Camel trekking | The Pyramids | Giza | Egypt
FROM: USD $2,455 pp

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.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Nile Cruise Upgrade
Hotels
COVID safe guide

Trip Highlights

Istanbul - Sultanahmet, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia and Basilica Underground Cistern
Roman ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus
Carpet weaving demonstration and leather house visit
Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple and River Nile
Temple of Kom Ombo
Gallipoli - ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials and trenches
Pamukkale - Thermal pools and Roman Hierapolis
Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Nile felucca cruising - Islands en route
Luxor - Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon and the mesmerizing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
2 nights overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Guided sightseeing in Egypt - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
Economy flight from Denizli (Pamukkale) to Istanbul
Cairo - Airport arrival transfer on day 8 and departure transfer on day 16
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)
Guided sightseeing in Turkey - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pergamum and Pamukkale Hierapolis
Escorted by degree qualified tour guides in Turkey and Egypt
Turkey - Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure shuttle on day 8 at 11am and 1:30pm to Istanbul Airport
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guides in Turkey and Egypt. We recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller for your guides. For your driver in Turkey we recommend USD$2 per traveller per day. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
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
Entrance Fees: USD$160-180pp, paid in local currency

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  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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  |  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 arriving at approx 8:50am 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. 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.
Overnight: Cairo  |  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  |  Breakfast

Day 9

The Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. A mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities are housed in this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex, including treasures of King Tutankhamun. After our tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the remarkably well preserved mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens which are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. 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.

Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in summer 2022, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper train  |  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  |  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  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

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  |  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  |  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  |  Breakfast

Day 16

Cairo

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

Flights

Please note: The flight from Istanbul to Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour. Turkish Airlines and Egyptair offer flights between Istanbul and Cairo, check their websites for more details.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Easter departure, book early!
Easter Departure
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's Departure
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
USD $2,455
USD $3,485
17 Dec - 01 Jan Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $2,705
USD $3,805
31 Dec - 15 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $2,705
USD $3,805
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885
USD $2,755
USD $3,885

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Princes Islands - 1 day
USD $155
N/A

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.

Ramada Old City, Istanbul

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

A member of the reputable Ramada chain, the Istanbul Old Town property is modern and comfortable with excellent amenities. Guestrooms are bright and spacious with contemporary amenities. Two restaurants are on offer and our personal favourite is the wonderful roof top restaurant, serving delicious local cuisine coupled with a magnificent view of the City and Sea. The perfect way to end the day. Located in the heart of the Old City, near the Basilica Cistern and walking distance from all of the major monuments.

Iris Hotel, Canakkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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.

Carina Hotel, Kusadasi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

With panoramic views across the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, the Carina Hotel boasts bright, spacious room with a stylish antique decor. Within walking distance of the hotel are a number of beaches as well as the restaurant, bars and shops of Kusadasi. Enjoy a bite to eat at the restaurant or sip on a cocktail at the poolside bar.

Richmond Ephesus Resort Hotel, Kusadasi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Pamukkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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.

Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Steigenberger Hotel el Tahrir, Cairo

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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.

Le Meridien Heliopolis, Cairo

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Tolip Hotel, Aswan

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

Felucca Sailboat, Felucca Cruise

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: N/A

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.

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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.

Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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.

Prices & Dates

The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes' in the right hand column.

Read More
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Easter departure, book early!
Easter Departure
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's Departure
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,395
USD $3,415
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
USD $2,855
USD $4,075
17 Dec - 01 Jan Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $3,135
USD $4,425
31 Dec - 15 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $3,135
USD $4,425

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $115
USD $205
Princes Islands - 1 day
USD $155
N/A

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Istanbul
Ends
Cairo
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 and 5 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Visiting
Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Cairo, Aswan, Felucca Cruise, Luxor, Pyramids of Giza
Countries
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
View of Kusadasi from across the water
View of Kusadasi from across the water
The salt encrusted pools at Pamukkale
Click to play videoThe city of Cairo at the end of a dusty path in front of the setting sun
Ancient ruins standing majestically against the sky in Aswan
Click to play videoThe entrance to the ancient city of Luxor

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Princes' Island | Istanbul | Russia
USD $ 155 / 1 day

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!

Patricia Munoz
OTG000921Turkey & Tutankhamun - 16 daysMiddle East & North AfricaSignatureMiddle East & North Africafalse0Turkeyhttps://www.onthegotours.com/Egypt/Turkey-and-Tutankhamun-16-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Newsletter-main-image-Oct12-191541349103354_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgGroup_Tours