Christmas tours on the Nile fall into two types: cruise-focused itineraries where the sailing is the trip itself, and longer Egypt holidays that include a Nile cruise alongside Cairo, the Red Sea or Alexandria.

4 Days Egypt Christmas Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

3 nights · Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor

Day 1: Aswan — Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam
 Day 2: Kom Ombo — Kom Ombo Temple and sailing on the Nile
 Day 3: Edfu — Edfu Temple and sailing toward Luxor
 Day 4: Luxor — Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon

This is the shortest cruise focused option, with 3 nights on the Nile and the main sightseeing stops between Aswan and Luxor.

5 Days Nile Cruise Christmas Holiday – Luxor to Aswan

4 nights · Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan

Day 1: Luxor — Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
 Day 2: Luxor — Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Colossi of Memnon
 Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo — Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple
 Day 4: Aswan — Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam
 Day 5: Aswan — Breakfast and cruise disembarkation

This option has 4 nights on the Nile and includes both East Bank and West Bank sightseeing in Luxor.

These sightseeing programmes describe the typical route. The ship, departure day, cabin category, and onboard facilities vary by cruise, check the individual cruise page for the exact itinerary and inclusions.

8 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise Christmas Holiday – Egypt Tour

7 nights total · 3 nights on the Nile

Cairo → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Cairo

This is the shortest multi-destination option, suitable for travelers who want Cairo and Abu Simbel in addition to a 3-night Nile cruise.

10 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada Christmas Tour Package

9 nights total · 3 nights on the Nile
 Cairo → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Hurghada

This option adds 3 nights in Hurghada to the Cairo and Nile Cruise itinerary, making it suitable for travelers who want both ancient sites and time on the Red Sea.

13 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada Christmas Tour

12 nights total · 3 nights on the Nile
 Cairo → Alexandria → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Hurghada

This longer option adds Alexandria and more time in Hurghada, suitable for travelers who want the Nile cruise combined with more of Egypt’s major destinations.

15 Days Hurghada, Cairo & Nile Cruise Christmas Vacation in Egypt

14 nights total · 3 nights on the Nile
 Cairo → Alexandria → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Hurghada → Cairo

The longest option, suitable for travelers who want a 3-night Nile cruise within a broader Egypt holiday covering Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and several days in Hurghada.

The table below shows the weekly departure days published on ETG’s individual ship pages, checked on 28 September 2026. These are general sailing patterns; confirm the actual ship, embarkation city, cruise length and travel date before booking a Christmas or New Year departure. Festive meals and onboard activities depend on the individual ship and package.

ETG lists ships in deluxe, luxury and ultra-luxury categories. These describe the cruise options offered; ship choice and availability depend on your selected package.

Published weekly patterns do not confirm cabin availability or a particular Christmas or New Year sailing. Ask for a dated itinerary stating the ship, embarkation city, departure day and included festive arrangements.

Christmas cruises follow the regular sightseeing programme, with holiday activities added according to the ship and package.

Cruise programmes can include special meals and evening entertainment, but the exact Christmas programme varies between ships and tour packages. For example, some Nile cruise itineraries include evening entertainment such as traditional music and dance performances as part of the onboard programme.

The sailing and sightseeing schedule on December 24 and 25 follows the itinerary of the selected cruise, so the exact programme varies by ship and departure. Christmas does not create a single schedule for all Nile cruises, so the individual tour page should be checked for the exact activities and sightseeing times.

Some cruise packages may also include a special Christmas meal or other holiday arrangements. These details are package-specific and should be confirmed when booking rather than assumed for every Nile cruise.

A New Year Nile Cruise combines regular sightseeing during the day with evening celebrations on board, depending on the ship and package.

December 31 is part of the normal cruise itinerary, so the ship may be sailing between Luxor and Aswan or staying docked at one of the scheduled stops. The exact location depends on the departure day, cruise length, and route. Check the dated itinerary for departures around Christmas, New Year and Coptic Christmas; a published weekly ship schedule alone does not confirm your sailing.

New Year’s Eve and Christmas are celebrated differently on many cruises. Christmas celebrations are often centered around December 24 and 25, while New Year’s Eve focuses on the evening of December 31. Some cruise packages may include special dinners, entertainment, or seasonal activities, but the programme varies by ship and package, so individual itineraries should be checked before booking.

It is also possible to combine both occasions in one trip. Longer Egypt Christmas tours that include a Nile cruise may cover Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Coptic Christmas within the same holiday, depending on the travel dates.

Where you spend Christmas Day depends on your confirmed cruise direction, departure date and cruise length.

Christmas Day in 2026 falls on Friday, December 25. The examples below apply the published 4-day Aswan to Luxor and 5-day Luxor to Aswan day-by-day itineraries to possible departure dates. They illustrate the route arithmetic; they are not confirmed bookable departures or a guarantee of the ship’s location.

Saturday, December 19 departure for a 4-day cruise would finish before Christmas Day, while a later departure would place Christmas Day at a different point in the itinerary. The exact sightseeing programme can vary by cruise and ship.

Contact us with your travel dates to confirm the ship, embarkation day and dated sightseeing programme, including where your itinerary is scheduled to be on 25 December or 7 January.

The main difference between the two Nile cruise directions is the starting point and the order in which you visit the main sights between Luxor and Aswan.

A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan starts in Luxor and travels south toward Aswan.

Typical sightseeing order:

• Luxor: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon
• Edfu: Edfu Temple
• Kom Ombo: Kom Ombo Temple
• Aswan: Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam

This direction suits travelers who want to begin their cruise in Luxor and finish in Aswan, with the main Luxor sites visited before sailing south.

A Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor starts in Aswan and travels north toward Luxor.

Typical sightseeing order:

• Aswan: Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam
• Kom Ombo: Kom Ombo Temple
• Edfu: Edfu Temple
• Luxor: Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon

This direction suits travelers who want to begin their cruise in Aswan and finish in Luxor, with the main Luxor sites visited toward the end of the cruise.

The choice depends on your overall itinerary, arrival and departure plans, and which city you want to start or finish in.

A Christmas Nile Cruise includes major temples and ancient sites in Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor, with Abu Simbel included in selected longer Christmas tour packages.

Philae Temple – Aswan

The Philae Temple complex is located on Agilkia Island in the Aswan area and is dedicated mainly to Isis. The temple complex was relocated to higher ground on Agilkia Island as part of the international campaign to save Nubian monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Kom Ombo Temple

Kom Ombo Temple stands directly on the Nile riverbank and is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder. Its unusual double design reflects the temple’s dedication to two groups of gods, with many surviving reliefs and inscriptions.

Edfu Temple

Edfu Temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. The temple is located about 2 km from the Nile cruise mooring area, and its large pylons, courtyards, columns, and detailed reliefs are among its main features.

Karnak & Luxor Temples

Karnak Temple is a large temple complex on the east bank of Luxor, known for the Great Hypostyle Hall and its many columns, pylons, and sacred structures. Luxor Temple is also on the east bank and was closely connected with the ancient religious life of Thebes, with major additions made by rulers including Amenhotep III and Ramesses II.

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is included in several longer Christmas tour packages that combine a Nile cruise with Cairo and other Egyptian destinations. The site contains 2 temples built by Ramesses II, with the Great Temple honoring Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah and the deified Ramesses II, and the smaller temple dedicated to Hathor and Queen Nefertari.

The price depends on the cruise category, cabin type, number of travelers, and travel date.

The figures above are published lead-in rates checked on 28 September 2026, based on the lowest listed May–September group rate for 5–8 travelers. They are not confirmed Christmas or New Year prices. The product pages list higher October–April rates for that group size and state that holiday rates may vary. Open the linked itinerary for current pricing, then request a quote for your exact dates, group size, ship and cabin category.

Christmas Nile cruise packages commonly include accommodation on board, meals, guided sightseeing, and selected transfers, but inclusions vary by package.

• Accommodation on board
• Full-board meals
• Guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist
• Transfers where stated

• Abu Simbel
• Flights
• Optional excursions
• Drinks
• Tips

Inclusions vary by cruise package, so check the individual itinerary before booking.

December is part of Egypt’s peak winter travel season, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.

In Luxor, the average December high is about 23°C (74°F), while Aswan averages around 24°C (75°F). Temperatures become noticeably cooler after sunset, with average lows of about 11°C (52°F) in Luxor and 12°C (54°F) in Aswan.

December is one of Egypt’s busiest travel periods, with visitor numbers increasing through the winter months and around the Christmas and New Year holidays. For December travel, confirm the available ship and departure date. The sightseeing programme and cruise days depend on your dated itinerary.

Packing for a Christmas Nile Cruise means preparing for mild days, cooler mornings and evenings, and temple visits.

• Light layers for daytime
• A jacket or warm layer for early mornings and evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Modest clothing for temple visits
• A small day bag

Ship pages publish weekly sailing patterns, but your Christmas or New Year departure and cabin must be confirmed for the selected dates. The season is busier, so booking earlier gives you more flexibility when choosing your preferred departure and cabin.

Before booking, make sure you:

• Confirm the cruise departure day
• Confirm where you will be on December 25 and January 7
• Review the inclusions, as they vary by package
• Confirm your cabin type
• Ask about the child policy
• Review the cancellation and payment terms
• Ask whether Abu Simbel can be added if it is not included in the itinerary

Luxury Nile cruises differ from deluxe ships mainly in cabin size, suite options, and onboard facilities. Cabins are generally larger, more ships offer suites, and facilities such as spas and fitness areas are more extensive.

The specifications below match ETG’s ship pages checked on 28 September 2026. Listed departure days describe published weekly patterns. Confirm the actual ship, facilities, itinerary and cabin category for your travel date.

Steigenberger Regency has 50 standard double cabins of 19.5 m² each and 2 suites of 35 m² each. Onboard facilities include a spacious sundeck, swimming pool, fitness equipment, Jacuzzi and massage facilities, along with a main dining restaurant, library, and gift shop. It departs on Wednesday and Saturday. The cruise page lists 7 nights, with shorter 3-night and 4-night options also described.

Its main distinction is the combination of 19.5 m² standard cabins with 35 m² suites and a dedicated wellness area including a Jacuzzi and massage facilities.

River Tosca has 39 Grand Suites of 31 m² each and 2 Royal Suites of 60 m² each. Facilities include 5 decks, a swimming pool with a full-service bar, a fitness center, massage facilities, a spacious sundeck with shaded cabanas, a fine dining restaurant, library, and boutique. It departs on Friday and Monday. The cruise page lists a 7-night itinerary and also describes 3-night and 4-night route options.

Its main distinction is its suite-only accommodation, with Grand Suites and much larger 60 m² Royal Suites.

Sonesta Moon Goddess has 49 cabins with private balconies and 4 Presidential Suites, each with a private lounge and balcony. Facilities include an oversized sundeck, swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, spa, massage, sauna and steam bath, lounge bar, restaurant, and evening entertainment. It departs on Friday and Monday and offers 3-night and 4-night itineraries.

Its main distinction is the combination of 49 balcony cabins with 4 Presidential Suites and a broad range of wellness facilities, including a spa, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi.

JAZ Viceroy has 16 standard cabins of 19 m² each and 21 suites of 38 m² each. Facilities include a swimming pool, spacious sundeck with pool bar, sauna, massage services, spa, gym and fitness area, fine dining restaurant, and evening entertainment. It departs on Wednesday and Saturday and offers 3-night and 4-night itineraries.

Its main distinction is the higher number of suites compared with standard cabins, with 21 suites measuring 38 m² compared with 16 standard cabins measuring 19 m².

Sonesta Star Goddess is an all-suite cruise with 33 suites: 27 Beethoven Suites of 40 m², 4 Mozart Suites of 35 m², and 2 Chopin Suites of 52 m². Facilities include a large sundeck with pool, lounge bar, fitness center, spa and massage facilities, main dining restaurant, and evening entertainment. It departs on Wednesday and Saturday and offers 3-night and 4-night itineraries.

Its main distinction is that all 33 accommodations are suites, with no standard cabins, and the largest suites reach 52 m².

Deluxe and ultra-luxury ships are listed in the ships table above. Contact us to confirm which ship and cabin are available on your Christmas or New Year travel dates.

A cruise focused trip keeps the Nile cruise at the centre of your holiday, while a longer Egypt tour adds Cairo and other destinations around the cruise.
 Choose your itinerary based on how much of Egypt you want to see, your preferred cruise category, and the cabin and services you need.
 Explore our Egypt Christmas tours to compare the available itineraries for Christmas and New Year.