Tour Overview
25-Day Turkey, Greece & Egypt Tour: Istanbul, Troy, Rhodes, Santorini & Nile Cruise is planned as a 25 Days / 24 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, Bosphorus, ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, The Nek, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy. 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
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul & Welcome Meeting
Your multi-country journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world stretching across both Europe and Asia. After arriving at Istanbul Airport or the cruise terminal, meet your local representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Following check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to recover from your flight or explore the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace. You may stroll through nearby streets, visit a local café, or enjoy your first taste of Turkish cuisine.
Later, your tour representative will provide a short welcome briefing covering the itinerary, transportation arrangements, and practical information for the days ahead.
Exploring Istanbul's Historic Peninsula
After breakfast, meet your licensed guide for a full-day exploration of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage stand side by side.
The morning begins at the ancient Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting center of Constantinople. Discover historic monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.
Continue to the elegant Blue Mosque, celebrated for its impressive domes, graceful minarets, and beautiful İznik tile decoration. Just a short walk away stands the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the world's most influential architectural landmarks.
The tour continues with a guided visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Explore its historic courtyards while learning about the empire that ruled across three continents.
Before returning to the hotel, enjoy free time at the Grand Bazaar, where hundreds of traditional shops display carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, leather goods, and local handicrafts.
Bosphorus Cruise & Leisure Time in Istanbul
Following breakfast, discover another side of Istanbul with a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural waterway separating Europe and Asia.
During the journey, admire many of the city's best-known waterfront landmarks, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Galata Bridge, the impressive Bosphorus bridges, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and panoramic views of the historic Golden Horn shoreline.
Lunch is served during the Bosphorus experience, allowing you to enjoy Istanbul's unique skyline from the water.
The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing, shopping, or simply relaxing before continuing your journey across Turkey.
Gallipoli Battlefields & Çanakkale
After breakfast, leave Istanbul behind and travel through the landscapes of Thrace toward the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the most significant First World War battlefields.
Following lunch, join a guided tour of Gallipoli's most important memorial sites. Visit ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston's Jolly, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair Memorial, while learning about the events that shaped the Gallipoli Campaign and its lasting importance to Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand.
Later in the afternoon, continue to Çanakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, where the evening is free.
Ancient Troy, Pergamon & Ephesus Region
Begin the morning with a guided visit to Ancient Troy, the legendary archaeological site associated with Homer's epic stories and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the excavated remains while learning about the many civilizations that occupied the settlement over thousands of years.
Continue south to Pergamon, once one of the ancient world's leading centers of learning and culture. Explore the impressive Pergamon Acropolis, Temple of Athena, the historic Library of Pergamon, the Great Theatre, and the renowned Asclepion Medical Center, one of antiquity's important healing complexes.
After completing today's sightseeing, travel onward to Selçuk, the gateway to the Ephesus region, for overnight accommodation.
Ancient Ephesus & Traditional Sirince
After breakfast, set out to explore Ancient Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's finest preserved archaeological cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The day begins at the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site overlooking the ancient city. Continue to Ephesus, where your guide introduces remarkable landmarks including the Library of Celsus, Marble Street, the Great Theatre, and numerous temples, colonnaded streets, and public buildings that illustrate the city's importance during the Roman period.
Following lunch, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Later, travel to the hillside village of Şirince, known for its stone houses, narrow lanes, local handicrafts, and relaxed atmosphere. Spend some free time exploring before returning to your hotel.
Pamukkale & Ancient Hierapolis Tour
After breakfast, journey inland to Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most remarkable natural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Created by mineral-rich thermal waters over thousands of years, Pamukkale's brilliant white travertine terraces form one of the country's most distinctive landscapes. Enjoy time to explore this extraordinary setting before continuing to the neighboring ancient city of Hierapolis.
Founded as a Roman spa city, Hierapolis preserves impressive archaeological remains including the Roman Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, historic bath complexes, and one of Anatolia's largest necropolises. Your guide explains the city's long history as an important center for healing and thermal bathing.
Following the guided visit, return to Selçuk for the evening.
Ferry from Turkey to Rhodes
Following breakfast, travel to Marmaris, where you will board the ferry for the crossing to the Greek island of Rhodes.
Enjoy scenic views across the Aegean Sea before arriving on one of Greece's most historic islands. After the port transfer and hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.
Take a leisurely walk through the surrounding streets, enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, or experience the local cafés and restaurants at your own pace.
Leisure Day on Rhodes
Breakfast is served at the hotel before a full day at leisure on Rhodes.
Without scheduled sightseeing, you have the flexibility to explore according to your interests. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, visit the picturesque village of Lindos, or simply relax along the island's beautiful coastline.
The day offers plenty of free time to experience the character of Rhodes at your own pace before continuing your island journey.
Flight to Heraklion, Crete
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, Greece's largest island.
Upon arrival, continue to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Spend time discovering Heraklion's lively streets, relax at a seaside café, or simply unwind before tomorrow's free day on the island.
Leisure Day in Heraklion
After breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore Heraklion independently.
Choose to visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, widely regarded as the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, or discover remarkable archaeological collections at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Those seeking a more relaxed pace may spend time along the waterfront, browse local shops, or enjoy the city's cafés before continuing the island-hopping journey.
Ferry to Santorini
Following breakfast, transfer to the port and board the scheduled ferry to Santorini, one of the Aegean's most recognizable islands.
During the crossing, admire the changing scenery of the Cyclades before arriving beneath Santorini's dramatic volcanic cliffs. After hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring the island.
Walk through the lively streets of Fira, browse local boutiques, relax at a cliffside café, or take in panoramic views across the famous caldera.
Discover Santorini at Leisure
Breakfast is served at the hotel before another day of independent exploration on Santorini.
Visit the traditional villages of Oia and Fira, admired for their whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and sweeping caldera views. You may also spend time relaxing on Santorini's distinctive volcanic beaches or enjoying the island's cafés and restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Guests wishing to discover more of the island may choose from several optional excursions, including a sailing cruise around the caldera, visits to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, swimming in natural hot springs, or wine tasting at a local winery.
As evening approaches, enjoy Santorini's celebrated sunset before returning to your hotel.
Ferry to Mykonos
After breakfast, transfer to the port for your ferry journey to Mykonos.
Following arrival, continue to your hotel before enjoying free time to discover the island independently. Wander through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town, admire the traditional Cycladic architecture, browse boutique shops, or relax beside the waterfront while taking in the island's lively atmosphere.
Leisure Time on Mykonos
Enjoy breakfast before spending a full day exploring Mykonos at your own pace.
Stroll through the charming lanes of Chora (Mykonos Town), relax on one of the island's popular beaches, or spend time enjoying cafés and restaurants overlooking the harbor. Whether you prefer sightseeing, shopping, or simply experiencing the island's relaxed atmosphere, the day is yours to enjoy.
Ferry from Mykonos to Athens
After breakfast, transfer to the port and board the scheduled ferry to Athens.
Enjoy the journey across the Aegean Sea before arriving in Greece's capital. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You may choose to stroll through nearby neighborhoods, relax at a traditional café, or simply unwind before the following day's guided sightseeing program.
Athens City Tour & Acropolis
Following breakfast, join a guided tour introducing the historical and cultural landmarks of Athens, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The panoramic sightseeing tour includes the Panathenaic Stadium, 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 stands as one of the defining monuments of Classical Greece. The tour also includes the Acropolis Museum, home to an exceptional collection of sculptures and archaeological discoveries recovered from the sacred hill.
After the guided program, enjoy free time to continue exploring Athens independently.
Flight from Athens to Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your scheduled flight to Cairo.
Upon arrival, 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 discovering Cairo at your own pace before the guided sightseeing program begins.
Saqqara, the Giza Pyramids & the Great Sphinx
Today's guided excursion introduces some of Ancient Egypt's most celebrated archaeological landmarks.
Begin at Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser represents one of the earliest large-scale stone monuments ever constructed. Continue to the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the legendary Great Sphinx.
Your guide explains the history and engineering achievements behind these remarkable monuments before you return to Cairo following the included lunch.
Grand Egyptian Museum & Flight to Aswan
Following breakfast, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world's largest museums dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization.
Explore galleries displaying monumental statues, remarkable archaeological discoveries, and the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun, offering insight into thousands of years of Egyptian history.
The journey continues at the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where traditional workshops, spice merchants, jewelry stores, textiles, and local handicrafts create one of Cairo's most famous marketplaces.
Later in the day, transfer to Cairo Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel in preparation for the Nile Cruise.
Philae Temple & Embark on the Nile Cruise
After breakfast, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Philae, located on Agilkia Island in the Nile River. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is admired for its elegant architecture and tranquil island setting.
Following the guided visit, board your 5-star Nile River Cruise, which will be your home for the next three nights. Enjoy lunch on board before settling into your cabin as the cruise begins its journey through the landscapes of Upper Egypt. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while watching riverside villages, fertile farmland, and desert scenery pass by.
Dinner is served on board during your first evening on the Nile.
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple
Wake up aboard your cruise as the voyage continues through the Nile Valley.
The first excursion takes you to Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Learn about its unusual symmetrical design and historical significance before returning to the ship.
Continue sailing to Edfu, where you'll explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's finest surviving temples from the Ptolemaic period. After the guided visit, rejoin the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor while enjoying another peaceful evening on board.
Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
Today the cruise arrives in Luxor, home to some of Ancient Egypt's most significant archaeological treasures.
Your guided sightseeing begins at the vast Karnak Temple Complex, where monumental columns, impressive gateways, sacred lakes, and richly decorated walls reveal centuries of temple construction by successive pharaohs.
Continue to Luxor Temple, one of Egypt's best-known ancient monuments, beautifully positioned on the east bank of the Nile. After completing the excursion, return to the cruise ship for your final evening on board.
Valley of the Kings & Return to Cairo
Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor.
After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and cross to Luxor's West Bank for another day of ancient history.
Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, where generations of New Kingdom pharaohs were buried within elaborately decorated rock-cut tombs. Continue to the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, celebrated for its distinctive terraced architecture, before stopping at the monumental Colossi of Memnon.
Later, transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel for your final overnight stay in Egypt.
Departure from Cairo
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.
Depending on your departure schedule, free time may be available for some last-minute shopping or relaxation before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Your 25-day journey comes to an end after discovering the historic landmarks of Turkey, the islands and cultural heritage of Greece, and the extraordinary archaeological treasures of Egypt, from Istanbul and Troy to Santorini, the Nile Valley, and Cairo.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights • International flight from Athens to Cairo. • Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan, and Luxor to Cairo.
- 🏨 Accommodation • 7 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels throughout Turkey • 10 nights in quality hotels in Greece on a bed & breakfast basis • 4 nights in selected 5-star hotels in Cairo • 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile River Cruise between Aswan and Luxor
- 🍽️ Meals • Daily breakfast throughout the tour • Selected lunches during guided sightseeing tours • Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your Nile Cruise • Meals exactly as specified in the itinerary
- 🏛️ Guided Sightseeing • Private guided tour of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula • Bosphorus Cruise experience in Istanbul • Guided tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale. • Guided Athens City Tour including the Acropolis • Guided sightseeing in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor • Guided visits to all destinations listed in the itinerary
- 🚢 Ferry & Island Transportation • Ferry crossing from Marmaris to Rhodes. • High-speed ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini. • Ferry from Santorini to Mykonos. • Ferry from Mykonos to Athens (Piraeus).
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers • Private airport transfers throughout Turkey • Private airport transfers in Cairo • Private hotel transfers where applicable • Coordinated shared port transfers on the Greek Islands • Comfortable transportation during all guided excursions
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees Entrance fees to the sightseeing attractions listed in the itinerary are included unless otherwise stated under "Not Included."
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support • Meet & Greet service upon arrival in Istanbul, Athens and Cairo • English-speaking professional guides during sightseeing tours • Local assistance throughout your journey • Carefully coordinated multi-country travel arrangements
Not Included
- ✈️ International Flights • International arrival flight to Istanbul. • International departure flight from Cairo.
- 🛂 Visas & Travel Requirements • Entry visas for Turkey, Greece, or Egypt, if required according to the traveler's nationality.
- 🍽️ Meals & Personal Expenses • Meals and beverages not specifically listed under Included. • Personal expenses.
- 🎟️ Optional Activities & Extra Services • Optional tours and activities, including the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight, Delos Island Excursion, Santorini Caldera Cruise, and Luxor Hot Air Balloon Flight.
- 💳 Additional Costs • Travel insurance. • Tips for guides, drivers, cruise staff, and hotel personnel. • Any services not specifically listed under Included.
