This morning post breakfast, you will be met by an Egyptologist at your Hotel for a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Sphinx as well as the New Egyptian Museum
A quick visit to Papyrus Institute or a perfume shop can be arranged
Cairo is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It’s a city that is home to some of the world’s most stunning ancient wonders. For anyone visiting Egypt, Cairo is the place to start your journey. The city is home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World. These pyramids are over 4,500 years old and are a testament to the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptians. You can also visit the Sphinx, which is located near the pyramids. The Sphinx is a magnificent statue of a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body. The Great Sphinx is believed to have been built around 2500 BC and is one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt. In Cairo, you can also visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses an incredible collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Egyptian history and has been called one of the greatest museums in the world. Cairo is a city that is rich in history, culture, and beauty. It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of Egypt.

Evening – Enjoy Dinner & Show on a Cruise
Overnight Cairo

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC as a strategic port city to link Greece with the Nile Valley. Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, it became a major center of Hellenistic culture, commerce, and learning, home to famous landmarks like the Lighthouse and the Library of Alexandria. After being annexed by the Romans, it remained a vital city until its capture by Arab forces in 642 CE

Highlights

Library of Alexandria , Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, Corniche

The name “Library of Alexandria” refers to two distinct places: the ancient, legendary library that was a center of learning in the ancient world and the modern day Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a contemporary library and cultural center built to commemorate the original. The ancient library, founded around the 3rd century BC, housed a massive collection of papyrus scrolls but was gradually destroyed over centuries by fires, neglect, and conflict. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, is located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and is a tribute to its predecessor.

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress in Alexandria, Egypt, built between 1477 and 1479 by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay. It was constructed on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, using stones from the lighthouse, and served as a strategic military stronghold to defend Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Today, it is a historic landmark and a popular tourist attraction that houses a small naval museum.

The Alexandria Corniche is a 10-mile-long waterfront promenade in Alexandria, Egypt, running along the Mediterranean coast. It features a scenic, bustling roadway for cars and a parallel pedestrian walkway for strolling, driving, or running, The Corniche is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy views, street food, and activities.

We will enjoy a Boat Ride followed by a Seafood Lunch

Overnight Cairo

Check out of Hotel in Cairo

 Transfer to airport to board flight from Cairo to Aswan

Upon arrival to Aswan, take a felucca sailing boat ride to visit the AgaKhan Mausoleum and witness the beauty of Aswan. Both the Late Agakhans are buried here in this magnificent Mausoleum, modeled on the Fatimid Tombs

Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Throughout the ages, Aswan has served as the gateway to Africa, a hub of trade and commerce due to its strategic location. As a result, this city has been fiercely contested by various empires and cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and the Copts. In Ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty, Aswan reigned as the country’s capital, with the remains of many pharaohs entombed within its borders. During the Greco-Roman era, Aswan was referred to as Syene, a renowned center for astronomy positioned on the Tropic of Cancer. The Ottoman period brought Turkish rule and a distinct influence on Aswan’s architecture. This city has also played a crucial role in the trade of precious commodities such as gold, ivory, and spices. In modern times, Aswan continues to thrive, serving as a vital hub for tourism, agriculture, and industry. Despite the ever-changing landscape, Aswan remains an integral part of Egypt’s rich heritage and culture.

Aswan

• Check in to the cruise ship and have lunch on board.
• Afternoon tours include the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Temple
• Dinner and overnight stay in Aswan. 

Optional excursion to Abu Simbel. At the break of dawn, you will be transferred to Abu Simbel by road from Aswan. Immerse yourself in the enigmatic complexity of these temples as your guide delves into their history, construction, and relocation. Following the explanation, take some time to wander through the temples at your leisure. Afterwards, you will be transported back to Aswan for lunch on the cruise.

There will be an opportunity for an Optional excursion to visit the Nubian Village by motor boat after lunch, situated on the western bank of the River Nile. The city of Aswan has a vibrant community of Nubians, who have distinct aspects of culture and lifestyle. By immersing ourselves in one of their humble abodes for a refreshing cup of tea, we can gain intimate insight into their way of life and delve into their rich traditions, language, and history.

• Breakfast on board.
• Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
• Continue sailing to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus.
• Lunch and dinner are served on board as you sail to Luxor
• Evening – Enjoy a  Galabiya  Party on board

• Breakfast on board.
• Enjoy free time on the ship while sailing to Luxor.
• Upon arrival in Luxor, visit the East Bank to explore the massive Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple.
• Dinner and overnight stay on the ship in Luxor. 
• Evening – Enjoy a Horse Carriage ride to the city by night

Luxor – Exploring the Valley of the Kings and temples of Karnak

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to Luxor. Luxor is home to some of the world’s most impressive temples and tombs, and the Valley of the Kings is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Egypt. The Valley of the Kings and Queens is a vast network of tombs that were constructed for the pharaohs and their queens. These tombs are intricately decorated with hieroglyphics, paintings, and sculptures that depict the life of the pharaohs and their journey into the afterlife. When visiting the Valley of the Kings, it is essential to have a guide

At dawn break there will be a chance for an Optional tour to fly in a Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank of Luxor, considered the biggest open air archaeological site of the world.

• Breakfast on board.
• Disembark after breakfast.
• Tour the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Transfer to Hurghada after deboarding Cruise

Hurghada – The Capital of the Red Sea

An alluring tourist hotspot, Hurghada City beckons with its breathtaking beaches, crystalline waters, and thriving coral reefs. Its rich past traces back to ancient times, where it served as a pivotal trading hub for centuries. In the present day, it boasts opulent resorts and lavish hotels, attracting globetrotters from around the globe. This vibrant city offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and parasailing. As visitors explore, they can also discover historical gems like the Hurghada Grand Mosque, Church of St. Mary, and remnants of the Roman town Mons Claudianus. From its natural wonders to cultural significance and modern luxuries, Hurghada City shines as a dazzling gem, a must-visit for those in pursuit of the ultimate beach holiday.

Free day by the beach and to enjoy your hotel facilities

Evening – Visit to Hurghada Marina Boulevard

Hurghada Marina Boulevard is a popular, lively waterfront area in Hurghada, Egypt, known for its restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. It is a major tourist spot in the city center, perfect for dining, relaxing, and experiencing the city’s nightlife, with options ranging from quiet beachfront bars to bustling clubs. 

Free day by the beach and to enjoy your hotel facilities.

 Optional excursion to Orange bay by cruise could be arranged.

Orange Bay Hurghada, known as the “Egyptian Maldives,” offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a tropical island experience.

Post breakfast head to Hurghada airport to board flight to Istanbul via Cairo        

Arrive Istanbul    – Meet & Assist – Transfer to Hotel

Remainder of the day at leisure

Overnight  Istanbul

Post breakfast enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait.

Afterward, visit the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas and shop till you drop ( for nuts, herbs ,Turkish Delight )

Dinner & Overnight Istanbul

Post breakfast, you will be picked up at the Hotel for your City Tour

 Highlights

Topkapi  Palace , Hagia Sophia , Blue Mosque , Grand Bazaar

am –   Topkapi    Palace

Soak up the opulence of Topkapi Palace. The Topkapi Palace (Turkish:Ṭopḳapu Sarāyı), in Istanbul, is one of the oldest historical palaces in the world. It served as the main place of residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries ( between the 15th and 19th ) It was turned into a museum in 1924. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans, priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace and approximately 300.000 archive documents, bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Topkapi Palace is an interesting attraction point for tourists from all around the world with a huge impact on visitors who want to discover the history of Ottoman Empire    

Lunch break – enroute

pm – Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” was built by Justinian. It is a domed monument originally built as a Cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkiye) in the sixth century A.D. It contains two floors centered on a giant nave that has a great dome ceiling, along with smaller domes, towering above. The magnificent St. Sophia, with its massive dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century – architects still marvel at the buildings many innovations, once considered the greatest church in Christendom. It was proclaimed a Mosque soon after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453, that later was converted to a Museum You can witness Christian Mosaics with Islamic Scrolls throughout.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, was completed in 1617 just prior to the untimely death of its then 27-year old eponymous patron, Sultan Ahmet I. The architect Mehmet dedicated the mosque to Sultan Ahmet 111. The Mosque dominates Istanbul’s majestic skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes, six slender soaring minarets and 21,043 pieces of blue tile

Evening – Shopping at Grand Bazaar

Visit to the World-Famous 15th century Grand Bazaar in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. You can wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewellery, leather goods, carpets and more. Enjoy the art of bargaining and shop to your heart’s content. 

Evening –  Dinner Cruise & Show

Overnight  Istanbul

Post breakfast, check out and head to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey, is a magical, moon-like region famous for its surreal landscapes of “fairy chimneys” (cone-shaped rock formations), ancient cave dwellings, rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes, and vast underground cities, all carved from soft volcanic tuff by erosion. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a major tourist destination, especially known for sunrise hot air balloon rides, hiking through valleys like Rose Valley, exploring historic sites like the Göreme Open Air Museum, and experiencing unique cave hotels. The surreal landscape of Cappadocia was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions that covered the plateau with soft tuff rock. Wind and water erosion sculpted this soft rock into the spectacular pillars, cones, and spires known as “fairy chimneys”

 pm     We will tour the ceramic town in Avanos and a Jewellery store

Evening Option   – Folklore Show and drinks

Dinner & Overnight Cappadocia

am – Optional  Hot Air Balloon Flight ( prior breakfast ) – Iconic sunrise flights offering breathtaking aerial views of the valleys

Post breakfast, you will be picked up from the Hotel for the start of the guided tour of Cappadocia. Places we will visit will be as follows:

Pigeon Valley, Red Canyon , Uchisar Castle, Estempe Panorama, Goreme Open air Museum, Dervent Valley, Avanos Village .Urgup Town, Pasabag Valley

Dinner & Overnight Cappadocia

Enroute –  Visit to Rumi Mausoleum

Konya, the old biblical city Iconium, where St. Pavlus stepped, was also the capital of Seljouk Kingdom. Upon arrival in Konya, we visit the Monastery of Whirling derwishes and the Mausoleum of Mevlana Celalledin Rumi. He was a 13th-century Persian poet, an Islamic dervish and a Sufi mystic. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual masters and poetical intellects. Born in 1207 AD, he belonged to a family of learned theologians. He made use of everyday life & circumstances to describe the spiritual world. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings

Drive to Antalya for Dinner & Overnight

Today on our half day sightseeing tour of Antalya, we visit the landmarks such as the Republic Sq, which is the testament to Türkiye’s journey to Independence and formation of its Republic. The old City Kaleci ( Old Town ) known for its narrow cobblestone streets with Old Harbour and Bazaar, which has structures dating back from Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras. Followed by visit to the Hadrian Gate, a memorial built by Roman Emperor Hadrian upon his visit in 130 CE as well as the Broken Minaret, which belongs to the ruined Korkut Mosque. And finally to one of the most famous waterfalls, the Karpuzkaldiran Waterfalls 

Dinner & Overnight Antalya

Post breakfast, drive to Pamukkale . Upon arrival, sightseeing tour of the city

Visit the old greco roman city of Hierapolis , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its famous Necropolis, the Theatre Agora , the Martyrium of St. Philip and last but not least the Pools of Cleopatra presented to her by her beloved Marc Anthony as a wedding gift. 

Sightseeing of the Cotton Castles continue -. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving white terraces (the ‘cotton’). It;s been used as a spa since the 200BC. Though you won’t be able to bathe in these travertines, you can take a walk through them (after removing your shoes).

Dinner & Overnight Pamukkale

       Post breakfast, check out of your hotel in Pamukkale & drive to Kusadasi

Enroute, you will visit a leather factory where you will be entertained with a fashion show with latest designs and have time to do some high-end shopping. Time permitting, you will also pay visits to carpet, ceramic and textile shops

Optional visit to Ephesus, a stunning preserved ancient city followed by visit to the Temple of Artemis, which was then one of the seven wonders of the World

Dinner &  Overnight  Kusadasi

am – Visit to the Cottage of Mother Mary

St. Mary, mother of Jesus, supposedly spent the last years of her life in Ephesus. According to this tradition, Mary arrived at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there until her Assumption (according to the Catholic doctrine) or Dormition (according to the Orthodox beliefs). The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi in Turkish) which can still be visited today. It is a place where, according to the beliefs of many people, Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life.

Post visit, check out from hotel and drive to the airport to board flight to Istanbul