Turkey & Egypt (Includes Aswan)
Sept 2027
An unforgettable journey through ancient wonders, vibrant bazaars, and timeless landscapes — from the banks of the Nile to the shores of the Bosphorus.
About This Journey
Journey through Istanbul's imperial palaces, float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, stand before the Pyramids of Giza, and sail the Nile from Aswan. This carefully curated adventure combines UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality during the ideal travel season.
Destinations
Tour Highlights
Pyramids of Giza & The Great Sphinx
Marvel at the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and gaze upon the enigmatic limestone guardian standing watch over the Giza plateau.
Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili
Discover over 120,000 artifacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun, then lose yourself in Cairo's legendary medieval marketplace.
Al-Azhar Park
Enjoy a peaceful escape in one of Cairo's most beautiful green spaces, with sweeping views of the Citadel of Saladin and the historic skyline.
Luxor — The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum
Fly south to the site of ancient Thebes and explore temples and tombs that have awed travelers for millennia.
Aswan & the Nile
Experience the serene beauty of the Nile's most picturesque stretch, with felucca sails and golden desert horizons.
Istanbul & Cappadocia
Explore imperial palaces and vibrant bazaars on the Bosphorus, then witness the surreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Your Journey Unfolds: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where our local representative will greet you and handle meet-and-assist formalities before transferring you to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for three nights in the heart of Egypt's captivating capital.
Day 2
Pyramids & Cairo City Highlights
Spend a full day exploring Cairo's legendary landmarks with an expert Egyptologist guide. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, discover the ancient treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and browse Khan El Khalili Bazaar's lanterns, spices, handcrafted jewelry, and centuries-old trading traditions.
Day 3
Al-Azhar Park
Enjoy a peaceful escape at Al-Azhar Park, a 30-hectare oasis overlooking Old Cairo. Stroll through manicured gardens, shaded walkways, fountains, and terraces with panoramic views of the Citadel of Saladin and the city's historic mosques. This Aga Khan Trust for Culture urban-renewal project blends traditional Islamic landscape design with modern architecture.
Day 4
Fly to Luxor — Karnak & Luxor Temples
Fly south from Cairo to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, and transfer from Luxor Airport to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Karnak Temple, including the Great Hypostyle Hall's 134 towering columns and intricate hieroglyphic carvings. Continue to Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the restored Avenue of Sphinxes, to admire its graceful colonnades and imposing statues.
Day 5
Hot Air Balloon & Transfer to Aswan
Rise before dawn for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank, with views of the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Nile. After landing, travel south to Aswan and check in to your hotel along the river. Spend the afternoon exploring Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden, a tropical retreat reached by traditional felucca sailboat.
Day 6
Aswan — Aga Khan Mausoleum
Discover the Aga Khan Mausoleum on a sandy hilltop on the west bank of the Nile. Built in the Fatimid architectural style as a tribute to Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, its pink granite exterior and elegant dome form a striking Aswan landmark. Enjoy the peaceful gardens and commanding views over the Nile, Elephantine Island, and the surrounding desert before bidding farewell to Upper Egypt.
Day 7
Arrival in Istanbul
Fly from Egypt to Istanbul, the city that straddles Europe and Asia. Our team will greet you at Istanbul Airport and transfer you to the Radisson Blu Taksim in the vibrant heart of the city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure: explore Taksim and Istiklal Avenue, savor Turkish tea, or relax at the hotel before two full days of sightseeing.
Day 8
Full-Day Istanbul City Tour
After breakfast, explore Istanbul's iconic historic landmarks with your expert guide. Visit Hagia Sophia with its soaring dome, Byzantine mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy; the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and handmade İznik tiles; and Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Finish among the ceramics, carpets, jewelry, and spices of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Day 9
Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahçe Palace
Begin the morning at the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, filled with saffron, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and fragrant teas. Take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing Ottoman waterfront mansions, medieval fortresses, and the Bosphorus Bridge between Europe and Asia. After lunch, tour Dolmabahçe Palace on the European shore, including its grand ceremonial hall and spectacular crystal chandelier.
Day 10
Farewell & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Radisson Blu Taksim before your scheduled transfer to Istanbul Airport. Fly back to Cairo to connect with your international departure flight home, carrying memories of Egypt's ancient wonders and Istanbul's imperial treasures.
