Best of Egypt & Turkey

Welcome to magical Istanbul, the city where East meets West, at the border of Asia and Europe. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director tonight for a welcome drink.

After breakfast we explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans. We'll also visit the iconic Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome, test our bargaining skills at the aromatic Spice Bazaar and browse the ornate stalls of the famous Grand Bazaar. Tonight we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Special Experience: Taste some Turkish delicacies. Think baklava and Turkish coffee, and of course, Turkish delight!Please note: The Basilica Cistern is currently under renovations and may partly be without water. Please note: The Blue Mosque is currently undergoing renovations and therefore will be partly covered in scaffolding

A day close to the hearts of many Australians. We make our way to Gallipoli to pay homage to the spirit of the Anzacs at Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, and Johnston's Jolly. (B/D)

This morning we visit Troy, where the legend of the wooden horse was born, before continuing to the ancient temple of Asclepion. (B/L) Special Experience: For lunch we'll watch a traditional Turkish pide-making demonstration and taste this local delicacy fresh from the oven.

Step back in time as we visit Ephesus, the largest Roman city ever uncovered. We'll walk through the streets, passing by the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary, where she is reputed to have spent her last days. (B)

We travel to Pamukkale via Aphrodisias and its famed Sculpture School. It's also home to the largest stadium in the Classical world. (B/D)

Today we explore the amazing landscape of Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city sitting on top of the site of Pamukkale. Over a period of 14,000 years, nature has created a unique grouping of hot springs that cascade over a cliff, forming calcium-rich pools. (B)

Today we'll see Catalhöyük, the largest and best-preserved Neolithic site, with its spectacular wall paintings. We also visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. (B/D)

Greet the day in enchanting Cappadocia. Today we visit the hidden monastic valley of Paşabaği and a traditional carpet factory to learn about the region's beautiful Turkish carpets. This afternoon we explore the Göreme Valley, situated amongst the ‘fairy chimney' rock formations. (B/D)

This morning we visit the village of Avanos, known for its ceramic art dating back to the 12th century BC. Special Experience: For lunch we will take a cooking class with a local family. We then explore one of the underground cities for which Cappadocia is famous, before our flight back to Istanbul. (B/L)

After breakfast we visit the magnificent Basilica of Hagia Sophia, built in 532 AD by Constantine the Great. This afternoon we fly to Egypt and its sprawling capital, Cairo. (B/D)

Our touring in Egypt begins at the oldest structures in existence, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. We'll visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. We'll also discover the ancient capital of Memphis and the incredible Step Pyramid of Sakkara. (B)

Today we visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. We'll then discover the 14th century souk, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This afternoon we'll visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun's priceless treasures. (B)

This morning we fly to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Here we'll explore the fascinating Karnak Temple, once linked to Luxor Temple by a 3km-long Avenue of Sphinxes. (B/L/D) Embark Cruise: This afternoon we board our Nile River cruise ship.

Special Experience: Our first stop is the Valley of the Kings. Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber. We'll be able to descend into the tombs to see examples of the elaborate and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings. (B/L/D)

This morning we visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt. We'll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo. Tonight we'll experience a traditional galabeya party on board. (B/L/D)Please note: Due to local laws and regulations, the only mode of transport available to visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu is by horse and carriage. Unfortunately, some neglectful owners cruelly mistreat their animals. While our guides always endeavour to arrange healthy, well-treated horses with responsible owners for our transport in Edfu, ultimately it is your decision if you wish to partake in the included sightseeing. If you do not wish to participate, you are welcome to explore Edfu independently, or stay on board the cruise to enjoy the ship's facilities.

Special Experience: An early start this morning to cross the desert. Our destination is the incredible twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. (B/L/D)

Disembark Cruise: We disembark and explore Aswan. Highlights of our sightseeing include the High Dam, the picturesque Temple of Isis on Philae Island, and the Unfinished Obelisk. This afternoon we'll relax on a cruise along the Nile on board a traditional felucca. (B)

Today we fly back to Cairo and visit the Pyramids of Dahshur. Here we'll see the ‘Bent' and ‘Red' pyramids built by King Senefru. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cairo before our group farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)

Today we begin our journey home. (B)