Turkey and Egypt Tour Itinerary

Unveil the Wonders of Turkey and Egypt: A Journey Through Time and Beauty

You will be saturated with history and ancient cultures on this mystical budget tour of Turkey and Egypt in this fortnight package with small groups. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our meticulously crafted 15-day itinerary that takes you through the heart of two of the world’s most captivating destinations—Turkey and Egypt. This journey is a seamless blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures, offering you an unparalleled experience that will leave you spellbound.

Begin your adventure in Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Wander through its bustling bazaars, marvel at the grandeur of its mosques, and cruise along the serene Bosphorus Strait, where the continents of Europe and Asia converge. From there, soar to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys and cave dwellings create a surreal backdrop for your hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the spiritual sanctuary of the House of the Virgin Mary, before immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Pamukkale’s terraced thermal pools.

Next, journey to the land of the pharaohs—Egypt. Stand in awe before the timeless Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, and let the stories of ancient civilizations come alive under the stars during a mesmerizing sound and light show. Sail down the legendary Nile River on a luxurious cruise, where every bend reveals a new treasure—from the temples of Luxor and Karnak to the Valley of the Kings and the majestic Abu Simbel. Conclude your journey in Cairo, where the vibrant pulse of modern life meets the echoes of a glorious past.

This itinerary is more than just a trip—it’s a voyage through time, a celebration of human ingenuity, and a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a seeker of unforgettable experiences, this journey promises to ignite your imagination and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Are you ready to explore the wonders of Turkey and Egypt? Let the adventure begin!

Turkey & Egypt Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Upon your arrival at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), a friendly representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name. They will provide a private transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, your agent will meet you at the hotel to deliver your tour tickets and go over the itinerary in person, ensuring you have all the necessary details for your journey.

Day 2: Istanbul to Cappadocia & Tour
Begin your day with an early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Once you land, a tour guide will meet you to begin your adventure. Your first stop is the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgüp, a site so iconic it’s often featured in advertisements. You’ll then explore the Özkonak Underground City, one of the largest and deepest of the region’s 200 subterranean settlements, where you can descend into the heart of the earth. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Day 3: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour
You have the option to start your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon experience over the surreal landscape. After, you’ll visit the Devrent Valley, also known as “Imagination Valley,” where unique rock formations resemble various animals. Next, you’ll discover the “fairy chimneys” of Pasabag, where the sound of the wind is said to mix with the songs of fairies. The tour continues to the town of Avanos, famous for its pottery since 3000 BC, where you’ll watch a demonstration at a traditional workshop. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Byzantine-era, rock-cut churches adorned with stunning frescoes. Your last stop is the Uchisar Rock-Castle, which offers a panoramic view of the entire region.

Day 4: Cappadocia, Konya, & Pamukkale
Today, you’ll depart early for Pamukkale. On the way, you’ll stop in Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, a serene and historically significant site dedicated to the world-renowned mystic and founder of the Sufi order. Continuing to Pamukkale, you’ll check into a thermal hotel where you can relax and unwind in the therapeutic thermal pools until 10:30 PM.

Day 5: Pamukkale to Kusadasi
This morning, you’ll explore the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, often called the “Cotton Castle,” and the ancient city of Hierapolis. This site features a magnificent necropolis (cemetery), a well-preserved theater, and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Later, you’ll travel to Kusadasi for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Kusadasi, Ephesus, & Flight to Istanbul
Your first stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only a single column remains today. You will then walk through the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, exploring marble streets and remarkable public buildings like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the massive Great Theater that once held 24,000 spectators. After Ephesus, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a significant pilgrimage site where it is believed she lived until her death. Following the tour, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 7: Full-Day Istanbul Tour
Your tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world straddling two continents, begins this morning. You’ll delve into its rich history, spanning more than 2,600 years under different empires. You will visit Topkapi Palace, the lavish former residence of Ottoman sultans, and the stunning Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture. Next, you’ll explore the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and intricate blue tiles, and the historic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine civic life. Your final stop is the vibrant Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a bustling marketplace filled with the aromas of spices, herbs, and Turkish delights.

Day 8: Istanbul to Cairo
Today you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and provide a transfer to your hotel. Please note that the flight from Istanbul to Cairo is not included in the package price.

Day 9: Cairo Tour
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Cairo, starting at the Giza Plateau. Here, you’ll stand in awe of the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus and their eternal guardian, the Great Sphinx. Afterward, you’ll visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, with over 250,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history. You’ll then return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 10: Cairo to Luxor & Nile Cruise
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you’ll be guided to your Nile Cruise ship, where you’ll have lunch on board. Later, you’ll begin your tour of Luxor, often called the world’s largest open-air museum, visiting the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples on the east bank of the Nile. These temples are a breathtaking testament to ancient Egyptian architecture. Afterward, you’ll return to the ship for dinner and an overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 11: Luxor to Edfu
Enjoy breakfast on board before you visit the west bank of the Nile. Your tour includes the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs, and the impressive mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. You’ll also see the towering Colossi of Memnon. You’ll then set sail toward Edfu, enjoying lunch on board and some free time to relax. You will stay overnight in Edfu.

Day 12: Edfu, Kom Ombo, & Aswan
Your day begins with a visit to the Edfu Temple, a beautifully preserved Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus. You’ll then sail to Kom Ombo to explore its unique temple, which is dedicated to two gods: Haroeris (the falcon god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). Afterward, you’ll sail to Aswan for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13: Aswan
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Aswan Dam, a major engineering feat of the 20th century that was crucial for controlling the Nile River’s annual flooding. Next, you’ll take a boat to Philae Temple, which was dedicated to the goddess Isis and relocated stone by stone to save it from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a felucca (traditional sailboat) ride on the Nile, offering picturesque views of Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands.

Day 14: Aswan & Cairo
After breakfast and disembarking from the cruise, you’ll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. If you’ve booked the optional Abu Simbel tour, you’ll take a flight to see the colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertiti before returning to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final overnight stay.

Day 15: Departure from Cairo
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight back home, concluding your incredible journey through Turkey and Egypt.

Included and Excluded

Itinerary