16-Day Egypt and Turkey Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo

The welcome for guests arriving in Cairo for an Egypt and Turkey adventure goes on around the clock. A tour manager will greet you and offer assistance as soon as you arrive at Cairo International Airport. He, along with a driver will then drive you to the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa in cool air conditioned comfort.

After you’ve checked in, your tour manager will go over your itinerary for your holiday, and confirm the start times for every tour you are taking. They will then leave you to enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

DAY 2 – Extensive Cairo Historical Monuments Tour

Begin your first full day in Egypt with a delicious breakfast at your hotel and then at the time which was agreed on yesterday, one of our Expert guides and a driver will fetch you, and then your sightseeing tour will begin. First up, you will be taken to the Giza Plateau to see Egypt’s most instantly recognizable monuments, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. You will also have some time to visit the Valley Temple which is located in the same necropolis.

After you have had ample time to admire and explore this amazing site, you will then be taken for lunch at a good local restaurant. Once lunch is over, your next stop will be at the Egyptian Museum, home to more than a quarter of a million artifacts. While at the museum, you will also visit the Treasures Room which is houses all the artifacts and treasures that were recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamen in the early 20th century.

Next, you will make your way to an area known as Coptic Cairo where you will be taken to see the famous Ben Ezra Synagogue and the famous Hanging Church of Cairo. After visiting these two sites, you will proceed on to the old Islamic quarter to visit one of Cairo’s most fascinating sites, the old Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This expansive market has been open for hundreds of years already, and most visitors would agree that no trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to the Bazaar even if you have no intention of buying anything.

Finally, day 2 of your Egypt-Turkey Tour Package draws to a close with you being driven back to your hotel where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and a great night’s sleep at your luxury hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Your Nile Cruise Begins

Your morning will be spent flying into Luxor from Cairo Airport and boarding the Movenpick MS Royal Lily for your luxury Nile River cruise. A tour representative will meet you in Luxor to transport you to the boarding destination in a comfortable vehicle with air-conditioning. You will enjoy lunch aboard your 5-star vessel, and then step off to tour the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temples. Return to the vessel for dinner and an enjoyable night on board.

Meals included: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 4: See the Sights of Luxor

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then head out to tour the Valley of the Kings. This is a cemetery holding the remains of 62 Pharaohs. The next stop will be the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built in the 15th century BC by the New Kingdom Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The final stop before lunch is the Colossi of Memnon.

Refuel with lunch, and then sail towards Edfu for the remainder of the day. You will have dinner and spend the night on board your luxury vessel.

Meals included: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 5: Excursions into Edfu and Kom Ombo

Enjoy a cruise-worthy breakfast onboard, and then step off the vessel to see the Ptolemaic Temple. This temple was dedicated to Horus at Edfu and has been preserved remarkably well through the years. Back onboard, you will sail to Kom Ombo and step off the ship again to see the Temple of Sobek. Sobek is the crocodile god, and this temple was dedicated to him and the falcon-headed god, Horus. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard as you cruise toward Aswan. Spend the night onboard.

Meals included: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 6: See the Sights of Aswan

Fuel up with breakfast because you will need the energy for an exciting day in Aswan. Your trip will begin in ancient Egypt, in the northern area of the stone quarries. You will see the largest known ancient obelisk, the Unfinished Obelisk. You will also visit the Temple of Philae. This temple was dedicated to goddesses Hathor and isis and is a true gem.

A local felucca boat will take you on a sailing tour around Elephantine Island, and then you will return to your luxury vessel for dinner and another relaxing night on your Nile cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 7: Return to Cairo

Your Nile cruise is now over, and it is time to fly from Aswan Airport back to Cairo Airport. A tour representative will transport you from the airport in an air-conditioned vehicle and make sure you are safely checked into your Cairo hotel room. You will spend the night in Cairo.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 – Flight to Istanbul in Turkey

Enjoy one last breakfast in Cairo, and then at the appropriate time one of our tour representatives and a driver will collect you, and you will be transferred to the airport in time for you to board your flight to Istanbul in Turkey.

On arrival at the airport in Istanbul, another one of our tour representatives will be standing by to meet and greet you at the airport, and they will then escort you to the luxury hotel where you will be staying while you are this fascinating city. Once at the hotel, you will be assisted with check-in, and then our tour representative will discuss your tour itinerary with you and also confirm pick-up times and etc. With all the formalities taken care of, you will then be left on your own to enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9 – Istanbul Historical Monuments Tour

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, and then it will soon be time for your Istanbul tour to begin. The first stop today will be at the famous Hagia Sophia. Constantine the Great built this structure to be a church in the 4th century, but it was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman era and is now a museum representing the history of Islam and Christianity.
After Hagia Sophia, you will then be taken to visit the Blue Mosque, which was named for the blue tiles that cover the interior walls. This structure is considered a brilliant masterpiece of the 17th century. Next up will be a trip to the hippodrome, and then on to the indescribable Topkapi Palace which is considered to be one of the very best attractions in Istanbul.

Apart for the palace’s impressive treasury the exquisite harem, there are also a vast number of amazing antiquities on display, so you can be sure that your visit to this site is definitely going to be a memorable one. Once you have finished exploring this spectacular site, you will then make your way back to your hotel where you will be able to enjoy a good night’s rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 10 – Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul Sightseeing

Enjoy another superb hotel breakfast and then at the time that was agreed with you yesterday, you will be met at your hotel, and then you will be taken to visit Istanbul’s famous spice bazaar. After enjoying a bit of time at the bazaar, you will then board a boat and you will be taken for a cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow stretch of ocean which runs through the center of Istanbul, separating Europe from Asia.

When your cruise ends, you will cross the Bosphorus via the 1st Bosphorus Bridge and you will make your way to the top of Camlica Hill to enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul, the Sea of Mamara, and the Prince’s Islands. Next, you will head back down the hill to visit Beylerbeyi Palace which is located on the Bosphorus shoreline. While this palace may not be one of the oldest Ottoman palaces, it is certainly one of the most beautiful and most elegant palaces from the late Ottoman period.

With another wonderful day of sightseeing behind you, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, and then you will have the remainder of the day to yourself.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 11 – Flight to Cappadocia and Leisure Time

Shortly after you have finished your breakfast, one of our tour representatives will meet you at the hotel, and then you will be transferred to the airport where you will board a short domestic flight to Cappadocia.

On arrival at the airport in Cappadocia, you will again be met by one of our tour representatives, and then you will be transferred to the luxurious hotel where you will be staying while you are in Cappadocia. Once you have been assisted with check-in, you will then have the remainder of the day to yourself.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 12 – Full Day Sightseeing at Cappadocia

Day 12 of your Egypt-Turkey itinerary is once again going to be a truly unforgettable day that begins shortly after you have had your breakfast. Your first stop of the day will be at the remarkable open-air museum at Goreme and from there you will head to Uchisar, a formidable natural fortress. While at this site, your guide will tell you all about the long and rich history behind the many local handicrafts which you will see in the area. After exploring the area for a while, you will then head back to your hotel in time for a delicious dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 13 – South Cappadocia Tour and Flight to Izmir

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then your guide will arrive and assist you with check-out, and then your sightseeing tour of South Cappadocia. The first highlight of the day will be Kizilcukur, a relatively remote valley located behind Urgup. The valley is best known for its beautiful rock formations and several rock-carved churches which almost entirely hidden from view.

The area is known for its countless tracks that connect a number small villages and towns. The tracks take you through vineyards and gardens and you are certain to see villagers working in the area who are only too happy to offer you grapes, apples or apricots to you.

The second highlight of your tour will be Cavusin which is one of the oldest settlements in the region. Cavusin is located just 2km from Goreme, on the Göreme to Avanos road. While you are here you will also be taken to see the Church of St. John the Baptist which offers a spectacular view of the village. This church, as well as its paintings, dates back to the 5th century, making it the oldest church in the area. At one point the church had a huge courtyard which was very unusual for Cappadocia. However, this courtyard has eroded away over the years.

The third highlight of the day will be the Underground City which words simply cannot describe. There are several underground cities in the region but this is both the oldest and the biggest. It has 8 floors below ground but not all of these are open to visitors.

Finally, you will be taken to see the nearby Pigeon House which is a collective name for an area which is home to numerous pigeon houses which were once carved out of the area’s fascinating rock formations. After visiting this site, you will then be driven to the airport where you will board a short flight to İzmir. On arrival at Izmir, you will again be met, and then transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 14 – Sightseeing at Pammukkale and Overnight at Kusadasi

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel, and then at the time that was confirmed with you yesterday, you will be picked up, and you will enjoy an unforgettable tour that will see you visiting several of Pammukkale’s most fascinating historical sites, including the ancient Hierapolis with its magnificent Necropolis, graveyard, lime cascade, Roman baths, Basilica, and the area’s famous Cotton Cliffs which are classified as one on the Natural Wonders of the World.

Today’s tour of these sites lasts for a full day, so you will only arrive back at your hotel at around 19h00, but still in time for a good and well deserved dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 15 – Sightseeing Tours and Flight to Istanbul

Start the 15th day of your Egypt and Turkey Itinerary with another hearty breakfast at your hotel, and then it will be time for you to checkout. Shortly after check-out, you will be picked up from the hotel, and you will be driven to the Ancient city of Ephesus for some great sightseeing opportunities. This will include visiting the area’s magnificent library, theater and a number of ancient temples.

Next, you will be taken to visit the incredible Virgin Mary’s House and the Basilica of St. John. This will be followed by a nice lunch, and then you will be taken to see a somewhat special type of fashion show which showcases a wide range of leather goods made in Turkey. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the show if you want to.

Finally, you will be driven to Izmir Airport where you will board a short domestic flight back to Istanbul. On arrival at Istanbul, one of our tour representatives will be standing by to meet and assist you, and to escort you to the luxury hotel where you will be spending the last night of your Egypt-Turkey Tour Package.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 16 – Egypt and Turkey Itinerary Ends and Final Departure

Sadly, this is the last day of your unforgettable Egypt and Turkey Itinerary. Before you leave however, you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast at your hotel, and you’ll have a few hours to do as you please before our consultant comes to collect you for your drive to Istanbul International Airport. No doubt you’ll be boarding your plane with a heavy heart, and our staff will be sad to see you go. With that having been said, there’s a very real possibility that you will be back soon.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusions – What is included in your Egypt and Turkey Itinerary:

• Meet and assist upon arrival and departure at airports
• All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo (includes breakfasts)
• Accommodation for 4 nights on 5-Star cruise ship (full board)
• Accommodation for 4 nights in Istanbul (includes breakfasts)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Cappadocia (full board)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Kusadasi (full board)
• Domestic flights in Egypt from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo
• Domestic flights Istanbul- Cappadocia / Cappadocia – Izmir /  Izmir – Istanbul
• All tours in Cairo as mentioned in the Egypt-Turkey tour package itinerary (private tours)
• All tours in Turkey as mentioned in itinerary (group tours)
• All sightseeing tours during river cruise (group tours)
• Entrance fees to all sites as indicated in the Egypt-Turkey tour package itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary
• Free bottled water during tours in Egypt
• English speaking guide for all tours
• Portage when needed.
• All service charges and taxes.

Exclusions – What is not included in your Egypt and Turkey Itinerary:

• International airfare.
• Entry visas for Egypt and Turkey.
• Optional tours.
• Personal expenses.
• Tipping.

Accommodation Plan

• Dosso Dossi Hotel, Old City Istanbul
• Efe Boutique Hotel, Kusadasi
• Mustafa Hotel, Cappadocia
• Le Passage Hotel and Casino, Cairo
• Movenpick Media City Hotel, Cairo
• MS Salacia Nile Cruise (Suite)

Prices for our 16-Day Egypt and Turkey Itinerary are quoted in US$ per person and are valid until the 30th of April 2024. Please inquire for pricing over Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter holidays.