Tour Overview
17-Day Best of Turkey & Egypt Tour: Istanbul to Nile Cruise is planned as a 17 Days / 16 Nights journey linking Countries Covered. 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, Kusadasi, Izmir, Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary. 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, a Nile cruise component. 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
Welcome to Istanbul
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, one of the world's most fascinating cultural capitals, your private driver will meet you at the airport or cruise terminal and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Check-in is available after 1:00 PM. Once you've settled in, your travel consultant will provide a detailed overview of your upcoming Turkey and Egypt combined tour package, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the city's lively atmosphere at your own pace or simply relaxing before your journey begins.
Private Istanbul Old City Tour
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your private guide for an unforgettable Istanbul Old City Tour. Walk through centuries of history as you visit the impressive Hippodrome, home to the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and the elegant German Fountain.
Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, admired for its striking architecture and beautiful blue İznik tiles, before exploring the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces.
Afterwards, discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace, where priceless treasures and imperial collections await. Your day concludes with free time inside the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, featuring thousands of traditional shops offering carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, and local handicrafts.
Return to your hotel during the late afternoon.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Izmir
Following breakfast, depart for a memorable Bosphorus Cruise Tour, one of the highlights of every Istanbul sightseeing tour. Drive along the historic Golden Horn while admiring the impressive Byzantine city walls before arriving at the colorful Spice Bazaar, where exotic aromas and local delicacies create a unique shopping experience.
Board your boat for an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying spectacular views of Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, and iconic suspension bridges.
After the cruise ends, you'll be privately transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, continue with a comfortable transfer to the charming seaside town of Kusadasi, your gateway to tomorrow's archaeological discoveries.
Discover Ancient Ephesus
After breakfast, begin your full-day Ephesus guided tour from Kusadasi, exploring one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.
Your first stop is the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary. Continue to the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, where you'll walk along marble streets lined with remarkable monuments including the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, ancient temples, and Roman baths.
Following lunch, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy free time in the picturesque village of Sirince, famous for its stone houses, fruit wines, and authentic Turkish atmosphere.
Pamukkale Tour & Transfer to Antalya
Today you'll travel inland to experience one of Turkey's most extraordinary natural landscapes during your Pamukkale day tour.
Known as the "Cotton Castle," Pamukkale is famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. After lunch, explore the nearby UNESCO-listed ancient city of Hierapolis, where you'll visit the Temple of Apollo, Roman Theatre, Necropolis, and the ancient thermal baths that have attracted visitors for thousands of years.
After your sightseeing concludes, continue south by road to the beautiful Mediterranean city of Antalya.
Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour
Following breakfast, set off on a fascinating journey through the ancient civilizations of southern Turkey.
Your first destination is Perge, once the prosperous capital of Pamphylia. Wander among remarkably preserved Roman baths, monumental gates, the agora, colonnaded streets, stadium, and impressive fountains that reveal the city's rich heritage.
Continue to the magnificent Aspendos Theatre, widely regarded as one of the finest surviving Roman theatres in the world thanks to its exceptional state of preservation.
Enjoy lunch beside a peaceful riverside setting before heading to the charming coastal town of Side, where you'll explore the impressive Roman Theatre and admire the beautiful Temple of Apollo overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You'll also have free time to stroll through the old town or relax by the waterfront.
On your return journey to Antalya, stop at the scenic Kursunlu Waterfall before transferring back to your hotel.
Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast, transfer to Antalya Airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, your private driver will take you to Göreme, the heart of magical Cappadocia.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the unique volcanic landscape surrounding your hotel.
North Cappadocia Tour
Begin your exploration of extraordinary Cappadocia with a full-day sightseeing experience.
Visit Uchisar Castle, the region's highest natural viewpoint, before continuing to the colorful rock formations of Rose Valley and the famous fairy chimneys of Pasabag. Explore the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum, where ancient cave churches and monastic settlements reveal centuries of history.
After lunch, discover the imaginative landscapes of Devrent Valley, often called Imagination Valley, followed by panoramic views at Three Beauties Valley.
Complete your day in Avanos, renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition, where you'll enjoy a live pottery demonstration and have the opportunity to create your own ceramic masterpiece.
Optional: Experience the unforgettable Cappadocia hot air balloon experience at sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views over the valleys.
South Cappadocia Tour & Return to Istanbul
After breakfast and hotel check-out, continue discovering southern Cappadocia.
Photograph the impressive Ortahisar Castle, then visit the historic Greek village of Mustafapasa, known for its elegant stone mansions and rich cultural heritage.
Continue through Sobesos, where beautifully preserved Roman mosaics have been uncovered, before enjoying a scenic walk through Soganli Valley, famous for its rock-cut churches and peaceful surroundings.
Following lunch, descend into the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, an incredible underground settlement once used for protection by early Christian communities.
After your tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Fly to Cairo, Egypt
Your international adventure continues as you fly from Istanbul to Cairo, beginning the Egyptian chapter of your unforgettable Turkey and Egypt holiday package.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by your local representative and transferred privately to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin discovering Egypt's vibrant capital.
Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Saqqara
Today's excursion introduces you to some of humanity's greatest archaeological achievements during your Great Pyramids of Giza tour.
Begin at Saqqara, home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of King Djoser, considered the world's oldest large-scale stone monument.
Continue to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, where you'll stand before the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure before meeting the mysterious Great Sphinx, one of Egypt's most recognizable symbols.
Grand Egyptian Museum & Flight to Aswan
After breakfast, explore the extraordinary Grand Egyptian Museum, home to priceless treasures from ancient Egypt, including spectacular artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Later, enjoy free time wandering through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East and an ideal place to shop for spices, jewelry, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.
In the evening, board your flight to Aswan.
Philae Temple & Begin Your Nile Cruise Day 1
This morning, board your elegant Luxury Nile Cruise Egypt before visiting the magnificent Philae Temple, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Spend the evening relaxing onboard while enjoying the peaceful scenery of the legendary Nile.
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples – Nile Cruise Day 2
Your unforgettable Nile River Cruise Egypt continues as you sail toward Kom Ombo, home to the extraordinary double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.
Later, continue sailing toward Edfu, enjoying beautiful riverside scenery that has inspired travelers for centuries.
Explore Karnak & Luxor Temple – Nile Cruise Day 3
Arrive in magnificent Luxor, often described as the world's greatest open-air museum.
Visit the enormous Karnak Temple Complex, an extraordinary collection of sanctuaries, pylons, and towering columns that illustrate thousands of years of Egyptian history.
Later, continue to the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple, especially stunning as the afternoon light illuminates its ancient stone walls.
Valley of the Kings & Return to Cairo
Early risers may choose the optional Luxor hot air balloon experience, offering unforgettable sunrise views across the West Bank.
Later, discover the legendary Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried. Continue to the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before stopping at the monumental Colossi of Memnon.
Following your sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Departure from Cairo
Enjoy your final breakfast before your private airport transfer. As your memorable Turkey and Egypt combined tour package comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of ancient civilizations, spectacular landscapes, and two remarkable countries connected in one extraordinary journey.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Cairo (Egypt). All domestic flights within Turkey and Egypt.
- 🏨 Accommodation 9 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels in Turkey on a bed & breakfast basis. 4 nights in carefully selected 5-star hotels in Egypt on a bed & breakfast basis.
- 🚢 Nile River Cruise 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast during hotel stays. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the 3-night Nile River Cruise. Lunch during the scheduled full-day guided tours in Turkey and Egypt, as specified in the itinerary.
- 🏛️ Guided Sightseeing in Turkey Private Istanbul Old City Tour with an English-speaking licensed guide, entrance fees, and transportation (lunch not included). Group Bosphorus Cruise Tour in Istanbul. 5-Day Small Group Tour covering Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and 2 days in Cappadocia, including an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
- 🏛️ Guided Sightseeing in Egypt 6-Day Small Group Tour covering Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. 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 airport, hotel, and cruise port transfers 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, unless otherwise stated.
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support English-speaking local guides during scheduled sightseeing tours. Local assistance and carefully coordinated travel arrangements throughout Turkey and Egypt.
- All transfers from/to Airports, Hotels and Cruise Ports with Private Car
Not Included
- To keep the itinerary flexible, the following items are not included in the tour price: ✈️ International arrival flight to Istanbul. ✈️ International departure flight from Cairo.
- 🛡️ Travel insurance.
- 🛂 Egypt entry visa (currently USD 25).
- 🏛️ Entrance to the Pyramids of Giza.
- 🎟️ Optional tours and entrance tickets to sites not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🎈 Hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia (TURKEY) and West Bank of Luxor (EGYPT) 🍽️ Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🧳 Personal expenses. 💰 Tips for guides, drivers, and other services. 📋 Any services not specifically listed under Included.