Turkey & Tutankhamen - 16 days

From Ottoman Istanbul, the battlefields of Gallipoli, Roman ruins, the Aegean Coast and the stunning mineral pools of Pamukkale to the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and sailing in Egypt - the ultimate tour.

Prices & Departure Dates

Bolt-ons

Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.

Tour Bolt-ons - Princes Islands - 1 day

USD $149

Located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands are a chain of nine islands offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s largest city. There are no cars on the islands and the main mode of transportation is horse and cart or bicycle, giving the islands a wonderful nostalgic vibe. Buyukada is the largest island of the nine and one of the most attractive with two peaks and gingerbread-style villas lining the slopes.

Tour Bolt-ons - Oil Wrestling Championships - 06 July

USD $299

Every year since 1640 Turkey’s best wrestlers, men and boys, gather and lather up for the oldest wrestling contest in the world. Competitors pair off, grappling and struggling to gain a grip on their opponent. Tactical moves include a hand down the side of the pants trick and the common schoolboy ‘wedgie’ (grab, lift, flip and throw) to pin ones opponent to the ground! The winner goes on to fight another winner, and so on, until there is only one wrestler left standing. Join us at the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championships on Saturday 07 July 2012, perfectly timed with the commencement of our Aegean Explorer, Istanbul to the Med, Turkey Unplugged, Turkey & Tutankhamen and Turkey Discovered tours starting on this date.

Available Dates

Please note that this bolt-on is only available during the following periods.

5th Jul 2013 - 7th Jul 2013

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

Adrenalin Rush

Hot Air Ballooning Take a magical hot air balloon ride over Luxor in Egypt, drifting silently over temples, ancient sites and ruins or float over the dramatic and lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey. Up, up and away!

Live It Local

Bazaars Shop til you drop and experience a myriad of different sights, sounds and souvenirs in bustling bazaars around the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the souks of Marrakech, barter for bargains at the ginormous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or lose yourself in Beijing's Silk Alley Markets. Visit the old covered market in Damascus or get some great souvenirs in Otavalo the handicraft market in Ecuador.

Palaces & Forts Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort!

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

What's Included

What's Not Included

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 when necessary.

Renovated in 2009, the charming Kent Hotel offers is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. Fantastically located within 10 minutes walk of the Grand Bizarre and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

The family run Tusan Hotel offers modern facilities in a tranquil setting. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped and offer guests beautiful forest or sea views. The hotel benefits from a private beach and an indoor and outdoor restaurant. A refreshing pint of beer in the English Pub whilst challenging the bar staff to a game of pool is a great way to spend the evening. Set within a beautiful pine forest looking across the Dardanelles with a private beach exclusively for guests.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Looking out across the Aegean Sea, the Hotel Tatlises is modern and bright offering fantastic views from its upper floors. All guestrooms have excellent facilities and offer a pool or sea view. Wi-Fi is available throughout and the outdoor restaurant serves excellent Turkish and International cuisine. A refreshing early morning dip in the outdoor pool is a great way to start the day. The hotel is located a few blocks from the beach and in the middle of Kusadasi town.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

One of Istanbul’s most popular hotels, Titanic City offers modern accommodation in a central location. Rooms are bright and comfortable offering state of the art technology and luxurious walk in rain showers. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available and the views from the trendy Compass Bar and Restaurant are simply stunning. Sipping a refreshing beverage overlooking the mighty Bosphorus is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Perfectly located in Taksim, the beating heart of Istanbul with lots of great shops, restaurants and bars.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

The Oasis Hotel is surrounded by a palm forest and tropical gardens and boasts a swimming pool and an array of recreational facilities. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with views over the gardens.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

The Isis Corniche has panoramic views of the Nile. There is a range of rooms, which have views over the garden or Nile. The hotel has a wellness centre, with sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath.

Our Rating : Standard   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging and meal area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome helpers! Water, soft drinks and beer can be purchased aboard at a very reasonable cost.

Our Rating : Simple   —  Local Rating:

The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room and there is a tennis court on the roof. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile, with the train station is 1.5 kilometres away and the airport 10 kilometres away.

Our Rating : Deluxe   —  Local Rating: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel