15-Day Classic Turkey & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, C

Tour Overview

15-Day Classic Turkey & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, Cairo & Nile Cruise is planned as a 15 Days / 14 Nights journey linking Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Luxor. 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, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Kusadasi, Side, Izmir, Pamukkale, Hierapolis. 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

Explore Istanbul's historic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and a scenic Bosphorus Cruise.

Visit the UNESCO treasures of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, Hierapolis, and the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

Discover Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Göreme region, underground cities, rock-cut churches, Pasabag, Zelve, and Devrent Valley.

Experience Egypt's iconic archaeological sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Cruise the Nile while visiting Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

Day 1: Experience Welcome to Istanbul. A scheduled transfer is part of the day.

Day 2: Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. Guided sightseeing is scheduled for the principal visits.

Day 3: Visit Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Kusadasi, Side, Izmir. A scheduled transfer is part of the day.

Day 4: Visit Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Hierapolis.

Day 5: Visit Ephesus, Library of Celsus, Sirince, Cappadocia, Izmir. A scheduled transfer is part of the day.

Itinerary

Day1

Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul travel experience. Upon landing, you will be met at the airport or port and transferred privately to your hotel. Check-in starts after 13:00. Your local travel advisor will briefly go over your Turkey Egypt combined tour itinerary and assist with any questions. The rest of the day is free to explore or simply relax in the city’s atmosphere.

Day2

Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided exploration of Istanbul historical tour highlights. Visit major landmarks such as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II. Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque Istanbul and the world-renowned Hagia Sophia Mosque/Museum. Later, explore Topkapi Palace Ottoman history site, followed by free time at the famous Grand Bazaar Istanbul shopping experience.

Day3

Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Izmir

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise Istanbul Europe Asia view. The day includes a drive along the Golden Horn Istanbul coastline, a stop at the colorful Spice Bazaar Istanbul local market, and a relaxing boat trip between two continents showcasing Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Arrival transfer to Kusadasi seaside town hotels for overnight stay.

Day4

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

Depart early for a full-day excursion to Pamukkale white travertine terraces natural wonder. Enjoy lunch upon arrival, then continue exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis archaeological site Turkey, including Roman baths, necropolis, Temple of Apollo, and the amphitheater. Return to Kusadasi in the evening.

Day5

Ephesus Tour / Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, visit the legendary Ephesus ruins Turkey UNESCO site. Highlights include the Library of Celsus Ephesus, marble streets, and the Great Theatre. Continue to the House of Virgin Mary pilgrimage site, then proceed to Sirince village wine tasting experience.

After the tour, fly from Izmir to Kayseri and transfer to Cappadocia Göreme cave hotels.

Day6

South Cappadocia Tour

Start your day with optional hot air balloon Cappadocia sunrise experience. Later visit Ortahisar Castle rock formation, Mustafapaşa Greek village, Sobesos Roman ruins Cappadocia, and Soğanlı Valley cave churches hike. After lunch in a local village, continue to Kaymaklı Underground City Cappadocia tunnels.

Day7

North Cappadocia Tour & Flight to Istanbul

Explore Uçhisar Castle panoramic viewpoint, Çavuşin village, Fairy Chimneys Pasabag Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley imagination rocks, Three Beauties viewpoint, and pottery workshops in Avanos traditional ceramics.

Evening flight back to Istanbul and transfer to hotel.

Day8

Flight to Cairo, Egypt

Transfer to airport and flight to Cairo Egypt holiday experience. Upon arrival, meet assistance and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure.

Day9

Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara Tour

Discover ancient wonders starting with Saqqara Step Pyramid Djoser complex, then continue to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza Egypt tour experience. End the day with the legendary Great Sphinx of Giza monument visit.

Day10

Grand Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo Bazaar / Flight to Aswan

Explore the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum Tutankhamun collection, then enjoy free time at Khan El Khalili Bazaar Cairo shopping experience. Evening flight to Aswan.

Day11

Agilkia Island & Philae Temple Tour / Nile River Cruise – Day 1

Board your luxury Nile cruise experience Egypt and visit Philae Temple Agilkia Island Isis Temple. Enjoy Aswan’s calm atmosphere onboard.

Day12

Kom Ombo Temple & Edfu Tour / Nile River Cruise – Day 2

Sail along the Nile visiting the unique Kom Ombo crocodile temple Sobek Horus dual temple, then continue toward Edfu while enjoying scenic river views of Nile River cruise journey Egypt landscapes.

Day13

Luxor, Karnak Temples & Luxor Temple / Nile River Cruise – Day 3

Arrive in Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. Explore the massive Karnak Temple complex Egypt history site, followed by the majestic Luxor Temple illuminated ancient structure.

Day14

Kings Valley Tour / Flight to Cairo

Optional sunrise hot air balloon Luxor West Bank view. Then explore the legendary Valley of the Kings tombs Egypt, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon before flying back to Cairo.

Day15

Departure from Cairo

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your private transfer to the airport for departure. End of your unforgettable Turkey and Egypt combined tour package.

What's Included

Included

🏨 Accommodation 7 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. 4-Day Small Group Tour covering Ephesus, Pamukkale, 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the international flight between Turkey and Egypt included?

Yes. The tour includes the international flight from Istanbul to Cairo, along with all domestic flights within Turkey and Egypt.

What type of accommodation is provided?

The itinerary includes 7 nights in 4-star hotels in Turkey, 4 nights in 5-star hotels in Egypt, and 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile River Cruise.

How large are the tour groups?

Scheduled sightseeing operates with groups of up to 14 guests in Turkey and up to 35 guests in Egypt. Flights, transfers, and leisure time are arranged independently.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included for all listed sightseeing sites except entry inside the Pyramids of Giza, which requires a separate ticket.

Is the tour suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. The itinerary includes many of the most important historical, cultural, and archaeological landmarks in both Turkey and Egypt.

Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon included?

No. The Cappadocia and Luxor hot air balloon experiences are optional and available at an additional cost.

What is the physical difficulty level?

The tour is rated as Moderate, with regular walking at archaeological sites, museums, and historic districts.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before the scheduled tour departure.