Turkey & Tutankhamun - 16 days
16 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Cairo, Egypt
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Giza, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor
Tour operator:
Tour code:
921/TUTU
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through Turkey and Egypt, exploring the rich tapestry of history and culture these countries offer. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Journey to Gallipoli to honor the ANZAC legacy, and wander through the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum. Relax in the thermal springs of Pamukkale before flying to Cairo. In Egypt, stand in awe of the Pyramids of Giza, explore the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and cruise the Nile on a traditional felucca. Discover the wonders of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings, and enjoy guided tours led by expert guides throughout your adventure. This small group tour promises an unforgettable experience, blending historical exploration with moments of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Saturday. Hello Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure consider heading out to explore the city.
Day 2 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guided tour of the city that spans Europe and Asia. Tour the Hippodrome area, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern.
Day 3 : Canakkale
Location: Gallipoli
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Troy And Coastal Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Legendary Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Friday. Pamukkale - Istanbul - Cairo. After breakfast and hotel check out we make our way to Denizli airport for our onward flight to Istanbul arriving at approx 8:50am where our representative will be waiting to meet you. You will now need to independently book your flight from Istanbul to Cairo, as is not included in the cost of this tour. Please only book a flight departing Istanbul later than 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.
Day 8 : Pyramids Of Giza
Location: Giza
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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!
Day 9 : Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. A mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history are housed in the museum, making it one of the foremost in the world. Arguably the most famous exhibit is the solid gold funerary mask of King Tutankhamen. Opt to see also the Royal Mummies, if you wish. Note: the new Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open in 2020 (exact date yet to be released). Once open it will be visited in place of the current Egyptian Museum.
Leaving the museum, we visit a government supervised papyrus emporium where you can buy genuine papyrus at quite reasonable prices before returning to our hotel for free time. You may wish to have dinner or swim in the hotel pool before this evening's overnight train to Aswan.
Day 10 : Aswan
Location: Aswan
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11 - 12 : Felucca Sailing
Location: Aswan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 13 : Luxor
Location: Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kom Ombo - Luxor. Arrive in Luxor and opt to visit the wonderfully illuminated Luxor Temple by night (book/pay locally).
Day 14 : Luxor
Location: Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 15 : Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 16 : Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday - Cairo. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.
What's Included
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Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast along with 2 lunches and 2 dinners during the tour.
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Accommodation
Stay for 6 nights in 4-star hotels in Turkey, 5 nights in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, and 2 nights aboard a felucca (open deck). Option to upgrade to a 5-star Nile Cruiser.
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Overnight trains
Experience 2 nights on overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo in a private 2-berth sleeper cabin.
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Guided sightseeing in Turkey
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pergamum, and Pamukkale Hierapolis.
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Guided sightseeing in Egypt
Explore Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, and Luxor with guided tours.
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Qualified tour guides
Be escorted by degree-qualified tour guides in Turkey and Egypt.
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Economy flight
Includes an economy flight from Denizli (Pamukkale) to Istanbul.
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Airport transfers in Turkey
Includes airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure shuttle on day 8 to Istanbul Airport.
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Airport transfers in Cairo
Includes airport arrival transfer on day 8 and departure transfer on day 16.
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Private transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Flight between Istanbul and Cairo
The international flight between Istanbul and Cairo is not included and needs to be booked separately by the traveler.
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Tips for tour guides
Tips for your tour guides in Turkey and Egypt are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveler for your guide in Egypt and EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveler for your guide in Turkey. -
Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included and are estimated at EUR €200-215 per person in Turkey and USD$100-120 per person in Egypt, paid in local currency.
Age Policy
16 years with an accompanying adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with airport transfers in Turkey and Egypt. Enjoy an economy flight from Denizli to Istanbul, and two overnight train journeys from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo in private sleeper cabins.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in 4-star hotels in Turkey and 5 nights in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt. Experience 2 nights aboard a felucca with an open deck, or upgrade to a 5-star Nile Cruiser. Overnight trains feature private 2-berth sleeper cabins.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels in Turkey, 5 nights in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, and 2 nights aboard a felucca with an open deck. If you opt for the Nile Cruise Upgrade, you will have 4 nights in 4-5 star hotels and 3 nights on a 5-star Nile Cruiser with an en suite cabin.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Is there a flight included between Turkey and Egypt?
No, the international flight between Istanbul and Cairo is not included in the tour package and needs to be booked separately by the traveler.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles. Additionally, there are two nights on overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo in a private 2-berth sleeper cabin.
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Will there be guided sightseeing during the tour?
Yes, there will be guided sightseeing in both Turkey and Egypt. In Turkey, the guided tours include Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pergamum, and Pamukkale Hierapolis. In Egypt, the guided tours cover Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, and Luxor.
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Is there an option to upgrade the Nile cruise experience?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a 5-star luxury Nile Cruise instead of the standard felucca cruise.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, airport arrival transfer is included on day 1 in Turkey and on day 8 in Cairo. Departure transfers are also included on day 8 from Istanbul and on day 16 from Cairo.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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