21-Day Turkey, Greece & Egypt Tour

After breakfast, meet your licensed local guide and spend the day exploring the historic center of Istanbul.

The sightseeing begins at the Hippodrome, the former center of public life and sporting events during the Byzantine period. The area is home to several historic monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.

From here, continue to the Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant Ottoman architecture and İznik tiles. You will then visit Hagia Sophia, a landmark whose history reflects both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Next, explore Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans. Its courtyards, collections, and historic rooms provide an insight into the life and power of the Ottoman court.

Your final stop is the Grand Bazaar. Take some time to browse its countless shops, where carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, leather products, and other traditional goods are displayed.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, begin the day with a drive along the Golden Horn, passing parts of the historic city walls that once protected Constantinople.

Visit the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's traditional covered markets. The colorful market is filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, teas, and other local specialties.

The next part of the day takes place on the Bosphorus. During your cruise, enjoy views of Istanbul from the water as the boat passes between Europe and Asia. Along the shoreline you will see Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, historic mosques, bridges, and residential neighborhoods.

After the cruise, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri.

On arrival, a private vehicle will take you to Göreme in Cappadocia, where you will spend the night.

Today takes you beyond Cappadocia's most familiar viewpoints and into some of its quieter historical areas.

Start with a panoramic stop overlooking Ortahisar Castle before continuing to Mustafapaşa. This former Greek-Ottoman settlement is known for its traditional stone architecture and historic character.

The journey continues to Sobesos, an archaeological site where Roman mosaics provide evidence of Cappadocia's ancient past.

Later, walk through Soğanlı Valley, a peaceful landscape of rock-cut churches, cave structures, and dramatic scenery. A traditional local lunch gives you the chance to sample regional cuisine during the day.

In the afternoon, descend into Kaymaklı Underground City. The remarkable subterranean complex contains interconnected passages, rooms, storage areas, chapels, and living spaces that were used by communities seeking protection during periods of conflict.

Return to Göreme after the sightseeing.

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight (available the following morning)

Spend your final day in Cappadocia visiting several of the region's best-known landscapes and historical villages.

Begin in Uçhisar, home to a spectacular natural rock fortress and wide views across the surrounding valleys. Continue to Çavuşin, an old settlement characterized by cave dwellings and unusual rock formations.

The route then leads to Paşabağı, where you can see Cappadocia's distinctive fairy chimneys, followed by the Zelve Open-Air Museum. The former rock settlement contains cave houses, churches, and monastic spaces carved into the volcanic landscape.

After lunch, visit Devrent Valley and its unusual rock formations, many of which have been naturally shaped into imaginative forms by erosion.

The final stop is Avanos, a town with a long tradition of pottery production. Here you can see local craftsmen working with the region's characteristic red clay and, if you wish, have the opportunity to try the craft yourself.

Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your evening flight to Izmir. From Izmir, continue by private transfer to Kuşadası.

Today's sightseeing focuses on the ancient heritage of the Aegean region.

After breakfast, travel into the hills surrounding Ephesus for a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful religious site traditionally associated with the final years of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus. As you walk along its marble streets, your guide will introduce the city's most important monuments, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, and Curetes Street.

After lunch, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Before returning to Kuşadası, spend some leisure time in Şirince. The hillside village is known for its stone houses, narrow streets, handicrafts, and locally produced fruit wines.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, your private transfer takes you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Athens.

On arrival in the Greek capital, you will be welcomed by a local representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

The remainder of the day is free. You may explore the atmospheric streets of Plaka, visit a traditional taverna, browse local shops, or simply enjoy views of the Acropolis as Athens begins to light up in the evening.

This relaxed introduction gives you time to settle into Greece before tomorrow's sightseeing.

Today is dedicated to Athens and its classical heritage.

Your sightseeing begins with a panoramic drive through the city. Along the route, see the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma Square, and the Hellenic Parliament. Depending on the schedule, you may also have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard.

Continue through central Athens to view the Academy of Athens, National Library, and University of Athens, notable examples of the city's neoclassical architecture.

The main visit of the day is the Acropolis. Explore the ancient complex with your guide and see the Parthenon, one of the most recognizable monuments of Classical Greece.

Afterward, visit the Acropolis Museum, whose archaeological collections provide further context for the monuments and discoveries of ancient Athens.

The afternoon remains free for you to explore independently, enjoy Greek food, or shop in the city's central neighborhoods.

After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus Port and board your ferry to Mykonos.

The journey across the Aegean brings you to one of Greece's most famous Cycladic islands. After arriving, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day without scheduled sightseeing.

Take a walk through Mykonos Town, explore its whitewashed lanes and colorful balconies, or browse the island's boutiques.

Later, make your way toward Little Venice, where traditional waterfront buildings sit directly above the sea. It is one of the island's most recognizable areas and a popular place to experience the sunset.

Today has deliberately been left free so that you can experience Mykonos according to your own interests.

Spend the morning exploring Mykonos Town and its winding lanes, visit the famous windmills, or see Panagia Paraportiani, one of the island's most distinctive churches.

Those looking for a relaxing day can head to one of Mykonos' beaches for swimming and time beside the Aegean. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely meal at a waterfront restaurant.

History enthusiasts may choose an optional excursion to nearby Delos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Greece's most important archaeological areas and is traditionally associated with Apollo.

Return to Mykonos for another evening on the island.

After breakfast, transfer to the port and board the ferry for Santorini.

As you approach the island by sea, the dramatic volcanic cliffs and caldera come into view, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Aegean.

After arrival, continue to your hotel and settle in.

The rest of the day is free. Explore Fira, visit local boutiques, stop at a cliffside café, or simply enjoy the views across the caldera and surrounding islands.

Spend the evening experiencing Santorini's distinctive atmosphere.

Today is free for you to choose how you would like to experience Santorini.

Visit Oia and Imerovigli to see the island's characteristic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow streets. If you prefer a slower pace, spend time at one of Santorini's volcanic beaches or enjoy a meal overlooking the caldera.

There are also several optional experiences available. You may choose a sailing excursion around the caldera, visit Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, swim in the natural hot springs, or explore one of Santorini's wineries.

In the evening, find a suitable viewpoint for the island's famous sunset before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on Santorini before checking out.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the port and board your ferry back to Athens. During the crossing, enjoy your final views of the Cycladic islands and the Aegean Sea.

After arriving in Athens, transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free. Use your final evening in Greece for additional sightseeing, shopping, or a farewell Greek dinner before continuing to Egypt.

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight to Cairo.

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, a local representative will meet you and assist with the airport formalities before your private transfer to the hotel.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is free. Relax at the hotel or, depending on your arrival time, begin getting acquainted with Cairo independently.

Tomorrow begins your exploration of Ancient Egypt.

Today introduces you to some of the most important monuments of Ancient Egypt.

Begin at Saqqara, the extensive necropolis of ancient Memphis. The site is particularly famous for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an important landmark in the development of monumental stone pyramid architecture.

Continue to the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu stands alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Your guide will introduce the history and significance of these extraordinary monuments.

The sightseeing continues with the Great Sphinx, the monumental limestone figure that has guarded the Giza Plateau for thousands of years.

After lunch, return to your Cairo hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of Cairo's major modern cultural landmarks.

The museum presents an extensive collection covering thousands of years of Egyptian history, including royal statues, archaeological treasures, and the celebrated heritage associated with Tutankhamun.

Later, head to Khan El Khalili, the historic marketplace in Old Cairo. Its narrow lanes are lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts, jewelry, spices, perfumes, textiles, and souvenirs.

After the sightseeing, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan.

On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, begin the next stage of your Egyptian adventure with the 5-star Nile Cruise.

Before or around embarkation, visit Philae Temple, one of the most atmospheric ancient sanctuaries in the Aswan area. Located on Agilkia Island, the temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis and is surrounded by the waters of the Nile.

After the guided visit, return to the cruise ship and settle into your cabin.

Lunch is served onboard, followed by time to relax as the vessel begins sailing north. From the deck, watch the scenery of Upper Egypt change gradually, with riverside villages, cultivated land, palm trees, and desert landscapes appearing along the banks.

Enjoy dinner onboard and your first evening sailing the Nile.

Wake up onboard as the cruise continues along the Nile.

Today's first major visit is the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual sanctuary dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its distinctive symmetrical layout and surviving reliefs make it particularly interesting among Egypt's ancient temples.

Return to the ship and continue sailing north through the Upper Egyptian countryside. The riverbanks provide an ever-changing view of rural communities, agricultural fields, and palm-lined landscapes.

Later, arrive at Edfu and visit its remarkably preserved temple dedicated to Horus. The monumental structure offers an impressive example of Ptolemaic-era religious architecture.

After the excursion, return to the cruise for dinner and another night on the Nile.

The cruise reaches Luxor today, bringing you to one of Egypt's richest concentrations of ancient monuments.

Begin with the vast Karnak Temple Complex. Explore its monumental columns, gateways, sacred spaces, and historic reliefs while your guide explains how successive generations of pharaohs expanded the site over many centuries.

Continue to Luxor Temple on the eastern bank of the Nile. The temple's long history includes periods of Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and later religious influence, giving the site a particularly varied historical character.

After the sightseeing, return to the cruise ship and enjoy your final evening onboard.

Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor

Early risers may choose to experience Luxor from above with a sunrise balloon flight, enjoying panoramic views of the Nile Valley and the surrounding archaeological landscape.

After breakfast and disembarkation, cross to the West Bank of Luxor.

Your sightseeing begins at the Valley of the Kings, the famous burial ground where New Kingdom pharaohs were placed in elaborately decorated tombs carved into the desert mountains.

Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, known for its striking terraces and monumental setting beneath the cliffs.

Before leaving the West Bank, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous ancient statues that remain among Luxor's best-known landmarks.

Later, transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

After arriving in Cairo, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Depending on the timing of your international flight, you may have some free time in Cairo for relaxation or last-minute shopping.

At the appropriate time, your private transfer will take you to Cairo International Airport.