14-Day Turkey and Egypt Tour

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

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day.
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel 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.

First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of 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.

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

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

Day 3: Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your full-day North Cappadocia tour.

Today’s first stop will be Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Next, you’ll explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After enjoying these natural wonders, you’ll head to Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery making.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and caves, providing a glimpse into the monastic history of the region. Towards the end of the day, you will stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photos. While entry into the castle itself is not permitted, the surrounding area offers beautiful views of the landscape.

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

For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that all activities are available at an additional cost, and you can join only one due to time constraints.

• 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 4: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly to Izmir

For an optional extra, 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 additional cost.

After breakfast at the hotel around 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 will begin with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, famous for its historic houses and churches of Christian clergymen. Afterward, you will take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, you will drive to the Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon, you will visit either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

The tour will end around 3:30 pm. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon your arrival at Izmir airport, a representative will be waiting, holding a sign with your name, to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

• 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: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi and transferred to the meeting point in Selcuk where the full group will gather. From there, the journey to Pamukkale will begin at approximately 8:30 am, with a drive of about 3 hours. There will be a brief 10-minute stop for a restroom break halfway through the trip.

Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:45 am, the group will first enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, around 1:00 pm, your guided tour will begin with a professional licensed guide. You will explore the stunning Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by deposits of calcareous salts, as well as the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis. Key highlights include the theatre, and the Roman Baths.

At the end of the guided tour, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore the area at your own pace. During this time, if you wish, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional and at your own expense). Your tour guide will inform you of the exact meeting point and time.

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi, with an expected arrival 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 6: Ephesus Tour

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 Ancient City Ruins, the ancient Greek city that became an important cultural and commercial center of its time. Your exploration of this incredible site includes visits to the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theatre, and the Trajan Fountain, a stunning example of Roman architecture that was built in honor of Emperor Trajan.

After lunch, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. You will then pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of this historic temple today. The tour also includes a visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture and a serene place of worship.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore Kusadasi on your own.

• 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 7: Fly from Izmir to Cairo (Flight Not Included)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport at a time appropriate for your international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

Note: The international flight from Izmir to Cairo is not included in the tour package. You are responsible for arranging and purchasing this flight.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo OR Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Hilton Cairo Heliopolis or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Coptic and Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Tour

After breakfast, at around 8:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and accompanied by your personal guide to the Giza Plateau to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramids of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. You will also visit the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza and the Giza Valley Temple, a testament to ancient Egyptian ingenuity.

After exploring the Pyramids, enjoy a lunch break at a local Egyptian restaurant, where you can savor authentic dishes and experience the rich flavors of Egyptian cuisine.

Next, proceed to the Egyptian Museum, where you will marvel at the treasures of the boy King Tutankhamen, among countless other artifacts from Egypt’s fascinating past.

Afterwards, head to Coptic Cairo to visit the historic Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, rich in religious and cultural heritage.

Your next stop will be Islamic Cairo, where you can explore the vibrant and enchanting Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest and most atmospheric marketplace.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore Cairo on your own.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo OR Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Hilton Cairo Heliopolis or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Fly from Cairo to Luxor and Begin Nile Cruise Embarkation (Departs: Sat, Mon, Thu)

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport to take a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, your representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. After collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your Nile cruise ship. Once you have checked in and settled into your cabin, your guided tour will begin.

Start your exploration at the East Bank of Luxor, visiting the magnificent Luxor Temple and the sprawling Karnak Temple, known as one of the most beautiful and largest temple complexes in the world.

Next, cross the Nile to the West Bank, where you will discover the Necropolis of Thebes. Here, you will visit the Valley of the Kings, where 62 tombs have been uncovered. Your visit includes three tombs: the most colorful one, the unfinished one, and the first tomb discovered in the valley. It is believed that more than 60 tombs remain undiscovered here.

Then, proceed to the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh, known for her groundbreaking achievements, including establishing trade networks. At the temple, you’ll notice statues of Hatshepsut designed with a beard to portray her strength and authority.

Finally, visit the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that have stood guard over the Theban Necropolis for centuries.

After the tour, return to the cruise ship to relax and enjoy your evening onboard.

• Overnight on-board ship
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Luxor

After breakfast, you will sail to Esna and cross the lock in the afternoon. On way to Esna, you will see shopping boats near your cruise. This is a different shopping experience. They will sail near your cruise. Esna Temple is the smallest one. After lunch time you will sail to Edfu.

• Overnight on-board ship
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Edfu – Kom Ombo

After breakfast, disembark to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus. Marvel at the grandeur and intricate carvings of this Ptolemaic temple, which reflects the rich mythology of ancient Egypt.

Return to the cruise ship for lunch as you continue sailing toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Explore its fascinating dual design and learn about the significance of crocodiles in ancient Egyptian culture.

• Overnight on-board ship
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Aswan

After breakfast, disembark to visit the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, revered as the goddess of beauty and magic. You will be transported to the temple by a small boat, giving you a serene view of the surrounding waters.

Following this, enjoy a relaxing felucca ride around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens, where you can soak in the picturesque scenery and the tranquil waters of the Nile.

After lunch, visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, and pass by the Old Dam, an earlier attempt to harness the Nile’s waters.

• Overnight on-board ship
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Fly Back to Cairo (add-ons optional Abu Simbel Temples)

Today marks the end of your Nile River cruise. Before checking out and disembarking, you can indulge in a delectable breakfast onboard. Soon after breakfast, it will be time to proceed with the check-out and disembarkation procedures. One of our tour representatives will greet you and accompany you to the airport, from where you will board a flight back to Cairo and then transfer to your hotel.

Note: On this day, you have the option to join a group tour to the Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt’s most iconic ancient landmarks. This is not included in the standard package and will require an additional payment of USD 150 per person (pp). Early morning pickup for this tour is around 3:40 AM.

• Overnight in Cairo
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo OR Pyramisa Suites Hotel and Casino OR Hilton Cairo Heliopolis or similar (Standard quality)

Day 14: Departure from Cairo – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Cairo (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Cairo 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:

• Meet and Greet service by our representatives upon arrival & departure.
• Domestic flight within Turkey (Istanbul – Kayseri – Izmir).
• Domestic flight within Egypt (Cairo – Luxor – Aswan – Cairo).
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Istanbul including breakfast.
• Accommodation for 1 night in Cappadocia including breakfast.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Kusadasi including breakfast.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo including breakfast.
• Accommodation for 4 nights on 5-star Superior Nile Cruise on a full board basis.
• Entrance fees to all sites in Turkey and Egypt as indicated in the itinerary.
• Professional English-speaking guiding services throughout your trip.
• Meals in hotels, cruise, and during your tours in Egypt & Turkey as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

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

IMPORTANT INFO:

• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided 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.
• 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.