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.
Day 1: Istanbul
Saturday. Hello Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure consider heading out to explore the city. Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: The Old City
Guided tour of the city that spans Europe and Asia. Tour the Hippodrome area, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Turkey & Tutankhamen - 16 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul – Gallipoli. Our first destination is Gallipoli where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the historical battlefields, carefully tended cemeteries, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, and of course – ANZAC Cove. Overnight - Canakkale (B, D)
Day 4: Troy and Coastal Kusadasi
Gallipoli – Kusadasi. Heading south, we enjoy a guided tour of Homer’s Troy, famed for the Trojan wooden horse and fabled Helen. Continuing to the Roman acropolis of Pergamum - the cultural and political capital of its time, we tour the impressive temple ruins, library and medical facilities. Afterwards we visit a local leather emporium for a spot of shopping, en route to coastal Kusadasi. Enjoy the hotel facilities. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 5: Legendary Ephesus
Today, we explore legendary Ephesus and see the ruins of the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Afterward, we stop by a local carpet manufacturing house. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 6: Pamukkale Travertines
Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Istanbul. Tour the ancient town of Hierapolis and the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. You can walk barefoot along the terraces allowing the mineral rich waters to
wash over your feet or opt for a dip in the hot springs renowned for their therapeutic powers since roman times. At approx 10pm this evening, we bid farewell to our guide and travel by overnight bus to Istanbul. Overnight - Public bus (B, D)
Day 7: Istanbul
Friday. Arrive to Istanbul early this morning (approx 6am), where our representative will be waiting to meet you upon your arrival. Transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day and evening are free time. Consider heading out to one of the local cafes for a hearty breakfast followed by a visit to the legendary, if cavernous Grand Bazaar or the exotic Egyptian Spice Market. Just the ticket for souvenir, clothing and handbag purchases! Overnight - Istanbul
Day 8: Goodbye Turkey, Hello Egypt
Saturday! Departure transfers to Ataturk Airport offered at 11am and 9pm for your flight to Egypt (flight not included in our tour price). Arrive Cairo Airport and included transfer to hotel. Free time, consider taking some R&R by the hotel swimming pool Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 9: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at the Giza Plateau, before continuing on to Saqqara to explore its myriad of tombs and temples. Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan, 1st class recliner seats. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - onboard train (B)
Day 10: Aswan
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae. Then there is free time to shop in the colourful souqs or sit back and watch an amazing sunset. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Days 11 - 12: Felucca sailing
Aswan - Nile felucca cruising - Kom Ombo. Optional early morning air excursion to famed Temples of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night cruise upstream to Edfu. Relax, top up your tan and chat with new friends as the felucca gently plies its route. A stop will also be made at the Temple of Kom Ombo. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 13: The Temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Visits to Kom Ombo Temple and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This evening opt to view the wonderfully illuminated Luxor Temple by night, (book/pay locally). Overnight - Luxor (B)
Day 14: Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. Today, consider opting to join our hot air ballooning excursion over ancient Thebes - fabulous early in the morning! Later we tour the Colossi of Memnon, Valleys of the Kings and the colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut. After time for lunch, we explore the giant Temple of Karnak - 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. Tonight we return to Cairo by seater train. Overnight - seater train (B)
Day 15: Egyptian Museum
Cairo. Arrival and hotel check-in. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, famed for the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask. This afternoon is free - perhaps spend the remainder of the day exploring Cairo your way. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 16: Cairo
Sunday - Cairo. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport. (B)
Tour Details
- Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Cairo
- Departs: Saturdays - year round
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:14, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 6
- Hotel Rating: 4 and 5 star
- Tour Guide: Yes
The Inside Track
Video of the Week: Going to Cappadocia (Turkey)
Cappadocia is a gorgeous region in central Turkey, made famous for its incredible rock formations. ..
ANZAC Day 2011 – a photo blog from the On The Go team.
Emma went on an ANZAC Day tour in 2011 and compiled this photo blog. ANZAC Day occurs annually and ..