20-Day Turkey, Greece & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, Santorini & Cairo

Arrive in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, a city where two continents, countless civilizations, and centuries of history come together. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or the cruise port, you'll be greeted by your driver and transferred directly to your hotel.

After check-in (available from 1:00 PM), enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind after your journey, explore the surrounding streets, or enjoy your first traditional Turkish meal, this free time offers the perfect introduction to the country's vibrant culture.

Later, one of our local travel representatives will meet you to review your itinerary, explain the upcoming travel arrangements, and answer any questions before your adventure through Turkey, Greece, and Egypt begins.

Istanbul's Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights

Following breakfast, meet your licensed guide and set out to explore the remarkable landmarks that define Istanbul's historic center.

Your sightseeing begins at the Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting heart of the Byzantine Empire. Here you'll discover monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the elegant German Fountain, each reflecting a different chapter of the city's fascinating past.

Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, celebrated for its graceful architecture and beautifully crafted İznik tiles, before visiting the iconic Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements and a symbol of both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

The tour continues at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Walk through its imperial courtyards, royal collections, and historic chambers while learning about the empire that ruled much of three continents for centuries.

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

Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Cappadocia

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

Your first destination is the lively Spice Bazaar, where colorful displays of spices, herbal teas, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and local specialties create one of Istanbul's most vibrant shopping experiences.

Continue with a memorable Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring elegant Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, historic mosques, suspension bridges, and picturesque neighborhoods lining both shores of the strait.

Following the cruise, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your scheduled flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to your hotel in Göreme, the gateway to Cappadocia's extraordinary volcanic landscapes.

Hidden Treasures of Cappadocia

Today's excursion focuses on Cappadocia's lesser-known historical and natural attractions, revealing a quieter side of this extraordinary region.

Start the day with panoramic views of Ortahisar Castle before visiting the charming village of Mustafapaşa, known for its beautifully preserved stone houses and rich Greek-Ottoman heritage.

Continue to the archaeological site of Sobesos, where impressive Roman mosaics offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's ancient past.

Later, enjoy a relaxing walk through Soğanlı Valley, a peaceful landscape filled with rock-cut churches, cave dwellings, and spectacular scenery. During the tour, you'll enjoy a traditional local lunch prepared with regional flavors.

In the afternoon, explore Kaymaklı Underground City, an impressive subterranean settlement where early Christian communities created tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and places of worship beneath the ground for protection during difficult times.

Return to your hotel after today's discoveries.

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

Cappadocia Highlights & Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, continue exploring the iconic landscapes that have made Cappadocia one of Turkey's most remarkable destinations.

Begin at Uçhisar, where the region's highest rock fortress provides breathtaking panoramic views across the volcanic valleys. Continue to Çavuşin, a historic settlement famous for its ancient cave homes and distinctive rock formations.

Next, visit Paşabağı (Monks Valley) to admire Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys before exploring the remarkable Zelve Open-Air Museum, once home to thriving rock-cut churches, monasteries, and cave dwellings.

Following lunch, discover the unusual rock formations of Devrent Valley, where centuries of erosion have sculpted the landscape into shapes resembling animals and other imaginative figures.

Before leaving Cappadocia, stop in Avanos, a town renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Watch local craftsmen demonstrate traditional ceramic-making techniques using the region's distinctive red clay.

Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your scheduled evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district for an overnight stay before continuing to Greece the following day.

Fly to Athens, the Cradle of Western Civilization

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your scheduled flight to Athens, Greece's historic capital and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin discovering Athens at your own pace. Stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna, or simply relax while taking in views of the illuminated Acropolis overlooking the city.

This leisurely afternoon provides the perfect introduction to Greece before tomorrow's guided exploration of its legendary ancient landmarks.

Athens City Tour & Acropolis

Following breakfast, join your licensed guide for a comprehensive tour of Athens, where classical history and modern city life blend seamlessly.

Your sightseeing begins with a panoramic drive past several of the city's most important landmarks, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the first modern Olympic Games, the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma Square, and the Hellenic Parliament, where you may witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Continue past the elegant Academy of Athens, the National Library, and the historic University of Athens, three iconic buildings that showcase the city's neoclassical heritage.

The highlight of the day is a guided visit to the Acropolis, home to the magnificent Parthenon, one of the most recognizable monuments of Ancient Greece. Your tour also includes the award-winning Acropolis Museum, where remarkable sculptures and archaeological treasures reveal the rich history of classical civilization.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy independently. Continue exploring Athens, browse local shops, or relax at one of the city's welcoming cafés before returning to your hotel.

Ferry to Mykonos

After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus Port and board your ferry for a scenic voyage across the sparkling Aegean Sea to the beautiful island of Mykonos.

Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

Spend your free time wandering through the island's maze of narrow whitewashed streets lined with boutique shops, cafés, and traditional Cycladic houses decorated with colorful flowers. Walk along the waterfront, discover charming corners of Mykonos Town, or visit the famous Little Venice, where elegant houses stand directly above the sea and provide one of the island's most photographed settings.

As evening falls, soak up the lively atmosphere that has made Mykonos one of Greece's most celebrated island destinations.

Leisure Day on Mykonos

Today is entirely free for you to experience Mykonos at your own pace.

Explore the picturesque lanes of Mykonos Town, admire the island's iconic windmills overlooking the harbor, or visit the beautiful Church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most distinctive churches in the Cyclades.

Those seeking relaxation can spend the day on one of Mykonos' sandy beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, or enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties at a waterfront restaurant.

For travelers interested in archaeology and Greek mythology, an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legendary birthplace of Apollo, is available.

Enjoy another evening immersed in the unique charm, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and coastal beauty that make Mykonos one of the Mediterranean's most unforgettable islands.

Ferry to Santorini

Following breakfast, transfer to the port and board your ferry to Santorini, one of the most spectacular islands in the Aegean Sea. During the journey, admire the changing coastal scenery before the island's dramatic volcanic cliffs and whitewashed villages come into view.

After arriving in Santorini, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore at your own pace.

Take a leisurely stroll through the lively streets of Fira, browse elegant boutiques, relax at a cliffside café, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking the famous caldera and the deep-blue waters below. As evening approaches, experience the unique atmosphere that has made Santorini one of Greece's most iconic island destinations.

Discover Santorini at Your Own Pace

Today is yours to enjoy the beauty and charm of Santorini without a scheduled sightseeing program.

Visit the postcard-perfect villages of Oia and Imerovigli, where whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow pedestrian streets create some of the Mediterranean's most recognizable scenery. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing on one of the island's distinctive volcanic beaches or enjoy lunch with unforgettable caldera views.

Guests wishing to explore further may choose from several optional experiences, including a sailing cruise around the caldera, visits to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, swimming in natural hot springs, or wine tasting at one of Santorini's renowned local wineries.

Before the day ends, be sure to witness Santorini's world-famous sunset, a memorable spectacle admired from every corner of the island.

Return to Athens

Enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out of your hotel and transferring to the port for your return ferry to Athens.

As you sail across the Aegean Sea, take in your final views of the Cycladic Islands and reflect on your unforgettable time in Greece.

Upon arrival at Piraeus Port, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Athens. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you one last opportunity to explore the Greek capital, enjoy traditional cuisine, or shop for souvenirs before continuing your journey to Egypt.

Fly to Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your scheduled flight to Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt and one of the world's oldest cities.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you'll be welcomed by our local representative, who will assist you with the arrival formalities before accompanying you to your private transfer.

After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free. Relax after your journey, enjoy the hotel's facilities, or venture out to experience Cairo's lively streets, local cafés, and distinctive atmosphere at your own pace.

Tomorrow, your Egyptian adventure begins with visits to some of the world's most extraordinary ancient monuments.

Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara & the Great Sphinx

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Ancient Egypt with a full-day guided excursion to some of the country's most celebrated archaeological sites.

Your first destination is Saqqara, the vast royal necropolis of ancient Memphis and home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of Djoser. Regarded as the world's earliest large-scale stone monument, this pioneering structure marked a turning point in the evolution of pyramid architecture.

Continue to the legendary Giza Plateau, where the monumental Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure have dominated the desert skyline for thousands of years. Learn about the history, engineering, and mysteries surrounding these extraordinary monuments while exploring one of the world's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Complete your visit at the majestic Great Sphinx, the colossal limestone guardian that has watched over the pyramids for more than four millennia.

Following lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili & Flight to Aswan

Following breakfast, visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest archaeological museums ever built and a remarkable showcase of Egypt's ancient civilization.

Explore galleries displaying magnificent royal statues, beautifully preserved artifacts, and priceless treasures spanning more than five thousand years of history, including the celebrated collection of Tutankhamun.

Your tour continues to the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where narrow alleyways are lined with traditional workshops and shops selling handmade crafts, spices, jewelry, perfumes, textiles, and unique Egyptian souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Old Cairo.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to Cairo Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you'll spend the night before beginning your unforgettable Nile Cruise.

Philae Temple & Begin Your Nile Cruise

Enjoy breakfast before boarding your elegant 5-star Nile River Cruise, which will be your home for the next three nights as you journey through the heart of Upper Egypt.

Your first excursion takes you to the magnificent Philae Temple, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is admired for its graceful architecture and idyllic riverside setting.

After your guided visit, return to the cruise ship and settle into your cabin before enjoying lunch onboard.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck as your cruise begins sailing north along the legendary Nile River. Watch picturesque riverside villages, lush palm groves, fertile farmland, and timeless desert scenery unfold as you experience one of history's most famous waterways.

Dinner is served onboard before your first peaceful evening on the Nile.

Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples

Wake up to another beautiful morning as your cruise continues through the tranquil landscapes of Upper Egypt.

Today's first stop is the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, one of Egypt's most unusual temples, uniquely dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed protector. Its perfectly symmetrical design and fascinating reliefs make it unlike any other temple in Egypt.

Return to the cruise ship and continue sailing along the Nile while enjoying ever-changing views of riverside villages, cultivated fields, and traditional rural life.

Later, arrive at Edfu, where you'll visit the exceptionally well-preserved Temple of Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this magnificent sanctuary is considered one of the finest surviving temples of Ancient Egypt and provides remarkable insight into ancient religious traditions.

Following your guided visit, return to the cruise ship for dinner and another relaxing evening as your journey toward Luxor continues.

Explore Karnak & Luxor Temples

After another relaxing morning on the Nile, your cruise arrives in Luxor, a city renowned for its remarkable concentration of ancient monuments and often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum.

Your guided tour begins at the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious sanctuary ever constructed in Ancient Egypt. Wander through its monumental gateways, towering columns, sacred lake, and beautifully carved reliefs while learning how generations of pharaohs expanded this extraordinary temple over nearly two thousand years.

Continue to the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully situated on the east bank of the Nile. Unlike many ancient temples, Luxor remained an active place of worship throughout the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and Islamic periods, giving it a unique historical significance.

Following your sightseeing, return to the cruise ship and enjoy your final evening on board as your memorable journey along the Nile comes to an end.

Valley of the Kings & Return to Cairo

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor

Early this morning, guests may choose to join an optional hot air balloon flight for breathtaking panoramic views of Luxor, the Nile River, and the surrounding archaeological treasures.

After breakfast, disembark from your cruise and cross to Luxor's famous West Bank, home to some of Ancient Egypt's most celebrated royal monuments.

Begin at the legendary Valley of the Kings, where generations of New Kingdom pharaohs were buried inside elaborately decorated rock-cut tombs hidden within the desert hills. Your guide will explain the fascinating beliefs, rituals, and craftsmanship that shaped one of history's greatest civilizations.

Continue to the impressive Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to one of Egypt's most successful and influential female rulers. Before leaving Luxor, stop at the monumental Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have overlooked the ancient Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years.

Later, transfer to Luxor Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for your final overnight stay in Egypt.

Departure from Cairo

Enjoy your final breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

Depending on the departure time of your international flight, you may have some free time to relax or pick up a few last-minute souvenirs before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.

As your 20-day journey through Turkey, Greece, and Egypt comes to an end, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of three remarkable countries. From the imperial landmarks of Istanbul and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia to the idyllic Greek Islands, the majestic Pyramids of Giza, and the timeless beauty of the Nile River, this itinerary brings together some of the world's most extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural treasures in one seamless travel experience.

Thank you for choosing Kontes Travel. We look forward to welcoming you on another unforgettable journey in the future.