24-Day Turkey, Greece & Egypt Tour: Gallipoli, Mykonos & Nile Cruise

Welcome to Istanbul

Your 24-day journey across Turkey, Greece, and Egypt begins upon arrival in Istanbul, a city that spans both Europe and Asia. After landing at Istanbul Airport or arriving at the cruise port, meet our local representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

Once check-in is complete, the remainder of the day is free to unwind after your travels or begin discovering Istanbul independently. Wander through nearby neighborhoods, relax at a local café, or enjoy your first introduction to Turkish cuisine.

Later in the day, a tour representative will provide a short briefing covering the itinerary, travel arrangements, and useful information for the days ahead.

Istanbul Old City Discovery

After breakfast, meet your licensed guide and explore the historical heart of Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage come together within the city's Historic Peninsula.

Begin at the ancient Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting center of Constantinople. Here you'll see important monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.

Continue to the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its graceful domes, slender minarets, and beautiful İznik tile decoration. Nearby stands Hagia Sophia, one of the world's most celebrated architectural monuments, reflecting centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history.

The tour continues at Topkapi Palace, home to generations of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its historic courtyards and imperial collections while learning about the empire that ruled much of three continents.

Before returning to the hotel, enjoy free time inside the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, offering traditional handicrafts, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, spices, and countless local products.

Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia

Following breakfast, begin the day with a drive along the historic Golden Horn, passing sections of the ancient city walls that once protected Constantinople.

Visit the colorful Spice Bazaar, where aromatic spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, teas, and regional specialties fill the historic marketplace.

Later, board a Bosphorus Cruise and sail along the strait separating Europe and Asia. During the journey, admire elegant Ottoman waterfront palaces, historic mansions, impressive mosques, suspension bridges, and lively neighborhoods lining both shores.

After the cruise, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your scheduled flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, continue by private vehicle to Göreme, located in the heart of Cappadocia.

Cappadocia's Hidden Valleys & Underground Heritage

Today's excursion introduces the quieter side of Cappadocia, combining traditional villages, archaeological discoveries, and remarkable geological landscapes.

Begin with panoramic views of Ortahisar Castle before continuing to Mustafapaşa, a historic settlement recognized for its well-preserved stone architecture and multicultural heritage.

Next, visit the Sobesos Archaeological Site, where beautifully preserved Roman mosaics reveal another chapter of Cappadocia's ancient past.

Continue into the peaceful Soğanlı Valley, known for its rock-cut churches, scenic walking trails, and authentic village atmosphere. Following a traditional local lunch, explore Kaymaklı Underground City, an extraordinary network of tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and worship areas created beneath the earth by early Christian communities.

Return to Göreme in the afternoon.

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight (available the following morning)

Cappadocia Highlights & Flight to İzmir

Spend the morning discovering several of Cappadocia's most recognizable natural and cultural landmarks.

Visit Uçhisar Castle, the region's highest rock fortress, before continuing to the historic village of Çavuşin, where cave dwellings and dramatic volcanic formations dominate the landscape.

Explore Paşabağı, renowned for its distinctive fairy chimneys, followed by Zelve Open-Air Museum, where ancient churches, monasteries, and homes were carved directly into the soft volcanic rock.

After lunch, continue to Devrent Valley, famous for its naturally sculpted rock formations that resemble animals and imaginative figures. The final stop is Avanos, a town celebrated for its pottery tradition dating back thousands of years. Watch local artisans demonstrate traditional ceramic techniques using the area's famous red clay.

Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your evening flight to İzmir. Upon arrival, continue to Selçuk for overnight accommodation.

Ancient Ephesus & Sirince Village

After breakfast, travel to one of the Mediterranean world's greatest archaeological sites.

Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage destination situated on the hills overlooking Ephesus.

Continue to Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in existence. Walk along its marble streets while exploring remarkable monuments including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian, and other impressive remains that illustrate the city's former importance.

Following lunch, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Later, continue to the hillside village of Şirince, known for its traditional stone houses, narrow streets, local handicrafts, and peaceful Aegean atmosphere. Enjoy time to explore before returning to Selcuk.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Exploration

After breakfast, leave the Aegean coastline behind and travel inland toward Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Created over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters, Pamukkale's brilliant white travertine terraces form one of the country's most distinctive natural landscapes. Spend time exploring this extraordinary setting before continuing to the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis.

Founded as a thermal spa during antiquity, Hierapolis preserves an impressive collection of Roman monuments. Discover the ancient theatre, Roman bath complex, the Temple of Apollo, and the extensive necropolis while learning about the city's importance as a healing center.

Following the guided visit, return to Selçuk for the evening.

Pergamon & Journey to Çanakkale

Following breakfast, depart Kuşadası and travel north toward Bergama, home to the ancient city of Pergamon, once one of the leading cultural and intellectual centers of the Hellenistic world.

After lunch, begin your guided exploration of Pergamon Acropolis. Highlights include the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the famous Library of Pergamon, the Temple of Trajan, the impressive Hellenistic Theatre, the Lower Agora, the Gymnasium, and the Temple of Dionysus. Your guide will also explain the historical significance of the renowned Altar of Zeus.

After completing the visit, continue north through western Anatolia to the coastal city of Çanakkale, where the evening is at leisure.

Troy, Gallipoli & Return to Istanbul

This morning begins with a guided visit to Ancient Troy, the legendary city celebrated in Homer's epic tales.

Walk among archaeological remains representing multiple civilizations built over thousands of years. During the visit, see the symbolic Trojan Horse, the ancient city walls, sacrificial altars, the Bouleuterion, the Odeon, and remains dating from Troy I through Troy IX.

After the tour, travel to Eceabat for lunch before continuing across the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The afternoon is dedicated to one of the most significant battlefields of the First World War. Visit Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Arıburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Mehmetçik Memorial, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, the 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

Following the Gallipoli excursion, return to Istanbul in the evening.

Fly to Athens

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled international flight from Turkey to Greece.

Upon arrival in Athens, meet your local representative and continue to your hotel by private transfer.

The rest of the day is free for independent exploration. You may choose to stroll through the historic Plaka district, relax in one of the city's traditional cafés, browse local shops, or admire evening views of the illuminated Acropolis from the surrounding neighborhoods.

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Athens

Following breakfast, discover the cultural and historical landmarks that have shaped Athens for thousands of years.

Your guided sightseeing tour includes panoramic views of the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, the Academy of Athens, the National Library, and the University of Athens.

Continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis, where the Parthenon remains one of the world's greatest monuments of Classical civilization.

The tour also includes the Acropolis Museum, home to an outstanding collection of sculptures and archaeological discoveries recovered from the sacred hill.

After the guided program, enjoy free time to continue exploring Athens at your own pace.

Ferry to Mykonos

Following breakfast, transfer to Piraeus Port and board your ferry for the journey across the Aegean Sea to Mykonos.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before spending the remainder of the day discovering the island independently.

Walk through the winding streets of Mykonos Town, admire the island's whitewashed Cycladic architecture, browse boutique shops, and enjoy the lively waterfront atmosphere. As evening approaches, visit the picturesque district of Little Venice, where traditional houses overlook the sea and provide one of Mykonos' most recognizable views.

Leisure Time on Mykonos

Enjoy breakfast before spending a full day discovering Mykonos at your own pace.

With no scheduled sightseeing today, you are free to experience the island according to your personal interests. Wander through the narrow lanes of Mykonos Town, photograph the famous windmills overlooking the harbor, or visit Panagia Paraportiani, one of the island's most distinctive churches.

Those looking for relaxation may spend the day at one of Mykonos' beaches, enjoy the waterfront cafés, or browse local boutiques offering handmade products and Greek fashion.

Guests interested in archaeology may choose an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site closely connected with Greek mythology and ancient history.

Return to your hotel after enjoying another evening on one of the Aegean's most celebrated islands.

Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini

After breakfast, transfer to the port and board the ferry bound for Santorini.

During the crossing, enjoy changing views of the Cycladic islands before arriving at Santorini, famous for its volcanic landscape and dramatic cliffs overlooking the caldera.

Following your transfer to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free.

Spend time exploring Fira, the island's lively capital, where narrow pedestrian streets, whitewashed buildings, cafés, and local shops overlook the deep-blue waters of the Aegean. Walking along the cliffside paths provides outstanding panoramic views of Santorini's unique volcanic scenery.

Discover Santorini at Your Own Pace

Breakfast is served at the hotel before another free day on Santorini.

Explore the island independently by visiting Oia and Imerovigli, two villages renowned for their traditional Cycladic architecture, blue-domed churches, and spectacular caldera viewpoints.

You may also spend time relaxing on Santorini's distinctive volcanic beaches or enjoying the atmosphere of the island's cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Several optional activities are available, including a sailing cruise around the caldera, excursions to the volcanic islands, swimming in natural hot springs, and wine tasting at local vineyards.

As the day draws to a close, experience Santorini's world-famous sunset before returning to your hotel.

Return ferry to Athens

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the port for your ferry journey back to Athens.

Enjoy another relaxing voyage across the Aegean Sea while passing the beautiful Greek islands before arriving on the mainland.

Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel and spend your final evening in Greece as you wish. The evening provides an opportunity for independent sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying traditional Greek cuisine before continuing to Egypt.

Flight to Cairo

Following breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your scheduled flight to Cairo.

After arriving in Egypt, meet your local representative, receive airport assistance, and continue by private transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin exploring Cairo independently.

Tomorrow's itinerary introduces the remarkable monuments of Ancient Egypt.

Saqqara, the Giza Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

Today's guided excursion focuses on some of Egypt's most celebrated archaeological treasures.

Begin at Saqqara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser represents one of the earliest monumental stone structures ever constructed.

Continue to the Giza Plateau, home to Egypt's most iconic monuments. Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the legendary Great Sphinx while learning about the engineering achievements and history of Ancient Egypt.

After lunch, return to your hotel in Cairo and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili & Flight to Aswan

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world's largest museums dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization.

Explore extensive galleries displaying royal statues, priceless archaeological discoveries, and the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun while gaining deeper insight into more than five thousand years of Egyptian history.

Continue to the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a lively marketplace where traditional handicrafts, jewelry, spices, perfumes, textiles, and locally produced souvenirs have been traded for centuries.

Following the sightseeing program, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel and prepare for the next stage of your journey along the Nile.

Philae Temple & Embark on the Nile Cruise

Following breakfast, visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, located on Agilkia Island in the Nile River.

Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple complex is admired for both its remarkable architecture and peaceful island setting. After the guided visit, board your 5-star Nile Cruise, which will serve as your accommodation for the next three nights.

Enjoy lunch onboard before settling into your cabin as the cruise begins sailing through the landscapes of Upper Egypt. Relax on deck while watching riverside villages, fertile farmland, palm groves, and desert scenery drift past.

Dinner is served onboard during your first evening on the Nile.

Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple Excursions

Wake up aboard your cruise as the journey continues through the Nile Valley.

The first stop is Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double sanctuary dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Your guide will explain the temple's distinctive design and its importance in ancient Egyptian religion.

Continue sailing toward Edfu, where you'll visit one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Dedicated to Horus, Edfu Temple provides an excellent example of Ptolemaic architecture and religious traditions.

Following the guided visits, return to the cruise ship and continue sailing toward Luxor while enjoying another evening onboard.

Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple

Today the cruise reaches Luxor, a city renowned for its remarkable concentration of ancient monuments.

Begin with a guided exploration of the vast Karnak Temple Complex, where monumental columns, sacred lakes, massive gateways, and richly decorated walls illustrate centuries of construction by successive pharaohs.

Continue to Luxor Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Nile. The temple reflects influences from several civilizations and remains one of Egypt's most significant archaeological landmarks.

Following the excursion, return to the cruise ship for your final evening aboard.

Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Flight to Cairo

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor.

After breakfast and disembarkation, cross to Luxor's West Bank for another day of ancient Egyptian history.

Visit the Valley of the Kings, where generations of New Kingdom pharaohs were buried within elaborately decorated rock-cut tombs.

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, celebrated for its striking terraced design and its association with one of Egypt's most influential female rulers.

Before leaving Luxor, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that have overlooked the Theban Necropolis for thousands of years.

Later, transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Departure from Cairo

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

According to your flight schedule, free time may be available for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Your 24-day journey concludes after exploring the historic cities of Turkey, the islands of the Aegean, and the ancient monuments of Egypt. From Istanbul and Cappadocia to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, the Nile Valley, and Cairo, the itinerary brings together archaeological heritage, cultural landmarks, coastal landscapes, and one of the world's most historic river journeys.