18-Day Turkey, Greece, Egypt Tour

When you land at Istanbul Airport, an English-speaking driver will be waiting to meet and assist you. You will then be escorted to your hotel to begin your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or start exploring Istanbul at your own pace.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then get ready for a full day discovering the treasures of Istanbul. In the morning, you will visit the famous Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture. Your next stop is the Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays), an expansive historical complex made up of pavilions, courtyards, and gardens overlooking the entrance to the Golden Horn.

The tour continues to the impressive Blue Mosque, admired for its six slender minarets, graceful domes, and beautiful interior tiles. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will see the Roman Hippodrome, where chariot races and public events entertained the citizens of Constantinople for more than a thousand years. The day ends at the legendary Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market where you will have some free time to wander, shop, or simply soak up the atmosphere (closed on Sundays and religious holidays). After your visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After some time at the bazaar, it will then be time for us to drive you to the airport in time for your short domestic flight to Cappadocia where you will once again be met at the airport and then driven to the hotel where you will be staying for the next 2 nights of your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour.

Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour continues with a blend of culture and scenery. You will begin the day at the historic Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, built in the 17th century and located in the lively Eminönü district. Here, colorful stalls are filled with spices, sweets, teas, and local delicacies.

Next, you will board a public boat for a memorable Bosphorus cruise, sailing along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you cruise, you will enjoy panoramic views of palaces and fortresses lining both shores, including the elegant Dolmabahçe Palace, the refined Çırağan Palace, and the imposing Rumeli Fortress, among other landmarks.

After the cruise, the tour continues to the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their cobbled streets, charming themed cafés, and the iconic rows of colorful houses often seen in Turkish TV series. You will visit the remarkable Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, constructed entirely of cast iron, and see the Church of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Balat area.

The day concludes at the famous Pierre Loti Café, a viewpoint beloved by the French writer Pierre Loti, offering stunning vistas over the Golden Horn. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia, one of the highlights of your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour. Upon arrival, you will start a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia.

Your first visit will be to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as a medieval monastic complex carved into the soft volcanic rock. From there, you will continue to the Ortahisar Panorama, which offers superb views of the natural rock castle, traditional stone houses, and picturesque mosques.

A short drive then brings you to Paşabağı (Valley of the Monks), where you can admire some of the region’s most striking fairy chimneys. Afterward, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos, a town situated on the banks of the Kızılırmak (Red River), famous for its pottery and handicrafts.

In the afternoon, you will stop at Devrent Valley, known for its unusual rock formations, and then continue to the Three Beauties Valley, which offers a lovely view over the town of Ürgüp. A panoramic stop at Göreme Panorama, south of Göreme, rounds off your sightseeing before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will set out for a comprehensive tour of South Cappadocia. The day begins with a 4 km walk through the scenic Red and Rose Valleys, known for their colorful rock formations and peaceful walking paths. You will then continue to the Valley of Love (originally called White Valley), which offers magnificent views of gracefully shaped rock chimneys.

Your journey continues with a visit to an underground city (Serhatlı or Özkonak), carved several levels below the ground. These cities were used by early Christians as shelters from invaders during the 6th and 7th centuries, and your guide will explain their fascinating history. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit the ancient Christian village of Çavuşin, which offers remarkable views over the surrounding landscape. You will then proceed to Uçhisar, where a natural rock fortress provides excellent photo opportunities from every angle.

To complete the experience, you will visit a carpet workshop to see how traditional Turkish carpets are woven, followed by a stop at an onyx and jewelry workshop. At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.

Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, a lovely seaside town on the Aegean coast and another key stop on your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour.

Overnight in Kuşadası.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Following breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis. At Pamukkale, you will see the famous Cotton Cliffs, dazzling white terraces formed over thousands of years by deposits of calcareous salts – recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world.

You will also visit the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, where you can explore the ruins of the basilica, theater, and Roman baths. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kuşadası to relax for the evening.

Overnight in Kuşadası.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will drive to the legendary ancient city of Ephesus. Here you will explore the city’s magnificent theater, library, and impressive temples, gaining insight into life in one of the most important cities of the ancient world.

The tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site, and the Basilica of St. John. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an entertaining fashion show, where you can see and, if you wish, purchase high-quality leather products made in Turkey.

Later, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then check out. You will have some free time until your transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Athens, the next country on your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour.

When you arrive at Athens Airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative and then transferred to your hotel in the city center. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Athens.
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will begin a panoramic tour of the Neoclassical Center of Athens. You will see important sites such as the Greek Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University, the National Library, the National Academy, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Panathenaic Stadium, along with many other notable monuments.

Your next visit will be to the “sacred rock” of the Acropolis, where you will explore its unique and majestic structures, followed by a tour of the Acropolis Museum. Entrance fees for both sites are included, and your licensed English-speaking guide will share the rich history behind each location.

At the end of your tour, you may choose to return to your hotel or continue exploring on your own through the charming streets of Plaka.

Overnight in Athens.
Meals Included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the port to embark on a full-day cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands.

• Hydra – Your first stop is this picturesque, car-free island, popular with the international jet-set. You can take a donkey ride, stroll along the cobblestone streets, and visit the Mitropolis at your own pace.
• Poros – Next, you will visit Poros, known for its charming clock tower facing the Peloponnese.
• Aegina – The last stop is Aegina, a favorite weekend escape for Athenians. Here you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or join an optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaea. Make sure to buy some pistachios, as Aegina is famous worldwide for their quality.

A buffet lunch will be served on board during the cruise. On the return journey, you will have the chance to see and participate in traditional Greek dancing before disembarking and transferring back to your hotel.

Overnight in Athens.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will have some free time until your transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Cairo, the final country on your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour.

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative and then transferred to your hotel in Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your hotel, and then meet your guide for a full-day historical experience. You will begin at the Giza Plateau, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Pyramids of Giza. You will also visit the iconic Sphinx and the Valley Temple.

After your pyramid visit, you will have lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant. You will then continue to the New Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also referred to as the Giza Museum, located about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the pyramid complex.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Today you will leave Cairo and fly south to Aswan, one of the most beautiful cities along the Nile. Early in the morning, your tour manager will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Cairo Airport for your flight.

Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be assisted and then taken to visit the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor. You will also see the impressive Unfinished Obelisk, located in the northern area of Aswan’s ancient stone quarries.

After your sightseeing, you will transfer to your Nile cruise for check-in and lunch on board. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities on the ship. Dinner will be served on board in the evening.

Overnight aboard your Nile cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This day of your Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour focuses on magnificent temples along the Nile. Sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy breakfast on board. Upon arrival, you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely shared by two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haeroris (Horus the Elder).

After your visit, the ship will sail to Edfu, where you will have lunch on board. In Edfu, you will explore the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. Later, you will enjoy afternoon tea as the ship sails onward to Esna. Dinner will be served on board.

Overnight aboard your Nile cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sail to Luxor while enjoying breakfast on board, and then set out to explore the famous West Bank of the Nile. Your excursion includes a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of many New Kingdom pharaohs, followed by the spectacular Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs.

You will also stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once guarded the entrance to a grand temple. Lunch will be served on board, and you can relax with afternoon tea later in the day. Dinner will be served on the cruise in the evening.

Overnight aboard your Nile cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast on board, you will disembark from your Nile cruise. Today you will visit two of Luxor’s greatest temples on the East Bank: the vast Karnak Temple Complex and the elegant Luxor Temple.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will meet your representative and be transferred to your hotel for your final night in Egypt.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time before checking out. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your final departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Turkey, Greece, Egypt tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast