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Turkey & Tutankhamun

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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 felucca sailing in Egypt. Take in the best of Egypt and Turkey in 16 days.

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

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Overview

Duration

16 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Cairo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

18 yrs

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4 and 5 star

Countries

Egypt, Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes - from IST or Sabiha

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
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Per Person From
$7,065.00
NZD$5,652.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$10,304.00

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Highlights

Istanbul - Take in the highlights of the cosmopolitan city, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Ephesus - Explore the classic Roman city, one of the best-preserved examples in the whole of Europe
Pamukkale - Unwind in the thermal hot springs, surrounded by the fairytale white landscape
Gallipoli - Pay your respects at ANZAC Cove and the WWI cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Pyramids of Giza - Take in one of the Ancient Wonders of the World, visit Saqqara and the new Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor - Uncover the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, visit mighty Karnak and see the Colossi of Memnon
Nile felucca cruising - Relax on a 2-night Nile felucca cruise, stopping en route to swim and explore
Aswan - Sail the Nile to Philae Temple, located on an island in a beautifully scenic and peaceful setting
Kom Ombo - Visit the famous Nile-side double temple, which is also home to a mummified crocodile museum
Cairo - Discover Egypt's charismatic capital city independently, and opt to shop in the Khan el Khalili bazaar

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
6 nights 4 star hotels in Turkey, 5 nights 4-5 star hotels in Egypt. 2 nights aboard a felucca (open deck). If booking our Nile Cruise Upgrade: 4 nights 4-5 star hotels and 3 nights 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
2 nights overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Guided sightseeing in Turkey - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pergamum and Pamukkale Hierapolis
Guided sightseeing in Egypt - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
Escorted by degree qualified tour guides in Turkey and Egypt
Economy flight from Denizli (Pamukkale) to Istanbul
Turkey - Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure shuttle on day 8 at 11am and 1:30pm to Istanbul Airport
Cairo - Airport arrival transfer on day 8 and departure transfer on day 16
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
International flight between Istanbul and Cairo is not included and needs to be booked separately by the traveller - refer to the Trip Notes, on day 7 for details
Tip for your tour guides in Turkey and Egypt. In Egypt, we recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller for your guide. In Turkey, we recommend you allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller for your guide. For your driver in Turkey we recommend EUR €2 per traveller per day. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: EUR€200-215pp, paid in EUR (Turkey) | USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping Kitty: EUR€40-50pp, paid in EUR (Turkey) | 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.

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Itinerary

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
Meals: Breakfast

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
Meals: Breakfast

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
Meals: Breakfast

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. Under the Romans, Ephesus, was a vast city with a population upwards of 250,000 and was a extremely important city in the Roman empire. Make sure you stroll the streets of this ruined city, taking stops at some of the highlights such as the Libraby of Celcus, the gymnasium of Vedius and the great theatre. Afterward, we stop by a local carpet weaving house to witness a demonstration of how these beautiful rugs are made and how centuries old traditions have been passed down to modern day carpet weavers.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Pamukkale Travertines

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. 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. Continue to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Goodbye Turkey, Hello Egypt

Friday. Pamukkale - Istanbul - Cairo. After breakfast and hotel check out we make our way to Denizli airport for our onward flight to Istanbul where our representative will be waiting to meet you.

You need to independently book your flight from Istanbul to Cairo, as it is not included in the cost of this tour.

If travelling prior to 27 October 2024 please ensure you book a flight departing Istanbul after 1pm.

If travelling between 28 October 2024 - 1 April 2025 please ensure you book a flight departing Istanbul after 5pm.

If travelling after 1 April 2025 please ensure you book a flight departing Istanbul after 1pm.

Turkish Airlines and Egyptair offer flights between Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY or Egyptair websites for more details.

Upon arrival at Cairo Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At 7pm meet your Egyptian guide at the Welcome Meeting.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara

This morning we visit Egypt's most iconic site - the awe-inspiring pyramids and huge Sphinx at the Giza Plateau. You can also opt to enter Chephren or Mycerinus pyramids, depending upon which is open on the day. After, we visit a government supervised papyrus emporium before traveling onto the necropolis of Saqqara - a myriad of ancient tombs and temples. the highlight is Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC!

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - The Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Aswan. 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 our hotel there's time to relax by the pool and have some dinner before we board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.

Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Temple of Philae

Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae and a perfume oil emporium. Then there is free time to shop in the colourful souqs or sit back and watch an amazing sunset.

Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

Days 11-12 - Felucca sailing

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night cruise downstream. 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 on day 12. 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
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2

Day 13 - Luxor

Kom Ombo - Luxor. Arrive in Luxor and opt to visit the wonderfully illuminated Luxor Temple by night (book/pay locally).

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. Today we tour West Bank, visiting 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 sleeper train.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Cairo - free time or Khan el Khalili Bazaar

Cairo. After arriving to Cairo this morning the day offers free time for you to relax, shop and explore. You may wish to join us on an optional visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar to pick up some last minute souvenirs.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Cairo

Sunday - Cairo. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Tour Reviews

The only part I didn’t like was the train. The cabins and food are not even 1 star. And you can’t sleep because the train drivers dont know how to drive the train. The carriages run in and out banging whenever the driver applied the brakes. So nobody got any sleep.

Egypt section: Visiting Egypt was an amazing experience. The tour was well designed and gave us a chance to visit all the awsome historical places. Medo knows the history of the different places, and from Egypt in general, and make it available to us in an easy way; he's an amazing guide. Even when we were struggling with the heat, he was able to engage us in the vast knowledge about the place we were visiting. He certainly is a guide I would recommend to anybody visiting Egypt! Shukran Medo!

Reggie was excellent and full of great knowledge, very friendly and a great asset to your company and we will do more tours with your company and go back to turkey only if Reggie will be our tour guide again we are looking at the Turkey Discovery tour in 2020.

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

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 - Istanbul (From price)

Double

$295per passenger

Twin

$295per passenger

Single

$535per passenger

Additional Excursions

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

Princes' Island | Istanbul | Russia
Princes Islands

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. Buyukada is the largest island of the nine and one of the most attractive with two peaks and gingerbread-style villas lining the slopes.

$305

per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Alexandria | Egypt
Alexandria & El Alamein

This 4-day Alexandria & El Alamein add-on can be booked in conjunction with any of our Egypt group tours, city breaks or private tours.

Double

$1,085per passenger

Twin

$1,085per passenger

Single

$1,655per passenger

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

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.

Kent Hotel
Istanbul

The charming Kent Hotel 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. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Iris Hotel
Canakkale

Located between Canakkale and Troy on the coast, the Iris is a modern, low rise hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and a good size swimming pool. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi connection and has an enviable beach front location. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the outdoor restaurant with views across the ocean.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Hotel & Suites
Kusadasi

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens and boasting an incredible panoramic view of the Aegean Coast, the Ramada Hotel & Suites is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun by its large outdoor pool, or pamper yourself at the spa. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious guest rooms, which are modern and well equipped. The hotel offers a choice of three bars, a buffet restaurant and an à la carte restaurant, serving tasty Italian cuisine. A variety of bars and restaurants can also be found within walking distance of the hotel, near Kusadasi's pretty marina.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Richmond Ephesus Resort Hotel
Kusadasi

With a beautiful sandy beach lining the shore between the hotel and the sea, the Richmond Ephesus Hotel is a perfect place to relax. Take a dip in one of the two pools or enjoy a delicious dinner and drink at one of the three restaurants. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with air conditioning throughout the hotel.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel
Pamukkale

Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.

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
Steigenberger Hotel el Tahrir
Cairo

Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn City Stars
Cairo

The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
Cairo

Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Le Meridien Heliopolis
Cairo

Just a short drive from Cairo’s Old Town and international airport, the 5-star Le Meridien Heliopolis combines comfort with convenience. The guest rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, satellite television and a minibar, plus there’s complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Dining options include a choice of four on-site restaurants, serving Egyptian and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and cocktails at The 51 Bar. During the warmer months hotel guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax on a sun lounger on the terrace. There’s also a fitness centre and tennis courts for those who like to stay active whilst on holiday.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Tolip Hotel
Aswan

Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Felucca Sailboat
Felucca Cruise

Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 12 passengers 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. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. 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 the included meals.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
N/A
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

Accommodation Standard

Tour with felucca

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 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 and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

PLEASE NOTE: the connecting flight between Istanbul and Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour and needs to be arranged independently. If preferred, you can assist in arranging it for you.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
7 Dec - 22 Dec
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Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 19 Jan
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
18 Jan - 2 Feb
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
1 Feb - 16 Feb
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
15 Feb - 2 Mar
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
1 Mar - 16 Mar
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
15 Mar - 30 Mar
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$7,455$5,964
$9,875$7,900
22 Mar - 6 Apr
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$7,875$6,300
$10,615$8,492
5 Apr - 20 Apr
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$7,875$6,300
$10,615$8,492

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