Egypt Short Breaks Itinerary: What to See in 3, 4, or 5 Days
November 19, 2025
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| Duration |
11 Days / 10 Nights |
|---|---|
| Tour Location |
Cairo / Aswan / Abu Simbel / Luxor / Hurghada |
| Tour Type |
Daily Tour |
| Pickup |
Cairo Airport |
This festive 11 day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Hurghada, and Abu Simbel tour is a perfectly paced Christmas journey through Egypt’s most iconic highlights, designed to feel like a clear map of your holiday from start to finish. From ancient wonders to Red Sea relaxation, Tripidays blends culture, comfort, and celebration in Egypt’s pleasant winter weather. Your journey begins on Day 1. Tripidays welcomes you in Cairo with a warm Christmas arrival, hotel check-in, and a magical Nile dinner cruise under sparkling city lights. Day 2 is dedicated to ancient wonders as you explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum, all enjoyed in Egypt’s pleasant winter weather.
On Day 3, fly to Aswan, where your Nile River Cruise Christmas experience begins with visits to the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk, followed by boarding your cruise. Day 4 features the breathtaking Abu Simbel Temples, then sailing to Kom Ombo. By Day 5, discover the beautifully preserved Edfu Temple, before reaching Luxor to visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Day 6 explores the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon, then continues to the Red Sea.
Your Christmas journey through Egypt begins the moment you land in Cairo. A friendly Tripidays representative welcomes you with warm hospitality, helping you breeze through arrival formalities before transferring you comfortably to your hotel. Outside, the city glows with festive energy, mild winter weather, and a sense of timeless excitement. Settle in, relax, and feel the magic of Egypt at Christmas unfold.
Celebrate your first night with a Christmas dinner cruise on the Nile, a truly unforgettable start to your 11 day Cairo Nile Cruise, Hurghada, and Abu Simbel adventure. Enjoy a rich buffet of local and international dishes while live Egyptian music and folklore performances bring the night to life. As Cairo’s skyline sparkles under the winter sky, the gentle Nile sets the perfect holiday mood.
Unwind at your hotel in Cairo and rest well. Tomorrow, ancient wonders await.
Wake up to a relaxing Christmas morning in Cairo and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out with your expert guide.
Stand before the Great Giza Pyramids, timeless symbols of Egypt’s greatness. Built over 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure rise proudly from the desert, even more breathtaking under Egypt’s clear winter skies.
Continue to the Valley Temple of Khafre, where ancient mummification rituals once prepared kings for eternity. Its massive limestone and granite blocks tell powerful stories of belief, legacy, and immortality.
Meet the mysterious Great Sphinx of Giza, guardian of the plateau for millennia. With the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, it’s one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
Enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch with panoramic views, the perfect mid-day break during your Christmas tour with Nile Cruise Egypt.
End the day at the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun. This modern masterpiece blends ancient history with cutting-edge design, making it a highlight of any Cairo Nile Cruise and Hurghada itinerary.
Relax and soak in Cairo’s vibrant holiday atmosphere.
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, where your Nile Cruise Christmas experience truly begins.
Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a symbol of modern Egypt that reshaped the Nile and protected the country from floods.
Sail to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Rescued stone by stone by UNESCO, this temple feels especially magical during Egypt’s calm winter season.
Discover the Unfinished Obelisk, offering rare insight into ancient Egyptian engineering and ambition.
Board your elegant cruise ship and enjoy the festive spirit as you glide along the Nile.
Savor delicious meals while lush riverbanks and traditional villages drift by.
Fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of the Nile. Travelers comparing routes may also like our 11 day Egypt itinerary with Nile cruise, which includes Alexandria alongside Cairo, Abu Simbel, and a classic Nile sailing experience.
Rise early for one of the most unforgettable moments of your journey.
Marvel at the majestic Temples of Abu Simbel, carved into solid rock by Ramses II. These colossal statues feel even more awe-inspiring under the soft winter sun, a true highlight of your 11 day Cairo Nile Cruise, Hurghada, and Abu Simbel holiday.
Return to the cruise and enjoy lunch as you sail north.
Visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, beautifully positioned along the Nile.
After your visit, continue sailing toward Edfu. Enjoy dinner on board under the stars, reflecting on the extraordinary monuments of ancient Egypt you’ve seen today.
Settle into your comfortable cabin as the cruise sails the peaceful Nile, preparing for tomorrow’s explorations.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast as your cruise docks in Edfu. Get ready for another day filled with history and adventure!
Explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best examples of Ptolemaic architecture.
Return to the cruise and enjoy lunch as you sail to Luxor
Start your Luxor journey at the grand Karnak Temple, built over 1,300 years beginning in the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 BCE) and expanded by pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramses II.
Continue to the magnificent Luxor Temple, constructed around 1400 BCE under Amenhotep III (1386–1349 BCE) and later expanded by Ramses II.
Return to your cruise ship for dinner, enjoying the stunning night views of Luxor and the Nile.
Spend the night on board, preparing for another exciting day of exploration in Luxor.
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard your cruise before checking out. Today, you will explore the wonders of Luxor’s West Bank before heading to the Red Sea for relaxation.
Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE). Over 60 tombs of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, are carved into the limestone cliffs.
Continue to the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BCE), one of Egypt’s greatest female rulers. Known as Djeser-Djeseru, this temple at Deir el-Bahari is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, designed by Senenmut, her royal architect. Its terraces, colonnades, and chapels honor Amun-Ra and showcase Hatshepsut’s powerful reign.
Next, visit the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386–1349 BCE) that once guarded his mortuary temple. Standing 18 meters tall, they have fascinated travelers for centuries, even producing a mysterious “singing” sound at dawn in the Roman era due to cracks in the stone.
After exploring the wonders of Luxor, enjoy lunch before transferring in a private A/C vehicle to Hurghada. If you’re planning a shorter holiday, our Egypt travel itinerary 10 days offers a compact route covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria without a Nile cruise.
Check into your hotel in Hurghada, relax by the beach or pool, and enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere. Get ready for the next part of your Egypt Christmas Red Sea holiday.
Spend Christmas-season days basking in sunshine, swimming in turquoise waters, or simply relaxing by the sea.
For an unforgettable adventure, join the Bedouin Village Desert Safari! This exciting tour takes you off road into the stunning desert, where you’ll explore a traditional Bedouin village. Discover their fascinating culture, learn about their way of life, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Perfect for families and travelers looking for something unique!
Wrap up your day by returning to your cozy hotel in Hurghada for a relaxing evening. Spend quality time with your loved ones, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful vibes of your family getaway. Get a good night’s rest because you’ve got another exciting adventure waiting for you tomorrow!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and feel refreshed, ready to uncover the beauty of the Red Sea coast. Whether you choose to embark on a boat trip to explore secluded beaches or relax on the soft, sandy shores, Hurghada offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure! Swim with colorful tropical fish and get a close up view of the vibrant coral reefs. It's the perfect way to explore the magical underwater world and create memories you'll never forget.
After an exciting day, head back to your hotel in Hurghada to relax and unwind. Enjoy a cozy and comfortable stay, and get ready for more family adventures ahead!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Hurghada Hotel before checking out and heading back to Cairo.
Start your journey through Old Cairo at the Salah El Din Citadel, a fortress built in 1176 by Sultan Saladin to defend Egypt from Crusader invasions. The citadel was the seat of power for Egypt’s rulers from the Ayyubid dynasty through the Mamluk and early Ottoman periods.
Admire the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, rising gracefully above Cairo from the Citadel with its grand Ottoman domes and towering minarets. From its courtyard, enjoy breathtaking winter views over the city, a peaceful and memorable moment during your Christmas journey in Egypt.
Enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant, featuring authentic flavors and seasonal dishes. It’s the perfect break to relax and recharge during your day of sightseeing in Cairo.
Discover the legendary Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest Christian landmarks, suspended above the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. Its serene atmosphere and sacred icons offer a quiet, reflective moment during your festive exploration of Cairo.
Visit the historic Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa, marking the birth of Islamic Cairo. Its simple design and spiritual calm reflect centuries of faith and cultural heritage.
Explore the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, a powerful symbol of Egypt’s long tradition of religious coexistence. This ancient site once housed the famous Cairo Geniza, preserving priceless manuscripts from centuries past.
Wander through Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most vibrant market filled with spices, lanterns, and handcrafted souvenirs. The festive energy and twinkling lights make it the perfect place to end your Christmas day in Cairo.
Return to your comfortable Cairo hotel and unwind after a day filled with unforgettable discoveries. Enjoy a peaceful night’s rest as the city glows with a warm Christmas atmosphere.
Treat your taste buds to mouthwatering Egyptian dishes at the hotel. After a satisfying meal, plan your final adventure in Cairo and make the most of your last day in this incredible city! Travelers looking to extend their holiday can explore Cairo with a Nile Cruise and Red Sea Extension, combining ancient wonders, a relaxing Nile journey, and beach time on the Red Sea in one seamless experience.
Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt with the Memphis City & Sakkara Tour, it's a perfect journey into history and culture!
Join your tour guide and head to the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, built around 2670 BCE during Pharaoh Djoser’s reign in Egypt's Third Dynasty. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it was the first pyramid ever built and served as Djoser’s tomb. Standing for over 4,600 years, it marked the transition from mudbrick mastabas to limestone, paving the way for the famous pyramids of Giza in the Fourth Dynasty.
Your next stop on today’s tour is Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE). Founded around 3100 BCE by Pharaoh Menes, who unified Upper and Lower Egypt, Memphis was a political, administrative, and cultural hub for centuries.
Discover the Pyramids at night with the Sound and Light Show, featuring stunning illuminations, captivating stories, and music for an unforgettable experience!
The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza is a must-see for anyone visiting Egypt. Held after sunset, it brings the history of this iconic site to life with vibrant lights and storytelling.
After exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine and flavors rooted in thousands of years of culture.
After a full day of exploring and experiencing Egypt's rich history, return to your hotel in Cairo for a comfortable overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxed final full day.
Enjoy your final breakfast in Cairo before checking out of your hotel.
Transfer to the Cairo International Airport with unforgettable Christmas memories from your 11 day Cairo Nile Cruise, Hurghada Abu Simbel adventure.
* You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.
* Nile Cruise itinerary maybe changed without prior notice due to navigational and security restrictions. The itinerary may change in sequence but not in visits.
This 11 day Cairo Nile Cruise Hurghada Abu Simbel itinerary covers Egypt’s top highlights, including Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Hurghada on the Red Sea. It combines ancient history, a luxury Nile cruise ship, and a relaxing beach holiday.
Yes, this tour is ideal for winter and Christmas travel in Egypt. December offers mild temperatures, clear skies, and a festive atmosphere, making it perfect for sightseeing, Nile cruising, and enjoying the Red Sea during an Egypt Christmas Red Sea holiday.
Absolutely. This tour includes a multi-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor and a guided visit to the iconic Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient monuments, and a highlight of the journey.
Hurghada is designed for relaxation and flexibility. You’ll enjoy:
This balance makes the tour ideal for families, couples, and holiday travelers.
This itinerary is offered as a private tour with flexible pacing and personalized service by Tripidays. If you prefer traveling with others, you can explore small group Egypt tours as an alternative option with a similar cultural focus.
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All things you should know before visiting Egypt
Tripidays Egypt Tours has been offering an exceptional range of Egypt tours, vacation packages, Nile cruises, day trips, and shore excursions tailored to meet the diverse interests of travelers worldwide for over 45 years.
