From Istanbul to the Nile with a Foray into Cappadocia (15 Days)

A Private Tour of Egypt and Turkey in 15 days. See the top sites in these two ancient/modern countries on this locally escorted tour. Click here to add a Nile cruise on the 16-day version, adding Cappadocia and even a foray into Nubia to tour the Mighty Temples on Ramses the Great.

DAY 1 – Daily – Year Round – Istanbul:
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (morning arrivals) and meet our local representative at the exit gate for the transfer to your hotel. After checking-in at the hotel and a brief rest, meet our guide and driver at your hotel for a half day tour. We start the tour with lunch. After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace (including treasury) and Süleymaniye mosque. For all your transfers and tours in Egypt in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur.

DAY 2- Istanbul (BL)
Meet our guide at the hotel in the morning and start the tour. The sights we visit today are very close to each other and to the hotel, so we do not need the vehicle today. Visits to Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Underground Cistern. After lunch we visit Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and Grand Bazaar. For all your tours in Egypt in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 3- Istanbul – Kayseri- Cappadocia (BL)
Transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for the 08:35 flight to Kayseri. On arrival to Kayseri Airport, our driver and guide meet you at the airport and start the tour there. Our first stop is the Soganli valley, which is one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia. After this, we drive back to Mustafapasa through the unspoiled villages of Cappadocia, surrounded by the “table-top” mountains. On the way we visit the Medrese in Taskinpasa, a Theological School of the Seljuk Turks. After lunch in Mustafapasa at an old Greek house hosted by a local family, we descend towards the centre of the earth at the underground city of Kaymakli, one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s many such settlements. Return to hotel in Cappadocia. For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 4 – Cappadocia (BL)
Our first real encounter with Cappadocia’s almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley, where the rock formations are amazing. A walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum is a journey into the past, with its troglodyte houses. This is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia. After Zelve we visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos, a centre of terracota art since 3,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. After lunch in Avanos, we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. These are found in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century. We complete the tour with a visit to the Uchisar Rock-Castle, giving you a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 5 – Cappadocia – Izmir (Kusadasi) (BD)

Breakfast is included daily at your hotels. Transfer to Kayseri Airport, where we board your flight heading for Izmir (via Istanbul). Our local rep. / driver meets you at Izmir Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kusadasi and overlooking the Mediterranean.

DAY 6 – Izmir / Ephesus / Istanbul (B)
Today we first drive to the Virgin Mary’s House; after that we visit Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we will witness the perfection of the Graeco-Roman Art. Later in the afternoon we will visit St John’s Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ’s beloved disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, and you take the 19:00 flight to Istanbul. Transfer from Istanbul Airport to your hotel.

DAY 7 – Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise (B)
Istanbul’s history was formed by the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Now, as in ancient times, it is a maritime vital link between the countries bordering the Black Sea and those in the rest of the world. Today we take a leisurely cruise northward along this historic waterway. Along its shores are ranged palaces great and small-Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, Hünkar Iskelesi. Four great fortresses rise on the hills, reminding us that to control the Bosphorus was to control the destinies of nations. Our afternoon cruise (morning cruise for Oct-Apr season) of two continents, crossing from Europe to Asia and back, includes visits to the Navy’s Museum (showing some magnificent boats used by the Ottoman Sultans), the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlica Hill lookout, and stupendous Dolmabahçe Palace.

Day 8 – Cairo (B) VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport
Our local representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport. Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for: Australian, NZ, American, EU, Canadian and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.

Visa will be issued upon arrival. As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two, down some stairs, then walk for 2-5 minutes, until you pass the duty free shops, at the end of a wide corridor, you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control and into the customs area. He will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel.

DAY 9 – CAIRO (BL)
We start with the best of Cairo: the Egyptian Museum including King Tut’s Gold Treasure Pavilion and the Mummies Grand Hall, Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque. After lunch (included) at the Mena House we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 10 – Aswan (B)
We leave Cairo in the early hours of the morning and fly to Aswan. Upon arrival we proceed to visit the enormous dams at Aswan, then board a launch on the Nile to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters. The Mystery of Isis: Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis: “I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled.”

Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.

Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

Because of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to the Underworld.

Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world. Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt when you Travel in Style! Visit as well the red granite quarries with their unfinished obelisk.

For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 11. Aswan / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Luxor (BL)
We board a private air conditioned sedan / vehicle, drive north heading for Luxor, visiting enroute Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated to the crocodile river god, Sobek. We’ll also see Haroeris, the solar disk. And at Edfu horse-drawn carriages or vans will meet us at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Then we’ll continue beside the Nile to the Ancient Capital of the mighty Pharaoh: Luxor. Luxor Hilton or similar. Lunch box is included. For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 12. Luxor (BL)
Cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings, including King Tut’s Tomb, and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to your hotel for lunch (included).

Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers’ paradise, we’ll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs. For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 13: Luxor. CAIRO (B)
Morning visit to the small yet charming Luxor museum, then cross back to the West Bank to visit the village of Gourna as well as Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs. Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers’ paradise, we’ll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs. Later in the day head for the airport for our flight back to Cairo, and our hotel For all your tours in Egypt and in Turkey: Private air-conditioned vehicle, private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 14: CAIRO (B)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Full day at leisure.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town). This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions. Just let us know your preferences.

DAY 15: CAIRO (B)
Early morning transfer to Cairo Airport. Bon Voyage.

Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter weeks: 10% supplement will apply.

Sample 4 Stars / First Class Hotels in Turkey:

• Istanbul: Accura Hotel www.accurahotelistanbul.com
• Cappadocia: Perissia Hotel www.perissiahotels.com.tr
• Izmir: Best Western Hotel Konak www.bestwesternturkey.com/konakhotel.htm

Sample 5 Stars Hotels and best available in Turkey:

• Istanbul: Conrad Hotel, Hyatt Hotel, Inter.Continental or similar.
• Boutique hotel in Istanbul: If you prefer a boutique style Ottoman Mansion Hotel, please let’s know in   advance: Sample: Blue House. Arena. Yesil Ev, Sultanahmet Sarayi, Sultanhan or similar
• Cappadocia: Cave Suites Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
• Izmir: Hilton or Kusadasi:Korumar -5 Stars and Kismet Hotel – Special Category

Sample 5 Stars Hotels in Egypt:

• Cairo: Hilton. Sheraton. Sofitel
• Luxor: Steinberger. Sonesta St. George or similar
• Aswan: Old Cataract, Movenpick Aswan, Isis Island Aswan or similar
• Movenpick Nile Cruises: M/S Royal Lotus. M/S Royal Lily

Inclusions:

• One way airfare Istanbul / Cairo, including tax, in economy class.
• Domestic airfare within Turkey & Egypt, in economy class, tax included.
• Meals, as listed: B = Continental breakfast, L/D = Preset men lunch/dinner. * Guided sightseeing, all transfers in Turkey & Egypt, as per itinerary, including all entrance fees.
• Hotel accommodations, including tax and service charges.
• Locally hosted guide will escort you at all times during sightseeing.
• All transfers within Egypt & Turkey: private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur
• VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport
  Our local representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport. Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for: Australian, NZ, American, EU, Canadian & Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.Egyptian Visa will be issued upon arrival. As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two, down some stairs, then walk for 2-5 minutes, until you pass the duty free shops, at the end of a wide corridor, you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel.

Not included:

• Personal expenses and beverages
• Gratuities.
• Additional meals and services
• International air fare from / to your home country.
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)