ANZAC Day & Classical Egypt 2025. Starts: 23rd April. Attend the evocative ANZAC Day Dawn service in Gallipoli, combined with the highlights of Istanbul and Egypt. Cruise Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait and marvel at the stunning Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. In Egypt, visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, explore Pharaoh tombs at the Valley of the Kings, and cruise the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
23 April - Istanbul
Wed 23 April 2025. Welcome to Turkey. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the incredible city of Istanbul. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of attractions dotted about the old city known as Sultanahmet. Maybe head to the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Spice Market, both open today! This evening after our welcome meeting opt for a drink in the bar, a great way to break the ice and meet fellow travelers.
Overnight: Istanbul
ANZAC Eve - Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli. Spend the morning at leisure in Istanbul. This afternoon we drive to Gallipoli. En route to the peninsula we'll stop for a bite to eat, stretch our legs and stock up on supplies for the evening ahead. Upon arrival (exact time subject to Dawn Service Site opening hours) you will be given instructions about where to meet with your coach on 25 April, after the services have concluded. Once we're in Anzac Cove you are free to visit the memorials and trenches that dot the area before taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere-charged ANZAC Eve vigil.
Overnight: Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove) | Breakfast
ANZAC Day - Gallipoli
Gallipoli - Istanbul. A poignant bugle call along with first light heralds the start of the Dawn Service. Lasting around an hour, the service is a special and moving experience and it's possible to lay a wreath at ANZAC Memorial site after the service has concluded. Later this morning Australians have the opportunity to pay their respects at the Lone Pine Memorial Service, while New Zealanders can attend the service at Chunuk Bair. After the Chunuk Bair service we anticipate an early afternoon departure time from Gallipoli, for our return journey to Istanbul. Please note: the 2025 national memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are subject to confirmation.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul Old City
Istanbul. We spend the morning cruising the amazing Bosphorus strait, the geographical divide between Europe and Asia. After the cruise we take in the highlights of the old city on a guided sightseeing tour, including the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome area, the 6th century Hagia Sophia (exterior only), the ancient Underground Cistern and more. This afternoon there's time for you to explore the mammoth Grand Bazaar and exotic Egyptian Spice Market. Afterwards, you can opt to stay and experience the old city by night or return to the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Istanbul to Cairo
Sun 27 April 2025. Our ANZAC tour of Turkey comes to an end today and our Egypt adventure begins. Please Note: The flight from Istanbul to Cairo isn't included in the cost of the tour and must be booked independently. Turkish Airlines and Egyptair offer flights between Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY or Egyptair websites for more details.
Please provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt and we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel.
On arrival in Cairo, perhaps relax by the hotel pool or if time permits, join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am (best booked prior with your travel consultant). This optional tour takes you off the beaten track in Egypt's bustling capital, visiting Downtown Cairo, the exquisite mosques and monuments of El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, Garbage City and the incredible Cave Church of St. Simon.
At 7pm this evening, meet your guide and the rest of the group at a Welcome Meeting.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Pyramids of Giza
Today see the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later we travel to Saqqara, to explore the myriad of tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Luxor. We take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex we'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Then we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on display. Returning to the hotel there's time to relax by the pool before we board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in mid 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Luxor & Dendera
We arrive into Luxor this morning and drive to Dendera which is one of Egypt's best preserved temple complexes, located 60km north of Luxor. This vast complex covers 40,000 square meters and its temples, chapels and shrines were gradually built over thousands of years. Dendera's crowning glory is the 2000 year old Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling. After our guided tour of this incredible site we return to Luxor where the afternoon if free to spend at leisure. Take a stroll around town or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and soak up the sunshine.
This evening there is an optional visit to view the beautiful Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples
4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. Our first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is studded with beautifully decorated pharaoh's tombs, some of which you can enter. After exploring this incredible site we travel on to visit the striking limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. On the West Bank we'll also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.
Returning to the East Bank we check-in on board a 5 star Nile cruiser which will be our home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch and some rest and relaxation on board before we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.
Overnight: Nile Cruising | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruising
Nile cruising. Today we set sail downstream. Relax on deck and go for a swim, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the views as we cruise the River Nile.
Overnight: Nile Cruising | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kom Ombo Temple
Nile cruising. Enjoy another day relaxing on board the cruiser as we sail the Nile to the Temple of Kom Ombo today, which is dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. This temple is unusual because everything is architecturally doubled and perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries and entrances. After a guided tour of the temple we continue our journey, arriving into Aswan this evening.
Overnight: Nile Cruising | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple
Consider the optional early morning excursion to the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel today. Please see our Abu Simbel by Road add-on for more info. Alternatively you can spend the morning at leisure.
This afternoon we take a short motorboat trip to Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple dates from 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and the Romans up to 3rd century AD built most of the existing structures. In danger of being completely submerged by the rising water of Lake Nasser, in 1972 UNESCO stepped in and an 8-year rescue effort was undertaken to relocate the entire temple 20m higher on nearby Agilika Island.
Overnight: Nile Cruising | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aswan at Leisure
Aswan - Cairo. Today offers free time for you to discover Aswan - your way. Consider a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote the novel Death on the Nile or opt for a visit to the well-curated Nubian Museum.
Late this afternoon, we board the overnight train (twin berth sleeper cabins provided) for our journey back to Cairo.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Cairo
Arriving into Cairo this morning, transfer to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel facilities or you can opt to or join us for an optional tour visiting Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin (book locally).
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Goodbye Egypt
Wed 7 May 2025. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour.'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Golden Tulip Istanbul Bayrampasa, Istanbul
Golden Tulip Istanbul Bayrampasa is a modern 5 star hotel, with scenic views of Istanbul and the Marmara Sea. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious guest rooms, which benefit from large windows and free high speed WiFi. These well-appointed rooms also offer an en suite with rain-fall walk-in shower, hair dryer, LCD TV, minibar, in-room safe and complimentary coffee & tea making facilities. Guests can enjoy tasty Turkish and international cuisine at hotel's restaurant and bar which is open from early morning to late night. The property also features an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa with a Turkish Bath and sauna - perfect for some R&R after a busy day of sightseeing in the city! This luxurious hotel is located in Bayrampasa, a peaceful suburb of Istanbul, which is a short 6-minute walk from Topcular metro station, offering easy access to the rest of the city.
Grand Hotel Halic, Istanbul
Conveniently located in the central Beyoglu district of Istanbul, the modern Grand Hotel Halic is within walking distance of popular sites such as Taksim Square and the Galata Tower. Guest rooms are well-appointed with a seating area and modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Delicious Turkish mezes can be enjoyed at the Adali Restaurant on the top floor, with fabulous views across the famous Golden Horn of Istanbul, while Raki aniseed spirit can be sampled in the bar with billiards, while listening to live music. The hotel also benefits from an indoor swimming pool and spa, with a traditional hammam, dry sauna and massage facilities. Public transportation is within easy reach of the hotel with the Tunel Tram Stop on bustling Istiklal Street just 5 minutes’ walk away and Beyoglu Funicular Station 100 yards away.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sonesta Hotel Cairo, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Sleeper Train, Luxor
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a simple breakfast is provided.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
M/S Medea, Nile Cruising
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S Miriam , Nile Cruising
M/S Miriam is a beautiful Nile cruise boat offering 59 spacious cabins. Onboard you'll find a fantastic restaurant serving both international and Egyptian cuisine. As your cruiser makes it's way along the mighty Nile river, take the opportunity to relax on deck and watch the changing scenery or perhaps indulge in a book.
M/S La Traviata, Nile Cruising
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
At a Glance
