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Essential ANZAC & Felucca Explorer 2025

11 days

ANZAC Day Gallipoli 2025. Starts: 23rd April. Commemorate ANZAC Day at Gallipoli, then delve into Egypt's iconic treasures—the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum. Explore the Philae Temple in Aswan and the ancient wonders of Luxor, venturing on a Nile felucca for a unique perspective. Immerse yourself in the allure of ancient civilizations, from dawn at Gallipoli to the captivating temples of Egypt.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Cairo

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide in Egypt. No guide in Turkey

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 32

Minimum age

18 yrs

Departs

23rd April 2025

Hotel Rating

3 - 4 star

Countries

ANZAC Day

Arrival Transfer

Yes (Sabiha Gokcen at 11am & 3pm)

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Per Person From
CAD$4,085.00
Deposit From
Final payment
CAD$1,000.00
$7,170.00

Tour Highlights

ANZAC Service Site - Attend the ANZAC eve vigil on the Gallipoli Peninsula and pay your respects at the Dawn Service
Istanbul - Independently explore this captivating city, home to the iconic Blue Mosque and the bustling Grand Bazaar
Gallipoli Peninsula - See ANZAC Cove, memorials trenches and battlefields
Giza - Gaze in awe at the legendary Pyramids of Giza and see the iconic Sphinx on the Giza Plateau
Cairo - See fascinating ancient relics and treasures in the Egyptian Museum
Aswan - Take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island to explore the beautiful Philae Temple and shop in Aswan's colourful souks
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the Luxor Temple beautifully illuminated at night
Luxor's West Bank - Discover beautifully preserved pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Kom Ombo - Discover the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, on the bank of the River Nile
Nile felucca sailing - Sail the River Nile on board a traditional felucca and spend two nights sleeping under a blanket of stars (or upgrade to a 5 star Nile Cruise)

Included

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
5 nights 3 - 4 star hotels, 2 nights aboard a felucca (open deck), 2 nights on a sleeper train
1 night at the Dawn Service site
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Egypt - Guided touring in Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo and Luxor
Escorted by an degree qualified Egyptologist in Egypt. Services of an English speaking tour organiser in Turkey
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul International Airport at any time, or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only. Cairo Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 4 and 11 - you must provide your flight details from Istanbul to Cairo
Modern air-conditioned touring coach
Maximum Group Size: 32 persons

Not Included

Flight from Istanbul to Cairo, all other international flights and visas
Guided commentary is not given on this tour (Turkey)
Attendance Pass for ANZAC. Please see the Trip Notes for information on how to obtain your attendance pass - these are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance
Tip for your tour guide in Egypt - we recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your tour organiser and driver in Turkey: we recommend you budget EUR €3 - 5 per day, per traveller for your tour organiser and EUR €2 per day, per traveller for your driver. These tips are an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-80pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 23 April - Istanbul

Wednesday 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 travellers.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - 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)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - 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

Day 4 - 26 April - Istanbul to Cairo

Saturday 26 Apr 2025. Istanbul - Cairo. 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. Turkish Airlines offers flights from Istanbul to Cairo and open jaw tickets are available into Istanbul and out of Cairo. If you require assistance we can arrange flights on your behalf. 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. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival to Cairo the remainder of the day is at your own leisure before the rest of your Egyptian adventure. Perhaps relax by the hotel pool or for those that are arriving before 8.30am, 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.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pyramids of Giza

Cairo - Aswan. Our tour begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous sights this morning - the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Built over 4500 years ago, the three great pyramids are sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

This afternoon we take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which contains an incredible array of relics and antiquities including the mummies of Yuya and Thuyu, grandparents of King Tutankhamun. Our sightseeing today also includes a visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum. This evening, we board the night train to Aswan.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Aswan & the Philae Temple

Our train pulls into Aswan early this morning and we check into our hotel. Then we take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the beautiful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Travelling back to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, explore Aswan's colourful souks and watch a beautiful sunset over the Nile.

Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Optional Abu Simbel

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Very early this morning there's an optional excursion by road to the spectacular Temple of Abu Simbel, arguably Egypt's most awe-inspiring temple. This gigantic rock-cut temple was created to revere King Ramses II, with four colossal statues of the pharaoh guarding the entrance. In the afternoon we board a felucca for a relaxing two night journey along the River Nile, stopping at villages and islands along the way.

Overnight: Felucca Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Felucca sailing & Kom Ombo

Spend the day relaxing onboard a felucca and enjoying the views as we sail down the River Nile. Soak up the sunshine on deck and perhaps go for a swim. In the afternoon we reach Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit this ancient temple, which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek. Then we return to the felucca for our second night sleeping under the stars.

Overnight: Felucca Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Luxor & Karnak Temple

Kom Ombo - Luxor. Leaving the felucca we drive to the ancient city Luxor this morning, which is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak, a magnificent religious complex, dedicated to the Theban gods and built on a gigantic scale. In evening there's an optional tour of the beautiful Temple of Luxor with dinner included (book and pay locally). This remarkable temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes which leads to it, are most spectacular at night when they're illuminated by hundreds of atmospheric lights.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. We travel to Luxor's West Bank this morning for a guided tour of the legendary Valley of the Kings, which is home to an array of beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs, three of which you can enter. Arriving at the West Bank we will be greeted by the towering 18m-high Colossi of Memnon and after the Valley of the Kings we enjoy a tour of the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the hotel the afternoon is free to relax by the pool. This evening we board the overnight train to Cairo.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - 3 May - Goodbye

Saturday 3 May 2025. This morning we arrive back into Egypt's bustling capital. We return to our start hotel which marks the end of our tour.

Day use rooms can be purchased at an additional cost or you may wish to purchase extra nights and extend your stay. You could also do some last minute souvenir shopping we offer an optional visit to Cairo's bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar. There is an included departure transfer to Cairo airport.

Please note flights should not be booked to depart before 2pm. Cairo post tour accommodation can be arranged on request.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation

Double

$205per passenger

Twin

$205per passenger

Single

$385per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by Road

Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.

$265

per passenger

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Pyramids Resort by Jaz
Cairo

Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Pyramids Resort (formerly the Oasis Hotel) is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sleeper Train
Cairo

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 very basic breakfast is provided.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Citymax Hotel Aswan
Aswan

Located right on the banks of the river Nile, the Citymax Aswan offers an outdoor pool with fantastic views across the water. Connected to a nearby shopping centre, you're also just a short walk from the beautiful Feryal Gardens. All rooms are spacious with private bathrooms and modern amenities including a television and air conditioning. Free WiFi is available in the public areas and a restaurant serves meals throughout the day.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Felucca Sailing
Felucca Cruise

Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas come in varying sizes and can sleep 20 persons comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. Our felucca is equipped with a flush toilet and basin for hand washing. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of included meals which are served onboard.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
N/A
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel
Luxor

Offering a prime location in the centre of Luxor, this 4-star hotel is close to top attractions including the Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the contemporary-style guestrooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony overlooking the garden or River Nile. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sun-lit restaurant or outdoors by the resort style pool. There you’ll also find a poolside bar and sun deck, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two as you soak up the rays.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour.'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
23 Apr - 3 May
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