13-Day Wonders of Egypt & Turkey Tour

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

Upon your arrival at Cairo Airport, our company representative will be waiting to welcome you in the arrivals area. Look for a signboard bearing your name. After a warm meet and greet, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Cairo. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Overnight: Cairo
Included Meal(s): No meals included
Accommodation: Pyramisa Suites Hotel OR Ramses Hilton or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour

After breakfast, around 8:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel by your professional guide to begin your tour of the Giza Plateau. Here, you will visit 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 see the majestic Great Sphinx of Giza and the Giza Valley Temple.

Next, you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, including the treasures of the legendary boy king, Tutankhamun.

The tour continues to Coptic Cairo, where you’ll explore the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, followed by a visit to Islamic Cairo and the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

After the tour, return to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

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

Day 3: Fly from Cairo to Aswan – Nile Cruise (Departs: Mon, Wed, Fri)

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to visit the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Temple of Philae.

After the tour, board your Nile Cruise for embarkation. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner onboard as you settle in.

Overnight: On board Nile Cruise
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu

After breakfast on board, sail to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris.

Continue sailing to Edfu, where you’ll visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Enjoy afternoon tea on deck as you pass through Esna Lock and sail toward Luxor.

Optional: You may join a group tour to the Abu Simbel Temples for an additional USD 150 per person. Early morning pickup is around 3:40 AM.

Overnight: On board Nile Cruise
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Edfu – Luxor (East Bank)

Today, the cruise reaches Luxor. After disembarkation, begin your tour at the Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt.

Then, visit the Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night. After the tour, return to the cruise for the evening.

Overnight: On board Nile Cruise
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Luxor (West Bank) – Fly Back to Cairo

After breakfast and disembarkation, head to the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of ancient Pharaohs. Visit the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to Egypt’s powerful female ruler.

Stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the towering statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. After the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

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

Day 7: Fly from Cairo to Istanbul (Airfare Not Included)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. A representative will meet you at the hotel and arrange your transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by another representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own.

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

Day 8: 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 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.

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

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.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own.

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

Day 9: Fly to Denizli – Pamukkale Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 am. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale, where you’ll meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

The tour starts at Karahayit, where you can see the famous Red Spring Waters. Then continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, visiting the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore the natural wonders of Pamukkale or optionally swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools (entry fee not included).

Later, walk along the famous Cotton Cliffs (travertines) with your guide before transferring to your hotel in Kuşadası around 4:00 pm. You’ll arrive around 7:30 pm and check in.

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

Day 10: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel around 8:30 am and meet your guide for a full-day tour of Ephesus. Key sites include the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, pass by the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, stop at the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.

After the tour ends at 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Overnight: 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 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, begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Visit Devrent Valley to see its unique rock formations, then continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to view its iconic fairy chimneys.

Next, travel to Avanos, a town famous for pottery. After lunch, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, showcasing carved churches and monastic life.

Before returning to the hotel, stop for a panoramic photo opportunity outside Uchisar Castle (interior access 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 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 mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you may opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, which includes traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

Overnight: 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 12: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. At 9:30 am, begin the full-day South Cappadocia tour. Start at the Red Valley, hike through the Rose Valley, and visit Cavusin Village.

After lunch, continue to Pigeon Valley and then explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, both built by early Christians for protection.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

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

Day 13: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, check out from your hotel (before 12:00 noon). You will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport based on your flight schedule. This marks the end of our tour and services.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• 3 nights in Cairo at a 5-star hotel including breakfast
• 3 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a boutique hotel including breakfast
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave-style hotel including breakfast
• 3 nights on a 5-star superior Nile Cruise including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Meet and Greet service by our representatives upon arrival & departure
• Domestic flight within Egypt (Cairo – Aswan – Luxor – Cairo)
• Domestic flight within Turkey (Istanbul – Denizli – Izmir – Kayseri – Istanbul)
• 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 Cairo to Istanbul.
• 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:

• The tour in Turkey is designed for a regular group, while the tour in Egypt is arranged as a private 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