Egypt's Christmas celebrations combine ancient customs with contemporary celebrations, making it a unique and captivating experience. Mr Egypt offers a wide range of sights and activities that will make Christmas genuinely unforgettable, whether you are a culture vulture, a history buff, or someone looking for a lavish vacation. Everyone can participate in something, whether it is Egypt travel packages or luxury tours of Egypt. Here are some of the top activities during Christmas in Egypt.
Cairo, the boisterous Egyptian capital, takes any mind to historical annals and culture. Festive decorations decorate the city to give a great magical atmosphere during Christmas. Your journey can start with the iconic Giza Pyramids. These great ancient wonders are a must-see nature of any Egypt day tour.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two strikingly symbolic structures that bear witness to Egypt's rich past, stand out against the desert backdrop. For the most part, ride a camel around the pyramids to add some flavor of realism to your journey.
A drive from the pyramids will take you to the front of the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts, including the great treasures of Tutankhamun. Its extensive exhibits inside the museum give a fair insight into ancient Egypt's history and culture. For those attracted to more recent history, it would be well worth visiting Salah Eldin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. These sights offer stunning views over Cairo, providing an insight into the city's Islamic heritage.
The two places that you will have to include in your itinerary for Egypt luxury tours are Luxor and Aswan. Luxor, also known as the world's largest open-air museum, has the beautiful Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Then there is the Valley of the Kings, where most of the pharaohs were buried. These are comfortable and overwhelming ancient sites to explore, especially in December when the weather can get cold.
The atmosphere in Aswan, on the other hand, remains slow and placid. Take a felucca cruise along the Nile River and enjoy the great landscapes around. The Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis is a must-see. It is in Aswan that you can make your way toward Abu Simbel, where you witness the great statue of Ramses II. These trips can be available within the packages to Egypt, meaning one would literally have to worry about getting little when visiting all of these places.
You could have one of your most luxurious visits to Egypt this Christmas by taking a cruise on the Nile River. These cruises go in perfect harmony with relaxation and activity, so you get the chance to visit the key places yet have the relaxation of a luxurious vessel. Most Nile cruises take place between Luxor and Aswan; both offer ruins of temples and tombs to be seen on the way. Enjoy traditional entertainment and panoramic views of the Nile as one travels down one of the world's most famous rivers.
You can plan to enjoy your Christmas trip to the Red Sea. They have been widely famous among sun and sea-seekers, with resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam that boast incredibly clear seawater and fantastic coral reefs. These resorts can also offer supplementary sporting activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. A Christmas vacation at a Red Sea resort that offers something for everyone is ideal when you combine endless sunshine with stunning beaches.
Christmas in Egypt is a meld of local traditions and new-age festivities. Although Egypt is a local Muslim country, the Coptic Christian community celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January. The best way to see the religious and cultural diversity in Egypt during this period would be to attend a Coptic church. One of the leading examples would be the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo, which magnificently decorates itself during this time of the year.
Besides religious festivities, several hotels and restaurants in large cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan have Christmas dinners and special events arranged for the festive season. Traditional Egyptian food with live music playing and dancing adds to the festive atmosphere during these jolly good gatherings. Joining in on the festivities can often give you a great insight into the culture of the place and help you experience the holiday in a completely different and exhilarating way.
No trip to Egypt can be considered complete without some form of souvenir shopping. At Christmas, the filial markets and bazaars are full of unusual gifts and local crafts. In Cairo, the Khan El Khalili Bazaar is an amazing outlet, beginning with spices and jewelry and going on to traditional Egyptian garments and souvenirs. You can discover attractive alabaster products, handwoven textiles, and intricate papyrus paintings in Luxor and Aswan. These souvenirs make great gifts for friends and family, enabling you to share this rich heritage of Egypt with those whom you hold very close.
Those who love the high life will find high-end luxury options available across Egypt, from one of the oldest, the That Mena House Hotel, around the Giza Pyramids, to as far away as the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor. These luxurious hotels and resorts, with world-class facilities and service second to none, will leave an impression. Many offer a special Christmas package, which includes a festive dinner and other special amenities, such as spa treatments and special excursions, to make it a memorable stay and really indulge in excess.