Welcome to Istanbul! A city born from a blend of European and Asian influences, Istanbul is full of intriguing sights and ancient wonders, from its spellbinding architecture to its exceptional cuisine.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in time for a welcome meeting with your fellow travellers and an enticing dinner at a local restaurant.
Start your morning with a visit to the elaborate Topkapi Palace, former residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Wander its sprawling grounds and intricately decorated halls, then sit down to a filling lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, journey to the streets of Istanbul’s fascinating Sultanahmet neighbourhood. Discover the area’s charm on a guided walk through the Hippodrome – once an ancient Roman circus and the lively heart of Constantinople – witness the grandeur of the Blue Mosque and its six soaring minarets, and admire the silhouette of the magnificent Hagia Sophia – a mind-bending 6th-century Byzantine mosque.
This evening, follow the comforting aromas to the Spice Bazaar and lose yourself amongst the fragrant stalls.
Spend the morning touring Istanbul’s most important neighbourhoods and uncover its historic and modern architectural treasures, walking alongside the streetcar down bustling Istiklal Avenue. Reach the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world – for time at leisure, where you can peruse the colourful wares of over 4,000 shopfronts.
Later, embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, gliding through the waters that separate Europe and Asia. Admire the verdant shorelines and palatial ‘yali’ – wooden mansions built right on the waterfront.
Back ashore, take your private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and a satisfying dinner.
Adorned with stunning caves and ‘fairy chimneys’ — unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks – Cappadocia is a truly otherworldly landscape.
Choose to rise early for the sunrise of a lifetime on an optional hot air balloon flight over the magical fairy chimneys (additional costs apply). A bucket-list item for keen travellers, this is an experience not to be missed.
Later this morning, explore the wondrous formations up close and learn how the region’s soft tufa rock has allowed for the creation of incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and more. Take in incredible natural formations in the Avcilar and Guvercinlik Valleys, then trace the signs of successive civilisations carved in the town of Uchisar.
Later on, delve into one of the oldest and finest Turkish crafts on a visit to a carpet-weaving workshop. This evening, relax at your hotel over dinner and optionally join the unique ritual of the Sufi whirling dervishes at a live show.
Optional activity:
- Cappadocia sunrise hot air balloon ride (additional costs apply).
- Whirling dervishes ceremony (additional costs apply).
Fill up with a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then pay a visit to a traditional pottery workshop to learn about the skilled process of working with clay. See a wonderfully preserved 13th-century caravanserai, a roadside inn for weary travellers of centuries past.
Descend into the underground city of Serhatli – an ancient Christian refuge – then continue to Konya, home of Turkiye’s famous Sufi whirling dervishes. Take a tour of the Mevlana Museum for a window into the history of the dervishes, then check in at the opulent Dedeman Konya Hotel. Head out to explore the town or relax at the hotel before dinner.
Today, depart for Pamukkale – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder of mineral-rich hot springs. From petrified calcareous waterfalls to striking stalactites, there’s no shortage of natural beauty here.
Later, set out to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its 15,000-seat amphitheatre. Dating from the 2nd Century BCE, this impressive structure even now offers spectacular acoustics.
Check in at the Hotel Doga Thermal Health & Spa to rest up and relax. Perhaps savour the spa and massage services of this lavish resort, then indulge in a delightful evening meal with your travel companions.
Today, drive along the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Ephesus, originally the most important Greek settlement in the region. Stroll through this beautifully preserved ancient city, admiring the delicate detail of the Temple of Hadrian and the resolute facade of the Library of Celsus.
Visit a fur production centre for an insight into Turkish craftsmanship, then continue to Izmir for your onward flight to Istanbul. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a flavourful dinner at a local restaurant.
Bid farewell to enchanting Turkiye and transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your onward flight to Cairo (CAI).
Ahlan wa sahlan! The grandeur and glory of Egypt await as you arrive. Steeped in ancient mystery and buzzing with modern vibrancy, cosmopolitan Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the lifeline of the glittering Nile, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.
After transferring to your hotel, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before enjoying a welcome meeting and dinner at a delightful local restaurant.
Gather your energy with a delicious breakfast before being transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. Often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is a true archaeological wonderland. Transfer to your river cruise ship, the MS Nile Premium, and take a moment to explore the vessel’s world-class amenities, including a panoramic bar, onboard pub, pool and fitness centre.
As evening falls, retire to your cabin or recline beneath the stars on deck as you drift lazily along the Nile.
After breakfast onboard the MS Nile Premium, disembark for a tour of the remarkable Luxor Temple, near-perfectly preserved and filled with sphinxes, obelisks and pharaonic statues. Walking through the remnants of much-fabled ancient Thebes, wander down the Avenue of Sphinxes before continuing to the expansive Karnak Temple Complex, where over 18,000 ancient statues have been found.
After lunch onboard, cross to the west bank of the Nile to visit the legendary Valley of the Kings. Majestic and meticulously constructed, the tombs of the pharaohs found here have fascinated archaeologists for over a hundred years, and remain an integral part of Egypt’s millennia-old history. Be drawn to the mesmerising Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set low against the surrounding cliffs, before passing the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III in a resting position and known for the mournful sounds they’re said to make at dawn.
Back aboard, indulge in a well-earned evening meal as you sail onward to new wonders.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved pharaonic temple – the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Built to venerate Horus, god of the sun – later identified by the Greeks as Apollo – the site is a breathtaking glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
Continue to the ancient agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo. Take your time strolling through the charming village, positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. Central to Kom Ombo is the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky. Wonder at the detailed inscriptions throughout the remains, then return to your vessel to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Following breakfast aboard, set out to explore fantastical Aswan. Witness the enormity of the Aswan High Dam, constructed with support from UNESCO in order to help protect the ancient monuments in danger of flooding. Visit the island of Agilika for a glimpse at its countless historic sites, painstakingly relocated during the construction of the nearby dam. Enjoy a ride onboard a traditional felucca sailboat around Elephantine Island, before continuing to the island of Philae for a visit to the Isis Temple Complex, once dedicated to the ancient mother goddess.
After one more buffet breakfast out on the waters of the Nile, set off for jaw-dropping Abu Simbel. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone, Abu Simbel was constructed under the command of Ramses II – one of Egypt’s longest-ruling pharaohs – and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Egypt. Wander through the two mighty temples, including the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhty – flanked by massive statues and dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
These magnificent temples were moved in the 1960s when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence. Organised by UNESCO, the relocation of these structures remains one of the greatest feats of preservation in history.
Later, return to Aswan and take a flight back to Cairo where you’ll be transferred to your comfortable accommodation for the evening.
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with a pilgrimage to the extraordinary pyramids.
The Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures – the Great Pyramid – is estimated to have taken over two million blocks to complete.
Nearby rests the enigmatic Sphinx, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. About a thousand years after its construction, a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand from the statue. See the story for yourself, carved on the famed Dream Stele set between the Sphinx’s great paws.
Return to Cairo and pay a visit to the Egyptian Museum, wandering through 7,000 years of history as you peruse the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian art. Explore priceless antiquities with your guide and uncover the treasures of Tutankhamun, from his golden mask to his solid gold sarcophagus and regal throne. Continue to the Coptic neighbourhood of Cairo’s Old Town to walk its storied streets, then finish your tour at the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval fortress perched high on limestone hills above Cairo. Built in the 12th century to protect the city from crusaders, today the citadel complex houses various historic sites, including the National Military Museum and the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Savour one more breakfast, then collect your luggage and depart for Cairo International Airport (CAI). Say goodbye to Egypt’s dazzling treasures and colourful culture as your journey comes to a close.