Elegant Egypt Treasures & Nile Cruise with Turkish Airlines for 8 Nights (FLY122)
Day 1: Istanbul – Hurghada – Desert Safari – Bedouin Village – Dinner with Show
We meet three hours before departure at the Istanbul Airport international departures terminal. After baggage, ticketing and boarding procedures, we will board our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Hurghada. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer to our private bus waiting for us. 03:45 Then we will proceed to our hotel for accommodation under the soft all-inclusive concept. In the afternoon, we will set off towards the magical atmosphere of the Sahara Desert at the meeting time determined by our guide. First, we will experience an exciting ATV ride on the vast and impressive terrain of the desert. Then, we will continue with an adrenaline-filled safari tour using specially designed Spider cars, crossing various dunes of the desert. After the safari ride, we will visit the Bedouin Village, which preserves its traditional charm. Here, we will witness the local way of life and enjoy herbal teas served in the hospitality of the Bedouins. Guests who wish can also have a unique experience by riding camels. After having the opportunity to get close to Bedouin culture, we will move to the special desert camp prepared for the evening. At sunset, we will enjoy our soft all-inclusive dinner outdoors under the stars, completing the desert atmosphere. During the meal, we will have the chance to watch colorful shows. First, a mesmerizing belly dancer show will be performed, followed by the traditional Tennure (Tanoura) dance, which captivates the audience with its rhythmic spins. These lively and colorful performances will add a special energy to the desert night. After our tour, we will transfer back to your hotel in Hurghada and have free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: Hurghada – Lunch Included, Giftun Island Snorkeling and Sea Tour
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will depart for the Giftun Island Tour, one of the most beautiful spots along the Red Sea. Once aboard our boat, we will embark on a pleasant journey toward the island, savoring the enchanting views of the Hurghada coastline as we glide across the sea. Upon arrival at Giftun Island, we will enjoy an open buffet lunch. Afterward, we will dive into the turquoise waters and experience the joy of swimming alongside vibrant tropical fish. Our guides will accompany us at snorkeling stops to ensure a safe experience while introducing you to the underwater life of the region. Guests who wish may relax on the white sandy beaches and soak in the island's peaceful atmosphere. Throughout the day, we will continue exploring the unique coral reefs of the Red Sea with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and rest breaks. Following the tour, we will transfer back to your hotel in Hurghada, followed by free time to relax. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 3: Hurghada – Luxor – Karnak Temple – Luxor Temple – Nile Cruise
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Luxor. Upon arrival, we proceed to our ship to complete check-in procedures. After check-in, we have free time to rest. Following lunch on board, we set off for tours of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Karnak Temple is one of the most magnificent worship complexes of Ancient Egypt. This vast complex dedicated to Amun-Ra has been known as a sacred site where every pharaoh made additions over hundreds of years. The 134 massive columns in the Hypostyle Hall are among the temple's most impressive sections, showcasing the power of ancient Egyptian architecture. Luxor Temple was an important ceremonial area during the New Kingdom period. Massive statues dating to the reigns of Ramses II and III, intricately carved columns, and courtyards hosting royal processions will take us back thousands of years. After our tour, we transfer back to the ship and have free time to rest. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 4: Valley of the Kings – Temple of Hatshepsut – Nile Cruise
After breakfast on board, we depart for our first stop of the day, the Valley of the Kings. While walking in the Valley of the Kings, we will descend into the mysterious burial chambers of the pharaohs. We will witness ancient beliefs by examining colorful wall paintings and thousands of years-old symbols. Then, we proceed to the Temple of Hatshepsut. After this tour where we will be amazed by the magnificent architecture carved into the rocks, we return to our ship. As our ship sails towards Esna, we have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the vessel. Free time is provided for lunch and tea hours; the ship's special menus await you. Guests who wish can join the Captain's Welcome Party at dinner and enjoy pleasant moments. Dinner and overnight stay are on our ship.
Day 5: Edfu – Kom Ombo – Nile Cruise
After enjoying breakfast on our ship, we will visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to Horus, walking within its high walls will make us feel as if we are in the midst of an ancient ritual. The legends shared by our guide will add a whole new meaning to the temple. After the visit, we will return to the ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. We will have lunch on board. Following afternoon tea, we will disembark to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. In this unique temple dedicated to both Sobek and Haroeris, we will learn fascinating facts about medicine, crocodiles, and ancient rituals. After our tour, we will transfer back to the ship for free time to relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be on our ship.
Day 6: Aswan – Philae Temple – Nubian Village – Kitchener's Island – Nile Cruise
After breakfast on our ship, we will depart to visit the Philae Temple, one of Aswan’s most impressive structures. Dedicated to Isis, in this elegant temple, surrounded by columns and reliefs rising above the water, we will feel the mystical atmosphere of the Nile. After our visit to Philae, we will proceed to the Unfinished Obelisk, one of Aswan’s most important archaeological sites. Examining this colossal obelisk up close, which has survived from ancient times in the granite quarries, we will have the opportunity to learn striking details about the stoneworking skills of Ancient Egyptian masters. Following our visits, we will return to our ship for lunch. Then, we will depart for our tour of Nubian Village, where we will witness the colorful life along the Nile banks. We will take a short break in this village, known for its traditionally colorful houses, warm welcomes, and local character, to get to know Nubian culture up close. After our village visit, we will embark on a Felucca tour on the calm waters of the Nile using traditional sailboats. Gliding over the Nile aboard a felucca powered by the wind, we will enjoy unique views. After our tour, we will transfer back to our ship for free time to rest. Dinner and overnight stay on our ship.
Day 7: Aswan – Cairo – Salah El-Din Citadel – Egyptian Museum – Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
After breakfast on board, we will depart for Aswan Airport at the time announced by our guide to catch our flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will proceed with our panoramic city tour. First, we will visit Salah El-Din Castle, one of the most dominant landmarks in the city and a key example of medieval Islamic architecture. During our tour of the castle, we will see the Alabaster (Marble) Mosque of Muhammad Ali, considered one of the most impressive works from the Ottoman era. With its majestic domes, expansive courtyard, and commanding view over Cairo, this mosque offers visitors a historically and architecturally captivating atmosphere. After visiting the castle, we will proceed to the Mummies Tour (Museum of Egyptian Civilization), which houses one of the world's richest archaeological collections. We will have the opportunity to see mummies of pharaohs alongside golden artifacts, royal masks, statues, sarcophagi, and unique historical objects dating back to the era of the pharaohs. During our visit to the Egyptian Museum, we will have the chance to closely explore thousands of years of Egyptian civilization. After the visit, we will take a short break by having lunch at a local restaurant in the city. Following lunch, we will head to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of Cairo's most vibrant and historic districts. Famous for its narrow streets, scents of spices and incense, traditional handicrafts, and colorful shops, this historic market offers both shopping opportunities and an immersive experience of local culture. After the tour, we will be transferred to your hotel in Cairo and have free time to rest. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 8: CAIRO - GIZA PYRAMIDS & SPHINX – GREAT EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Giza Pyramids, one of the most impressive structures from antiquity to reach us today. Upon arrival, we will closely observe the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, witnessing the engineering genius of Ancient Egypt; in particular, we will learn that the Great Pyramid of Khufu has stood for over 4,500 years and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive to the present day. Next, we will visit the legendary Great Sphinx, a mythical guardian with a human head and lion's body, and listen to information about the symbolic architecture of the Old Kingdom period. During our tour, we will take a short break for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will tour the Great Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, one of the world's largest archaeological complexes, examining thousands of historical artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasure collection, to closely explore the millennia-long development of Egyptian civilization. Following our tour, we will depart for our evening dinner Nile River Cruise. After the cruise, we will be transferred back to our hotel in Cairo and have free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 9 CAIRO – ALEXANDRIA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we will vacate the rooms and depart for Alexandria at the time indicated by our guide. After a 3-hour journey, we will begin our visit with the Kom El-Shogafa Catacombs, one of the most important underground burial complexes from the Roman period. This unique structure is a multi-level burial site that stands out for its combination of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Next, we will see the Pompey Pillar, one of the city's iconic symbols, and learn about the significance of this massive granite monument during the era of the Roman Empire. Following our visit to the Pompey Pillar, we will proceed to the Al Montazah Palace (Montaza Palace) area, famous for its lush gardens, historic structures, and enchanting seaside atmosphere. As we stroll through this elegant palace complex, which bears traces of the reign of King Farouk, we will gain enjoyable insights into Alexandria's royal past. Continuing our tour, we will visit the Qaitbay Castle, majestically situated on the Mediterranean coast; this 15th-century defensive structure was built on the site where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood and holds an important place in the city's history. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to Alexandria International Airport.
Day 10 ISTANBUL
After our passport and luggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul Airport via Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services conclude.
Karnak, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Philae Temple, Egyptian Civilization Museum, Grand Egyptian Museum, Felucca, Montaza Palace entrance fees and Local Guides & Tips
Per person 150€
***To be paid to our guide during the tour***
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ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHT NOTES |
April 25, October 03 TK702 IST-HRG 01:45-04:40 TK697 HBE-IST 03:45-06:00 October 24, November 07 TK702 IST-HRG 01:45-04:40 TK697 HBE-IST 03:35-06:00 IMPORTANT NOTES
VISA
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