25-Day Turkey, Best Greek Islands & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, Rhodes & Cairo

Welcome to Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, the remarkable city that connects Europe and Asia while preserving the legacy of countless civilizations. After landing at Istanbul Airport or arriving at the cruise port, meet your driver and transfer comfortably to your hotel.

Hotel rooms are available from 1:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take time to recover from your journey, explore the neighborhood around your hotel, or sample your first Turkish dishes at a nearby restaurant.

Before the day concludes, a local travel representative will meet with you to review your itinerary, explain the travel arrangements for the coming days, and answer any questions before your journey across Turkey, Greece, and Egypt officially begins.

Istanbul's Imperial Heritage

After breakfast, meet your licensed guide and begin exploring the historical treasures of Istanbul's Old City.

Your tour starts at the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and political center of Constantinople, where monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain still commemorate the city's rich past.

Continue to the Blue Mosque, admired for its elegant domes and beautifully crafted İznik tiles, before visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served both Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans throughout its long history.

Next, discover Topkapi Palace, the former administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. Explore its impressive courtyards, royal collections, and historic chambers while learning about the empire that ruled across three continents.

Before returning to your hotel, enjoy free time at the Grand Bazaar, where traditional shops offer carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, leather products, and handmade Turkish souvenirs.

Bosphorus Cruise & Journey to Cappadocia

Following breakfast, begin today's sightseeing with a drive along the shores of the Golden Horn, passing sections of Istanbul's ancient defensive walls.

Your first stop is the historic Spice Bazaar, where stalls overflowing with aromatic spices, Turkish delight, herbal teas, dried fruits, and local delicacies create one of the city's most colorful marketplaces.

Later, board a scenic Bosphorus Cruise and sail along the famous waterway separating Europe and Asia. Along the route, admire Ottoman waterfront palaces, elegant wooden mansions, historic mosques, suspension bridges, and charming neighborhoods lining both shores.

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

Cappadocia's Hidden Valleys & Underground Wonders

Today's excursion reveals a quieter side of Cappadocia, where remarkable landscapes and centuries of history exist side by side.

Begin with panoramic views of Ortahisar Castle before visiting the traditional village of Mustafapaşa, known for its historic stone houses and its Greek-Ottoman architectural heritage.

Continue to Sobesos Archaeological Site, where beautifully preserved Roman mosaics provide insight into the region's ancient past.

Next, enjoy a relaxing walk through Soğanlı Valley, famous for its rock-cut churches, cave dwellings, and peaceful natural scenery. A traditional local lunch introduces you to regional Cappadocian cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit Kaymaklı Underground City, an extraordinary multi-level settlement where early Christian communities created living spaces, storage rooms, tunnels, and places of worship beneath the earth.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

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

Cappadocia Highlights & Flight to Izmir

Continue exploring Cappadocia by visiting several of its most recognizable natural and historical attractions.

Your day begins in Uçhisar, home to the region's highest rock fortress and sweeping panoramic views across Cappadocia's volcanic landscape. Continue to the historic settlement of Çavuşin, where ancient cave houses blend into distinctive rock formations.

Visit Paşabağı to admire Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys before exploring Zelve Open-Air Museum, a remarkable complex of rock-cut churches, monasteries, and former cave dwellings.

After lunch, travel through Devrent Valley, where centuries of erosion have sculpted unusual rock formations resembling animals and imaginative shapes.

Before leaving the region, stop in Avanos, celebrated for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Watch local artisans demonstrate traditional ceramic-making techniques using the area's distinctive red clay.

Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your scheduled evening flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, continue with your private transfer to your hotel in Kuşadası.

Discover Ancient Ephesus & the Village of Sirince

After breakfast, travel to one of the Mediterranean's most significant archaeological sites.

Your first visit is the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary traditionally believed to be the final residence of Mary. Surrounded by pine forests, the site has long been an important destination for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Continue to the magnificent Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities ever discovered. Walk along its marble avenues while your licensed guide introduces remarkable landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and Curetes Street, each reflecting the city's importance during the Roman Empire.

Following lunch, stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Before returning to Kuşadası, spend some free time in the hillside village of Şirince, where traditional stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, artisan shops, and local fruit wines offer a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

Leave Turkey's Aegean coast behind as you travel inland to one of the country's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Arrive in Pamukkale, renowned for its brilliant white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside over thousands of years. This extraordinary natural landscape is often referred to as the "Cotton Castle."

Following lunch, continue to the nearby Ancient City of Hierapolis, an important Roman spa city established around the area's natural hot springs. Explore highlights including the impressive Roman Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, ancient bath complexes, and one of the largest necropolises in Anatolia while learning about the city's historical significance.

After completing today's sightseeing, return to Kuşadası for an overnight stay.

Ferry Crossing to Rhodes

After breakfast, travel to Marmaris and board your ferry for the crossing to Rhodes, one of Greece's most historic islands.

Relax during the journey across the Aegean Sea before arriving on Rhodes, where you'll transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring the island at your own pace, whether strolling through the old streets, relaxing by the waterfront, or enjoying local Greek cuisine.

Free Day on Rhodes

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Rhodes according to your own interests.

You may choose to wander through the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, visit the picturesque village of Lindos, or simply spend the day relaxing along the island's beautiful coastline. With no scheduled sightseeing, today offers the flexibility to experience Rhodes at your preferred pace.

Flight to Heraklion, Crete

After breakfast, transfer for your flight to Heraklion, the capital of the island of Crete.

Upon arrival, continue to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take time to explore the city's lively streets, relax at a seaside café, or begin discovering the unique atmosphere of Greece's largest island before tomorrow's free day.

Leisure Day in Heraklion

Spend today exploring Heraklion at your own pace.

You may choose to visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, or discover thousands of archaeological treasures at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. If you prefer a slower pace, enjoy the city's cafés, waterfront promenade, or local shops before continuing your island-hopping journey.

Ferry to Santorini

Following breakfast, transfer to the port and board your high-speed ferry to Santorini, one of Greece's most recognizable islands.

As you approach the island, admire its dramatic volcanic cliffs rising above the Aegean Sea. After arrival and hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy independently.

Walk through the lively streets of Fira, browse local boutiques, relax at a cliffside café, or simply admire the spectacular caldera views that have made Santorini famous around the world.

Before sunset, don't miss the romantic waterfront district of Little Venice, where charming houses stand directly above the sea, creating one of Greece's most photographed views.

Discover Santorini at Your Own Pace

Enjoy a full day of leisure on Santorini without any scheduled sightseeing.

Visit the charming villages of Oia and Fira, wander through narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed buildings, or spend time relaxing on one of the island's distinctive volcanic beaches.

Guests wishing to explore further may join an optional excursion featuring a cruise around the volcanic caldera, visits to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, swimming in natural hot springs, or wine tasting at a local winery.

Before the day ends, don't miss the opportunity to watch Santorini's celebrated sunset from one of the island's scenic viewpoints.

Ferry to Mykonos

After breakfast, transfer to the port for your ferry journey to Mykonos, another of the Cyclades' most popular islands.

Upon arrival, continue to your hotel before enjoying free time to begin exploring the island. Wander through the narrow lanes of Mykonos Town, discover charming waterfront cafés, or simply relax while taking in the island's distinctive Cycladic architecture and coastal atmosphere.

Leisure Day on Mykonos

Today is entirely free for you to experience Mykonos however you choose.

Explore the picturesque streets of Chora (Mykonos Town), spend time on the island's well-known beaches such as Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach, or enjoy the lively cafés and restaurants along the waterfront.

Whether you prefer sightseeing, relaxation, or simply soaking up the island atmosphere, today allows you to experience Mykonos at your own pace.

Ferry Journey to Athens

After breakfast, board the scheduled ferry to Athens, Greece's historic capital. Following arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace. You may choose to stroll through nearby neighborhoods, relax at a local café, or simply unwind before the next day's guided sightseeing.

Guided Exploration of Historic Athens

Begin the day with a professionally guided tour introducing the most significant landmarks of Athens, a city widely recognized as the birthplace of democracy and classical civilization.

Drive through the city center while viewing important monuments, including the Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma Square, and the Hellenic Parliament, where the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony may be observed.

Continue past the celebrated neoclassical landmarks of the Academy of Athens, the National Library, and the University of Athens before reaching the city's most iconic archaeological site.

A guided visit to the Acropolis reveals the magnificent Parthenon, one of the defining masterpieces of Classical Greek architecture. The tour continues at the acclaimed Acropolis Museum, home to an outstanding collection of sculptures and archaeological discoveries recovered from the sacred hill.

The afternoon is yours to explore independently, browse local shops, or sample traditional Greek cuisine in one of Athens' lively districts.

Flight from Athens to Cairo

Following breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for the scheduled flight to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet your local representative, receive assistance with arrival procedures, and continue by private transfer to your hotel.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy personal time before the Egyptian portion of the journey begins with guided sightseeing the following day.

Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx & Saqqara

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

Travel first to Saqqara, the ancient burial ground of Memphis, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser represents the earliest known large-scale stone pyramid and a major milestone in the evolution of pyramid construction.

Continue to the famous Giza Plateau, home to the monumental Great Pyramid of Khufu, together with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. These extraordinary monuments remain among the world's most celebrated symbols of Ancient Egypt and include the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

Before returning, visit the iconic Great Sphinx, the colossal limestone guardian that has overlooked the Giza Plateau for thousands of years.

Lunch is included during the excursion before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Grand Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili

After breakfast, visit the remarkable Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest archaeological museums in the world.

Designed to preserve and present Egypt's extraordinary heritage, the museum displays an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including the celebrated treasures of Tutankhamun, monumental royal sculptures, and thousands of objects spanning several millennia of Egyptian civilization.

Later, continue to the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a traditional marketplace that has served merchants and visitors since the medieval period. Explore its narrow streets lined with artisan workshops, spice merchants, jewelry stores, perfumes, and handcrafted souvenirs while experiencing one of Cairo's most vibrant cultural districts.

In the evening, transfer to Cairo Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Aswan, where the next stage of the journey begins before boarding the Nile Cruise.

Board Your Nile Cruise & Visit Philae Temple

Following breakfast, leave your hotel in Aswan and transfer to your elegant 5-star Nile River Cruise, where you'll settle into your cabin before beginning your journey along Egypt's legendary river.

Your first guided excursion takes you to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO preservation campaign, the temple is admired for its graceful colonnades, detailed reliefs, and peaceful riverside setting.

After returning to the cruise, enjoy lunch on board as the ship begins sailing north. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sun deck, watching palm-lined riverbanks, traditional villages, fertile farmland, and timeless desert landscapes drift by. Dinner is served on board before your first overnight stay on the Nile.

Kom Ombo & Edfu Along the Nile

Wake to another morning on the Nile as your cruise continues through Upper Egypt's ever-changing scenery.

The day's first stop is Kom Ombo Temple, an extraordinary double sanctuary dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design and remarkably preserved carvings make it one of Egypt's most distinctive ancient monuments.

Return to the ship and continue cruising while enjoying uninterrupted views of riverside communities and agricultural landscapes.

Later, arrive at Edfu for a guided visit to the magnificent Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest preserved temples from the Ptolemaic period. Its towering entrance, spacious courtyards, and detailed inscriptions provide valuable insight into ancient Egyptian religious traditions.

Following the excursion, return to the cruise for dinner and another peaceful evening sailing toward Luxor.

Discover Karnak & Luxor Temples

This morning your cruise reaches Luxor, home to one of the world's richest collections of ancient monuments.

Begin with a guided exploration of the immense Karnak Temple Complex, where monumental gateways, vast hypostyle halls, towering columns, and sacred lakes illustrate nearly two thousand years of temple construction under successive pharaohs.

The tour continues at Luxor Temple, beautifully positioned beside the Nile. Distinguished by its long history of continuous use through Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and later Islamic periods, the temple offers a fascinating perspective on Egypt's evolving civilization.

After sightseeing, return to the cruise ship for your final evening on board and enjoy dinner while reflecting on your unforgettable Nile voyage.

Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Fly to Cairo

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor

After breakfast, disembark from your Nile Cruise and cross to Luxor's renowned West Bank, one of Ancient Egypt's most important archaeological regions.

Your first visit is the legendary Valley of the Kings, where elaborately decorated royal tombs reveal the burial traditions of the New Kingdom pharaohs.

Continue to the striking Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece built against dramatic limestone cliffs and dedicated to one of Egypt's most influential rulers.

Before leaving Luxor, stop at the iconic Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that have guarded the ancient Theban Necropolis for over three millennia.

Later, transfer to Luxor Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel for your final evening in Egypt.

Departure from Cairo

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

Depending on your international departure schedule, you may have some free time before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Your 20-day adventure across Turkey, Greece, and Egypt concludes after exploring Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in Istanbul, the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, the historic treasures of Athens, the Aegean islands of Mykonos and Santorini, and Egypt's remarkable monuments from the Pyramids of Giza to the timeless Nile Valley.

We hope to welcome you again on another carefully planned journey with Kontes Travel.