SUBJECT TO CHANGES DUE TO WEATHER OR OPERATIONAL ISSUES (ALWAYS INCLUDING THE SAME SERVICES)
DAY 01 (SATURDAY) ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey, a country with unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary vacation. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences between East and West come together in one country. Arrival at Istanbul's spectacular International Airport (IST), which opened in April 2019 and is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration, and collecting your luggage, proceed to our meeting point (see voucher) where our team will welcome you. We will then meet our drivers and modern vehicles for transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02 (SUNDAY) ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the city's oldest areas, where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, which was completed under the reign of Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to admire the Walls of Constantinople, which were once considered invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the "Eis-tin Poli" or Inner City, from which the name Istanbul may have originated. We will pass by the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the tower that gives its name to the bridge, and the Asian side of the city. We will then head to the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the doors of the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist hub, full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars along its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic tram. At the end of the visit, you will have free time, and the return to the hotel will be after the optional excursions, depending on schedules and meeting points.
Optional excursion: "PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS" (includes lunch at a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish neighborhood of Balat, the Greek district of Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Next, visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main seat of the Greek Orthodox Church, and then continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. We will proceed to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place for its color and aroma, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, dried fruits, typical sweets, and of course spices. The tour ends with a boat trip through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, offering fantastic views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and bridges that connect both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 03 (MONDAY) ISTANBUL – CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast. Free day. Opportunity to take the optional excursion "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE" (includes lunch at a typical restaurant): Explore the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of remnants from the different empires that shaped modern-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for centuries, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Constantine Obelisk, and the German Fountain. Then visit the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik; the Basilica Cistern, which has over 300 marble columns rising above the water, and then enjoy the panoramic view of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. The tour ends with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
If you wish to enter Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, an additional 75 USD per person must be paid on top of the excursion price.
In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a special optional "ISTANBUL STREET FOOD" tour: This gastronomic tour is a unique experience walking through the historic streets of the oldest region of Istanbul, in the heart of ancient Constantinople. It invites diners to savor a selection of traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit hidden food treasures in Istanbul through a combination of textures and artistic presentations. Participants have the chance to explore and appreciate the city’s culinary diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It’s an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, appreciating the art and passion behind every dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates lasting memories.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia (Flight NOT included). Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 04 (TUESDAY) CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast. Today, we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Explore the impressive valleys of the region with their "otherworldly" landscapes. We will also admire views of the geological formations of the region, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which gets its name from the many pigeons that nest in the rocks, as these birds have long been a source of food and fertilizer in Cappadocia. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the craft of making these pieces, which are true treasures. We will also visit a gem and jewelry center with exclusive regional designs. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight.
Optional programs in Cappadocia: "TURKISH NIGHT" - A folk dance show in a typical cave with local drinks; "JEEP SAFARI" - An adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; "HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE" - Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.
DAY 05 AND 06, ACCORDING TO SEASON (AUTUMN / WINTER)
DAY 05 (WEDNESDAY) CAPPADOCIA (AUTUMN / WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
Breakfast. Free day. Option to take optional excursions according to the season and weather conditions:
- "CAPPADOCIA WINTER CAPITAL – ERCIYES SKI RESORT" (excursion operated approximately from 15/12 to 31/03) – A unique snow experience with transfers, rental of suitable clothing, cable car ride, and Turkish-style barbecue included in the price. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
- "AUTUMN COLORS IN CAPPADOCIA" (excursion operated approximately from 01/10 to 14/12) – Visit the Ihlara Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys known for its vegetation that in autumn takes on shades of green, yellow, and orange. Visit the Selime Monastery, the Red Church in Sivrihisar, and stop in the village of Belisirma for lunch at a riverside restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 06 (THURSDAY) CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (AUTUMN / WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
Breakfast. Departure for Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with giant waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most remarkable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city became known as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and cascades known as "Pamukkale," which in Turkish means "cotton castle." Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their historical importance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 05 AND 06 ACCORDING TO THE SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER
DAY 05 (WEDNESDAY) CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (SPRING / SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)
Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" is derived from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the many temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable features of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive terraces and natural waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
DAY 06 (THURSDAY) PAMUKKALE (SPRING / SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)
Breakfast. Free day. There is the possibility to take optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions:
- "TURKISH MALDIVES" Departure to visit the Keloğlan Cave and its ancient stalactites; the ancient city of La Odyssey (one of the 7 churches from the Book of Revelation by Saint John); you will have the opportunity to swim in the Salda Lake, famous for its blue color, with lunch included. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
DAY 07 (FRIDAY) PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – IZMIR / KUSADASI – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Visit to Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which preserves treasures such as the Roman Theater, the Celsus Library, and the Marble Street. We will visit the last house of the Virgin Mary, now a pilgrimage site. Continuing with a visit to a leather goods store. Departure to Izmir Airport (ADB) for the flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
DAY 08 (SATURDAY) ISTANBUL – CAIRO
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport (IST) and flight to Cairo (flight not included). Arrival in Cairo, assistance by our Spanish-speaking representative, transfer to the hotel, and accommodation.
DAY 09 (SUNDAY) CAIRO
Breakfast. Morning visit to the three Pyramids (just 20 km from Cairo is the great necropolis of Giza, one of the must-see places in Egypt. Here you will find the three pyramids of Giza: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the Sphinx). In the afternoon, visit to the Egyptian Museum, where you can see the gold treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his golden mask, coffins, sarcophagi, and many other artifacts. (Lunch is not included). Return to the hotel and accommodation.
DAY 10 (MONDAY) CAIRO – LUXOR
Breakfast. Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Luxor (flight not included). Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the pier for boarding and lunch onboard. In the afternoon, visit the Luxor and Karnak Temples. Dinner onboard.
DAY 11 (TUESDAY) LUXOR – ESNA – EDFU
Full board onboard. In the morning, cross to the West Bank. Visit the Theban Necropolis: Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Begin sailing towards Esna. After crossing the lock, continue to Edfu. Overnight in Edfu.
DAY 12 (WEDNESDAY) EDFU – KOM OMBO – ASWAN
Full board onboard. In the morning, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, visit the temple dedicated to the Gods Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan, overnight in Aswan.
DAY 13 (THURSDAY) ASWAN
Full board onboard. In the morning, visit the High Dam of Aswan and the Philae Temple. In the afternoon, take a felucca ride on the Nile. (Overnight in Aswan).
DAY 14 (FRIDAY) ASWAN – CAIRO
Breakfast. Disembarkation (Optional excursion to the famous Abu Simbel temples of Ramses II), transfer to Aswan airport and flight to Cairo (flight not included). Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
DAY 15 (SATURDAY) CAIRO/RETURN
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
IMPORTANT NOTES TURKEY:
Accommodation may be provided in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season. The itinerary order may change without prior notice due to guide availability and monument closing days, always respecting the scheduled visits. The order of optional excursions between days 2 and 3 may also be modified. Closing days for visits: Sunday (The Grand Bazaar). Similar visits will be offered, or the day's order will change in case of closure. The nights in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning and 1 at the end (as published) // or // 2 at the beginning and 2 at the end. In case the Grand Bazaar is closed, a visit to the Spice Bazaar will be made.
End of our services.
15 days y 14 nights
Countries 2
