasty, stands in the middle of the desert and is partially buried by sand dunes. Marvel at the architectural grandeur accomplished by legendary Roman emperors. Continuing our exploration, we'll visit the Roman burial ground of El Muzawwaqqa, where you can admire some of Egypt's most beautiful rock-cut tombs.

After a satisfying lunch, we'll visit the old Islamic Village of Al Qasr, which dates back to the twelfth century A.D. Explore the ancient houses, fascinating narrow alleys, and historical sites such as the old oil press, wheat grinder, court, medieval prison, school, and Ayyubid mosque.

In the afternoon, take time to relax by the pool-like hot spring, enjoying its tranquil ambiance. Later, we'll visit the verdant Dakhla farms, surrounded by golden sand dunes and a captivatingly clear blue sky. Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset on the Edge of the Great Sand Sea while savoring a delicious Bedouin tea.

Conclude the day by spending the night at the Desert Lodge Hotel in Dakhla, situated on top of a cliff. From this vantage point, you can admire the picturesque green village and the beautiful rose mountains that Dakhla Oasis is renowned for.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

You will go to Kharga Oasis today. Enjoy your breakfast and get ready to begin your trip to the Dakhla Oasis by seeing the Kharga museum and Qasr El Labkha, a Roman castle on the famed 40-day caravan route connecting Egypt with Sudan (Darb El Arbein). Visit the Roman Temples of Hibis and Nadura thereafter, as well as Bagawat, the oldest Christian cemetery in the world, where the chapels are decorated with Old Testament scriptural murals that haven't faded in color.

The smallest and cutest of the Western Desert Oases is Baris Oasis; therefore, that's where we'll go. When it was active, you could still see most of the details of this Roman settlement, including the residential area with mud-brick homes, the fortress, and the Temple that is dedicated to Isis and Serapis. The Temple of Dush stands in the middle of an entire flourishing settlement guarding the forty-day road.

Enjoy setting up camp in the midst of Kharga's gorgeous sand dunes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Have breakfast in the middle of the golden sand dunes before traveling for around 6 hours in an air-conditioned car to Luxor. Set sail on your 5-star Egypt Nile River Cruise after arriving in Luxor.

Your lunch will be served on board the Nile cruise ship before you begin your Luxor day tours, particularly the East Bank of Luxor tour, where you will visit the great temple of King Amenhotep III, the well-known Luxor temple that was constructed by many kings of ancient Egypt, and the Karnak Temple, one of the largest man-made temples in the entire world.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in Luxor.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

You can continue your Luxor tours after enjoying a delectable breakfast on the Nile river cruise while watching the Nile. Begin the west bank of Luxor tour at the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, renowned as the Colossi of Memnon, and then visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of 62 pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the famous King Tutankhamen and legendary King Ramses II. The tombs were cut from the mountain, decorated with fascinating paintings, and filled with treasures the Pharaohs were planning to enjoy in the afterlife. Make sure to visit The Mortuary Temple Of Hatshepsut, also known as the Temple of El Deir El Bahary, to learn more about Egypt's first female pharaoh.

While traveling to Edfu, your lunch will be served on the ship. Dine slowly while on the Nile cruise.

Spend the night on your Nile Cruise.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

You will be served breakfast on board the Nile Cruise vessel in the early morning, and then you will travel to Edfu Temple, a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple devoted to Horus, the falcon-headed god of the skies. The remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, constructed for the worship of the crocodile God Sobek, can be seen by sailing to Kom Ombo. Following the serving of your meal, the ship will continue cruising toward Aswan.

As you spend the night on your Egypt Nile River Cruise, take pleasure in your evening meal.

Lunch, breakfast, and dinner

Start your Aswan day tours with a sumptuous breakfast aboard the Nile cruise. We'll head to the High Dam, an engineering marvel and the most significant project in contemporary Egypt, as well as the magnificent Philae Temple, which is devoted to the goddess Isis and is exquisitely placed on an island. The Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known Obelisk within the granite quarries where the majority of the monarchs used these quarries to cut their required stone blocks at Aswan, is accessible after a lovely speedboat journey from the temple.

Take pleasure in your meal onboard your Nile Cruise ship and spend the night in Aswan.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After eating breakfast, depart from your Nile River Cruise vessel. You can spend your free day in Aswan at your leisure or go on an extra journey to Abu Simbel Temple from Aswan by land. You will be driven to the Aswan train station so that you may board the sleeping train for Cairo. Overnight, dinner will be provided on the train.

breakfast and dinner

The train will feed you breakfast before arriving at the Giza train station. The tour guide from Cairo Top Tours will meet you and drive you to your hotel. If it's possible, you'll check in early. Then you may take advantage of one of our alternative half-day or full-day Cairo tours.

Cairo overnight stay

Dining: Breakfast

Take breakfast at your hotel on the final day of your Egypt Christmas Tour. Enjoy one of our day tours to Cairo. Following your 13-day Christmas tour to Cairo, the Nile Cruise, and the Bahriya Oasis, our tour guide will pick you up and take you to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.

Dining: Breakfast