12-Day Turkey and Egypt Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), at your preferred time, our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification. After meeting with our team, you will be swiftly transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore on your own.

Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, which offers a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while cruising along the Bosphorus. Please note, this activity comes at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day.
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

The tour will end around 5:00 pm, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether exploring more of Istanbul on your own or simply relaxing.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise – Fly from Istanbul to Izmir

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to join the Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a scenic drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), a vibrant marketplace filled with spices, sweets, and local goods.

Following this, you will board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural waterway dividing Europe and Asia and linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. While cruising, you’ll have the chance to view iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the scenic European and Asian shorelines, complete with centuries-old mansions and ancient fortresses.

At the end of the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. Then, you will be taken to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your flight to Izmir, with a flight duration of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Izmir, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city Tour

After breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk, where the full group will gather. Your Pamukkale tour will begin with an 8:30 am departure from Selcuk, and the drive to Pamukkale will take approximately 3 hours. Along the way, there will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break after 1.5 hours.

Upon arriving in Pamukkale at around 11:45 am, you will first enjoy lunch. After lunch, at approximately 1:00 pm, your guided tour of Pamukkale and the Hierapolis area will commence, led by a professional licensed tour guide. In Pamukkale, you will witness the breathtaking Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by calcareous salt deposits.

You will also explore the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. At the end of the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore on your own. As an optional activity, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time. Your tour guide will provide details about the exact meeting point and time.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi, arriving around 7:30 pm.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Cappadocia

After breakfast, check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will then be picked up to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that played a vital role as a cultural and commercial hub in its time. During your visit, you’ll explore key highlights such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. Next, you will pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of the structure today.

Then, explore the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture.

After the tour, at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be driven to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.

Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities.

For additional activities, you can choose a Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the enchanting Sufi tradition. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be taken to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Fly from Istanbul to Cairo (Flight Not Included)

After breakfast, you will proceed to Istanbul International Airport to board your international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cairo for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Please note: The cost of this package tour does not include international flight tickets from Istanbul to Cairo. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own flight tickets.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Ramses Hilton OR Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo-Media City or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Coptic and Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Tour

After breakfast, at around 8:00 am, your personal guide will accompany you to the Giza Plateau to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramids of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Here, you’ll also see the iconic Sphinx and the Giza Valley Temple, an ancient site known for its stunning architecture and significance in Egyptian history.

Next, you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, where you’ll encounter the treasures of the boy king Tutankhamun among other remarkable artifacts of ancient Egypt.

The tour then takes you to Coptic Cairo, where you’ll visit the historic Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Afterward, you’ll continue to Islamic Cairo for a visit to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest and most enchanting market.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore Cairo at your leisure.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Ramses Hilton OR Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo-Media City or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Fly from Cairo to Luxor – Valley of the Kings Tour

After breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel in the morning and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Your day begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the royal cemetery for 62 pharaohs, where you’ll explore the intricately decorated tombs that hold the secrets of Egypt’s ancient rulers. Next, you’ll visit the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece built by the architects of the New Kingdom in the 15th century BC, dedicated to one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs.

The tour continues with a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once stood guard at the entrance of an ancient temple. After taking in the grandeur of these ancient monuments, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

• Overnight in Luxor
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Steigenberger Luxor Hotel OR Sheraton Luxor Resort or similar (Standard quality)

Day 11: Luxor Sightseeing – Fly back to Cairo

After breakfast, at around 8:00 AM, you will be picked up to explore two of Luxor’s most iconic sites. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex that stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian religious life. Next, you’ll visit the Luxor Temple, known for its grand statues, monumental columns, and impressive obelisks.

After your temple visits, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you’ll be met and assisted at the airport, then transferred to your hotel for check-in.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Ramses Hilton OR Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo-Media City or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: Departure from Cairo – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Cairo (hotel check-out is before 11:00 am) and will then be transferred to the Cairo International Airport according to your flight details or to join the tour in Jordan. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers within Turkey and Egypt.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir and Izmir to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Istanbul.
• Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor and Luxor to Cairo.
• Accommodation in Istanbul for 3 nights, including daily breakfast.
• Accommodation in Kusadasi for 2 nights, including daily breakfast.
• Accommodation in Cappadocia for 2 nights, including daily breakfast.
• Accommodation in Cairo for 3 nights, including daily breakfast.
• Accommodation in Luxor for 1 night, including daily breakfast.
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch).
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Flight ticket from Istanbul to Cairo.
• Entry visas to Turkey and Egypt.
• Tips & Personal Items.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The tour in Turkey is designed for a regular group, while the tour in Egypt is arranged as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Please be advised that the order /sequence in which the daily tours occur within the above day-by-day package tour itinerary can be subject to change depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets per the itinerary, opening/closing of various historical sites, etc.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• Please advise us on your arrival details at the time of booking.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 5 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.