- Duration
- 05 Days / 04 Nights
- Route
- Luxor ➔ Edfu ➔ Kom Ombo ➔ Aswan
- Dates
- Monday, Dec 21 – Friday, Dec 25, 2026
- Highlight
- Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, festive decorations, and ideal sunny weather
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Sonesta Nile Goddess (or similar premium floating hotel)
Overview
Trade the freezing winter snow for the warm, golden sunshine of southern Egypt this holiday season. Our Christmas 2026 Luxury Nile Cruise offers an unforgettable 5-day journey through the heart of ancient civilization, perfectly blended with the festive joy of the holidays. Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the premium Sonesta Nile Goddess, beautifully adorned with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations. Spend your days marveling at monumental temples and pharaonic tombs with your private Egyptologist, and your evenings enjoying a luxurious Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, live entertainment, and the serene beauty of the immortal River Nile.
Highlights
🎄 Festive Christmas Atmosphere
Celebrate in a magical setting! The entire ship is adorned with elegant decorations, Christmas trees, and a warm holiday spirit that flows through every deck.
🍽️ Christmas Eve Gala Dinner
Indulge in a spectacular, multi-course festive feast on December 24th, featuring a gourmet blend of international holiday classics and authentic Egyptian delicacies.
☀️ The Perfect Winter Sun
Escape the cold. Enjoy bright, sunny days in Luxor and Aswan with temperatures perfectly suited for exploring ancient temples comfortably.
🏛️ Comprehensive Ancient Heritage
Visit the absolute "must-see" monuments of the Nile, from the massive Karnak Temple to the hidden royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, all with your private expert guide.
Route
- 1
Luxor
- 2
Edfu
- 3
Kom Ombo
- 4
Aswan
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrival in Luxor & The East Bank
Monday, 21 Dec 2026
Upon your arrival at Luxor Airport (or your hotel), our VIP representative will warmly welcome you and provide a private transfer to your premium Nile Cruise. After a smooth check-in, enjoy your first delicious lunch on board.
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Afternoon: Begin your journey through history on the East Bank of Luxor. Walk through the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, a vast city of temples built over 2,000 years. Later, visit the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at sunset.
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Evening: Return to the ship, now glowing with festive Christmas decorations. Enjoy a welcoming dinner and spend your first night relaxing on the Nile. Overnight in Luxor (Meals: Lunch, Dinner).
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- Day2
The West Bank & Sailing to Edfu
Tuesday, 22 Dec 2026
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before crossing the river to the mystical West Bank.
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Morning: Descend into the vibrantly decorated royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Marvel at the striking, terraced architecture of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and stop for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon.
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Afternoon: Return to the ship for lunch as we begin our graceful sail southward to Edfu. Spend the afternoon soaking up the winter sun on the deck, watching the timeless agricultural life on the riverbanks. Overnight sailing to Edfu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
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- Day3
Temples of the Gods & Nile Sailing
Wednesday, 23 Dec 2026
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Morning: Step ashore in Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus, the most perfectly preserved ancient temple in Egypt.
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Afternoon: Sail towards Kom Ombo while enjoying lunch. Upon arrival, visit the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (the falcon god).
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Evening: Continue sailing towards Aswan. Tonight, enjoy the vibrant "Galabeya Party" and an oriental dinner on board. Overnight sailing to Aswan (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
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- Day4
Aswan Highlights & Christmas Eve Gala
Thursday, 24 Dec 2026
Wake up in beautiful Aswan, the colorful capital of Nubia.
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Morning: Explore Aswan’s greatest landmarks. Visit the engineering marvel of the High Dam, uncover the secrets of ancient stone-cutting at the Unfinished Obelisk, and take a motorboat ride to the romantic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
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Evening (Christmas Eve): Tonight is the main event! Dress up and join your fellow travelers for the magnificent Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Enjoy a luxurious holiday feast, festive music, and a truly magical night celebrating Christmas under the Egyptian stars. Overnight in Aswan (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Christmas Gala Dinner).
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- Day5
Merry Christmas & Departure
Friday, 25 Dec 2026
Merry Christmas! Wake up to a festive morning and enjoy a final, relaxing breakfast on board. After checking out, our representative will transfer you via a private, modern vehicle to Aswan Airport or your hotel, concluding a magical holiday journey you will cherish forever. Meals Included: Breakfast.
Prices
Low Season
15 May – 15 September
| Triple Room / Cabin | $1,049 per person |
|---|---|
| Double Room / Cabin | $1,099 per person |
| Single / Private RoomPrivate | $1,699 per person |
What's included
Included
- Seamless arrival service with a VIP meet and greet, and private transfer from Luxor Airport.
- 04 Nights’ accommodation in a private cabin with large panoramic Nile views.
- Full-board meal plan (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners), including the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
- Services of a professional, licensed Egyptologist guide throughout the trip.
- All entrance fees for the included historical sites.
- All ground transportation in private, air-conditioned modern vehicles.
- Evening entertainment (Belly Dance show, Galabeya party, etc.).
- Private departure transfer to Aswan Airport or your Aswan accommodation.
Not included
- Beverages outside of meals (Water and soft drinks are provided during breakfast and tours; alcoholic and specialty drinks are extra).
- Optional Tours (e.g., Abu Simbel from Aswan or a sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride in Luxor).
- Gratuities (Tipping) for the cruise crew and your private guide.
- Personal Expenses (Laundry, souvenirs, Wi-Fi access).
Children & cancellation policy
Children's policy
- Ages 0–5FreeFlight fares excluded
- Ages 6–1150%of the adult rate
- Ages 12+100%Full adult rate
This policy applies to children sharing a room with two adults. Flight conditions may vary.
Holiday cruise cancellation policy
This holiday departure has its own cancellation terms. The following fees are charged automatically:
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 months before arrival | 50% of total |
| Less than 2 months before arrival | 75% of total |
| Less than 45 days before arrival | 100% of total |
Full terms: refund & returns policy.
Questions about this tour
Q: Do I need to bring formal wear for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner?
A: While full formal wear (like a tuxedo or ballgown) is not required, the Christmas Eve Gala is a special festive occasion. We highly recommend "smart-elegant" or resort formal attire for this evening to fully enjoy the luxurious holiday atmosphere.
Q: Is it warm enough to use the swimming pool in December?
A: Daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan during December are very pleasant, typically ranging from 22°C to 25°C (72°F - 77°F). Many guests comfortably enjoy sunbathing on the deck, and while the pool water can be brisk, it is refreshing under the midday sun.
Q: Can we arrange a visit to Abu Simbel during this trip?
A: Yes! The majestic Abu Simbel temples can be added as an early morning optional excursion on Day 4 (from Aswan). Please let our booking team know in advance so we can seamlessly integrate it into your festive itinerary.
Guest reviews
Rasmus RundqvistMarch 14, 2026 Jag gjorde den här kryssningen med min fru och vi är båda mycket nöjda med valet. Upphämtningen skedde exakt på utsatt tid och föraren körde lugnt och tryggt. Landskapet och templen är ännu mer imponerande än på bilderna. Välorganiserat från början till slut.
