Turkey & Tutankhamun with Cruise - 16 days

Welcome to Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents! Upon your arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps starting to explore this vibrant city.

Today, a guided tour will take you through the heart of Istanbul. Visit the historic Hippodrome area, marvel at the stunning Blue Mosque, explore the grand Topkapi Palace, and descend into the eerie depths of the Underground Cistern.

Today, we journey to Gallipoli, a place of significant historical importance. Here, we'll tour the battlefields, visit the meticulously maintained cemeteries, and pay our respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials. We'll also visit ANZAC Cove, a poignant reminder of the ANZAC landing.

Heading south from Gallipoli, our first stop is the ancient city of Troy, famous for the Trojan horse and the legendary Helen. We then continue to the Roman acropolis of Pergamum, once a political and cultural hub. After exploring the temple ruins, library, and medical facilities, we'll visit a local leather emporium for some shopping. Our day ends in the coastal city of Kusadasi, where you can relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Today, we delve into the ancient world with a visit to the legendary city of Ephesus. Wander through the ruins and see the great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Afterward, we'll stop by a local carpet manufacturing house to learn about this traditional craft.

From Kusadasi, we journey to the ancient town of Hierapolis and the stunning white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. Walk barefoot along the terraces, let the mineral-rich waters wash over your feet, or take a dip in the hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic powers since Roman times. After a day of exploration, relax at your hotel in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, we'll head to Denizli airport for our flight back to Istanbul. From Istanbul, you'll independently book your flight to Cairo (not included in the tour cost). Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, meet your Egyptian guide at the welcome meeting.

Today, we visit Egypt's most iconic sites. Stand in awe of the pyramids and the Sphinx at the Giza Plateau, and opt to enter one of the pyramids. Afterward, we'll visit a papyrus emporium before heading to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to ancient tombs, temples, and Zhoser's step pyramid.

This morning, we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. Afterward, we head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the remarkably well-preserved mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. In the evening, we board the overnight train to Aswan.

Arrive in Aswan and board your 5-star Nile Cruiser. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the romantic Philae Temple. Afterward, we visit a perfume oil emporium, where you can learn about the ancient Egyptian art of perfume making. As the sun sets, enjoy some free time to shop or relax.

Today, you have the option to visit the rock-cut temple of Abu Simbel early in the morning. In the afternoon, our Nile Cruiser departs Aswan and we cruise to Kom Ombo, where we disembark to visit the temple dedicated to the crocodile-headed god, Sobek. We then continue our cruise to Luxor, home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak.

Today is a day of relaxation. Enjoy a swim in the pool and soak up the sun on the deck of your Nile Cruiser. As we cruise the River Nile to Luxor, let your troubles melt away. Upon arrival in Luxor, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

This morning, we disembark from our Nile Cruiser and check into our 5-star Luxor hotel. The day is yours to relax and explore. In the evening, you have the option to visit the Temple of Luxor.

Today, we tour the West Bank of Luxor, visiting the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. After lunch, we explore the giant Temple of Karnak. In the evening, we return to Cairo by sleeper train.

After arriving in Cairo, the day is yours to relax, shop, and explore. You may wish to join us on an optional visit to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar to pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

Your 16-day tour concludes today. After checking out of your hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!