Greece and Cairo during Christmas

The Greek islands are extremely quiet during the winter months in terms of tourist attractions. Almost all hotels, shops and restaurants are closed by the end of October and don't open again until sometime in April. Ferries run on a much less frequent winter schedule and some routes are actually closed down for the winter.

Claudia

We always spend Christmas in Greece and find it a really good time of year. Lee is right that a lot of the islands are very quiet, although generally somewhere is open, but we've spent time on Syros and Chania in Crete and both have been lively and atmospheric.

On the mainland Nafplio is also a good bet and, of course, Athens. Museums and sites are quieter at that time of year and Athens generally has a series of free events in the main squares: music, markets, performers. Ermou, one of the main shopping streets is very busy in the evenings with buskers and a street market.

Travel on Christmas day itself isn't really possible, but the rest of the time it's fine. Similarly, most restaurants are open in the run up to Christmas but there is less of a selection on Christmas day itself. In Athens you are best to stick to Plaka, the main tourist area, Christmas evening.

In terms of weather it's fairly unpredictable but we generally have some days when it is warm and sunny enough to sit out for lunch.

We get an apartment if we are in Athens and have found these people reliable

http://www.travel-library.com/apartments/europe/greece/

Alternatively the Attalos is a good hotel

http://www.attaloshotel.com/reservation.html

and we like the Phaedra

http://www.hotelphaedra.com/

although it has had some mixed reviews on trip advisor.

Have a good trip

Alan

Egypt being a Muslim country, I doubt Cairo will be much affected by a Christian holiday.