Egypt Christmas Vacation in 08 Days

Christmas and New Year cruises are famous for their 4-day Nile cruise offerings through the ancient wonders of Egypt. Visit great sites in Luxor, Aswan, and around majestic locations along the Nile, all while being led by festive celebrations on board. This Egypt Christmas package is truly the unique way to experience Egypt's rich history and culture during the holiday time. An amalgamation of relaxation, adventure, and holiday cheer, making it the finest Egypt travel package for your festive getaway.

Celebrate Christmas in Egypt aboard a 5-day Nile cruise. It will become an experience to deeply cherish among the many historical attractions and holiday entertainment. The Egypt Christmas package offers a cruise along the Nile River with ancient landmarks of interest: Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple. The festivities continue onboard as the ancient culture of Egypt and the unrivaled beauty of its terrain are celebrated. History, comfort, and holiday spirit-these attributes together define this Egypt travel package for those in search of adventure and tranquility.

10-day Christmas in Egypt: spending the best Christmas vacation of a lifetime in Cairo, taking cruises along the Nile, and visiting all the significant places in the country. All explorations start in Cairo. Here you will discover the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum—scores of artifacts that can talk of their ancient history. Cruise along the Nile, where you will find amazing temples such as Karnak and Luxor Temples, and not forgetting to visit the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, Philae Temple, and High Dam to complete your Egypt Christmas package. This is the ultimate cultural exploration with stunning vistas and wonderful party time. Whether you are after a truly memorable vacation in Egypt or a different kind of travel experience, an Egypt travel package has everything for you.

The Valley of the Kings

New Kingdom pharaohs wanted their tombs to be hidden, so they built their tombs in the hills like the necropolis in the west of Luxor, which is now called the Valley of the Kings. It is one of the first examples of the necropolis, which was contradicted with the Pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom, who built pyramids and some massive public monuments to be their tombs.

Why the Valley became famous?

In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.

How was the Valley built?

Builders benefited from available geological features when constructing the tombs. Some tombs were quarried out of existing limestone clefts, others behind slopes of scree, or were at the edge of rock spurs created by ancient flood channels. The majority of the royal tombs were decorated with religious texts and images. The ordinary tomb consisted of a long inclined rock-cut corridor, descending through one or more halls to the burial chamber.

Description of the Valley

In 1979 UNESCO announced the valley is a part of the World Heritage site of ancient Thebes, which also includes the Valley of the Queens and Karnak Temples. Located in the hills behind El Deir el-Bahari, most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign.

The contents of the tombs

The tombs contained preparations for the next world, where the pharaohs were expected to become one with the gods. Therefore, Mummification was used to preserve the body so that the deceased's eternal soul could reanimate it in the afterlife. The underground tombs were also well stocked with all the materials, which might help the king in the next world, like furniture, clothes, and jewelry. Treasures are also found in the tombs, like the golden masks found with King Tut. However, most of the tombs were robbed.

The Valley Tombs and the Period of Building

During Egypt's New Kingdom (1539-1075 B.C.), the valley became a royal burial ground for pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, as well as queens, high priests, and other nobles of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. There are 64 tombs contained bodies and belongings of pharaohs Thutmose I until Ramesses X or XI.

Visit the Amazing Abu Simbel Temples: One of Egypt's Most Popular Attractions

South of Aswan, along Lake Nasser's stunning shores, stands Egypt's second-most renowned landmark after the Giza Pyramids. These stunning rock-hewn temples were built by the powerful pharaoh Ramses II during the height of Egypt's power in the New Kingdom. Serving as a symbol of the grandeur of Egypt’s rulers, Abu Simbel marked the southern boundary of Egypt with Nubia.

History and Rediscovery of Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel had been long forgotten until 1813, when Swiss explorer John Lewis Burckhardt rediscovered the site. The temples had, over the years, been buried under sand, hiding the colossal statues that remain today. The sand was cleared starting in 1909, and Abu Simbel was the first big archaeological site to be excavated in southern Egypt.This rediscovery served to further establish Abu Simbel as a central component of Luxor tours and Egypt's amazing archaeological history.

Architectural Marvel: The Temples of Ramses II

The Abu Simbel temples were not only built as memorials to Ramses II and his consort, Nefertari, but also as places of worship for the deities. The main temple, with the four massive statues of Ramses seated in front, is devoted to Amun, Ptah, and Re-Harakty. The smaller temple, less than grand, was consecrated to Ramses's dearly loved wife, Nefertari, and dedicated to the goddess Hathor. This architectural marvel is accessible during Luxor day tours, which will serve as the centerpiece of your trip to Egypt.

The Significance of Nefertari's Temple

Unmatched in Nefertari's temple is the outstanding representation of the queen. Six giant statues dress its facade—four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari. This reflects her high status, since she is portrayed as almost equal to the pharaoh himself.In planning Luxor tours, don't overlook the opportunity to uncover the importance of this temple, a witness to the strength of the pharaohs and their queens.

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival: A Wondrous Event

One of the best features of the big temple is its alignment with the sun. Twice each year, on 22nd February and 22nd October, the sun precisely enters the innermost region of the temple, showering light on the statue of Ramses II. This divine phenomenon, known as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, attracts thousands of travelers every year. It is a breathtaking testimony to the ancient Egyptians' expertise in astronomy as well as to their remarkable skills of engineering.

Travel to Abu Simbel: Travel Faculties and Tours of Egypt

The temples are a few hours' journey south of Aswan, but the easiest way of getting to Abu Simbel is by plane. Flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel take only about 30 minutes, with two daily departures allowing tourists around two hours to explore the site. Alternatively, you can experience the temples by joining a Nasser cruise, where passengers can view the temples by moonlight and in the early morning light.

For an unforgettable experience, consider booking one of our Egypt travel packages that include visits to Abu Simbel as part of your itinerary.

A visit to Abu Simbel is an absolute must during any tour of Luxor. If you're doing a Luxor day tour or a longer Egypt tour, Abu Simbel's temples provide the visitor with an insight into the great achievements of ancient Egypt. Don't miss out on seeing this stunning UNESCO World Heritage during your next Egypt tour

This beautiful Philae temple complex is one of the foremost things to do in Aswan with it's picturesque in all of Egypt. It sits on Aglika Island just south of the old High Dam, and you need to ride a motorboat to reach the island. This temple was moved to its current location following the development of the High Dam, which threatened to submerge it permanently.

The exact reconstruction at this site carefully completed, painstakingly preserving the original appearance and layout of the complex and even landscaping the island to match its former location.

Philae grew to prominence during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, because of the center of the cult of the goddess Isis. This complex was one of all the last remaining places, where the traditional religion survived after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, officially closed only in 550 AD as the Early Christians used most of the temple on the island as a church.

This is the reason for the defacement of a number of the figures of the traditional Gods, as these Christians tried to get rid of the pagan imagery from their newly claimed sanctuaries.
The Temple of Isis is the main feature here, but there are several other smaller temples on the island that are worth admiring.

Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids rise majestically, captivating the world as one of its most mesmerizing wonders. Yet, the mysteries of their construction, purpose, and timeline linger unanswered. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of why, How, and when Pharaohs built the pyramids.

Why did the Pharaohs build the Giza Pyramids?

The Giza Pyramids have fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries, with numerous theories attempting to unravel their purpose. The prevailing belief suggests that these colossal structures were erected as tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts upon their demise.
 
Crafted with astounding architectural precision, the Egypt Pyramids showcase the extraordinary skills of ancient Egyptian builders. Each limestone block, weighing several tons, contributes to the sheer grandeur of these monuments, challenging our modern understanding of construction techniques.
 
One prevalent theory suggests that the pyramids symbolized the divine authority and everlasting legacy of the Pharaohs. Driven by the belief in the immortality of their souls, the pharaohs aimed to immortalize their reign through these monumental structures.
 
Moreover, some scholars propose that the alignment of the pyramids with celestial events, such as the Great Pyramid's alignment with the North Pole star, reflects the ancient Egyptians' profound interest in astronomy. That implies that astronomical knowledge played a significant role in the building architectural wonders.
 
Despite the plethora of theories, the exact purpose behind the Great Pyramids of Giza's construction remains elusive. Nevertheless, their enduring allure continues to captivate people worldwide, serving as a testament to the remarkable achievements of ancient civilizations and a symbol of human ingenuity across generations.

Embark on a journey through time with our exclusive Egypt travel packages and witness the magnificence of the Giza Pyramids firsthand.

Egypt is a country that has always fascinated people from all walks of life. From the pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is a land of ancient wonders. And at the heart of it all is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This is a place where the past comes to life, and where visitors can experience the richness and complexity of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

The Colossi of Memon, also known as the Colossi of Memnon, are undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring and enigmatic ancient structures in Egypt. Located on the western bank of the Nile River near Luxor, these colossal statues have stood the test of time, captivating visitors with their grandeur and mystery. Standing at an impressive height of approximately 18 meters, these imposing statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned during the 14th century BCE. As you approach these majestic figures, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer scale and artistic finesse of the Colossi of Memon.