The Grand Tour of Turkey and Egypt

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, your representative will greet you at Gate Number 8, provide assistance, and accompany you to your hotel to begin your journey. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul. Begin with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and one of the city's most recognized landmarks. Continue to Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays), an expansive historical complex featuring gardens, courtyards, and royal chambers overlooking the Golden Horn.

Next, explore the majestic Blue Mosque, famous for its six elegant minarets and striking domes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Roman Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life and the site of chariot races. Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and religious holidays), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where you'll have free time to explore. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, your day on the Turkey and Egypt tour begins with a visit to the historic Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market built in the 17th century in the heart of Eminönü. From there, board a public ferry for a scenic Bosphorus cruise, gliding between Europe and Asia while enjoying panoramic views of grand landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress, all lining the shores.

Next, explore the charming districts of Fener and Balat, where cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and cozy cafés make for the perfect stroll and photo opportunities. These neighborhoods are famous backdrops for many Turkish TV series and offer a glimpse into authentic local life.

You'll also see the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen from the outside—an architectural gem made entirely of cast iron—and pass by the Orthodox Patriarchate Church located in Balat.

Wrap up the day at the Pierre Loti Café, a beloved retreat of the French writer, where you can soak in stunning views of the Golden Horn. Transfer back to your hotel afterward.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Depart early by bus for Ankara, the capital city of the Republic of Turkey. Travel through the scenic Bolu Mountains before arriving in Ankara. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Ankara.

After breakfast, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, recognized as Europe’s Best Museum in 1997 for its impressive collection of artifacts from Asia Minor, particularly the Hittite era. Next, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Continue your journey to Cappadocia, a remarkable region in Anatolia known for its surreal rock formations. On the way, enjoy views of the Salt Lake before reaching your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day tour through the enchanting region of Cappadocia. Begin at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches decorated with ancient frescoes. Continue to the troglodyte village of Uçhisar and explore the scenic Pigeon Valley. Take in the surreal landscapes of Love Valley, known for its unique, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Head to Avanos, a town famous for traditional pottery. In the afternoon, venture into the underground city of Serhatlı (or Özkonak), a multi-level refuge used by early Christians during the 6th and 7th centuries. Conclude the day with visits to a carpet weaving center and a workshop specializing in onyx and jewelry. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, depart for Aksaray, tracing the historic Silk Road along the way. Stop to explore the Sultanhan Caravanserai, an ancient roadside inn that once served as a shelter for camel caravans. Continue the journey to Pamukkale, where you’ll check in at your hotel. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in the hotel.
Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Pamukkale, or the “Cotton Castle,” known for its dazzling white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Continue to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, once a thriving Phrygian city and later a Byzantine episcopal center. Journey onward to Kusadasi, stopping en route at the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. Along the way, enjoy a live leather fashion show showcasing high-quality Turkish craftsmanship.

Next, explore the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in Asia Minor, which once housed around 250,000 inhabitants in the 1st and 2nd centuries. Highlights include the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, and the grand theater that could seat up to 24,500 people. End the day with a transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Kusadasi.

Start your day with breakfast, then continue your Turkey and Egypt tour with a journey to Pergamon, home to the renowned ancient medical center Asclepion, once a healing sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius, and where the legendary doctor Galen practiced. After exploring this historical site, travel to Troy, the city immortalized in Homer’s The Iliad and associated with the epic Trojan War. Conclude your day with a transfer to your hotel in Çanakkale, where dinner will be served.
Overnight in Çanakkale.

After breakfast, set out toward Istanbul with a stop in Bursa, the original capital of the Ottoman Empire, known for its stunning mosques, historic fountains, traditional Turkish baths, and vibrant silk industry. Highlights of your visit include the 14th-century Great Mosque, the elegant Green Mosque, the Green Mausoleum, and a stroll through the local silk bazaar. Later, continue your journey to Istanbul, where you’ll check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and enjoy some free time until you're transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, our representative will assist you and transfer you to your hotel in Cairo.
Overnight in Cairo.

After a delicious and wholesome breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the Giza Plateau, where you'll marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Visit the iconic Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Following your pyramid tour, enjoy lunch at a traditional Egyptian restaurant before heading to the New Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza Museum), located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Giza pyramid complex. The GEM Complex is currently offering limited access for site testing and visitor experience ahead of its official opening, allowing you to explore the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, and exterior gardens. After your visit, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.

Today, you'll depart from Cairo and head to the vibrant city of Aswan. Meet your tour manager in the morning at your hotel, where they will accompany you to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be assisted and begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor. Next, explore the massive Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern area of Egypt’s ancient stone quarries. Afterward, you'll be transferred to your Nile Cruise for check-in and lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax, followed by dinner on board.
Overnight: aboard your cruise.

Set sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy breakfast on board. Upon arrival, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, a unique temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Haeroris. Continue your journey to Edfu, where you'll have lunch on board before visiting the remarkably well-preserved Horus Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy tea while sailing towards Esna, followed by dinner on board.
Overnight: aboard your cruise.

Set sail to Luxor and enjoy breakfast on board. Afterward, head to the West Bank for an excursion to the royal burial site, the Valley of the Kings, where 62 pharaohs are laid to rest. Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, constructed by the New Kingdom architects during the 15th century BC, at El-Deir El-Bahari, followed by a visit to the impressive Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy lunch on board and relax with afternoon tea as you sail. Dinner will be served on board.
Overnight: aboard your cruise.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking from your Nile cruise. Afterward, visit the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. In the afternoon, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, meet your representative and proceed to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Cairo.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take some free time before your flight. After check-out, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your final departure. This marks the end of your memorable Turkey and Egypt tour.