A 15-day cultural journey across Egypt at Christmas and New Year visiting Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor and the Red Sea with a Nile cruise and domestic flights included.
This 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour is organized around the destinations and travel services confirmed in the itinerary, so you can compare the route, inclusions and practical arrangements before making an enquiry.
Travelers comparing a 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour can use the day-by-day plan below to understand the pace and sequence before requesting current availability.
The route details make this 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour useful for comparing destinations, included services and the time allocated to each part of the program.
15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour: Overview
Overview
This 15-day Egypt holiday is designed to combine Egypt’s most celebrated ancient monuments with coastal relaxation and seasonal festivities over the Christmas and New Year period.
The route threads through Cairo and Giza, moves along the Nile valley to Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, and finishes with several days on the Red Sea coast in Hurghada before returning to Cairo.
Daily flow at a glance
The itinerary is organised day by day so each major region gets dedicated time. Early days focus on Cairo and Giza highlights, followed by an excursion to Alexandria.
The program then proceeds to the Nile corridor with visits around Aswan, a shore excursion to Abu Simbel, and temple stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu en route to Luxor.
Festive days around Christmas and New Year are spent in Luxor and on the Red Sea, with opportunities for snorkeling, desert excursions and city touring before the final return to Cairo and a full day of Islamic Cairo sights.
Iconic ancient sites
In Cairo and Giza the trip visits the Giza Pyramids Complex, the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Nearby museum time is also included to view extensive collections that trace Egypt’s long history.
The itinerary extends to Saqqara’s step pyramid and the open-air monuments of Islamic Cairo, with visits to historic streets and medieval architecture in the city centre.
Alexandria receives a dedicated day, with stops at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. These sites highlight Alexandria’s layered Mediterranean and Hellenistic heritage.
Nile valley and temple routes
The Aswan programme includes the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries and the island-set Philae Temple, a Ptolemaic complex dedicated to Isis.
A notable excursion visits the rock-cut Abu Simbel temples, monumental façades carved into a mountainside during the reign of Ramses II.
Continuing north, the plan visits Kom Ombo and Edfu temples—examples of Ptolemaic and Greco-Roman temple architecture—before reaching Luxor.
East bank highlights include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while the west bank presents the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon.
Red Sea leisure and desert activity
The holiday includes several days on the Red Sea coast at Hurghada with time set aside for snorkeling and leisure.
The itinerary lists a desert safari option, offering an evening or day excursion into Egypt’s desert landscapes for dune riding and sunset views, and dedicated leisure days for rest and underwater exploration.
Practical sequencing and pace
The schedule balances packed archaeological days with quieter coastal periods. Sightseeing days are grouped by location to reduce repeated long transfers, and the program alternates between intensive temple-and-tomb exploration and more relaxed seaside or desert experiences around the holiday dates.
Who this tour suits
This route suits travellers who want a comprehensive December holiday that pairs Egypt’s major archaeological and historic sites with seasonal leisure on the Red Sea.
It appeals to those who prefer a structured day-by-day plan that covers both the highlights of ancient Egypt and time for snorkeling, beach relaxation and desert adventure.
Use this 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour overview to understand the pace, destinations and key experiences before you travel.
The 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour combines the confirmed stops in one practical route; check the inclusions and exclusions carefully before booking.
The 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour Itinerary
Day 1: Day One:Arrival to the Cradle of Civilization
Arrival day in Egypt with dinner provided and an overnight stay. This day sets the start of a 15-day itinerary that begins in the Cairo/Giza area.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Day Two:Discover the Timelessness of the Magical Pyramids
Visit the Giza Pyramids Complex including the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. The day includes a camel ride on the Giza plateau and a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum later in the program.
Meals: Lunch
Day 3: Day Three:Spoil Your Inner Explorer With a Visit to Alexandria
Day trip to Alexandria to see the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar and the Qaitbay Citadel, with a visit to the Alexandria Library included in the day’s visits.
Meals: Lunch
Day 4: Day Four:Live Between Nature and History of Aswan
In Aswan, visit the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, and continue to Philae Temple. A traditional felucca ride on the Nile is included in the day’s activities.
Day 5: Day Five:Explore the world Heritage Temples of Abu Simbel
Day dedicated to the Abu Simbel Temples, the rock-cut monuments attributed to Ramses II.
Day 6: Day Six:Visit Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Visits to Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple—two significant riverbank sanctuaries along the Nile—are scheduled for this day.
Day 7: Day Seven:Explore the Hidden Gems of Luxor in Christmas
Explore Karnak Temple and later Luxor Temple. The day includes a midday meal and an overnight stay as noted in the itinerary.
Meals: Lunch
Day 8: Day Eight:Complete Your Christmas Adventure in Luxor
Visit the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, enjoy a midday meal and see the Colossi of Memnon on the west bank of Luxor.
Meals: Lunch
Day 9: Day Nine:Christmas Snorkeling Adventure in Hurghada
A day in Hurghada dedicated to snorkeling activities in the Red Sea as stated in the itinerary.
Day 10: Day Ten:Festive Red Sea Leisure Day
Leisure day on the Red Sea coast for relaxation and free-time activities during the festive period.
Day 11: Day Eleven:Christmas Desert Safari Adventure
Desert safari activity on this day as listed in the itinerary.
Day 12: Day Twelfth:Red Sea Leisure & Festive Relaxation
Additional leisure and relaxation time at the Red Sea destination following the desert safari and snorkeling days.
Day 13: Day Thirteenth:Fly from Hurghada to Cairo
Domestic flight from Hurghada to Cairo and visits in Cairo including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Hanging Church, a walk along Al Muizz Street and time at Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Meals: Lunch
Day 14: Day Fourteenth:Islamic Day Trip
Explore historic Islamic Cairo with visits to the Salah El-Din Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, plus the Sultan Hassan Madrassa-Mosque and Al Rifai Mosque; a midday meal is included in the day’s program.
Meals: Lunch
Day 15: Day Fifteenth:End Your 15 Days Egypt Christmas Holiday
Program concludes on day fifteen. Departure logistics and transfers are part of the overall itinerary services.
Before booking this 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour, review the confirmed services below and ask for any current operational details that are not stated in the record.
What Is Included
- Five nights’ accommodation in Cairo at a 5-star hotel.
- One night’s accommodation in Luxor at a 5-star hotel.
- Five nights’ accommodation in Hurghada at a 5-star hotel on a full-board basis.
- Three nights’ accommodation onboard a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise on a full-board basis.
- Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Hurghada to Cairo.
- All transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles and meet-and-assist service at airports.
- Professional Egyptologist tour guides during the sightseeing tours.
- Admission fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary and full-board where stated.
- All taxes and service charges.
What Is Not Included
- International airfare to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa.
- Optional tours that are not part of the standard itinerary.
- Personal expenses and any items of a personal nature.
- Tipping (gratuities).
- Beverages unless explicitly stated.
Frequently Asked Questions About 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour
Review these practical questions about the 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour before contacting Gateway Pharaoh.
How long is the Gateway Pharaoh tour?
The itinerary covers 15 days and 14 nights.
Which main destinations are included on this trip?
Destinations include Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor and Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Are international flights included?
No. International airfare is not included in the package.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes. Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Hurghada to Cairo are included.
Is a Nile cruise part of the tour?
Yes. The program includes three nights onboard a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise on a full-board basis.
What accommodation standards are provided?
Included accommodation lists 5-star hotels in Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada and a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise for three nights.
Are entrance fees and guides included?
Yes. Admission fees to the listed sightseeing attractions and professional Egyptologist guides during sightseeing are included.
Are meals included during the trip?
Meals are included as mentioned in the daily itinerary, with full-board noted for the cruise and Hurghada hotel stays.
What is not covered by the tour price?
Excluded items include international airfare, Egypt entry visa, optional tours, personal expenses, tipping and beverages unless stated.
When you are ready to plan this 15-day Egypt Christmas and New Year tour, contact Gateway Pharaoh for the current operational details shown in the booking record.
Explore more Egypt travel ideas on Gateway Pharaoh and our Cairo travel guides and Giza travel guides.
For general information about Egypt’s cultural heritage, consult the UNESCO World Heritage information for Egypt.
Overview
Overview
This 15-day Egypt holiday is designed to combine Egypt’s most celebrated ancient monuments with coastal relaxation and seasonal festivities over the Christmas and New Year period. The route threads through Cairo and Giza, moves along the Nile valley to Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, and finishes with several days on the Red Sea coast in Hurghada before returning to Cairo.
Daily flow at a glance
The itinerary is organised day by day so each major region gets dedicated time. Early days focus on Cairo and Giza highlights, followed by an excursion to Alexandria. The program then proceeds to the Nile corridor with visits around Aswan, a shore excursion to Abu Simbel, and temple stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu en route to Luxor. Festive days around Christmas and New Year are spent in Luxor and on the Red Sea, with opportunities for snorkeling, desert excursions and city touring before the final return to Cairo and a full day of Islamic Cairo sights.
Iconic ancient sites
In Cairo and Giza the trip visits the Giza Pyramids Complex, the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Nearby museum time is also included to view extensive collections that trace Egypt’s long history. The itinerary extends to Saqqara’s step pyramid and the open-air monuments of Islamic Cairo, with visits to historic streets and medieval architecture in the city centre.
Alexandria receives a dedicated day, with stops at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. These sites highlight Alexandria’s layered Mediterranean and Hellenistic heritage.
Nile valley and temple routes
The Aswan programme includes the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries and the island-set Philae Temple, a Ptolemaic complex dedicated to Isis. A notable excursion visits the rock-cut Abu Simbel temples, monumental façades carved into a mountainside during the reign of Ramses II.
Continuing north, the plan visits Kom Ombo and Edfu temples—examples of Ptolemaic and Greco-Roman temple architecture—before reaching Luxor. East bank highlights include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while the west bank presents the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon.
Red Sea leisure and desert activity
The holiday includes several days on the Red Sea coast at Hurghada with time set aside for snorkeling and leisure. The itinerary lists a desert safari option, offering an evening or day excursion into Egypt’s desert landscapes for dune riding and sunset views, and dedicated leisure days for rest and underwater exploration.
Practical sequencing and pace
The schedule balances packed archaeological days with quieter coastal periods. Sightseeing days are grouped by location to reduce repeated long transfers, and the program alternates between intensive temple-and-tomb exploration and more relaxed seaside or desert experiences around the holiday dates.
Who this tour suits
This route suits travellers who want a comprehensive December holiday that pairs Egypt’s major archaeological and historic sites with seasonal leisure on the Red Sea. It appeals to those who prefer a structured day-by-day plan that covers both the highlights of ancient Egypt and time for snorkeling, beach relaxation and desert adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Giza Pyramids Complex, the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx
- Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Giza Plateau
- See the island Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Tour the monumental Abu Simbel temples carved by Ramses II
- Sail part of the Nile aboard a 5-star deluxe cruise for three nights
- Discover Luxor’s Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
- Enjoy Red Sea snorkeling, leisure days and a desert safari in Hurghada
- Visit Alexandria’s Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar and the Qaitbay Citadel
