14-Day Tour of Egypt, Jordan and Turkey

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive any day in Cairo. Upon your arrival in Cairo, you will be met with our company representative in the arrivals area of the airport who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. After meet and greet, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Cairo. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa OR Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Pyramid – Sphinx – Egyptian Museum – Old and New Cairo – Coptic Cairo – Synagogue of Ben Ezra

After breakfast at the hotel meet your Egyptologist guide to begin the full-day Cairo tour, and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the three Pyramids of Giza. The oldest and largest of the three is the Cheops Pyramid built 3rd dynasty about 2690 B.C. Next is the Pyramids of Chefren and visit the majestic Great Sphinx, which is the largest single block sculpture located at the foot of the grand Pyramid Chefren. In the area of the Pyramids making for a great picture take an opportunity to ride a camel with the Pyramids in the background. Continue to visit the famous Egyptian Museum, here we shall provide you with a brief, but colorful insight into the five thousand years of history of Egypt’s fascinating land. Afterwards we visit Old Cairo and the City’s cultural landmarks that span three millenniums of Egyptian history. We begin with Coptic Church, where you will visit the Hanging Church, dating to the late 4th and early 5th century. This basilica was named “Al-Mu’allaqah” because it was built atop the south gate of the Babylon Fortress. Continue to the Church of St. Sergius, a 5th-century Coptic Church. This basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors as a source of blessing. As we stroll along, we’ll come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra – the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt built in 882 AC. Next, we’ll explore the spices and silks in the medieval bazaar of Khan el-Khalili, one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East and North Africa’s most famous bazaar. Lunch will be served during the tour at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel in Cairo.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa OR Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Luxor – Valley of the Kings – Karnak and Luxor Temple

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor, Egypt, the Capital of Upper Egypt, known in ancient times as Thebes. In the morning, you will visit the west bank of the Nile River and see the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, some of the Tombs of the Pharaohs, and the Tomb of Queen Hatshepsut.  You will also stop by what is called “Pit Tomb 33” where the mummies and papyrus were found that became part of the Book of Abraham. In the afternoon, you will visit the east bank of the Nile River and the spectacular Temple of Karnak. In the evening, you will fly back to Cairo.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa OR Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Fly from Cairo to Amman – (Flight not included) – Private drive to Petra

Private transfer from your hotel to Cairo airport and the flight from Cairo to Amman. Upon arrival at the Jordan International Airport, our representative meets you with signage in front of the immigration at Amman Airport. Get to know your friendly, English-speaking chauffeur. For around 2.5 hours he drives you safely along the Desert Highway to Petra. Check-in hotel, the remainder of the day free to rest.

Note: You will have to purchase your own international flight ticket(s); international flight ticket(s) are not included in the cost of this package tour and will not be provided by us.

• Overnight in Petra
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 4-star Petra Moon Hotel OR Petra Boutique Hotel OR Petra Guest House or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Petra Tour – Wadi Rum Camp

Today visit the highlight of Jordan, the red rose city of Petra! You are able to start as early as 06:00, but early birds, don’t forget to ask the hotel for a breakfast box the day before. Meet your local guide and pass the narrow canyon, the so called Siq, with its colourful sandstone. At the end, you will be rewarded with a view of the most beautiful monument: the Treasury. Continue via the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle. After around 2 hours the guide says farewell to you at the restaurant area. You have free time to explore Petra on your own. The young at heart for instance have the chance to climb the 800 stairs to the 45 meters high Monastery El Deir. Return to the main gate. In the afternoon 1.5 hours transfer to Wadi Rum desert. Dinner and overnight at a campsite like Rum Stars or Sun City.

• Overnight in Wadi Rum
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Rum Stars Camp OR Sun City Camp or similar

Day 6: Wadi Rum 3 hours Jeep ride – Private transfer from Wadi Rum to Dead Sea

Embark a 4×4 and with your Bedouin driver uncover more of the vast desert. The rugged scenery, the changing colours of sands and mountains, and the serene atmosphere will make you understand why Wadi Rum is one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world. The setting had been used for Hollywood movies. You see canyons, red sand dunes, Nabatean rock inscriptions, and a natural rock bridge formed over centuries. Journey 4 hours to your hotel at the Dead Sea beach. Chance to do the floating experience and try the dark mud on the shores promising positive effects for your skin. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is free.

• Overnight in Dead Sea
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort OR Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Fly from Amman to Istanbul – Flight not included

After breakfast, you will proceed to Amman International Airport to board your international flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to your Istanbul hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free.

Note: You will have to purchase your own international flight ticket(s); international flight ticket(s) are not included in the cost of this package tour and will not be provided by us.

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

Day 8: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast at approximately 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour. Today on the tour you will visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

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

Day 9: Fly to Denizli from Istanbul – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Kusadasi

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:30 am and will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight from Istanbul to Denizli between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale. In Pamukkale, you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale & Hierapolis. Around 10:00 you will visit the first visit is to Hierapolis Antique City, where you will see the Temple of Apollo, Martyrium, and some other ruins. Then see Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), which is made of sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs. You have the chance to walk on the terraces. At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in.

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

Day 10: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus.

Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. You will first visit the Temple of Artemis which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Next, you will visit the world famous ancient the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, the most well-preserved example in the world. After visiting this impressive site, you will have a break for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last days. This is a holy place for both Christians and Muslims. Afterwards, you will visit the Isabey Mosque.

Next, you will be taken to the Sirince Village; which is an old Greek village and is well-know for its quaint beauty and wine tasting and production. Here you will have one hour free to explore on your own without a guide the different foods and wines of the area and visit various small traditional village shops.

After the tour,  you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir through Istanbul. Upon your arrival at the Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, a representative will be present holding your name sign to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

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

Day 11: 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: Holiday Cave Hotel OR Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: 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: Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 13: Bosphorus Cruise

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. At the start of this tour, you will enjoy a drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) Following this, you will join a shared boat tour and cruise along the Bosphorus which is a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. You will be able to view the Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, citadels, centuries-old mansions, and the European and Asian shorelines while onboard the boat. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:30 noon and the rest of the day is free.

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

Day 14: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival, departure airport transfers and ground transportation.
• Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor and Luxor to Cairo, Istanbul to Denizli and Izmir to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Istanbul only.
• 3 nights in Cairo at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Petra at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Wadi Rum at a Desert Camp including breakfast.
• 1 night in Dead Sea at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 4 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star hotels including breakfast.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• English-speaking local guide during Egypt and Turkey tours.
• English-speaking local guide in Petra for 2.5 hours.
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
• Entrance fees are mentioned by the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Flight tickets from Cairo to Amman and Amman to Istanbul.
• Entry visas to Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.
• 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:

• Please note that Egypt and Jordan tours are private, however Turkey tours are group tours.
• 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.
• 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.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.