Tour Overview
10-Day Turkey & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Cairo is planned as a 10 Days / 9 Nights journey linking Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Cairo. The route is designed to combine cultural sightseeing, practical transport connections and time in the principal destinations without compressing the main visits into a single day.
Across the itinerary, the main sightseeing is built around Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Side, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Cappadocia, Zelve Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Three Beauties. Each stop is positioned within the day-by-day route so that the historical, cultural and landscape highlights remain easy to follow from one destination to the next.
Travel logistics are integrated into the program rather than treated as separate arrangements. Depending on the confirmed route, the package includes 4-star hotel accommodation, licensed guided sightseeing, private transfers, domestic flights, ferry connections, 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches. The result is a complete multi-day itinerary with the major visits, overnight stops and travel sectors clearly organized.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport or the cruise terminal, our local representative will greet you and arrange your private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a brief orientation covering your travel schedule, included services, and practical information for the days ahead. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after your journey or enjoy an independent walk through the surrounding neighborhood.
Private Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, meet your licensed guide and begin exploring the historic peninsula, where centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history come together. Visit the ancient Hippodrome and view monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
Continue to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque before discovering Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Conclude today's sightseeing at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, offering traditional handicrafts, carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and spices.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Cappadocia
Your morning starts with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar, followed by a scenic Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia. During the cruise, admire Ottoman waterfront palaces, elegant wooden mansions, suspension bridges, and Istanbul's ever-changing skyline from the water.
After the cruise, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, continue by private transfer to Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia.
North Cappadocia Tour
Today's guided excursion introduces Cappadocia's extraordinary volcanic landscape and distinctive rock formations. Begin at Uçhisar Castle for panoramic views before continuing to Çavuşin Village, Paşabağ (Monks Valley), Zelve Open Air Museum, and Devrent Valley, famous for its naturally sculpted rocks.
Later, visit Avanos to learn about its centuries-old pottery tradition before stopping in Ürgüp to see the iconic Three Beauties rock formations.
Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
South Cappadocia Tour & Flight to Izmir
Continue exploring Cappadocia with visits to Ortahisar Rock Castle, the traditional village of Mustafapaşa, and the archaeological site of Sobesos. Drive through scenic Soğanlı Valley, known for its rock-carved churches, before descending into Kaymaklı Underground City, where ancient communities created an extensive subterranean settlement.
Following the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel in Kuşadası.
Ephesus Ancient City & Return to Istanbul
Begin the day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary before exploring the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Walk along Curetes Street to admire landmarks including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre while your guide explains the city's significance during the Roman period.
Later, visit the Temple of Artemis before continuing to the hillside village of Şirince, renowned for its traditional stone houses and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Fly to Cairo, Egypt
Following breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your included international flight to Cairo.
After arriving in Egypt, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred privately to your hotel. The remainder of the day is available for leisure.
Optional Experience: Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show
Giza Pyramids & Grand Egyptian Museum
Discover Egypt's most celebrated archaeological landmarks during today's guided tour. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx while learning about the engineering achievements and royal history of Ancient Egypt.
Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where an outstanding collection of artifacts—including treasures associated with Tutankhamun—provides a fascinating insight into one of history's greatest civilizations.
Historic Cairo Discovery
Explore Cairo's historic and religious heritage beginning with the Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Continue into Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church, Saint Barbara Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Enjoy lunch before spending time at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where narrow streets are filled with traditional workshops, cafés, and local merchants.
Optional Experience: Nile Dinner Cruise with traditional entertainment.
Departure from Cairo
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. A private transfer will be arranged according to your departure flight schedule, taking you to Cairo International Airport.
Your journey comes to an end after discovering the historical landmarks, archaeological treasures, and cultural heritage of both Turkey and Egypt.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Cairo (Egypt). All domestic flights within Turkey and Egypt.
- 🏨 Accommodation 6 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels in Turkey on a bed and breakfast basis. 3 nights in carefully selected 5-star hotels in Egypt on a bed and breakfast basis.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast during hotel stays. Lunch during the scheduled Ephesus and Cappadocia Small Group Tours, as specified in the itinerary.
- 🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour Private Istanbul Old City Tour with an English-speaking licensed guide and entrance fees. Lunch is not included. 🚢 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Group Bosphorus Cruise Tour in Istanbul. 🏛️ Ephesus & Cappadocia Guided Tours 3-Day Small Group Tour covering Ephesus and 2 days in Cappadocia, including an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
- 🏛️ Cairo Guided Tour 2-Day Small Group Tour of Cairo. Entrance fees to all listed sightseeing sites are included, except the Pyramids of Giza.
- 🤝 Meet & Greet Service Meet & Greet service at Istanbul and Cairo airports.
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers Private transfers from/to airports, hotels, and cruise ports throughout Turkey and Egypt. Comfortable transportation during all scheduled sightseeing tours.
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees Entrance fees to all sightseeing attractions specifically listed in the included tour programs, except the Pyramids of Giza.
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support English-speaking local guides during scheduled sightseeing tours. Local assistance and carefully coordinated travel arrangements throughout Turkey and Egypt.
Not Included
- To keep the itinerary flexible, the following items are not included in the tour price: ✈️ International Flights International arrival flight to Istanbul and international departure flight from Cairo.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance 🛂 Egypt Entry Visa Egypt entry visa, currently USD 25.
- 🏛️ Pyramids of Giza Entrance to the Pyramids of Giza.
- 🎟️ Optional Tours & Entrance Tickets Optional tours and entrance tickets to sites not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🍽️ Meals & Beverages Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🧳 Personal Expenses Personal expenses during the tour. 💰 Tips & Gratuities Tips for guides, drivers, and other services. 📋 Other Services Any services not specifically listed under Included.