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Festive King Tut

10 days

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: Discover the ancient wonders of Egypt this Xmas or New Year. Visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza, sail the River Nile and explore ancient temples and tombs in Aswan and Luxor. Topped off with plenty of sunshine and festive cheer!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Cairo

Ends

Cairo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes, escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

18 yrs

Departs

15, 22, 29 Dec 2023

Hotel Rating

4 - 5 star

Countries

Egypt

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Per person from
€1,475.00
Total From
€2,950.00

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Highlights

Cairo - Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor West Bank - Discover exquisite tombs at the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Nile felucca sailing - Sail the River Nile on board a traditional felucca and spend two nights sleeping under a blanket of stars (or upgrade to a 5 star Nile Cruise)
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
5 nights 4-5 star hotels, 2 nights aboard felucca (open deck). If booking our Nile Cruise Upgrade, 4 nights 4-5 star hotels and 3 nights Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 10
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
All relevant transfers and transportation

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$8 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-80pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital. You will be met at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or those arriving early may wish to book our Backstreets of Cairo tour which visits lesser known highlights of the capital including Tahrir Square, the hub of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.

You may also extend your stay in Cairo with our pre or post tour accommodation or tour add-ons like our Alexandria Day Trip.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2 - Pyramids & Saqqara

Today we visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza, sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World followed by the iconic Sphinx nearby. We continue to a government supervised papyrus emporium, followed by Saqqara to see King Zhoser's Step Pyramid - the first known pyramid ever built. After the tour we return to Cairo and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - The Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Aswan. This morning we join our guided tour of the incredible new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. This vast 490,000 sq.m complex showcases an astonishing collection of artefacts from nearly every period of ancient Egyptian history. Among the highlights are treasures of King Tutankhamun, with plans for his famous solid gold funerary mask to eventually be showcased here, alongside many items being exhibited for the first time.

Later, we make our way to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which remains home to a vast collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Here, we’ll see the well-preserved mummies of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. Some mummies are so well preserved they still have thick locks of hair and visible fingernails. After our excursion, we return to the hotel to enjoy some free time by the pool before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Philae Temple

Arrive into Aswan and check into our hotel. We then take a leisurely boat trip to romantic Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued under an enormous UNESCO effort in the 1970s to save the temple from the rising waters of the High Dam. Upon returning to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium and as night falls, there is free time to shop in the colourful souqs or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset.

Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sailing the Nile & optional excursion to Abu Simbel

Aswan - Nile felucca sailing. Optional early morning excursion to the magnificent rock-cut Temples of Abu Simbel, built by mighty King Ramses II. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile. Relax and chat with new friends as the felucca gently plies its route. Stops are made en route for swimming and visiting local villages.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see 'Cruise Upgrade Prices & Dates' tab above for details.

Overnight: Felucca Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Luxor

Kom Ombo - Luxor. This morning we disembark and drive to Luxor for check-in to our 5 star hotel. The afternoon is free for swimming or relaxing by the pool. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Queens and the gigantic Temple of Karnak, 4000 year old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Tonight, we have the opportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built by Amenhotep 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. This morning we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against the backdrop of history, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome ramped and colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

The Valley of the Kings is studded with often highly decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life. This afternoon after lunch and time to relax we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak. Lose yourself in the stone-columned Hypostyle Hall and go crazy with your camera. This is ancient Egypt! Tonight we return by overnight sleeper train to Cairo.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Free time in Cairo

This morning we arrive into Cairo and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Egypt’s bustling capital your way. Consider visiting the famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar to pick up some souvenirs or admire the imposing Citadel of Saladin.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Cairo

Our amazing holiday comes to an end and we bid farewell to our guide and fellow travellers. Included airport departure transfer.

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Reviews

I was very pleased with the trip. Organisation and guide were excellent. Could have done with an extra day in Luxor, but other than that the timing worked very well and we covered a lot of ground. The Nile criuse was especially enjoyable. Food and accommodation throughout were fine. The only exception was the overnight sleepers to Aswan and to Cairo -- these were unclean and the food inedible. In summary, a very good introduction to Egypt for someone like me who had never been before.

Medo was a great guide who's happy and positive attitude along with his great knowledge of the country and its history made for a great tour that I would highly recommend for friends and family.

We enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to anyone that was visiting Egypt. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and helped us with our questions. We really have an appreciation for the country since our trip

The tour was great. Egypt is amazing!! Loved all the sites. Guide was fantastic. Knowledge, organisation, personality is tops. He is a gem and Onthego should definitely reward him well. He a superb ambassador for the company and Egypt. I will recommend this trip, Momo and the destination to many people.

It was amazing holiday I was so happy to book with your agency it was so well organised the tour Gide Alam was outstanding with a lot of information everything was simply wonderful no any worries for anything loved it i will book for the future again with you thank u

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo

Double

€145per passenger

Twin

€145per passenger

Single

€265per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo (from price)

Double

€145per passenger

Twin

€145per passenger

Single

€265per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Montaza Palace | Alexandria | Egypt
Alexandria Day Trip

Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.

€155

per passenger
Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by Road

Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.

€175

per passenger
Khan el-Khalili Market Cairo
Backstreets of Cairo

Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.

€125

per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Alexandria | Egypt
Alexandria & El Alamein

This 4-day Alexandria & El Alamein add-on can be booked in conjunction with any of our Egypt group tours, city breaks or private tours.

Double

€605per passenger

Twin

€605per passenger

Single

€925per passenger

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn City Stars
Cairo

The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
Cairo

Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Sonesta Hotel, Towers & Casino Cairo
Cairo

The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
N/A
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
20 Dec - 29 Dec
€1,475
€2,335
27 Dec - 5 Jan
€1,475
€2,335

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