TURKEY CAIRO TOUR

Main Sites visited: Istanbul – Pamukkale – Ephesus – Cappadocia – Cairo
Kindly note that one of our agents will be getting back to you with the pricing of your request. We offer exact prices with your preferences.

DAY 1: Arriving Istanbul

Merhaba! After arriving Istanbul, our welcome personnel will hold your name sign and we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: Istanbul Old City Walking Tour – Flight to Izmir

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar

Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia*. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next, we visit the Blue Mosque** which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace*, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. 

After the tour you will be transferred to IST or SAW Istanbul Airports for your flight to Izmir. You will do self-check in at the airport. Upon arrival in Izmir we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Kuşadası.

DAY 3: Pamukkale Tour

Tip: Cleopatra Pool visit is optional with additional cost. Don’t forget to have your towels and swimsuits with you. 
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will journey 3 hours inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the “Cotton Castle”. This name is truly fitting; the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a castle made of cotton. We will also spend time in Hierapolis, with one of the largest and most diverse necropolises in the world. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 4: Ephesus Tour – Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, begin your Ephesus tour with a visit to The Temple of Artemis, which is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and built in an area of Ephesus. Today one can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns’ capitals and shafts. Your next visit is to the archeological site of world famous ancient Greco-Roman City of Ephesus. You will enter Ephesus through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeon Theater, the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The theater, which seats 24,000 spectators, is believed to be the site where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians; it is still used today for a local spring festivals and concerts. After visiting this impressive site, you will break for lunch and then continue your tour with a visit of The House of Virgin Mary, which is considered a holy place for both Christians and Muslims alike. The House of the Virgin Mary is the official site recognized by the Vatican as the residence where the Virgin Mary spent her final days and it provides you with the opportunity to experience a special tranquility for prayer and meditation.

After the tour you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival Cappadocia you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 5: Cappadocia South Tour

Kaymakli Underground City, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Ortahisar Castle

First, we visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Drive back to the hotels. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 6: Cappadocia North Tour

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Flying in a hot air balloon is an amazing and unforgettable experience which you will never forget.  Very early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our balloon site. You will be welcomed with a light breakfast while you are registering for your flight. After meeting at the balloon site, you will be watching how we prepare our balloons for your adventure. After getting on the air you will be seeing beautiful sunrise upon Cappadocia. You will be thrilled with the scale of colors and shapes. We will be ascending up to 3000 feet and then almost you will be able touch fairy chimneys. After landing we will celebrate our flight with champagne toast (or soft drink) and your pilot will be presenting your flight certificates. After deflation balloons you will be transported to your launch site and continue to your day.

Today after breakfast we will meet at your hotel lobby and depart for our tour visiting Cappadocia’s Northern region. 

Today you visit full day guided tour of Cappadocia’s northern region.

Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Avanos

First, we visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going to the airport.

DAY 7: Flight to Istanbul – Flight to Cairo

After check out we will meet and transfer you to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival to Istanbul airport continue to international terminal for your flight to Cairo. Arrival Cairo Airport and meet for transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 8: Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara

Breakfast then begin tour with a visit to Memphis and view the beautiful representation of King Ramsis II through his colossal statue. Proceed to Sakkara and visit the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. At the Pyramids area, visit the three Pyramids built for Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus on the Giza Plateau and the mysterious Sphinx. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 9: Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Old Cairo

Today depart again with your guide to begin exploring the downtown area of Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin (Alabaster Mosque & Tomb of Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali) and Old Cairo area where you find a mixture between the Islamic & Christian Monuments such as the Hanging Church which date back to the beginning of the 5th Century AD. Also visit the famous Khan El-Khalily Bazaar. Overnight in Cairo

DAY 10: Flight Home

We will meet at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Cairo Airport for your flight home. Upon your arrival to Cairo airport continue to international terminal. Turkey Insiders team says so long and looks forward to be your host again until next time on travel pleasure for other destinations.  Gule Gule.

INCLUDING

• Domestic flights as mentioned in the program with 15kg luggage & a cabin bag allowance.
• Airport transfers mentioned as in the itinerary with shuttle services.
• Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Meals as indicated on day headings.
• Transportation by a comfortable AC nonsmoking car/Van with professional driver.
• Professional licensed guide during the tours in English language.
• Entry fees to the sites and museums.
• No Hidden Fees.

EXCLUDING

• Domestic flights as mentioned in the program with 15kg luggage & a cabin bag allowance.
• Airport transfers mentioned as in the itinerary with shuttle services.
• Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Meals as indicated on day headings.
• Transportation by a comfortable AC nonsmoking car/Van with professional driver.
• Professional licensed guide during the tours in English language.
• Entry fees to the sites and museums.
• No Hidden Fees.

DAY 16: West Bank Tour

Start the tour by crossing to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of Kings, a vast “City of the Dead” where magnificent tombs were carved and filled with treasures for the afterlife. Then proceed to the foot of the cliff, to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only woman who ruled Egypt in Pharaonic History. On the way back to the river Nile, your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon. Return to cruise and sail to Esna. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.