10-Day Wonders of Turkey & Egypt: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Cairo & Luxor

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be greeted by our local representative at the international arrivals hall, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification. After a brief welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your flight or begin exploring Istanbul on your own.

Optional: In the evening, you may join the Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Show (available at an additional cost), where you can enjoy a scenic evening along the Bosphorus, complete with traditional entertainment and a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, at around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour exploring Istanbul’s most iconic historical sites from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Begin your journey with a visit to the legendary Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum—reflecting centuries of both Christian and Islamic influence.

Next, visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, famed for its breathtaking blue İznik tiles and six slender minarets, making it a masterpiece of classical Ottoman design.

Continue to the Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of Byzantine life. Here, see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each bearing deep historical significance.

Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Wander through its ornate courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem for a glimpse into royal family life.

End your tour at the world-famous Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Experience its lively atmosphere as you browse for souvenirs, carpets, ceramics, and jewelry.

At approximately 5:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or enjoy more of Istanbul on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, scheduled to depart between 6:00 – 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, our local representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where your guide will greet you to begin a full-day tour of North Cappadocia.

Start your exploration at the surreal Devrent Valley, known for its whimsical rock formations that resemble animals and other shapes. Continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to Cappadocia’s famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Next, visit the town of Avanos, renowned for its rich pottery traditions passed down through generations. You will have the opportunity to witness local artisans at work.

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the historical Zelve Open Air Museum, where you’ll walk among rock-cut dwellings and early Christian churches carved into soft volcanic stone.

Your final stop will be Uchisar Castle (Uchisar), the highest point in Cappadocia. While entrance to the castle may be restricted, the panoramic views from the base are breathtaking and perfect for photography.

Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional Evening Activities (available at an additional cost):

• Turkish Night Show with Dinner
• ATV Tour (2 hours)
• Horseback Riding Tour (2 hours)
• Whirling Dervish Ceremony (1 hour)

Please note: You may choose only one activity due to time limitations.

Optional: You may start your day with an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride, offering panoramic views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. This activity is available at an additional cost and must be reserved in advance.

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 AM, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day tour of South Cappadocia.

Your day starts with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, famous for its vibrant-colored rock formations and early Christian cave churches. You’ll enjoy a 5 km scenic hike that continues through the serene Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).

Next, visit the historical Cavusin Village, known for its abandoned cave homes and churches formerly used by Christian clergy.

After a local lunch break, the tour continues with panoramic views over the Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), named after the ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.

In the afternoon, explore one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities: either Kaymakli or Ozkonak, where early Christians lived in secrecy and safety.

Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or enjoy more of Cappadocia at your own pace. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At approximately 9:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your full-day Green Cappadocia Tour, focused on the region’s natural wonders and deep spiritual history.

Your first visit will be to the impressive Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the largest and deepest subterranean settlements in Cappadocia. This multi-level refuge was used by early Christians to escape persecution and features kitchens, living areas, stables, and ventilation shafts.

Next, you will travel to the lush Ihlara Valley for a scenic 4 km hike along the Melendiz River, stopping at rock-cut churches and enjoying the valley’s rich vegetation and dramatic cliffs.

Following a lunch break, you’ll continue to Selime Monastery in Belisirma Village. This sprawling rock-hewn complex is one of the most striking examples of Cappadocia’s monastic architecture.

At around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Istanbul before 12:00 PM. According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by our local representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure — you may choose to relax after the flight or explore the surroundings of your hotel at your own pace. Overnight in Cairo.

Important Note: The international flight from Istanbul to Cairo is not included in the tour package and must be arranged by the traveler.

After breakfast at your hotel, at approximately 8:30 AM, your Egyptologist guide will pick you up for a full-day tour of Cairo’s most iconic landmarks.

Begin your journey on the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu). Marvel at its enormous scale and engineering. Continue with visits to the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the awe-inspiring Sphinx of Giza, which has stood guard over the plateau for more than 4,500 years.

After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, housing an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun and a gallery of royal mummies.

End your day with a visit to the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a historic market known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of goods, from spices to handcrafted souvenirs.

At around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore more of Cairo on your own. Overnight in Cairo.

In the early morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo and transferred to the airport for your flight to Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes and one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological regions.

Upon arrival in Luxor, you will meet your guide and begin your exploration of the West Bank of Luxor, home to some of the greatest treasures of the ancient world.

Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs were laid to rest in tombs richly decorated with scenes from the afterlife. You will have access to three tombs, each with its own story and style.

Next, visit the Valley of the Queens, the burial place of royal wives and children, featuring stunning artwork and sacred symbolism.

Continue to the extraordinary Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dramatically set against limestone cliffs. This masterpiece of ancient architecture honors one of Egypt’s most successful female rulers.

End the tour with a stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to the long-lost mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Luxor. The evening is free to rest or enjoy the calm ambiance of the Nile city. Overnight in Luxor.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and prepare for your final exploration of ancient Thebes.

At around 8:30 AM, your guide will pick you up for a guided tour of one of the most magnificent temple complexes in the world — the Karnak Temple Complex. This vast open-air museum is a breathtaking showcase of Ancient Egyptian religious architecture, spanning over 2,000 years of construction. Walk among colossal columns, grand hypostyle halls, towering obelisks, and intricately carved reliefs that tell stories of pharaohs and gods.

Feel the spiritual weight of this sacred site, where ancient Egyptians once gathered to worship Amun-Ra, the king of the gods.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your evening flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Cairo (hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM). At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Turkey and Egypt. We hope you leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and beauty of these two remarkable destinations.