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ANZAC & Classical Egypt with Nile Cruise 2025

15 days

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.

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

15 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Cairo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide in Egypt & for included sightseeing in Turkey

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 32

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

23rd April 2025

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

ANZAC Day, Egypt, Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes (Sabiha Gokcen at 11am & 3pm)

Departure Transfer

Not in Istanbul, but in Egypt yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4
Per Person From
NZD$9,025.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$17,050.00

Tour Highlights

Cairo - Gaze in awe at the ancient Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the new Egyptian Museum
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Cruise the River Nile aboard a 5 star Nile Cruiser
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo
Istanbul - Independently explore this captivating city, home to the iconic Blue Mosque and the bustling Grand Bazaar
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Dendera - Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor, with its exquisitely decorated ceiling
Gallipoli Peninsula - Pay your respects at the Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair memorial site
Luxor West Bank - Discover exquisite tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the towering Colossi of Memnon and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
ANZAC Service Site - Attend the ANZAC eve vigil on the Gallipoli Peninsula and commemorate at the Dawn Service
The Bosphorus Strait - Cruise the Bosphorus, taking in views of the city skyline, Ottoman architecture and waterside palaces

Included

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
7 nights 4-5 star hotels and 4 nights 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
1 night at the Dawn Service site
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 5 and 15 - you must provide your flight details from Istanbul to Cairo
Egypt - guided sightseeing in Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
Escorted by an degree qualified Egyptologist in Egypt. Services of an English speaking tour organiser in Turkey
All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned touring coaches/vehicles
Maximum Group Size: 32 persons

Not Included

Flight from Istanbul to Cairo, all other international flights and visas
Tip for Nile Cruise staff. 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
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.
Entrance Fees: EUR€30-40pp, paid in EUR (Turkey) | USD$110-120pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping Kitty: EUR€25-35pp, paid in EUR (Turkey) | USD$70-90pp, 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

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 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 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Luxor. Today we embark on a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, an extraordinary 490,000 sq.m complex that houses over 100,000 artefacts and will eventually showcase a giant exhibition featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Many of the items on display are being exhibited for the first time, with artefacts gathered from across Egypt and the world.

Next, we visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to an extensive collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Among its treasures are several remarkably well-preserved mummies, including those of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies showcase incredible preservation, with thick locks of hair, visible fingernails, and smooth, blackened skin offering a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's ancient past.

Returning to the hotel there's time to relax by the pool before we board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor this evening.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Goodbye Egypt

Wed 7 May 2025. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

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

$245per passenger

Twin

$245per passenger

Single

$465per 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.

$315

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.

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
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
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Sonesta Hotel, Towers & Casino 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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat

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 - 7 May
$9,025
$14,245

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