An group at the tomb of King Tutankhamun | Luxor Valley of the Kings | Egypt | On The Go Tours
FROM: USD $1,635 pp

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: Classic Egypt at its best - ancient temples, tombs, Nile river cruising, topped off with plenty of festive cheer! With a number of festive tour dates to choose from, the hardest decision you'll need to make is where you want to spend Xmas and New Years - sailing the Nile, exploring Kom Ombo or Philae Temple, at the legendary pyramids or discovering Cairo!

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Cruise Upgrade Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID Safe Guide
Reviews

Trip 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 - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
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)
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
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
All relevant transfer and transportation
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)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 10
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$5-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$50-70pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Imagine celebrating Xmas & New Year with these memorable experiences!
17 Dec 2021 departure – Xmas day exploring Cairo
24 Dec 2021 departure – Xmas day exploring the Pyramids & New Year's Day exploring Luxor.

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  |  Breakfast

Day 3

The Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Aswan. Today we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Many pieces on show are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world to this one location. The museum also makes use of new technology including virtual reality.

After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum we head over to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on display. Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.

Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in summer 2022, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper train  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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.
Breakfast

5 star Nile Cruise for Xmas or New Year

If you’d like to upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor, cruise the Nile in style for 3 nights with our 5 star Nile Cruise Upgrade.

The Egyptian cruise boats are similar to 5 star hotels with their own bar, lounges and restaurant. Your well–appointed, outward facing cabin offers air-conditioning, a private bathroom and views of the Nile as we sail. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. All meals are included, buffet style.
The Nile Cruiser option is available on all 2021 festive departures.

Would you like to also visit Jordan? consider our Festive Road to Jordan 16 day tour .

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
16 Dec - 25 Dec Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $1,635
USD $2,335
23 Dec - 01 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $1,635
USD $2,335
30 Dec - 08 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $1,635
USD $2,335

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Alexandria Day Trip
USD $185
N/A
Backstreets of Cairo
USD $175
N/A
Abu Simbel by Road (Adult)
USD $195
N/A

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Train

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

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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 Hotel Cairo, Cairo

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Tolip Hotel, Aswan

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Felucca Sailboat, Felucca Cruise

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: N/A

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.

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.75 out of 5 based on 12 recent reviews

1  |  2

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.

• Submitted 02 Jan 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

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

• Submitted 22 Jan 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

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.

• Submitted 12 Jan 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

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

• Submitted 09 Jan 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

My trip to Egypt was an absolute delight. I knew nothing about this country and was excited to find out more about the treasures this place withholds. I was extremely satisfied with Momo's as my guide. Everything was so well planned and organised, I barely had to think about anything except what time I had to wake up. Momo's knowledge of historical artefacts and monuments allowed me to picture in my head what these places must have been like thousands of years ago. His passion for his country and his willingness to share this with me and my fellow travellers surpassed all my expectations. I felt very safe and immediately bonded with the people on my tour and this was due to Momo's leadership. Thank you for allowing me to visit and explore this amazing country. I am very grateful to once again have chosen On the Go tours after a recent trip to India which was also with this company. I hope to travel with them again in the near future even though sometimes I feel like I need a holiday afterwards, this is exactly the way I like to travel. Never bored and totally On the Go...All the Time.

• Submitted 14 Feb 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

We had a fantastic experience. Everything was as we expected. The organisation right through the tour was exceptional and we felt very secure and comfortable. The guiding by Momo and Adham was entertaining and pitched at the right level of detail. Both guides worked tirelessly to satisfy everyone's needs on the tour. And at times went over and above what could be expected. The pre tour information was comprehensive and as we experienced. Our only negative comment is that "factories" were really just shops!. And we would've enjoyed seeing the real factories in relation to Egyptian cotton, alabaster and scented oils. Overall it was first class and we would definitely recommend On The Go and use their services again. Well done team :)

• Submitted 08 Feb 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Going to Egypt was at the top of our bucket list and we were very excited about finally making it happen. The tour from start to finish was brilliant!!! It all ran very smoothly from start to finish with no hitches,no delays and no disorganised events. Ahmed who met as at Cairo airport was extremely helpful and got us through all the queues at top speed. He checked on us once we were settled in at the hotel to ensure that we were happy & comfortable. We met Momo and the rest of the group the next day and our adventure began. Momo has an incredible knack to hold everyone's attention with all his knowledge about Egypt and its history. His passion and love for his country and his heritage reflected during the whole tour and he certainly was never boring. He called the group his family and we most definitely felt that 'he was the Daddy' :)). Nothing was too much trouble for him. We had a very personal journey that we needed to fulfil in Aswan and Momo ensured that even though it was on the same day as an organised tour we got to go to part of the tour as well as organise for us to be picked up to go where we had to go and then to meet the rest of the group at the hotel. Adham was with us on the cruise and once again he ensured that we were all happy and comfortable on the boat. He was very knowledgeable about the places we visited. He also made sure that the group brought in the new year with lots of dancing fun and laughter!!! Our trip was made extremely enjoyable thanks to Momo & Adham. The beautiful Happy memories that they helped us make will be treasured for a long time. The one thing we would like to suggest is that there should be more of the local cuisine on the tours. Also to ensure that the hotels used provide tea & coffee making facilities in the rooms Thank you!!!

• Submitted 24 Jan 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Had a great experience with on the go in Egypt, our guide really made Egypts history come alive for us.

Momo and all the reps in the cities went above and beyond with us, Momo even went as far to organize a replacement lunch for us after a disappointing stop at a crowded dirty and with under cooked food tourist restaurant in Cairo, without us even asking.

Thank you

• Submitted 06 Jan 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

As a solo female travelling to Egypt alone for the first time I was apprehensive & slightly nervous. But the second I landed in Egypt I knew I was in good hands when I saw the airport rep waiting for me with the On the Go sign.

Our group was honestly blessed to have the best tour guide ever, the legendary Alam!!

Without him this memorable trip & my experience of Egypt would have not been possible. From day one Alam went out of his way to help the group & I from finding & purchasing phone SIMs, money exchange places, advice on dos & do nots with the locals, bargaining tips, what to eat, how to act in the markets, cultural advice etc. Alam quickly made us all feel like family with his genuinely kind, sincere & funny nature. And always went that extra mile & out of his way to ensure we were ok or if we needed anything.

Alam's professionalism & superior knowledge on Egyptology was astonishing & remarkable. Each site, each destination & each location we went to was explained to us in depth with history retold; flawlessly & passionately. Our continuous questions were always answered with enthusiasm & passion demonstrating Alams pride for his country & his amazing knowledge of Egypt. We learnt so much about the richness, the culture & the history of Egypt thanks to Alam & his eagerness to share this knowledge.

Every single transfer & travel arrangements went smoothly & on time. The accommodations & hotels were fantastic, even the sleep over train was a unique but comfortable experience. The itinerary was planned perfectly but executed impeccably, meeting all my expectations. Credit again to Alam who was continuously organizing, calling & arranging everything behind the scenes.

There are too many key highlights for me. The Felucca cruise, personal sailing lessons, the crazy captain & musical dinners - truly unforgettable are just some. I highly recommend adding the bolt on options for they too are truly a marvellous experience.

Thank you On The Go for making my Egypt Holiday amazing & beyond extraordinary. And a massive thanks to Alam for making it even more phenomenal! Alam truly is a great asset & credit to your company & a superior ambassador for Egypt. I have & shall continue recommending On the Go Tours & the fantastic ‘Alam’ (aka legend) to everyone!

• Submitted 18 Feb 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

It was a very good experience, the guide was extremely competent and very friendly and the group got along pretty well.

The organisation was faultless (apart from the trains running late but I can't blame On the Go Tours for that) and everyone else with whom we came in contact was very friendly.

In hindsight I didn't enjoy too much the feluca cruise, but just because it was a bit too cold and the days were too short in that period of the year so the evenings were not very pleasant.

• Submitted 05 Jan 2016
Tour
Guide
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1  |  2

Prices & Dates

The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes' in the right hand column for details.

Read More
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
16 Dec - 25 Dec Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $2,265
USD $3,345
23 Dec - 01 Jan Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $2,265
USD $3,345
30 Dec - 08 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $2,265
USD $3,345

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Alexandria Day Trip
USD $185
N/A
Backstreets of Cairo
USD $175
N/A
Abu Simbel by Road (Adult)
USD $195
N/A

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Cairo
Ends
Cairo
Departs
16,23 & 30 Dec 2022
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 - 5 star
Tour Guide
Yes, escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Visiting
Cairo, Aswan, Felucca Cruise, Luxor, Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel
Countries
Click to play videoThe city of Cairo at the end of a dusty path in front of the setting sun
Ancient ruins standing majestically against the sky in Aswan
Click to play videoStone carvings in the side of the mountain at Abu Simbel
Click to play videoA felucca sailboat gliding across the water
Click to play videoThe entrance to the ancient city of Luxor

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Alexandria | Egypt
USD $ 784 / 4 days
Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
USD $ 195

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.

Mitchell Russ
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