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 sailing in Egypt - the ultimate tour.

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 (B)

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 (B, D)

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 (B, D)

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. Afterward, we stop by a local carpet manufacturing house. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 6: Pamukkale Travertines

Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Istanbul. 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. At approx 10pm this evening, we bid farewell to our guide and travel by overnight bus to Istanbul. Overnight - Public bus (B, D)

Day 7: Istanbul

Friday. Arrive to Istanbul early this morning (approx 6am), where our representative will be waiting to meet you upon your arrival. Transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day and evening are free time. Consider heading out to one of the local cafes for a hearty breakfast followed by a visit to the legendary, if cavernous Grand Bazaar or the exotic Egyptian Spice Market. Just the ticket for souvenir, clothing and handbag purchases! Overnight - Istanbul

Day 8: Goodbye Turkey, Hello Egypt

Saturday! Departure transfers to Ataturk Airport offered at 11am and 9pm for your flight to Egypt (flight not included in our tour price). Arrive Cairo Airport and included transfer to hotel. Free time, consider taking some R&R by the hotel swimming pool Overnight - Cairo (B)

Day 9: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at the Giza Plateau, before continuing on to Saqqara to explore its myriad of tombs and temples. Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan, 1st class recliner seats. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - onboard train (B)

Day 10: Aswan

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

Days 11 - 12: Felucca sailing

Aswan - Nile felucca cruising - Kom Ombo. Optional early morning air excursion to famed Temples of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night cruise upstream to Edfu. 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. 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 (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Trip Highlights

    Istanbul - Sultanahmet, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia and Basilica Underground Cistern

    Gallipoli - ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair memorials and trenches

    Pamukkale Thermal Pools and Roman Hierapolis

    Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum

    Nile felucca cruising - islands en route

    Bosphorus Strait - the waterway dividing Europe and Asia

    Roman ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus

    Carpet weaving demomstration and leather house visit

    Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple, River Nile

    Temple of Kom Ombo & Edfu - Temple of Horus

Day 13: The Temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Visits to Kom Ombo Temple and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This evening opt to view the wonderfully illuminated Luxor Temple by night, (book/pay locally). Overnight - Luxor(B)

Day 14: Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. Today, consider opting to join our hot air ballooning excursion over ancient Thebes - fabulous early in the morning! Later we tour 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 seater train. Overnight - seater train (B)

Day 15: Egyptian Museum

Cairo. Arrival and hotel check-in. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, famed for the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask. This afternoon is free - perhaps spend the remainder of the day exploring Cairo your way. Overnight - Cairo(B)

Day 16: Cairo

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

What's Included

    15 breakfast, 2 lunch, 6 dinners

    2 nights aboard a felucca (open deck)

    Airport arrival transfer in Turkey day 1 and departure shuttle on day 8 at 11am & 9pm to Ataturk International airport

    Touring of Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale Hierapolis

    Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu and Luxor

    All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

    6 nights 4 star and special class hotels in Turkey, 4 nights 4 - 5 star hotels in Egypt

    2 nights overnight seater train (upgrade available)

    Cairo - Airport arrival transfer on day 8 and departure transfer on day 16

    Afternoon Bosphorus cruise – Istanbul

    Escorted by degree qualified tour guides in Turkey and Egypt

What's Not Included

    International flights, visas and flight from Istanbul to Cairo

    Tip for your tour guides in Turkey and Egypt. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your driver in Turkey $20 USD and Felucca Crew/ Nile Cruise staff in Egypt, we recommend you allow $10 USD for each. Tipping of these persons mentioned above is an entirely personal gesture

    Entrance Fees: $190-220