Cradles of Civilizations – Turkey & Egypt Tour

We begin our tour with a visit to the Blue Mosque, followed by the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the Aya Sophia museum. We then head to the Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Today we visit the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, take a private ferry ride on the Bosphorus strait, and tour Dolmabahce Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans followed by a trip over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill in the Asian Side. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After checking out of our hotel, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for the early morning flight to Kayseri.

Upon arrival, transfer to Cappadocia to begin our tour of the North Cappadocia, including a hike through volcanic rock formations and visits to the Red Valley, Pasabagi area, Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar. End of the tour, transfer to the cave hotel and check in. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional hot air balloon tour is available today.
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, today we explore the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, Kaymakli, and visit the Ihlara Valley with its more than 4,000 homes and 100 cave churches. Take a lunch break in Belisirma village before heading to Selime to see the largest rock monastery in the region.

End of the tour, transfer to Kayseri for the evening flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to Izmir, we will transfer you to Kusadasi for overnight stay.

Visit the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus and its highlights such as the Agora, Odeon, Roman Baths, and Grand Theatre. Enjoy lunch at a local Turkish restaurant before exploring the House of Virgin Mary and the Artemis Temple site. If time allows, visit the old Greek Orthodox village of Sirince.

End of the tour, overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Today, we will visit Pamukkale, a natural wonder with stunning white limestone and travertine terraces. After exploring the terraces, we’ll visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Martyrium of St. Philip. Following the tour, we will transfer you to Denizli Çardak Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a free evening to explore and shop. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Check out from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for a flight to Cairo. Upon your arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and guided through customs and immigration for the visa process. After collecting your luggage, your personal driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel.

Once you’ve settled in, you have the option to relax and rest before your exciting week begins or start exploring the city. You might venture out to try some local cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Step back in time with a tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara. Your Egyptologist guide will lead the way, allowing you to decide how much time to spend at each site.

The Giza Plateau, just 30 minutes from Cairo, offers a fascinating introduction to the pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menakaure. You’ll have free time to enter one of the pyramids. Following your visit, you’ll get a photo opportunity of the three pyramids rising from the sand with the Cairo skyline in the background. A short drive will bring you to the Sphinx, Egypt’s enigmatic symbol.

Next, you’ll visit Sakkara, home of Egypt’s oldest pyramid, built in 2800 B.C. Your guide will provide a brief history of the famous Step Pyramid, and you’ll have free time to explore. You will also have the chance to visit the Papyrus Institute to see how this famous artwork is made.

Start your day at the Egyptian Museum, home to pharaohs’ treasures dating back over 5,000 years. Highlights include the colossal statues of Ramses II and the treasures of Tutankhamun, including the golden mask.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, and shop for treasures in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Enjoy a drink at El Fishawy Café and attend a tanowra and folklore show at Wekalet El Ghori. Dinner will be at Naguib Mahfouz’s restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Welcome to Aswan, a city on the Nile River in southern Egypt. Begin your journey by visiting the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that increased Egypt’s agricultural land and electricity supply.

Transfer to the Nile River to board your luxurious Nile Cruise, your home for the next three nights. After lunch, visit Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and then tour the Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island. In the evening, explore the Aswan Old Market before dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Abu Simbel and enjoy stunning aerial views. Upon arrival, explore the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples with your guide. These temples were relocated to protect them from the rising Nile waters.

Return to Aswan and re-board your cruise. After lunch, visit the temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Admire its intact courts, halls, and statues. Enjoy dinner onboard as you cruise towards Edfu.

Start your day with a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved shrines. Rejoin the cruise and continue towards Luxor.

Upon arrival, cross to the east bank of the Nile to visit the Luxor Temple complex, dating back to around 1400 BCE. In the afternoon, tour Karnak Temple, one of the largest surviving temples in Egypt. Enjoy a final night on board with a celebratory dinner and a stunning Nile sunset.

Optional: Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings.

After breakfast and disembarkation, transfer to the west bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the Temple of Der el Bahari. Marvel at the statues of Memnon.

Next, transfer to Luxor Airport fort he flight to Cairo. Upon arrival to Cairo, transfer to the hotel for overnight.

It’s time to say goodbye to Egypt. After checking out of the hotel, we will be transferred to Cairo’s airport for a departure flight.