9-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: 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.

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: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir – 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 Back to Istanbul

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, 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 5: Fly from Istanbul to Cairo (Flight Not Included) – Airport Pick-up

After breakfast, you will proceed to Istanbul International Airport to board your international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Cairo. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

Please note that international flight tickets from Istanbul to Cairo are not included in the tour package. Guests are responsible for arranging their own flight tickets.

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

Day 6: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Coptic & Islamic Cairo, and Khan El Khalili Tour

After breakfast at around 8:00 am, your personal guide will accompany you to the Giza Plateau, where you’ll encounter one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the largest and most iconic pyramid, along with the Pyramid of Chephren and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Following these awe-inspiring structures, you’ll visit the legendary Great Sphinx and the Giza Valley Temple.

Next, you’ll head to the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to an incredible collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt. Among its treasures, you’ll find the famed Tutankhamun’s treasures, including the iconic golden mask and various items from the young pharaoh’s tomb that bring the grandeur of ancient Egypt vividly to life.

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, sampling some traditional Egyptian cuisine.

After lunch, your tour takes you to Coptic Cairo, where you’ll explore the historical Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest churches. You’ll also visit the nearby Ben Ezra Synagogue, a site rich with history and thought to be the place where baby Moses was found.

Finally, a short drive will bring you to Islamic Cairo, home to the bustling and colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This vibrant market, Cairo’s oldest, offers a wide range of shops where you can find spices, jewelry, textiles, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs, making for an authentic Egyptian shopping experience.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is free.

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

Day 7: Fly to Luxor from Cairo – Luxor East Bank Tour

In the early morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Luxor, where you will meet your guide and begin a full-day tour of the West Bank.

Your first stop will be the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its royal tombs adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors that have lasted millennia.

Next, you’ll visit the Valley of the Queens, where the tombs of queens and royal children lie, showcasing beautiful reliefs and detailed artwork.

The tour continues to the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural achievement dedicated to one of Ancient Egypt’s most remarkable rulers.

You’ll also stop at the iconic Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that are all that remain of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, standing as silent sentinels of Egypt’s glorious past.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Luxor for check-in.

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

Day 8: Luxor West Bank Tour – Fly back to Cairo

After breakfast and checkout from your hotel, you will be picked up to begin your visit to the incredible Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest and most significant religious structures ever built. Home to an array of ancient temples, chapels, pylons, and ruins, Karnak offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of life in Ancient Egypt. As you explore its massive halls and towering columns, soak up the unique atmosphere and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Luxor airport for your late evening return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

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

Day 9: 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:

• Greetings and transfers between airports and hotels.
• Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia / Cairo & Luxor.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast.
• 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cairo at 5-star Hotels including breakfast.
• 1 night in Luxor at 5-star Hotels including breakfast.
• English-speaking local guide during the tour in Turkey and Egypt.
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Entry visas to Turkey and Egypt.
• Flight ticket from Istanbul to Cairo.
• 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:

• 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 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.