Christmas in Cairo - 5 days from Thessaloniki

Christmas in Cairo and Alexandria, with direct Aegean Airlines flights from Thessaloniki and four nights at Safir Hotel 5*. Pyramids, two great museums and a celebratory Nile cruise with dinner.

Day 1: Thessaloniki – Cairo – Check in at the hotel

Meeting at "Macedonia" airport and departure on a direct Aegean Airlines flight to Cairo. The Egyptian capital, known as the "Mother of the World", welcomes us with the vibrancy of a metropolis where the ancient past meets modern everyday life. Arrival and reception by the local tour guide, who will assist us with the entry and Egyptian visa procedures. Followed by transfer to the Safir Hotel 5*, settling in the rooms and time to rest. The rest of the evening is free for a first acquaintance with the city and the flavors of Egyptian cuisine.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza – Sphinx – GEM – Nile Cruise

After breakfast we depart for the Giza plateau, for our encounter with the most famous monuments of Egypt. In front of us rise the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykeren, monuments that still impress with their scale and construction precision. We will admire the exterior of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived to this day, and learn about the history of the necropolis. From selected vantage points we will have the opportunity to photograph all of the pyramids, before continuing to the Great Sphinx. With the body of a lion and the head of a human, the enigmatic guardian of Giza is one of the most recognizable figures of antiquity. Followed by lunch at the Andreaa Giza restaurant, followed by a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum – GEM, the world's largest museum dedicated to a single culture. The impressive complex, near the Pyramids, offers a fascinating journey through the history of ancient Egypt. In the Great Hall and the monumental Great Staircase, among statues and royal monuments, our acquaintance with the world of the Pharaohs begins. In the main exhibition halls and in the Tutankhamun collections we will discover treasures, burial finds and objects that illuminate the art, beliefs and daily life of the ancient Egyptians. The visit also includes the Museum of the Ships of Cheops. We return to the hotel for a short rest and preparation for our festive outing. This year, Christmas Eve finds us aboard Nile Maxim Cruise, for a special Nile cruise. We enjoy illuminated Cairo, buffet dinner and artistic program with traditional shows, Tanoura dance and oriental dances. An evening full of music and images, against the background of the historic river of Egypt. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 3: Saladin Citadel – Coptic Cairo – NMEC – Khan El-Khalili

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a day of getting to know the different aspects of Cairo. Our first stop is the imposing Saladin Citadel, one of the city's most important historical and defensive complexes. From its privileged position we will enjoy the panoramic view of the Egyptian capital. Inside it we will visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. The majestic domes, the slender minarets and the impressive interior decoration make up one of the most characteristic monuments of Cairo. We continue to Coptic Cairo, where we will get to know the centuries-old Christian tradition of Egypt. We will visit the Hanging Church, built over part of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, known as Abu Serga. According to Christian tradition, the crypt under the temple is associated with the stay of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt. In the area we will also get to know the Greek Orthodox church of Agios Georgios and we will see preserved parts of the Roman fortress. Next stop is the National Museum of Egyptian Culture – NMEC. Through archaeological finds, works of art and objects of daily life, we will follow the evolution of Egyptian culture from prehistory to modern times. A special experience is the Hall of Royal Mummies, an evocative exhibition space dedicated to important rulers of ancient Egypt. This is followed by lunch at the Azhar Park restaurant and then we are transferred to the heart of Historic Cairo. Walking along the famous El Moez street, we will admire exterior mosques, madrasahs and historic buildings that capture the heyday of the medieval Islamic city. Our tour continues to the legendary Khan El-Khalili. In its colorful alleys, small shops and workshops with spices, jewelry, perfumes, textiles and souvenirs create a special atmosphere. Free time for a walk, shopping or an Egyptian coffee in a traditional cafe. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 4: Alexandria – Library – Cavafy House

Early in the morning we depart for Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. On the shores of the Mediterranean, one of the most important intellectual, scientific and commercial centers of the ancient world developed, with a history closely linked to Hellenism. We begin our acquaintance with the city from the modern Library of Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina. We will visit the iconic building, an international center of knowledge, research and culture, symbolically continuing the tradition of the ancient Library. We continue to the Cavafy House, the apartment where the great Alexandrian poet lived and created. In the restored space, the exhibition brings us closer to the world of Konstantinos P. Cavafy and in his deep relationship with Alexandria. Through his life and work we discover a different aspect of the city, connected to memory, history and modern Greek literature. Our tour continues to the Catacombs of Kom El Sukafa. In the underground burial space we will observe the special combination of Egyptian, Greek and Roman elements, characteristic of the multicultural identity of ancient Alexandria. We will also visit the archaeological site of Pompey's Column, with the remains of the Serapeion, the important sanctuary dedicated to Serapis. This is followed by lunch at the seaside restaurant Fish Market, overlooking the Mediterranean. During our tour we will also look for traces of the newer Greek presence, through buildings and places that remind us of the once thriving Greek community. Before we make our way back, we will stop at Kaitbei Fort area for outside visit and photos. The imposing 15th century fortress was built on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The view of the sea and the port completes our acquaintance with the city. Return in the evening to Cairo and stay overnight.

Day 5: Return flight

After breakfast and delivery of the rooms, the return begins. A milestone journey has come to an end. In theory only, because Egypt will stay with us for our whole life! We return with the images of the Pyramids, the stories of Alexandria and the glitter of the Nile in our luggage..